Hey guys, already, after just 2 days of ownership, I am asking about performance mods.....geesh, I can't keep anything stock. : ), This is a work truck, so upgraded exhaust makes sense (if it makes sense, I'll need input here), air box, programmer. What's been working on these trucks? Edit: forget the programmer, don't want to void the factory warranty...........these trucks already make 400 hp/800tq.

 

without the programmer I don't think you can run any exhaust system other than DPF back, which doesn't do much.

 

You are pretty well stuck with the stock exhaust unless you put on some kind of programmer to disable the emmission stuff. But like you said, 400 hp is plenty good.

I suggest an Edge CTS, At least you can see your EGTs, Soot count and regens and other info that the dash doesn't display.

I pull trailers almost daily, Skid loader, Mini Ex, Dump, and horse trailers. So mine gets worked pretty regularly. I took mine for 100 mile drive the night I bought it, Next morning it was towing.

In your line of work, I'd definitely be looking at some after market floor mats

 

Ok, exhaust seems ample, don't plan on getting rid of the emissions.....I'll look into the Edge CTS. Yes, floor mats are pretty small, it's gonna get dirty, just can't help that like you said.

 

I wouldn't touch anything that interfaces, interacts, feeds, powers, reprograms or touches the powertrain or emissions equipment if you want to keep your factory warranty.

I was comfortable doing all types of performance mods on my 5.4L gassers, but this beast is a completely different animal and is pretty powerful right out of the box.

 

Order the truck with gears for torquing up the highway instead of for gas mileage. The 4x1 plus gears pay later when U want the tires to go with them. Pluss U have the power to weight ratio right. All else really is icing afterwords + U get the factory programing to match them when downshifting ect.

 

An AFE intake adds a little sound, not much, does not really do anything for mpg or performance.

I also have an AFE DPF back exhaust tip. It's nice looking but does nothing for sound or performance. Just looks good.

The CTS is nice, lets you know what's going on but there's really nothing we need to worry with if you're not running a tuner.

The nitto trail grapplers are nice, good beefy tire, a little noisy but really great for off pavement.

Invest your money in stuff to attach to the up fitter switches, tires, air box, exhaust tip. Several of us have on board air systems, train horns, air bags, aux fuel tank, and a bunch of trailering stuff. Weather tech floor mats are really nice too.

 

Other than a slight lift I and maybe wheels/tires I wouldn't consider doing any performance mods at all. These trucks are good to go. Of course I highly recommend Bilstein shocks. Huge improvement over stock. I'll upgrade the steering stabilizer when the new 35" Trail Grapplers go on but I'm letting the shop deal with that because I hear that the Carli/Bilstein 7100 stabilizer is a bit touchy with nitrogen. Too easy to let out too much gas.
Anyway I've been focused on comfort mods rather than performance. I just had my windows tinted to match the back windows. I also had an independent front camera (up fitter 2) on a 3" screen so I can safely make those department store parking lot adjustments. Great safety mod there. I've got Line-x in the bed. I also installed aftermarket PIA lights mounted directly next to each side of my front license plate (up fitter 1) that are outstandingly better than high beams. Perfect for those slow windy pitch dark back roads that extra light really helps. I really want a basic locking Undercover cover for the bed but it's really not necessary. $750 is steep and I know that when I do the wheels/tires that is going to run over 2K. Gotta wait and see how things turn out.

 

Great input guys. I am definetely going to run Bilsteins. I have a set on my BMW....simply the best. Line-X is done. Installed mud flaps on friday. DPF exhaust back to rid of the dual tip, never liked that. Airbox, well if performance is non existent, then S&B has one for $289 on a few sites. Hey, regardless, I am going to have a blast with this truck making it my own!!

 

More to the point I have not yet heard one positive comment why you should alter your air filter. Stock is good to go. To my knowledge (without tune) there is no benefit to a cold air intake on these trucks. Not worth the money.

 

^Fontana, I appreciate the feedback, I am more than ok keeping this truck the way it is, it's got plenty of get up and go. Gonna focus on enjoying a new truck and go from there!! : )