South Ga redneck wants some HP

[Chris Bowen]

Hi, I'm Chris, found this forum while looking for options to add hp. Looking forward to learning more about my Black 1997 Yukon 4x4 SLT. Its loaded with options: Leather, BT Alpine Head unit and speakers, 1-12" JL Audio sub, 4" RCX lift, XD 18" black wheels, 35"x12.5" Toyo Tires, light bar with 2-6" KC lights and black NFAB step bars. The only performance parts is a new flowmaster catback exhaust system. Hopefully with the guidance of this forum I'll soon be able to add some HP safely to my engine. It has 136,000 miles on it, runs great and would like to keep it that way. She isn't a DD but I do like to take it on long journeys. Im not a mechanic, but have learned how to work on my vehicles to save BIG $$$$.

 

[Gzes]

Are you regeared to run 35s? If not then do it. Slap some long tube headers

---------- Post added at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:15 PM ----------

Also welcome to the forum

 

[DirtyBlackHoe]

where in south Ga are you from? First thing I would do is regear if I were you.

 

[Chris Bowen]

I purchased this Yukon as it sits. Haven't done anything but add the KC lights to it. I'm concerned about the fuel mileage dropping out with a gear change? Would like to know what upgrades to start 1st and build in succession from there, that way, every one that is done will improve the previous one! To answer your question, no, I think the gears are factory. Live in Douglas, Ga.

 

[Pockets]

So start with gears.... or leave it and wear the hell out of everything else. You'll be thanking everyone after the gears

 

[ezdaar]

Jump on PT.net, buy a used Blower, have it serviced. add LT's. cal it a day for awhile.

 

[Chris Bowen]

I have the correct gears according to my mechanic 3:73.

 

[DirtyBlackHoe]

Welcome from Thomasville, GA. I used to have a 1999 4 door 4wd Tahoe, so I can relate to you and your modding choices. I will be the first to tell you that although 3.73 and 35's is drivable, it is very far from ideal. I would definitely regear to a 4.56. It will get you back in the power-band, take a huge strain off your transmission, and make driving it a lot better. I would personally do a regear, remove g80 and put in a limited slip (I personally had a Detroit True Trac that I loved) and then I would get a tune.

 

[Chris Bowen]

Looks like I'm about to order a cam, roller tips, shift kit, shell and torque converter with better stall. Already have true dual exhaust. I'd better get a tune after all this, any suggestions to save a $?

 

[TxDrewski]

Looks like I'm about to order a cam, roller tips, shift kit, shell and torque converter with better stall. Already have true dual exhaust. I'd better get a tune after all this, any suggestions to save a $?

Do as much of it yourself as you can, do some work on the heads while you have the engine apart, invest in head studs and some good gaskets, get real tune, not a canned tuner. Save up for a tranny rebuild/replace