I know what the manufacturer claims, but what is the highest level I should go to on a stock engine with a 4" turbo-back and intake?

the stock tranny is the limiting point, but as long as you stay out of demanding power in 5th gear, you should be fine. the fifth gear is the weak point. before i got my tranny, i used the six gun up to level six, and never limped the stocker, but the highest level i used in 5th gear was level 3. i noticed you wanted an intake, i wasted money making my own, and trying an aftermarket one. the stock intake is the best route to go, just use a good washable drop in, and take out the restrictions in the box.

the stock tranny is the limiting point, but as long as you stay out of demanding power in 5th gear, you should be fine. the fifth gear is the weak point. before i got my tranny, i used the six gun up to level six, and never limped the stocker, but the highest level i used in 5th gear was level 3. i noticed you wanted an intake, i wasted money making my own, and trying an aftermarket one. the stock intake is the best route to go, just use a good washable drop in, and take out the restrictions in the box.

What do you mean by "take out the restrictions in the box"? Do you mean modify it...and if so, so you have pics to show how you'd recommend?

this is just an idea of what i'm talking about, although others have their own opinion of doing this. hope this helps.


TECH TIPS




Dmax air intake


2001 boxes had snorkels into the inner fender. GM Service Bulletin # 01-06-04-050 deals with problems associated with resultant poor air flow, filter minder on, SES light illum, and codes P0101/P0103, water stained filters, fouled MAF sensor etc.
The fix was to replace the box and reprogram ECM. MANY trucks did not receive this update, and when power enhancing devices (chips) are added, this condition is aggravated, and the chip is blamed for the problem.
Some GM dealers will do these updates as a coutresy, but since the bulletin is quite old (10-19-01) most will charge you. The air box can be modified as shown in this Tech Tip, but the programming updates need to be done by a GM dealer or myself.
I suggest that all updates be performed to the ECM (engine computer) and TCM (transmission computer) whenever possible. The dealer can give you a print out of the updates installed. Here is a 2001 air box with the snorkels removed and the side cut framed out. The entire side is basically removed:

http://www.kennedydiesel.com/images/Air_box_cutout_side_view.jpg

On all boxes, the side of the box has a nice, large, triangular area that can also be removed by cutting as shown:

http://www.kennedydiesel.com/images/Air_box_cutout_triangle.jpg

And resulting in:

http://www.kennedydiesel.com/images/Air_box_cutouts_completed.jpg

I then cut out the cross quadrant ribs resulting in long floor pockets rather than multiple small pockets. I drill a 3/16" drain hole in each of these and add a Uni Foam Air Filter Element (http://www.kennedydiesel.com/detail.cfm?ID=139) and reinstall the box!

http://www.kennedydiesel.com/images/Air_box_assy_with_filter.jpg

I did this to my box and dropped in a K&N and what a difference!