Hey guys,

Been awhile since I posted consistently here. I owned a '99 for 4.5 yrs and it had very minor mods... traded it on an '04 b/c I really like the Gen 2 truck.

As you can see in my sig, I've done minor mods to my '04. It has ~3100 miles on it now. I have yet to have the thing dyno'd, but knowing what my '99 made with basically the same mods, I figure I'm ~375rwhp/450rwtq or so.

Here are my goals (still very mild compared to many here). PLEASE read through this before replying, so you can get an idea of what I want out of the truck. I am one who thinks things out pretty well and do not change mid-stream, and am awfully stubborn/headstong when it comes to compromises.

First, the truck must run on 93 octane. I would be fine having a "race" program for 100-105 unleaded, but I am not going to race this truck _that_ often at the track. So, I have no intentions of building a 9-10 sec. truck. Second, it is my daily driver. I will put ~9-10k miles on it a year. So, I want it to be extremely reliable. Third, I have no plans on running slicks when I do take it to the track. I very well could see getting some DRs for it. Fourth, did I say I want it to be reliable? Seriously, I do not want to be building a trans or bottom-end any time soon. I want it to fire up every day and run. I will not beat on this thing all the time...that's just not my driving style. Fifth... I would like to see 430-450rwhp/490+rwtq. Sixth, I do not want to do a full exhaust (headers, replace/remove cats).

So, knowing all this, which blower would you recommend, and what other mods would I need? Would 14-15psi get me this kind of power on 93 octane? I've had some say get an Apton ported Eaton. The Magnum Powers blower looks nice, and of course the KB looks great too, although I have to wonder if it is overkill for what I want out of this truck. Some may think I will "want more later", but really, I do not want to go nuts with it b/c I have other toys I can play with and this is my daily driver.

Let the opinions fly. Thanks!

 

The one issue you'll need to decide is how much blower whine you'll tolerate. A ported blower and in intake system, like the Airaid, is significantly louder than stock. And that's both inside and outside the truck.

The power you're looking for on 93 octane should be readily available with the following five items: Apten port, 6# lower, Airaid, single blade throttle body and a properly tuned Predator. The change in drivability from the Predator is amazing and the single blade is worth about 13 hp and incredibly enough, also improves the drivability. Tuning properly, however, means welding an O-2 bung in the exhaust, which may make life interesting if there is a warrantly problem. The bung can also be used for an "in cab" O-2 readout.

No exhaust work should be required to make about 425 RWHP. You can also do the Magnaflow cats, which would keep the bung out of the factory cat pipe, but they are loud, rappy and the actual gain seems to be an unknown.

Others may have their own recipes, but I have reason to believe the above combination will work and put a smile on your face.

 

If you're worried about the blower being too loud, you shouldn't be holding keys to a Lightning...

 

Get an Apten ported Eaton if those are your goals. No need to spend any more money for the MP or KB. If you look long enough, you can pick up a used Apten ported Eaton for $600-800 straight out, and either keep your blower for a spare, or sell it and recoup some of the cost.

 

I bet if you bolt a Magnum Powers on it, along with the Mods you now list, YOU WILL GET EXACLTY WHAT YOU WANT

 

LightningGuy, I respectfully disagree. While the Lightning trim package is not very subtle, I cherish the sleeper aspect of the Lightning and the fact that most people have know idea what kind of "Q-ship" it is.

I have every right to hold my set of keys to the Lightning even if I'd rather the blower and open intake were quiet. Can it be quiet? Just try running up against a 2003 or 2004 E55 Benz and you'll be silently eaten for lunch.

Noisy = Fast is the credo of those with a coffee can exhaust that makes their 4 cylinder whatever sound like the results of an extended gas pain.

In my case, I'm also cruising with about 3200 watts of power in the tunes. I have a system that will make your ears bleed but will not distort or make the body panels rattle. I do not, however have a bumper sticker that says "If this is to loud, you are too old."

This forum is based on the sharing of information, not insults. I've yet to respond to one of yur posts in an insulting or demeaning fashion. The same courtesy in return would be appreciatted.

Thanks.

 

Great responses so far guys. Much appreciated.

 

Kerno, I apoogize if I was crass in my remark. Where I reside, the Lightning is well-known as a fast truck that can hold its own with most sports cars. The sleeper image is non-existent here.

I do find it ironic that you would compare those who enjoy a loud supercharger whine with ricers, while you boast of your 3200 watt stereo? My stereo system consists of an Eaton, 4lb., air kit, and Magnaflow exhaust...

 

Wes,

My truck is my daily driver. I have 29,000 miles on it now. I have the ported (Apten) Eaton running a four pound lower (after the Apten port job the boost gauge went from 12psi to 16 right before the shift). I have a PSP chip (four position chip, position one is a towing program. Each position 2 through 4 have more timing as the number get higher). Long tubes and an e-fan. My truck makes 435 hp/505 tq. On the towing setting (very rich and not much timing) it still made 405 hp/ 495tq. I would like to have the Magnum Powers unit but I'm afraid I would turn up the power and vent the block.



Jerry

 

Go with the magnum powers. I just added nitrous but plan on replacing it with a magnum blower in the next few weeks. No need to refill then and itll always be there.