Top 10

[DnStClr]

Here's a question that may have been asked before- what do you think are the top 10 performance enhancements for the 73-87 Chevy/Gmc trucks?

[VileZambonie]

Headers
Cam
Intake
Heads
ignition
exhaust
fuel system
shift kit
posi
lowering/lifting
improved cooling
removing pollution controls

[HAULIN IT]

Don, This could be a question with a rather broad range of answers depending on one's definition of "performance" & the real goals the owner has for his truck. Are we doing this for fun or our you trying to plan a build for your truck? Again depending on your own goals...tires & braking come to mind, may be of higher priority than some other things. Lorne

[bigkountry]

Go fast now, worry about stopping later! 

[Lt.Del]

putting in a 383 Stroker (times 10)

[DnStClr]

Ha- why did I know the stroker would be on Andy's list 
Not for my truck, Lorne. Just thought it would make a good topic. There's so many of you guys on here that are real gearheads- I wanted to see what comes to mind when you think "performance".

[team39763]

Here's how I tried to do my truck.

Headers
Air cleaner/filter
mufflers/exhaust
cooling system - efans/radiator/trans cooler
tune up - plugs/wires
wheels/tires
trans/shift kit
lowering
weight reduction
Exterior mods

[Lt.Del]

Ha- why did I know the stroker would be on Andy's list 

Don, you know me too well.  But then again, I am not exactly quiet when it comes to backing the good ole Stump Puller 383 Stroker. 

[Captkaos]

Are we talking 73-86 or 87 trucks?  Existing motor or we talking replacement?
Complete tune-up
Smog removal
Exhaust
Headers
cam/valvetrain
Intake
Carb
Heads
shift kit/perf clutch assm.
cooling (efan/radiator/trans)

If we are talking TBI same stuff applies, but you wont be changing carbs, and you cam selection is limited, but you could rebuild the TBI, or get a Holley 2" (or 454 TBI) and a Chip,

[DnStClr]

As usual you make sense of a wobbly thought Chris. In fairness it should be 73-86. (Tho many of the changes can be done to the 87's too.) Existing engine. Anything else is fair game for an upgrade. Actually, I thought new final drive ratio might score kind of high on the list.

[HAULIN IT]

It would/should!

[Bowtie4004x4]

 There are a whole lotta variables to that question, but for seat of the pants performance you can't beat a set of gears. Jump from 3:07 to 3:42 or 4:10 and see how your neck feels 
  Horrible gas mileage but you said performance hehe.
 After gears I agree with your basic setup outlined by some others on here.

[Lt.Del]

Jump from 3:07 to 3:42 or 4:10 and see how your neck feels 
  Horrible gas mileage but you said performance hehe.

Not necessarily a performance upgrade. Performance could mean "top end".  Suppose you want to go over 100 mph?  hmmm?  That engine would be nearly redlining.  A 2:80 to 3:08 would'nt even be necessarily breaking a sweat.  Now a 383 with a 3:08, lotsa torque down low and plenty of upper end for interstates. Yeah, that's the ticket. By the way, that's whay I have in my 79..

 

[Bowtie4004x4]

There are a whole lotta variables to that question

   That's why I started my post with this statement. For myself performance means neck snapping, tire ripping torque. Easiest and most cost effective way to obtain that is with a set of gears IMO. Going fast scares me, must be why I have a 4x4 and play slowly in the mud