While many people think of Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HDs as utilitarian vehicles, they can also be a lot of fun. The powerful and torquey V8 engines can make these trucks as enjoyable as they are useful. However, a lot of people want to get even more power out of them. The good news is that this can be fairly easy. The even better news is that strapping on the loudest muffler you can find may help.
Performance Exhaust System
One of the key inhibitors to making power with an internal combustion engine is the amount of new air being sucked in. Engines need the right fuel-air mixture to create horsepower and most engines are limited by the ratio they can achieve. A major cause of this is the amount of exhaust fumes left in the system. So, Chevy Silverado 2500 HD performance exhaust systems may be the answer you’re looking for.
Some top-end performance exhausts can increase horsepower by around 10%. For a 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, that could mean 40-45 extra horsepower. That is a major upgrade with a relatively small change. Out-of-the-box cat-back exhaust systems are easy enough to install that almost anyone can do it. While custom exhausts require more specialized skills, they are a fast job for experienced pros.
Cold Air Intake
If clearing the way for new air to come into the engine is important, so is sucking in the right air. Most vehicles have their air intakes mounted so that they bring in air from the engine bay. This means that the air coming in is hot. Cold air intakes are designed to suck in cooler, outside air. Colder air is denser, meaning more oxygen for igniting your fuel.
This is an extremely easy upgrade to make. Even a novice can do this with a few basic tools, some patience and a little guidance from helpful internet citizens. A 10-degree reduction in the temperature of the air going into your engine can increase your engine’s power output by a couple of horsepower. This can quickly add up, especially when this upgrade is included with others.
Engine Tune
Tuning your engine means making small adjustments, particularly to the computer, to optimize performance. This process can significantly increase horsepower, especially after making other upgrades. In fact, after major changes, a tune is always advisable.
Modern vehicles are heavily controlled by computers. This means you can buy or download a tune and implement it directly. Additionally, you can tune your engine with user-friendly, digital tools. This can help you get more performance from your truck. Keep in mind that tuning requires some expertise, so consider asking a professional for help while you get the hang of things.
Get Started
Upgrading your Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD can be a great way to get more from your truck ownership experience. The more you explore your truck, the more you can get from it. For example, you may note that the OEM setup doesn’t include the best catalytic converters. Upgrading to a performance model means more power. Get started making upgrades like this and more.
