- 1,039
- Tucson, AZ
- spedy7
Yes, I know, many of you cringe when it comes to "upgrading a car", but my truck is just BLAND. 
I have a 1998 Chevy S10 2.2 base model (or so it appears since I have no power anything and a standard cab+bed...it even came with a cassette player!
)...in dark red (burgandy if you want to be specific). Nothing's happened to it in its 74600 mile life besides carrying a few loads of dirt, getting new tires, and a new radio (with a CD player! 
). Oh, and its automatic - that's about the only luxury it came with.
Being the teenage high school delinquent I am, I'd like to do a few upgrades to convert it from a "pussycat" to a bit more of a manly truck. My ideas:
1. Lift it (like just about every other truck):
Option 1: Body lift - Good idea or not? I've heard stories, and not the pleasant kind ether, but it is the cheaper option. If this is better than a suspension lift, what brand has better quality? Rubber mounds sort of are a problem here too...this being a desert and all. I'd definitely throw a set of larger diameter tires too.
Option 2: Suspension lift - I know your messing with the suspension geometry, but I hate the stock suspension. If this is a better option, what brand should I go for?
2. POWERRR!
1. Complete exhaust redo - I know its a 4 banger. Put headers on it, a new catalytic converter (already need a new one anyways), and a new muffler - but I do NOT want it to sound like a fart can. I'd like to try for a low growl if possible. Glasspak? Best brand to go for that doesn't break the bank?
2. Turbo/supercharger - Yes, it sounds outrageous for a 4 cylinder...but who doesn't want one
? I'd obviously be looking for a low boost one as I am keeping the same block and I definitely don't want to blow it up if I floor it. Are they street legal?
3. Cold air intake - Rumored power increase and better flow...is this true?
4. ECU chip/remapping - Is this the cheapest way to gain a few ponies? Is it generally easy to configure?
3. Tires
Going for all-terrain tires. Best brand to go for? Should I also install bigger rims (current is 15")? If so, what manufacturer is recommended?
4. Misc.
-I've been thinking of making the thing like a baja truck: fiberglass pannels, roll cage, lights, MAYBE a tube chassy later in life...assuming cars still exist then.
I do have big plans for it, and many of you would just say "buy a new truck/car!", but my parents would probably be pissed if I sold my truck since it was my grandpa's beforehand until he passed away a couple years ago. For now...I'm stuck with it.
Now here's the best part (though off topic): My dad WAS going to buy me a '69 Camaro (goosebumps, right?) and I was going to fix it up and all. Unfortunately, my grandpa passed before anything was set in stone and buying me a car was set aside. Then a few months after he passed, my dad bought the truck from my grandma for $3500 with 69000 (cue 69 jokes...) miles on it. I was happy I got a the truck...until my mom finally said to me "we were going to buy you a Camaro...and old one." No word about the Camaro before buying the truck. No choice on the truck or something else. Nada. Nothing. Needless to say, I've been unhappy ever since I've been told that.
I have a 1998 Chevy S10 2.2 base model (or so it appears since I have no power anything and a standard cab+bed...it even came with a cassette player!
)...in dark red (burgandy if you want to be specific). Nothing's happened to it in its 74600 mile life besides carrying a few loads of dirt, getting new tires, and a new radio (with a CD player! ). Oh, and its automatic - that's about the only luxury it came with.Being the teenage high school delinquent I am, I'd like to do a few upgrades to convert it from a "pussycat" to a bit more of a manly truck. My ideas:
1. Lift it (like just about every other truck):
Option 1: Body lift - Good idea or not? I've heard stories, and not the pleasant kind ether, but it is the cheaper option. If this is better than a suspension lift, what brand has better quality? Rubber mounds sort of are a problem here too...this being a desert and all. I'd definitely throw a set of larger diameter tires too.
Option 2: Suspension lift - I know your messing with the suspension geometry, but I hate the stock suspension. If this is a better option, what brand should I go for?
2. POWERRR!
1. Complete exhaust redo - I know its a 4 banger. Put headers on it, a new catalytic converter (already need a new one anyways), and a new muffler - but I do NOT want it to sound like a fart can. I'd like to try for a low growl if possible. Glasspak? Best brand to go for that doesn't break the bank?
2. Turbo/supercharger - Yes, it sounds outrageous for a 4 cylinder...but who doesn't want one
? I'd obviously be looking for a low boost one as I am keeping the same block and I definitely don't want to blow it up if I floor it. Are they street legal?3. Cold air intake - Rumored power increase and better flow...is this true?
4. ECU chip/remapping - Is this the cheapest way to gain a few ponies? Is it generally easy to configure?
3. Tires
Going for all-terrain tires. Best brand to go for? Should I also install bigger rims (current is 15")? If so, what manufacturer is recommended?
4. Misc.
-I've been thinking of making the thing like a baja truck: fiberglass pannels, roll cage, lights, MAYBE a tube chassy later in life...assuming cars still exist then.
I do have big plans for it, and many of you would just say "buy a new truck/car!", but my parents would probably be pissed if I sold my truck since it was my grandpa's beforehand until he passed away a couple years ago. For now...I'm stuck with it.
Now here's the best part (though off topic): My dad WAS going to buy me a '69 Camaro (goosebumps, right?) and I was going to fix it up and all. Unfortunately, my grandpa passed before anything was set in stone and buying me a car was set aside. Then a few months after he passed, my dad bought the truck from my grandma for $3500 with 69000 (cue 69 jokes...) miles on it. I was happy I got a the truck...until my mom finally said to me "we were going to buy you a Camaro...and old one." No word about the Camaro before buying the truck. No choice on the truck or something else. Nada. Nothing. Needless to say, I've been unhappy ever since I've been told that.
