tone is more of what I was going for, as I won't be laying down 400 HP for quite some time. I could probably change the tone with a tip for cheaper. I'd still rather do something to get some benefit. I have an old ts 6 position chip that came with the truck but I don't know what the tunes are. I could have it re flashed for relatively cheap

 

If you want deep bassy tone get the 5" straight turbo back straight piped, 4" will get you a raspy but aggresive tone, while straight piping you stock exhaust will sound raspy and somewhat more fluttery.

 

I personally would do the gauges, even on a stock truck being able to monitor things can help diagnose issues. I'd also recommend a fuel pressure gauge. So if I were spending your money I'd do the gauges and if the intake is really a big cobble job order a 6637 from riffraff. They're only about $80 I believe and could serve you a while so you can get an exhaust or other mods before upgrading to s&b. After all $80 isn't that much money on these trucks, I think the oil change is more than that doing myself lol.

 

I'm going to vote on a write-in. I am completely behind the gauge thing, but I would dare say the OBDII gauges come in as a priority over the analog gauges. If you already have a laptop/tablet/smart phone and an OBDII adapter, then the Fuel pressure gauge and EGT gauge(s) are all you need. Two of the gauges you listed are already in the OBDII gauges.

 

 

I have a tablet and OBD adapter that I use for monitoring already. I use a combination of forscan and torque pro

 

Good call tugly

 

Here is the picture of the current intake

 

Looks like a K&N oiled filter?

BTW, what is that big black thing covering your HPOP? LOL.

It's been so long since I've had my cover on, not sure where it is

 

It's cheap (inexpensive) and my 6637 has served me well for 10 years. I got the S&B because of the new sticks. The 6637 does fine with stock sticks (unless you live in a constant dust storm) and is cost-effective.

Mine is in the same 'safe' place as my original oil rail plugs.

 

So will the 6637 not perform well with bigger injectors? It is my goal next year to put in some 180/80 or 175/80 injectors, so I don't want to do anything that I will have to re do

 

That filter doesn't look too bad, I can't say I'd spend the money to switch to the 6637. I'd wait and run that until your ready for the s&b.

 

So with all the answers here, I'm leaning towards doing the gauges and the 4" turbo back exhaust. I have torque pro that I use, but I've always been a fan of the pillar gauges, and I could use the EGT, boost, trans temp, and fuel pressure gauges. Plus it comes with all of the sender's and probes, so I won't have to buy anything else to hook it up. I'd like to get one of the edge tuners, but I can always set that up to show things that aren't on my analog gauges

 

I have the Excursion 4" MBRP Exhaust-back. It's a little more that the truck version, or at least it used to be

I ordered the T409 so it would hold up to the winters, but not the shiny (316?) along the full length because it will be hidden and is a substantial amount more $$$. It even came with the SS tip

MBRP 4" T409 Stainless Turbo Back w/Stainless Steel Tip
I ordered mine from RiffRaff, direct ship from MBRP. It was a bit slow to get here, missed delivery date by a couple days, so be sure you plan for that.

I am very happy with the MBRP, which also includes a very tight fitting 4" downpipe. Others are happy with different choices.

Sounds like you have a good plan. You'll never regret gauges. ALL the time when someone has questions, wants to upgrade, has a problem, etc...we are asking about gauge readings and often they don't have them

I've been guilty of that myself

Are they eye candy? Sure! But if I had realized how much I would be wanting to know that info, I likely would have gone with gauges much sooner, too

BTW, Glow plug LED mod light seems to fit quite nicely in a pillar or other style pod.

Are you going pillar, under dash, on dash, overhead console?

 

I'm looking at a quad pillar set up right now. They only have it in black, but I think I can live with that (or buy some spray paint)