The Chevy Silverado has a reputation of being one of the toughest trucks out there. Built to last, the Silverado has proven time and again that it's a force to be reckoned with. If you're interested in making this tough truck even tougher then there are a ton of mods and upgrades options out there to help you accomplish this goal. Whether you're looking to add essential add-ons to your Silverado out of necessity or if you're simply pulling back the car covers and modding it out just for fun check out these 14 Chevy Silverado mods and upgrades.
Number 1: Under seat storage boxes
Does your Silverado remind you of a war zone every time you climb behind the wheel to go for a drive? Papers everywhere? Your license and registration tucked haphazardly into the glove compartment? If you suffer from this issue, you should invest in an under seat storage box. Under seat storage boxes come in varying sizes, but they're typically roomy enough to fit both large and small items.
Have the peace of mind that you'll know exactly where your most important documentation (and other items) is at all times. Anti-skid storage boxes can help keep your items from flying around, so you may not have to worry about taking it easy if you decide to go off-road.
Out of the way, durable, and a great way to keep your truck organized, this mod would be an excellent addition to any Silverado.
Number 2: Superchips Flashpaq F5 tuner
This nifty little tool is great for giving your Silverado a nice boost in performance. The Superchips Flashpaq F5 Tuner has pre-loaded settings that are meant to increase your vehicle's torque, towing capabilities, mileage, and horsepower. Who knew that you could change the performance of your Silverado from a device that you can hold in the palm of your hand?
If you've never heard of this device, you'll likely be surprised by its numerous features. For example it is designed to reduce downshifting while driving up inclines and to save on gas consumption by improving your fuel economy and mileage.
The Superchips Flashpaq F5 Tuner is compact and easy to use. It has a 2.8 inch high definition screen. You can store it practically anywhere. You can place it in your pocket, in your glove compartment, storage box or any other small space in your Silverado.
The graphical interface on the F5 Tuner makes it very user-friendly, especially when comparing it side by side with the older model. Simply plug your tuner into your Silverado's OBD-II port so that it receives power. If you're connected to a computer, you can use the USB port to connect your F5 Tuner.
Parameters that you can adjust on your Silverado: Shift Points; Rev Limiter; Torque Management; Calibrate Speedometer for Gear Ratio; Calibrate Speedometer for Tire Size; Speed Limiter; Shift Firmness; Transmission Tuning; Active Fuel Management Control.
The Superchips Flashpaq F5 Tuner (part 2845) is designed to work with 1999 to 2016 Silverado models; for 2017 and 2018 Silverado 1500 models, Superchips lists part 2847.
Number 3: Throttle body spacer
It's about time that your Silverado lived up to its full potential. Throttle body spacers are designed to boost your off-idle to mid-range power and efficiency, which may allow your Silverado to tap into more of its power. Throttle body spacers made of high-quality material are meant to provide you with a smooth and consistent boost to your performance while you drive. Ultimately, it is meant to improve low-end torque and throttle response.
The way it works is that its Helix-Bore design is meant to use a spinning motion for the air that passes through your Silverado's throttle body. The air is meant to be split into a helical pattern. Once the helically organized air molecules makes its way into the combustion chamber, your Silverado may receive a performance increase as a result. Not a bad upgrade, especially if you want to coax more power out of your Silverado.
Number 4: Stainless steel window trim
This mod is simply for the aesthetics only. Long, stunning, and above all else classy, stainless steel window trim will literally transform the look of your Chevy Silverado. If it's your goal to turn heads when you go rolling by, this is one way of going about it. Stainless steel window trim can have 3M tape pre-applied, so the installation process can be simple and quick. This mod should match the factory chrome on your vehicle. Just think of this mod as a head turner.
Number 5: Rear wheel well guards
If you drive your Silverado heavily, your vehicle is taking a constant beating whether you're aware of it or not. Over time rocks, mud and debris can damage the exposed components on the underbody of your truck. Whether or not the constant stoning of your Silverado could cause any real long term damage is strictly a case by case basis, but it should be universally agreed that tiny rocks pelting your shocks is never a good thing.
If you're tired of your truck taking a constant beating, then rear wheel well guards are the mods for you. Simply put, rear wheel well guards can help protect the under components of your truck from much of what the road throws at it...literally. It can help deflect rocks, mud and debris that you happen to run over as you're driving. Just as easy to clean as it is to install, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more practical mod for your Silverado.
Number 6: Modular intake tube
An intake built from aluminum tubes and silicone couplers on a Chevrolet Camaro SS V8, not a Silverado. Photo: Gearheadgirl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 When you stop to think about it, the factory intake on many Silverado trucks aren't designed very well. In fact, with all of its unnecessary twists, turns, and dips airflow may not be allowed to do what it does best: flow. Every twist and dip can cause unnecessary turbulence that may steal performance from the engine, no matter how nominal.
