Looking for Performance Advice

[DougJones]

I'm a new member with a new (to me) truck. It's a 03, std. cab, auto (47 or 48?), 3.73's, with BFG 315's on aftermarket wheels. It has around 5000 miles on it now. Except wheels/tires it is all stock. This truck is used for mostly commuting, but I do occassionaly pull a 9000 lb trailer, and a few 4000 - 5000 lb trailers in mountainous country.

I'd like to increase the performance and increase the mileage, but nothing extreme. Basically I'd like to make what we used to refer to as a "sleeper" when we were hot rodding cars from the 60's or early 70's. I'm prepared to spend some money.

I know the first thing is gauges. Unless someone has better ideas, I plan to get the autometers that fit in the cubby hole (unless I end up with a TST box with gauges). I'd like to keep the the truck interior as clean/stock looking as possible.

I'm really confused with what do with a chip/box, and what to do with exhaust.

I'd like the truck to be quiet, at least during normal driving conditions. I'd rather not increase tailpipe noise by much, if any, in the cab under these conditions. I read one post talking about cutting a 2" diameter hole in the resonator plate inside the stock muffler, actually making the truck quiter while at the same time reducing restriction. Really? What off-the-shelf exhaust system is good without making a lot of noise? I'm OK with making noise when I get after it, just not under normal conditions.

For the box, I think I need something that gives me increased torque and horsepower in the 1700 - 2500 rpm range for pulling, and the same for occassionally for showing off. Right? At the same time, I'd like to increase my fuel mileage in this same rpm range. I see that some vendors advertise a 10% gain in fuel economy. That would be good. My first chance with hand calcs adjusted for tire diameter gave me 16.3 mpg. I am hoping to eventually get to 18+ mpg freeway. I am clueless on what box gets me closest to what I am looking for.

I can tell from reading posts that you guys know these engines/trucks. Most of you are working on extremes. I like that. It's just not for me right now. I'm hoping to get some advice on what would help me get what I am looking for.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Oh, BTW, where can I get Wet Oakle (sp?) seat covers, and you guys that have them, do you like them?