Let me first say that I'm a newbie and have not read every post on this website.

That being said, I'm looking to make some performance upgrades to my 2005 SCREW, but I don't want to spend more than $1,000 (installation included). What would you suggest are my best bang for the buck choices (please include the brand names of the items that you recommend)?

The items that I've been contemplating are as follows:
- Cold air intake
- Replacement air filter
- Exhaust
- Chip/Programmer

I am certainly not wanting to limit myself to this list, but this is all that I am aware of right now.

Thanks in advance for your help.
TwoTallTexan

 

First off let me say, welcome to the site, you'll find it very informative. I would opt for a Troyer Performance X-Cal II programmer and an Air Force One cold air intake, finish it off with a magnaflow exhaust. You might go over your $1000 budget, not by much, but you'll love it. Hope this helps and once again, welcome to the site.

 

Howdy newbee guy. Your on track. A k&n filter is good, not necessary to get FIPK if you don't want and saves so that an exhaust (Magnaflow, JBA, Flowmaster) can be bought. And a chip or programmer is also good investment. Talk to Mike Troyer as all these can be bought from him, look under the chips section and he is called Superchips dealer to ask ??? and get telephone # as well as web address. Later, plan on stuff like e-fans and superchargers blah blah blah. Keep searching and reading here to get feedback.

 

Welcome to another Texan. I guess it all depends on what you are trying to achieve. My first mod is always exhaust, because i love the sound. Then I dropped the rear 2" and tinted the front door glass. I did a K & N drop in filter and replaced the sorry factory brake pads. I added nerf bars. Then I chose an Edge tuner for my purposes, altho, had I wanted max performance, I would have gone with the Xcal2. My mods are less than $1000 and I am very satisfied. As I said, it all depends on the individual likes and dislikes.

 

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

To answer your question Bluejay432000, I am looking for better performance, better gas mileage, and a little bit of sound (not obnoxiously loud).

I live near Houston and am not a do-it-yourselfer, does anyone know where I might be able to get an intake and exhaust system installed. I want it done right the first time (that's the main reason why I won't attempt it myself).

Thanks again, I look forward to your responses.

 

The exhaust, you just go to a local muffler shop and tell them what you want. Do some "searches" on the forum here, see what people have to say about Magnaflow and Flowmaster and decide what you want it to sound like and what you want to pay. A Flowmaster sytem costs less than the Magnaflow, but there is a tradeoff. If you do not want to hear it unless you get on it, I would suggest the Flowmaster 50. It would be too quiet for me. The intake is a very simple bolt on, you can do it. There are good step by step instructions and it is not complicated. BTW, I did the Flowmaster 40 SIDO and it cost me $225. That included out the back with 18" tips.

 

The exhaust is a simple do it your self job. Everything in bolt on and can be done in the driveway in just a few hours. Not sure on the intake install since i have never done one. I would have to think its also very simple and bolt on.If you just do the drop in filter its as simple as on clip on the airfilter and putting the new one in. Good luck and welcome to the site. Just a side not on the exhaust the hardest part is getting the factory one off. But if you need help there are plenty of folks here to help.

 

That's just what I was going to say. Working on your own truck is a lot better than paying somebody to do it. You'll make mistakes, but you'll learn tons about your truck (and automobles in general). Generally speaking, you can cut your costs of repairs/mods in half by doing them yourself. Sometimes you can cut your costs by 100%.

 

I agree, you'll be able to say that you did all the work to the truck and save yourself a lot of money.

 

I agree with doing the work yourself. As others have said, you'll save a buttload of money that way.

Also, don't count out Roush exhaust either.....https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=222413

That's what I'm buying.

 

all of the bolt on mods for our trucks are really not that bad to install, Just dont go and get a set of headers(wont do that again) do to the labor intesive install. Maggie cat back exhaust is fiarly simple to install, AF1 cai was very easy to install, tuners are easy just plug and follow the on screen directions, nerf bars that I have seen are easy to install. Just basic tools and understanding is all that is needed. Most muffler shops shouldnt charge you any more than 225 for a SI/DO muffler with dual chrome tips installed. Just look into some local shops. If you do decide to get a cai I am sure anybody on here would be glad to give ya a hand.

Oh, by the way welcome!

 

Personally I would opt not to do exaust or intake mods but a programmer and electric fans. With the money left over I would upgrade my suspension. My reason is because with fans you can gain some money back while gaining a decent power increase. The chip has got to be #1 but will need to be retuned with later mods. I think a good riding truck is as important as a powerfull truck.

 

Chip
Gears (depending on what your rear-end ratio is right now)
If you don't need gears, then e-fans (installation is a PITA though)

 

Troyer Stage 1 kit

If you care about performance, do not let a local shop "custom design" your exhaust.