That's why a modular intake tube is the perfect mod if you're trying to coax more power out of your Silverado. Made of high-quality materials, modular intake tubes can allow for smoother airflow between the airbox and the manifold, which may improve response time and increase power. The installation can take only minutes. Once your modular intake tube is installed properly, your Silverado may be able to breathe better; quite literally.
Number 7: Front recovery bumper
If you don't think your Silverado is tough enough to handle your activities, then why not add an extra layer of armor with an off-road front recovery bumper? These are a lot like your typical Silverado front bumpers except that they're often made of reinforced coiled steel. No matter what you hit, you'll have an extra layer of steel between yourself and the rest of the world.
Some front recovery bumpers can be modded themselves. Thus you can mount fog lights onto the front for low light situations. Installation can be quick and easy. Modifying your truck is often not necessary to mount a front recovery bumper. All mounting hardware should be included with your purchase.
Find a cover made for your truck
Number 8: LED third brake light
Do you know what can make your Silverado more visible on the road? A third LED brake light! With the advances in LED technology, there are dozens of options to choose from. Third party LEDs can be brighter than stock brake lights, making them an attractive choice. This upgrade may help you feel safer on the road. LED lights for Silverado trucks tend to be housed within a water-resistant, durable casing that can protect it from the road. This is a notable mod worth checking out if you're concerned about safety.
Number 9: Stainless steel fender trim
Steel fender trim does more than just add an element of style to your Silverado; it can also help protect your fender lips from the ravages of the road. With its multi-functional design, your Silverado will have an added layer of protection while looking good on the road. Best of all, the clip mounted installation can take only a few minutes before you're ready to go.
Number 10: Lift kit
A Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, an off-road trim, on large tires. Photo: RL GNZLZ, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 Don't think that your Silverado sits high enough off of the ground? Increase your ground clearance with a lift kit. Lift kits may seem intimidating when you first crack them open (think dozens of nuts, bolts, screws, and washers) but the installation can be quite user-friendly. Each part of a Silverado lift kit should be made of high-quality materials. Especially the washers, which are often hardened to maintain maximum strength and durability. Overall, lift kits can increase your ground clearance, eliminate the need for ride spacers, and provide a smooth ride even after modifications.
Number 11: Chrome door handle covers
One part of your truck that no one really thinks about is the door handle. It's easily one of the most highly used parts on the truck itself. Most of us view it with such insignificance that it often blends into the rest of the body. Try standing out from the pack by adding chrome door handle covers.
This will bring significance to one of the most underappreciated aspects of your truck. When you're doing your shopping look for a kit that will cover all of your doors. That way, the entire truck will pop. With double-sided tape backing to help make installation quick and easy, chrome door handle covers will make your Silverado look that much more luxurious while still maintaining its trademark "tough" demeanor. Also check out car covers for Chevy Chevelle.
Number 12: Single exhaust system
Yet another upgrade to improve the performance of your Silverado. Many exhaust system upgrades come with mounting hardware and clamps, making installation a breeze. If aesthetics are just as important to you as functionality, then a single exhaust system with a polished tip should be an essential mod for your Silverado. The upgrade process can be simple. Switch out your old exhaust system for a new one, and you may see an improvement in performance. This upgrade is perfect for those interested in maintaining their original equipment exhaust configuration, wanting a boost in performance, and adding a new level of aesthetical appeal to their vehicle.
Number 13: Lowering kit
If you're looking for a ride that sits lower to the ground without compromising ride quality, then you should invest in a Lowering Kit. Specifically, the brand Rough Country has a reputation for producing high-quality lowering kits. Rough Country's kits can include hardened washers for durability, N2.0 Series rear shocks, and leak-proof piston seals. There are various kits out there, so do your homework before making a purchase.
The installation should be a breeze though some minor cutting and drilling may be required. Rough Country Lowering Kits can also require a rear axle flip. This is definitely the mod to buy if you're looking to change the look and feel of your Silverado by lowering it closer to the ground.
Number 14: Side step bars
A Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with side step bars below the doors. Photo: HJUdall, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 This multifunctional mod is perfect for a number of reasons. For one, it gives your Silverado a mean, aggressive look. Second, it adds an easier way for you to climb in to and out of your Silverado (especially useful if you decided to use a lift kit). Finally, side step bars also act as a type of "side armor" that can provide additional protection from the road while you're driving.
It's recommended that you go with stainless steel side step bars. You need something that's durable to stand up to the constant pounding of feet as you climb in and out of your vehicle. Also, you should want something that'll last for a long period of time. With easy bolt-on options and standard mounting equipment, installation can be quick and easy.
Sources (3)
- Superchips F5 Flashpaq for GM, part 2845: 1999 to 2016 Silverado; 2.8-inch screen; tunes and adjustable parameters. superchips.com
- Superchips F5 Flashpaq for 17+ GM, part 2847: 2017 and 2018 Silverado 1500 gas. superchips.com
- GM introduced Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation in 2005 on the Generation IV small-block. en.wikipedia.org
Photo: HJUdall, Wikimedia Commons, CC0; Photo: RL GNZLZ, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; Photo: Gearheadgirl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
