Package name: Stage 3 Performance Combo
For which vehicles? Most '88-'04 Chevy, GMC, Ford, Dodge, Jeep and Toyota pickups and SUVs, both gas and diesel
Horsepower gain: From 65 to 80 hp
Torque gain: From 70 to 85 lb-ft
What's in the box?
* An after-cat exhaust system
* Headers
* A computer reprogrammer, chip and/or module
* An intake system
Why would I want it? By improving your engine's efficiency, this easy bolt-on, smog-legal package provides more torque, more horsepower and 15-25 percent better fuel economy. Efficiency gains come from 50 percent better air intake flow, reduced exhaust backpressure and changes to the fuel and timing curves that produce a better burn of the intake charge. This system also does not void your factory warranty, according to Performance Combos.
How much does it cost? Starting from $999
Contact: Performance Combos, 800/875-2112 (ask for performance tech), www.performancecombos.com
Package name: SLP PerformancePac
For which vehicles? '99-'04 Chevrolet and GMC pickups and SUVs
Horsepower gain: 55 hp on a 6.0L
Torque gain: 55 lb-ft on a 6.0L
What's in the box?
* SLP Power-Flo 100 percent stainless-steel after-cat exhaust system
* SLP Power-Flo stainless-steel headers (available with or without an aluminum ceramic coating)
* SLP 1.85:1-ratio rocker arms (which replace 1.7:1 stock rockers)
* SLP custom tuning, installed via a hand-held computer tuner
* SLP cold-air induction system and air filter
Why would I want it? These packages are particularly well suited to four-wheeling and heavy-duty applications, since they increase horsepower and torque throughout the rpm range. This is in dramatic contrast to many power-enhancing modifications, which shift your engine's powerband to a higher rpm range-undesirable for a vehicle that will spend the bulk of its time trundling up hills or slogging through the mud. Also, because it does not degrade driveability, the PerformancePac is perfect for dual-purpose vehicles that split their time between pavement and trail.
How much does it cost? $2,069-$2,369
Contact: Stylin' Concepts, Dept. FW, 7820 E. Pleasant Valley Rd., Independence, OH 44131, 800/434-6648, www.stylinconcepts.com
Package name: Big G Performance Pack
For which vehicles? '99-'03 Ford pickups and SUVs with 4.6L and 5.4L engines
Horsepower gain: 35 hp
Torque gain: 40 lb-ft
What's in the box?
* Granatelli/DiabloSport Predator Flash computer tuner
* Granatelli Cold Air Intake System
* Granatelli Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF)
Why would I want it? This setup gives you a solid increase in horsepower and torque at a reasonable price, and with a minimal amount of work. And you don't sacrifice driveability or fuel economy. By swapping the factory airbox for this cold-air intake and changing MAFs, you get a dramatic increase in intake airflow. Simply put, it's harder for your engine to inhale through the factory airbox than it is to inhale through this low-resistance system, so this package enables your engine to breathe more easily and accelerate through the powerband faster. As for the Granatelli/DiabloSport Predator Flash tool, this simple plug-and-play tuner installs into the factory ALDL connector under the dash and reflashes your factory ECM. It doesn't leave a footprint or signature, so it is undetectable by the dealer. But it does allow you to correct for wheel-and-tire changes and gear-ratio changes, as well as change the transmission shifting load, firmness, rpm and line pressure.
How much does it cost? $899
Contact: Granatelli Motor Sports, Dept. FW, 1000 Yarnell Pl., Oxnard, CA 93033, 805/486-6644, www.granatellimotorsports.com
Package name: Stage 3 Performance Upgrade
For which vehicles? Most late-model Chevrolet, GMC, Ford and Dodge pickups and SUVs
Horsepower gain: An average of 40-50 hp
Torque gain: An average of 60-65 lb-ft
What's in the box?
* Volant intake system
* JBA stainless steel exhaust system
* Granatelli Predator computer tuner
Why would I want it? The power gain is the obvious benefit of this package. It also enhances your truck's exhaust tone and reduces weight, thanks to the change in exhaust and intake systems. The stainless exhaust system also stands up well to salted roads and ocean-oriented 'wheeling. Another plus is the reusable air filter, which can be cleaned after dusty trail rides. A cleanable and reusable pre-filter is optional, if you know you're tough on air filters. Plus, the computer tuner eliminates your rig's top-speed governor, recalibrates the speedometer (key if you've changed gears or installed taller tires), changes shifting points, power-tunes your vehicle and provides the ability to read scan codes, in case you're setting some codes with your various modifications.
How much does it cost? From $850 to $1,200
Contact: Stillen, Dept. FW, 3176 Airway, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, 866/250-5542, www.stillen.com