Best bang for the buck upgrades.... New to Chevy...

[Volvowith18psi]

Hey guys!

So Im new to Chevy, always been a Mopar guy, but at the ripe age of 35, I dont find myself wanting to go fast anymore, so I decided to try the tried and true Tahoe (most because we needed the room) Just picked up an 18 Tahoe LT with the RSE, RST?, and Tow package for <56k out the door. I thought that was a pretty good deal. Was comparing vrs another Jeep SRT, but just could make a good deal. I wish I could have gotten the 6.2, the 5.3 feels very.... lackluster trying to move this 7,000lb boat lol!

So, what are some of the best bang for the buck upgrades/accessories for these rides? Not really interested is exhaust or intakes or blah blah, cause this thing is a boat. Tt will never be fast or nimble so Id prefer to make my trips as comfortable as possible, Im just not sure where to start, if anywhere...

I got myself a cargo organizer for the console cause holy hell that thing is like a pit.

I did want to inquire about removing the entire power 3rd row seat/storage and see if anybody has some pictures of it removed without a liner ontop. I want to see whats underneath. I saw some posts saying it was a 20m job and others much more. I have the power folding btw. My 170lb Mastiff will be riding back there and I think it will be easier and better for him with the seat removed.

Normally, I would NEVER even think to bring this up but I came across a legit post of GM denying some poor saps warranty claim for a blown motor due to his catch can (crank case pressure or some bs). Ive had a can installed in all my cars, from my Hellcat to Kia, and Ive NEVER even thought about not installing one, but since Im new to GM/Chevy and seeing that post, I wanted to get your guys thoughts. I have a nice Billet Tech Plum Crazy can just waiting to install.

Anyhow, thanks all!

 

[TheMaineEvent]

My list of upgrades isn't too long as I just bought my Tahoe a few months ago, but so far I'm happy with Weather Tech front mats and cargo mat (with 3rd row seats folded) and Husky rear mud flaps. I'm waiting on fog lamp upgrades to show up. I think you'll notice the stock fog lights to be weak. I also got an armrest bin organizer as that's a must have.

Other than that, I did get the K&N Blackhawk air intake. I know you said you're not interested in that kind of stuff, and I get where you're coming from, but I'll take the 7-10 HP AND beefier sound.

 

[Pops McGee]

I had 3rd row removed in my 2016 Tahoe LT. Basically its bare sheet metal underneath with some of the interior carpet covering the edges. I had a subwoofer enclosure put in that space so no photos to send but one thing to note is that a good part of floor back there that lays flat when 3rd row is folded down was attached the whole 3rd row seat structure. Basically the whole area up to the storage compartment in the back comes out. which worked out well for me because I used that space for the amps and processor and sub box was up towards the front part of space. If you want the whole back flat you can remove the stock storage compartment easily enough tho. And if you want perfectly flat and nice looking, you will need to add a carpeted subfloor or something to cover the whole area. And you will need to plug two holes that i think the rear lap belts were secured. I used spray foam.

 

[mfennema]

I would suggest having a tune done by Blackbear Performance. I had one done on my previous truck and it was like night and day. I will have one done on my tahoe as soon as they come close enough for me to drive to have it done.

 

[Tahoe14]

I would also look in the "Performance" section.

 

[UrbanSuburban]

For sure get the LED foglight upgrade, I cannot believe the difference. BTW the Tahoe does not weigh 7000 lbs, only a measely 5400 lol, still heavy for sure, as far as the 5.3, GM just made the throttle very heavy so it gives the impression that the engine is a dog. There are devices on the market to help that, Pedal Commander for one, it does not have to be wild it can be mild.

 

[Doubeleive]

deep transmission pan, bigger transmission cooler, bigger radiator. <--- are invaluable for longevity, heat kills

 

[LT1ZOB]

Congrats. I tow, so a 16” light bar behind the grille was an easy install for me. Also GM Accessories splash guards, good, quality mats, Elite Engineering catch can and tinted front windows. Can’t think of anything else I’d want to do to it at this time.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

X2 on Blackbear. Tune that sucker.

 

[clogan2]

Roof rails, from GM. Now I can haul ladders, my kayak, etc. Easy install, cost < $200, IIRC.

Also, Weathertech cargo mat.
Also GM floor liners.



Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Volvowith18psi]

Thanks for the tips all!

I would def. do a tune, but I want to keep my warranty. That was a huge issue with the Jeep SRT's is most of them were imported from Canada and FCA does not honor the xfer over. Me personally, Not paying 55k+ for a new car with no warranty lol.

Ill check out the performance category just for some info. I reallyyy dont wanna start into this again lolol. Ill check oiut pedal Commander.

