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I have a 1989 stock truck chevy 1500 step side, thats been sitting in a garage for years, truck is like new, I purchased it from my 66 year old father in law...
My question is, #1) what muffler should I put on this truck (flowmaster etc) and how much is it going to cost me at a shop for install etc.
#2) what are some low cost things I can do to the motor to get some more HP
any input would be great!
Is the stock exhaust in good shape? If the converter is okay pull off the muffler and put on straight pipes out the back. Split the pipe after the converter into 2 1/4" duals, no muffler, and run them out the back of the truck. I had this set-up on my '89 and it sounded bad ass.
Cheap HP is not going to happen. A few things to do would be headers and a good ignition but you will spend upward of 4 or 500 to do either and you really won't see that much of an increase. I would suggest a Jacobs pro-Street Ignition if you HAVE to do anything. I saw a substantial increase in mileage on my '95 with that ignition.
Mark
Having lived in Houston and still visiting at least once a year I'll guarantee you that a straight pipe from the cat back will get you a bunch of tickets or maybe even get your car impounded.
Cheapest way to get a bit more performance is a good tune up using quality parts. Most all engines react well to cylinder head improvements, and cam upgrades, neither of which are cheap.....
Actually, a straight pipe off the converter is not that bad. The converter does a good job of cancelling some noise and, unless you run around in 1st gear all the time, it isn't obnoxious... Try it, it's cheap enough, and if it's not what you want stick a muffler in there...
Mark