Need help with my 2004 Silverado

[HeviChevy]

Hi guys and gals! This is my first post here.

I joined the site because of my interest in 67 - 72 SCSB and CC Dually Squares, but the first project up is my very first truck.

I got a brand new 2004 Silverado SC SWB Sport Side for my 16th birthday. I am almost 25 now and want to customize it a little and start back driving it daily. It has a 4.3L V6 with an automatic transmission and 342 gears (I believe) and a tow haul package. First order of business is body and paint. I hit an oak with the passengers side front fender and crushed it and put a small dent in the door. I have purchased a new fender and will be installing it soon and then it goes to my paint man for body and paint. It currently has the Chevy Charcoal Gray paint with metallic flakes. I am thinking of going back with a couple shades lighter gray with metallic flakes.

Anyway my question is: What can I do to help my little V-6? Eventually it will have a 5.3 with a 5/6 speed manual in it, but for now I have to roll with the V6/auto combination.

Do I need to put a throttle body riser, programmer, intake, exhaust? I want to be able to drive it on my daily commute of 80 miles round trip, but still be able to play a little.

So my plans are:

• Body Work and Paint
• 2/3 Drop
• Re-tint the windows
• Get rid of the Chevrolet writing across the tailgate and go with a solid black bow tie
• Billet Grille
• Clear or Smoke lights with LED bulbs all the way around
• Eventually: 5.3L engine with a 5 or 6 speed manual
• Magnaflow or Borla Exhaust
• Programmer?
• Intake?
• Possibly an HD Hood
• 17 or 18 inch rims with 255 or 265 tires

Any advice is appreciated! I can't go crazy and lay frame or run a set of 24's with rubber bands cause this truck is going to be driven for a long time. I hope to be able to fix it as needed and never sell it. Nothing like your first truck!

Thanks a bunch gents!
HeviChevy

[HeviChevy]

Oh and I forgot - I may upgrade to a 6bt Cummins with a 6 speed manual when I do the engine. I realize I will have to change motor mounts, modify firewall, modify cab floor and build new cross members. I have always loved a cummins engine and think a half ton diesel would be awesome!
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[hugger6933]

Welcome to the site great people and info here, if planning on doing a motor swap later don't spend a dime to upgrade the drivetrain you have now. The 4.3's are good motors just underpowered for this application. next, to do the"hd" hood as you are calling it, it takes a different group of parts. the best way out there is to go with a 06-07 hood grille set up to get the taller hood look that you are going for. I build these trucks from wrecks as a living and have done quite a bunch of them. The 5.3 is a simple swap as the cab and dash wiring will work and the computer is the same just needing a reflash. Good luck. ps, if you are driving a lot think of a 4.8 in the v-8 swap it will give you the v-8 power your looking for when reflashed and also more gas mileage as well the the 4.3. Jim

[truckdude239]

The best advice i can give you is to check your local laws . I know here in nc anything 96 and up is an obd 2 emmission inspection and we are required by the state to check the vechile and it will fail if the motor has been swaped to a different style of motor
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[BossHogg69]

I agree with hugger6933 - don't spend any money on the v6, just use that towards the swap. Plus, even if you do mod the V6 with a bunch of bolt-ons, it will still barely be able to keep up with a stock v8 truck - to me that would be a waste of money. If you're thinking of using a factory 5 speed (NV3500 trans), go with the 4.8 - you should be able to find that factory engine/tranny combo in a junkyard for cheap.

Just finish your body and paint, get it looking right, then save up for the engine swap.

[HeviChevy]

Thanks guys! I am going to be pulling the exterior looks together and getting the interior and sound the way I want it and then swap the engine/trans.