More power for my '04

I'd like to know what you guys think about DIY power upgrades. Like cold air intakes, free flow exhaust, computer changes, electric fans, etc. I'd like to know where to get the biggest bang for my buck! I've got a 2004 downsize, or S-10 Blazer, But no W engine, 8th and 9th vin are XX. 4 door, 4X4. All stock. 52,000 miles. I haven't been here in awhile, but you guys are always very helpful. So thanks! 

I believe for 03 + X is the high output. I maybe be wrong. Your best bet would be intake and exhaust and if you have the money a chip.

I agree intake, exhaust system and either a Jet,Hyper Tech or Super Chips power controller. Oh and don't forget a new 180 degree thermostat.

OOOOOO 180

What do you guys think about the little modules on e-bay for like 20 bucks? They claim 35 horsepower, but I'm not sure I can trust it to not harm my engine. Have any of you tried this? What did you think?  You can just type "blazer performance" on e-bay to see what parts I mean. Thanks again for the advice!

quote:

ORIGINAL: bigbrett

What do you guys think about the little modules on e-bay for like 20 bucks? They claim 35 horsepower, but I'm not sure I can trust it to not harm my engine. Have any of you tried this? What did you think?  You can just type "blazer performance" on e-bay to see what parts I mean. Thanks again for the advice!

No.  They are cheap, generic resistors that fool the computer into thinking that the incoming air is colder than it really is which changes the fuel/air ratio.  Basically, it is a waste of $20 plus shipping costs.  Do not buy it.

Awesome! That's exactly what I wanted to know! I won't. If you wanted to spend like 3 or 4 hundred bucks. What would you buy first, if you were me.

I have no idea if your truck is completely stock or not, but here I go.  A cold air intake and an new exhaust system are necessities.  You can either buy a K&N FIPK cai for about $250-300.  It's pricey, I know, but it replaces all the stock air piping with better aftermarket piping.  Or you can just remove your stock air box and put a K&N air filter in, it's probably about $70-80 from a car parts store.

For the exhaust system, buy a Dynomax Super Turbo or Flowmaster 40 series, because they are great aftermarket systems and also sound great.  I have a Dynomax ST and I love it.  The muffler, and all new gaskets and piping and everything cost me about $180 from summitracing.

For the chip, I would get a Jet or Hypertech  PP3.  You should go to their websites and find the part number for the programmers you need, then search eBay for one.  You can usually get one for about $150 off eBay, a lot cheaper than $400 new.  Just make sure it's NOT vin-locked when you buy it used, or else it's worthless to you.  You just plug the programmer in under the dash and answer a series of yes/no questions for increased acceleration and firmer shifting.

The Hypertech 180 degree thermostat is nice. I bought mine for about $30.

As for electric fans, search blazerforum for "electric fans" or "taurus fans" and see what you get.

Any other questions, just ask.

For exhaust FM40s are the way to go, get 2.5inch pipe from cat to muffler, and 2.5 inch pipe from the muffler back. For best tone, get a angle cut single walled 3.5'' tip, or a rolled end singlewalled strait cut 3'' tip.

the tip has nothing to do with the sound

the tip does change the sound of the exhaust....thus "echo" tips....big 4" tips make them louder that little dinky 2" pipe

I'd say my DNA muffler flows air pretty good, and I love the sound. Got my Hypertech in there as well...
 
If I stomp on it, I can hear the air being thrown out the tail pipe (which is still stock size, unfortunately, but you've gotta work in your budget, lol.) The tip will definitely affect the sound, but nowhere to the degree of the muffler will.
 
Next step is probably an AEM Brute Force CAI or AEM DryFlow panel filter...

I put a Gibson catback on mine and love it.

Ive got an 04 thats stock too, does anyone have an opinion on the KN cold air intake vs the AEM Brute Force CAI? Also did you guys do your own exhaust or take it to the shop. And so what is cheaper getting exhaust or a CAI.

A lot of members are leaning towards the AEM intake now because of the use of a dryflow filter that requires no oiling.  Exhaust can be done in your driveway if you have access to a welder or if you clamp it (most prefer welds over clamps), but I would venture a guess and say most took theirs to a shop.  If you go the bolt-on route for a catback, well, it was mentioned earlier in the thread:

quote:

For the exhaust system, buy a Dynomax Super Turbo or Flowmaster 40 series, because they are great aftermarket systems and also sound great.  I have a Dynomax ST and I love it.  The muffler, and all new gaskets and piping and everything cost me about $180 from summitracing.

CAI (cold-air intake) will run you more than $180 unless you get it used.

what would a 180* or 160* tstat do?

Anything lower than 185* will cause a CEL (check engine light) and decreased performance.  These engines are designed to run efficiently with programming appropriate for those design conditions.  Unless you get your PCM tuned to properly allow for the reduced temperature, you will gain nothing.

Well, I have a ''04 Blazer with the VIN X 4.3L. I have installed a Flowmaster Super 44 muffler, K&N FIPK2 CAI, Jet Performance Stage 1 chip, Accel cap and rotor, MSD spark plug wires and NGK spark plaugs( which I am going to change back to ACDelco''s) and my truck is pretty stout. I have beaten those little Hondas running around along with some higher end Hondas, both my buddies S-10 truck (stock) and alot more rice burners running around town. It is definitely fun to drive. And I can also boil my tires alot easier when I feel like it.

My 4400lbs of Blazer don''t outrun much