Hello, I bought my 1996 2 door Tahoe sport last year completely stocked out. It's in great shape and the previous owner took great care of it and nothing was wrong or is wrong with it. Bu since in got it I have added a three inch lift, 32" tires, new headlights, new stereo, rims, and the only engine mod being a true dual exhaust with flowmasters. I was wondering how to get a few more ponies out of the engine? For now I want to keep it light without going into the engine or anything. And how many hp do these engines put down at the wheels? I tow a lot and could use the extra power. And btw the engine and tranny have around 75k miles on them. Thank you!!

 

you can do a CAI, or a computer programmer, or custom pcm. Headers would help also.

 

Welcome to the forum.

Custom computer program is probably your best bet. External additions, while they may add a few ponies, typically do so at the upper rpm band. One exception to that is either a blower or turbo.

 

I really was looking for some more power from idle-2500rpm range and especially the 1500-2000rpm range for when I tow. The only reason I don't want to do internal mods is because I'm 17 and haven't done any engine work on my truck before, I can rebuild the engine on my dirt bike and four wheeler, but my truck is a little different haha. If i do go internal, what would be the best bang for the buck?

 

Welcome to the forum. You can try to change the gearing in the difs. That will give you more torque off the line.

 

How much would that colst and can I do it myself? How much speed am I going to lose because of it?

 

It can be done by a do it yourselfer. Cost who knows never done it. Keep in mind there can be alot of spacers/shims involved. If there not all in there correctly there will be noises and vibrations after.

 

Changing the axle ratio's should be done by a shop, if you have a 4x4 then you have to do it twice (front and rear) price would be new gears + labor. you won't 'lose' speed, you will lose MPG... the 96 I had (95) averaged 12-13 if I would BABY it... I think it had 3.73s in it... I don't suggest going lower (numerically higher number, such as 4.11) unless you are willing to give up highway MPG... he is correct though, a lower axle ratio will get you moving faster... we gear down (off road) because we go from 30" to 33 or 35" tires... the tahoe had 31s stock, so 32s aren't a huge difference... if you can fit 33s and go to 4.11s it would be 'close' to the stock ratio....

 

I know that I would be losing mpg which I really don't won't to do, since it already gets horrible gas milage. I think I'll just save up and do some internal work. What do you guys suggest as the best and most effective internal engine upgrade?

 

Cam (low end torque grind, commonly referred to as an RV grind), heads, manifold, exhaust system.