I did wanna ask about the brakes. I haven't used non-brembo in many years and man this pedal is like a rock, really requires some leg power, aside from the 3k BBK, any tips on this?

The lights are def. weak, so Ima start hunting for some PnP non HID setups.

Of Course, a few hours after posting, I found a really good write up by a member who removed the 3rd row and laid down some wood with a WT bolted in. I think Ima find some foam or a carpet solution to use instead of wood there, just for ease. Only hauling small/medium stuff and the dog.

 

[Shunto]

Hey guys!

So Im new to Chevy, always been a Mopar guy, but at the ripe age of 35, I dont find myself wanting to go fast anymore, so I decided to try the tried and true Tahoe (most because we needed the room) Just picked up an 18 Tahoe LT with the RSE, RST?, and Tow package for <56k out the door. I thought that was a pretty good deal. Was comparing vrs another Jeep SRT, but just could make a good deal. I wish I could have gotten the 6.2, the 5.3 feels very.... lackluster trying to move this 7,000lb boat lol!

So, what are some of the best bang for the buck upgrades/accessories for these rides? Not really interested is exhaust or intakes or blah blah, cause this thing is a boat. Tt will never be fast or nimble so Id prefer to make my trips as comfortable as possible, Im just not sure where to start, if anywhere...

I got myself a cargo organizer for the console cause holy hell that thing is like a pit.

I did want to inquire about removing the entire power 3rd row seat/storage and see if anybody has some pictures of it removed without a liner ontop. I want to see whats underneath. I saw some posts saying it was a 20m job and others much more. I have the power folding btw. My 170lb Mastiff will be riding back there and I think it will be easier and better for him with the seat removed.

Normally, I would NEVER even think to bring this up but I came across a legit post of GM denying some poor saps warranty claim for a blown motor due to his catch can (crank case pressure or some bs). Ive had a can installed in all my cars, from my Hellcat to Kia, and Ive NEVER even thought about not installing one, but since Im new to GM/Chevy and seeing that post, I wanted to get your guys thoughts. I have a nice Billet Tech Plum Crazy can just waiting to install.

Anyhow, thanks all!

How about a picture of the 170lb Proud Puppy?

 

[Volvowith18psi]

How about a picture of the 170lb Proud Puppy?

Well, not there yet, but hes 47lbs @ 14weeks. His paws are the size of my palms and Im 230lb 6'1..

 

[fozzi58]

Check out Diode Dynamics for your HID kit. They sell some nice kits that should easily work with the DRLs etc. Also made in US which is nice. I did a HID upgrade...just wish I found them before bought my kit. I can see the road at night now with the HID upgrade.

Air raid air tube for the intake and the K&N. Easy extra power without a lot of money and work.

 

[Shunto]

Well, not there yet, but hes 47lbs @ 14weeks. His paws are the size of my palms and Im 230lb 6'1..

View attachment 208883

What a beautiful Companion... he'll be a big Doggie before you know it... What a friend to have.. Good luck.

 

[salisburyv]

Looks a little like my Cane Corso at that age. he liked to chew and eat things. So, i would def recommend pet insurance. Really. it saved me over $20k over 5 years. when he finally stopped eating things and began to chew the toys we bought. He is never far from me if i'm home lays at my feet when i watch tv. Sometimes my wife has a hard time getting near me, lol. So faithful. Best dog i've ever had and i've had them my whole life. When he passes i'm getting another one, with insurance. lol

 

[TahoeFL2017]

Thanks for the tips all!

I would def. do a tune, but I want to keep my warranty. That was a huge issue with the Jeep SRT's is most of them were imported from Canada and FCA does not honor the xfer over. Me personally, Not paying 55k+ for a new car with no warranty lol.

Ill check out the performance category just for some info. I reallyyy dont wanna start into this again lolol. Ill check oiut pedal Commander.

I did wanna ask about the brakes. I haven't used non-brembo in many years and man this pedal is like a rock, really requires some leg power, aside from the 3k BBK, any tips on this?

The lights are def. weak, so Ima start hunting for some PnP non HID setups.

Of Course, a few hours after posting, I found a really good write up by a member who removed the 3rd row and laid down some wood with a WT bolted in. I think Ima find some foam or a carpet solution to use instead of wood there, just for ease. Only hauling small/medium stuff and the dog.

Buy an AFM disabler on Amazon, 79 bucks and it is plug and play - just remove if you go in for service.

Best $$$ I've spent this year, and install is fast, just plug in your port.

 

[SpyShops212]

Batman leds for the mirrors from the 2021+ will work on the k2xx. The 2021+ Tahoe & GMC also have the Batman lights that work for the k2xx.