2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 - Fantastic Four

This month’s Fantastic Four tech install is on a 2011 Chevy Silverado 4WD. These are amazing trucks from the factory, but could use a bit of help in some areas. The owner bought the truck to haul dirt bikes and motocross gear all over Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada. We decided on a moderate lift to give the truck more ground clearance when off-road, an intake and exhaust for better engine respiration, and beefy wheels and tires for improved off-road safety and capability.

For the suspension, we contacted Summit Racing and ordered a Skyjacker 6-inch lift kit. We also upgraded the leaf springs and rear shocks since the owner would be hauling heavy dirt bikes around. The intake we went with was AEM’s Brute Force intake kit from autoanything.com. This came with the new Dryflow oil-free filter for ease of use. We ordered a Cherry bomb exhaust, also from Summit Racing, since the owner wanted a rowdy sounding truck and according to Cherry Bomb, they have been disturbing the peace since 1968. Finally, for the rolling stock, BMF was contacted for their M-80 wheels in stealth finish for a mean look, and a set of General’s new Red Letter Grabbers in the 35x12.5R20 size were ordered from 4 Wheels Parts. We had heard good things from other truck owners about the Grabbers and were excited to see how they performed.

For the intake and exhaust install, we used our Tech Center and Truckin’s Editor Dan Ward handled turning the wrenches and holding back the expletives. The truck was then taken to Trader’s Truck Accessories, in Santa Fe Springs, California, to have the suspension installed, along with the wheels and tires. Once we arrived, technician Ox Higgins made quick work of giving the truck a better stance and new shoes. Follow along to see how we upgraded Chevy’s newest pickup.

Highs:
• Better than factory ride
• Increased off-road capability
• More horsepower
• Improved hauling ability

Lows:
• Difficult exhaust install
• Lower MPG

1. After disconnecting the battery and removing the engine cover, the first step was to unplug the mass airflow (MAF) sensor and disconnect the air tube from the airbox. Next, a Torx bit was used to remove the MAF sensor from the factory air tube. This was set aside in a safe place to avoid damage. With the airbox completely disconnected, it could be pulled out of the truck and set aside.
1. After disconnecting the battery and removing the engine cover, the first step was to un
2. The air inlet assembly had to be removed, so the PCV line was unplugged, and then after some prodding, the air inlet assembly was lifted out of the truck. Finally, the bottom tray from under the airbox was unbolted and removed and the coolant overflow tank was unbolted and set aside.
2. The air inlet assembly had to be removed, so the PCV line was unplugged, and then after
3. The AEM kit came with everything needed to complete the install, except the tools. The filter that came with the kit was their new Dryflow oil-free filter. The first step in assembling the kit was to install the rubber edge trim where the air tube would be installed. Then, the new airbox was installed in the factory location using the factory bolts that were removed earlier.
3. The AEM kit came with everything needed to complete the install, except the tools. The

4. After installing the factory MAF sensor into the new air tube, a hole had to be drilled into the top of the filter. The instructions called for a 1/8-inch hole but that was far too small and it ended up being a 5/16-inch hole. A 90-degree elbow was slipped into the hole and a rubber hose that attached to the Filter Minder connected to this elbow.
4. After installing the factory MAF sensor into the new air tube, a hole had to be drilled
5. When we tried to reconnect the MAF sensor, we realized that the mounting location wouldn’t allow for the sensor to fully seat, so a pneumatic cutoff tool was used to cut a notch and make it fit. We could then install the new air tube onto the throttle body. The Dryflow filter simply slipped into the box and attached to the air tube with a hose clamp.
5. When we tried to reconnect the MAF sensor, we realized that the mounting location would
6. The factory PCV hose was completely removed from the truck and a new 3⁄8-inch hose and was attached between the metal PCV tube on the engine and the new air tube. Finally, the lid of the intake was bolted on and the engine cover was put back into place.
6. The factory PCV hose was completely removed from the truck and a new 3⁄8-inch hose and