Opinions on increasing HP

[Chevy]

Ok, my situation. I have a 2001 Chevy 2 wd with a 4.8ltr and the 3.42 rear end. I am hoping to move up in size on a travel trailer. The truck has been paid for and still runs great. I would not want to trade her in.
The truck has no problem getting up and going it is maintaining the highway speed where it struggles.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[SwayOveride]

It all depends on how much you want to spend. If it was me I would get a "tune" for the truck and open the exhaust a bit with a better flowing catback system from Corsa or Magnaflow maybe even coupled with a set of longtube headers.

I recommend going to performancetrucks.net and reading some information on there. That site has a wealther of knowledge on the 99-2007 chevy/gmc trucks. Those guys over there can answer all the questions you have about getting more power out of your truck.

[bowed up]

Tuner, Exhuast, Better Air Filter System, Those Are The Easiest Ways To Push A Little More Power Out.

[thundertrout]

heres another link www.gminsidenews.com (http://www.gminsidenews.com) good stuff on there.

[thundertrout]

heres a better one www.gmtruckclub.com (http://www.gmtruckclub.com) tt.

[Monarchy]

Remember, 10,000 people before you have asked the same question. A little homework on your favorite truck website will give you everything you need to know.

Programmers (at least for my 7.3 Ford Diesel) was the easy first choice. Plug and play, just don't drive like you're 16 with an inferiority complex. And occasionally suprise a muscle car :)

[JED]

Re-gearing would be your best bet for towing purposes but you will lose a little mpg on daily driving. 4.10's would be better for your needs. Should run about $300-$400 if you pay someone.

[SUPERSAM]

I agree with JED. I installed exhaust, programmer and a K&N. I wish I would have just changed out the gearing now.

[SwayOveride]

Depending on if his truck likes the gears he might still have to have a custom tuner dial in the parameters for the transmission. I have seen the 99-07 chevy/gmc truck pop a transmission code due to new gears being installed in the rear end. But its a hit and miss, I have seen some do it and some not do it.

I know that a handheld programmer is a very easy do it yourself option but I feel that people don't get what they pay for. The handhelds (for gas motors) don't allow for the full capabilities of the motor to be brought out. This is where a custom tuner can wake up a motor. He can change mostly every parameter of the motor and transmission and dial in the setup for your liking roughly for the same cost.