2011 Denali bolt on upgrades question

[Denaliz]

Hey guys,


New to the forum but started upgrading my Denali. My wife gave my the blessing to upgrade our suv.

I have already added custom audio system with Hertz components in front, Fosgate rear 6.5's,12" JL 12" 3v3 sub w/custom box,1000 watt kicker IX 5 channel amp,Audio Control LC6i LOC and Dynamat sound deadening. So on to the performance stuff.

Installed a K&N filter with Airaid MIT JR. intake and have a deposit down for the Blackbear Tune next month.

What other performance upgrades should I look into for my ride? This is a daily driver for me and really not wanting to touch the exhaust system to make it louder.

 

[OHSIXX]

Without wanting to touch the exhaust system you are pretty much set. Although the Corsa catback systems are very good and do not drone at all while driving normal-they sound great with harder accerelation. The Sport is really nice and the Touring is a little tamer.
Otherwise exterior ideas would be a headlight retro, Esky 3rd brake light, or the dual exhaust bumper setup off of the Esky Platinum.

 

[73shark]

Eagle-Eyes taillites.

 

[Denaliz]

Thought I would bump the thread- any options for other bolt ons for hp? Currently running Airaid jr,K&N box filter and a blackbear live tune.

I do plan on supercharging the engine with a TVI2300 but would like to address other bolt ons prior to this.

Thanks

 

[DisplacedBuckeye]

Looks like you're set before you get into the more serious modifications. I'd do the brakes next if it were me.

 

[Agent WD-40]

A set of high flow cats (using stock manifolds and stock exhaust) will free up some horsepower (I would guess 10-15). Get these installed before you get a tune though.

You can always ditch the third cat as well.

If you stick with the stock manifolds and exhaust it will still be pretty quiet and won't have a bit of drone. The exhaust will sound a bit more throaty but it is pretty quiet to begin with so it won't be loud at all.

 

[Denaliz]

A set of high flow cats (using stock manifolds and stock exhaust) will free up some horsepower (I would guess 10-15). Get these installed before you get a tune though.

You can always ditch the third cat as well.

If you stick with the stock manifolds and exhaust it will still be pretty quiet and won't have a bit of drone. The exhaust will sound a bit more throaty but it is pretty quiet to begin with so it won't be loud at all.

Great Idea- I am no expert on cars so asking: if I wanted high flow cats- would it make more sense to to entire exhaust? I don't care about louder. Want performance gains. I personally like the sound of the Denali exhaust and would only touch it if it gained me more hp.

Thanks

 

[PavementPounder]

yes

 

[Goodinblack]

Getting rid of the third cat did close to nothing for me

 

[TheAutumnWind]

A set of high flow cats (using stock manifolds and stock exhaust) will free up some horsepower (I would guess 10-15). Get these installed before you get a tune though.

You can always ditch the third cat as well.

If you stick with the stock manifolds and exhaust it will still be pretty quiet and won't have a bit of drone. The exhaust will sound a bit more throaty but it is pretty quiet to begin with so it won't be loud at all.

Interesting. I would be surprised to find that any "high flow" CARB compliant cats would show any meaningful performance improvement. Not saying your wrong here, just asking you to show some proof!

You could run headers into the factory exhaust. That would be the only way to mess with the exhaust that would give you substantial performance improvements without making it much louder.

 

[ezdaar]

Ok, I just wiped out a ton of mods I was going to post when I remembered something you posted..

Blower.

Do no mods. Save the money and get that blower on ASAP!
Pully that ****** to make 500+, then come back if you want more.

 

[JennaBear]

You already have high flow cats, no need to waste your money on new ones, unless your current ones are shot.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Ok, I just wiped out a ton of mods I was going to post when I remembered something you posted..

Blower.

Do no mods. Save the money and get that blower on ASAP!
Pully that ****** to make 500+, then come back if you want more.

Absolutely. Especially if you don't want to make the exhaust any louder. It simply wouldn't make sense to mess with it.

You already have high flow cats, no need to waste your money on new ones, unless your current ones are shot.

Yeah there shouldn't be any performance improvements to be had with aftermarket "high performance" catalytic converters.

 

[Denaliz]

Thank you for all the replies.

So I'm understanding that the exhaust shouldn't be touched unless I'm wanting the sound changed? Meaning there are no true HP gains?

Also does anyone know of a good shop in DFW area I can use for the installation of my upgrades?

I'm not mechanically inclined at all. Changing out the air intake/and doing the audio system install was the scope of what I'm comfortable with.. Ha.

Sounds like I need to just roll with bigger brakes and a supercharger and call it a day. I'm thinking about a 2/4 drop and bigger shoes but I like the ride quality of the Denali.