TowRig.com - Diesel Discussion and Tow Tech

I have a 2000 GMC crew cab dually with a 454 vortec. I use it to tow our trailer which weighs about 5200 lbs. Now I have a K&N air intake and a Gibson cat back exhuast system but I was wondering what other items would work well for more pulling power. By that I mean taking the trailer through the mountains, as it is now it pulls just fine but I seem need a little more power to carry it over the top of some big hills. I was thinking a programmer or headers but I am not sure the gains from the headers are worth the money. Any thoughts or other advice on getting some power ups. I thought about a super charger but if I want to spend that much I may as well sell the truck and get a diesel.
I also wanted to mention that my truck has a huge droning noise while under load going up hills. I thought putting on the cat backs on would help but it didn't. It is only with the trailer on and going up big hills, basically at a certain RPM while towing. Anyone else have this? I think maybe it is just engine roar that I have to live with but I don't know for sure.

Thanks
Jason

Jason,
I helped my father install a banks kit on a 7.4 (1992 I know older version) but I would seriously look at those headers and possibly a high flow cat. Banks kit is a complete exhaust system (minus cat) that I believe could be duplicated for much less $. Gibson should make some headers for your truck. I would also look at some performace chips or programmers, they are improving in quality and are a cinch to install. I agree on the supercharger idea too much $ but it is the best bang for the buck. As far as the noise I would try to see if it could be the tranny?? Wouldnt want that going out on a steep climb!!! I put a external filter on one of my trannys and it also came with a temp gauge (necessary when towing heavy loads)

you might also want to get some new gears better suited for towing if your rig is currently equiped something like 4.10 to 4.56 to take advantage of your power band.Get a programer for sure I have used FlowTech headers in the past and I really liked em just wrap em for better heat control and longer life and if you have a slush box like I do get a tranny cooler,deep pan and shift kit possibly a coverter better suited for towing as well check out B&M.

i would definately recommend headers and also high flow cats because with the two they will both compliment each other very well and as far as a programmer i dont know how much it would help. i don't if you have 4.10's but if not i would suggest doing that also if you have 3.73's or taller.