I have about $2100 right now. everything is stock on my 1997 1500 v8 pickup.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what to buy to make it run better? it has 184k miles. and needs new tires for sure.

 

Hughes intake set up, 1.7 roller rockers and poormans TB


SUSPENSION LIFT!!!! Oh, and some new tires too!

 

buy tires. save the rest for something important and don't waste it on a truck.

 

plenum fix, tune up , change trans fulid and new timing chain

 

Get your tires and save the rest for gas...you'll need it.

 

+1. Then save the rest for a tranny rebuild or something else.

 

Plenum fix, tires, rims, save the rest if you have leftovers

 

Hookers and blow!!!

 

what i want is to have a flowmaster exhaust rims and tires. my step dad is going to paint it for me for free. white with black ss stripes. and what is a plenum fix? sorry im only 15 and have little experience with this stuff. =\

 

Plenum fix is a must. Best 140 you will ever spend (Plenum kit, hardware kit, and thermostat. plis oil change and a gallon of coolant). That is the starting point if you want to do performance mods.
I would do:
1. plenum fix ($140)
2. SCT tune from Hemifever (that is his username on this forum) ($275)
---YOu will need a 180* thermostat for this. So if you get this, do the 180* with the plenum. YOu will get much better throttle repsonse and power through the whole RPM range.
3. Rims/tires/lift

SAVE THE REST!!! Mainly because you want an emergency fund if something breaks.

Here is the plenum info:
YOur intake is two piece. There is a pan at the bottom that is made of stainless steel. YOur intake is made of ALuminum, and constant hot/cold and temperature differences warp the steel and create a blown gasket and vacuum leak. That kills performance/mileage, burns oil, and is not good.

Everyone here who wants to won their truck for more than 3 years and wants it to be a steady daily driver does that.