I have a 2004 Silverado 1500 4x2 extended-cab pickup truck. It has the 5.3L V8, 4-spd automatic overdrive transmission, 3.73:1 rear axle and the towing package. A previous owner put Z71 rims (17") on it, too. In April of this year, I replaced the Goodyears with new Michelin LT2 radials - a much better tire, in my opinion.


I bought it used in February of 2010 with 74,000 miles on it. I now have just surpassed 92,000 and it keeps on rolling. I had dual exhaust (true duals - from the cats back) with Flowmaster 50 Series mufflers custom-installed back in April of 2010. Needless to say, she sounds and runs great! (I have two neighbors with Silverados - one being an '06 and the other an '08. Both of them have Flowmasters too!)

My gearhead friends say that I need to put a "cold air" intake on the truck, so as to allow it to breathe better. They claim I will get better fuel economy (definitely a plus with a V8 truck) and that it will give me another 10 to 15 horsepower. That sounds reasonable, I suppose; but what is involved with doing this? How much does it cost (parts & labor) to have done? Do I have any issues to worry about with the 'check engine' light or throwing off the sensors or emissions control systems?

As she sits now, the truck runs strong, doesn't burn oil (typically add half a quart between changes of Mobil-1 5w30 every 3,000+ miles) and I hope to keep it a long time. Thankfully, I will have it paid off in three months and I don't have to worry about voiding my warranty.....as that ran out eons ago. I get about 15 mpg in the city and maybe 18 or 19 on the highway if I keep my foot out of it.

I figured someone here at the Chevrolet Brain Trust might provide some insight, advice or answers. I appreciate any replies!


P.S. I have always been a "Ford guy" with trucks and this is the first non-Ford truck I have owned. I have owned one Caddy and two Oldsmobiles, but the last Chevy I owned was a Chevette! I still confess to lusting after a new F-250 with the Powerstroke diesel, but that will have to be a pipe dream unless I win the lottery or something.