Without trying to influence the decision pro/con,

here are a couple financial realities:

Cost of gear change out the door: @2000$- increased torque and

power will come with 373s, but so will decreased mileage upon

the altar of higher RPMs. Don't forget you'd have to own the

truck for @ 4 or 5 years after the modification to reasonably

justify the expense.

Furthermore, the engine's PCM would have to be re-flashed so

your ABS doesn't go bonkers, and your speedometer reads the

correct speed with the new gears.


A CAI will give you RPMs from your 4.8L faster, and only costs 250$.

You can install it yourself in a couple hours. IMO, a 4.8L is a fine

engine, my GF has one in her pickup. Unfortunately, 323s, while

great on MPG for highway driving (wish I had them)

give you abysmally poor torque.You're trying to make an

Interstate "sipper", made for the long drives at low RPMs

on the highway, do short-run, hi-torque,boat-hauling duty.

Depending on how much you haul the boat, perhaps

a change to a different vehicle may be in order.

 

If it was me, i would go with Re-Gearing and a Tuner/Programmer like an Edge that has a Tow program. You would probably be happy with the end results.

 

Why do all these mods? the price of which will not add to the resale.

Find the price of the correct one (4x4, 5.3L) and sell yours. the difference may be a bit more, but it's the correct thing to do.

 

Absolutely correct. IF you bought your vehicle for resale value, and want

to enhance it, modifications generally have a negative effect on "book" value.

So making these changes calls for a commitment on the owners part,

as keeping the vehicle for 5+ years after they are made is important.

It worked for me, and my 2004, but I'm, fortunately, just not average...


As previously stated, a change to a more mechanically suited vehicle for

boat hauling might be in order.

 

If the OP just bought the vehicle and has a loan, then trading it in now just for the larger engine would be Ridiculous. Why get into an upside down loan to tow a boat ocassionally.

 

well, you'd have to run the numbers both ways to find the best choice...

 

Thanks for the feedback.... Let you know what i come up with