Modding a GMC Sierra 2500

[travellingtechie]

I want to start off by saying this is not my primary vehicle. I have a Triumph Street Twin and a Nissan Leaf that are my primary forms of transportation (plus a bike and an electric bike, and an electric truck that is currently a project). I plan on putting a hitch on my car to use with a small trailer for most loads. But, sometimes you need a truck.

So my plan is to make quite a few modifications do it, It’ll take me a while, as I have many other projects I’m working on too. Here is my beginning list, I welcome any thoughts or suggestions.

Aerocap
(I’ve already partially made one out of wood)
It’ll be hinged at the front, with legs to hold it open (and maybe a canvas attachment to convert it to a tent).

Dual Exhaust
I need to figure out how much of an improvement this will make, as it’ll require relocating the gas tank to the bed.

Rear wheel covers/better tires/rims.
Maybe front wheel covers too

Undertray or air dam
With the high ride height, I think smoothing out the underside would make more sense than an air dam.

Front Grill/bumper
Not sure what I”m going to do here yet.

Remove engine components
replace fan with electric
remove alternator, replace with battery w solar/plugin charging
remove AC, replace with?

Auto stop/start
No idea if this is even feasible as a mod.

Any thoughts or suggestions for other mods are welcome.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by travellingtechie

Dual Exhaust
I need to figure out how much of an improvement this will make, as it’ll require relocating the gas tank to the bed.

Considering how exhaust backpressure may be relevant regarding low-end torque, which is often more useful than power for a truck like yours, I'd take a dual exhaust with a grain of salt. Having to relocate the fuel tank would be another matter of concern.

Undertray or air dam
With the high ride height, I think smoothing out the underside would make more sense than an air dam.

If you manage to get the air dam and underbody tray integrated, this may be worth.

replace fan with electric

An easy mod which usually leads to great results, and the engine getting up to its operating temperature sooner is also advantageous.

remove alternator, replace with battery w solar/plugin charging

Removing alternators is something I always take with a grain of salt. Would it be out of question to either fit it with an underdrive pulley or switching to a smaller-capacity alternator?

remove AC, replace with?

In my country, it's not unusual to see commercial trucks with a swamp-cooler instead of an AC.

Auto stop/start
No idea if this is even feasible as a mod.

Possible? Yes. Just don't expect it to be so easy at all, unless you're good to work with electronics.

[freebeard]

Welcome to Ecomodder.

remove alternator, replace with battery w solar/plugin charging
...
Auto stop/start
No idea if this is even feasible as a mod.

ecomodder.com: Controller mods or build for E-assist altermotor

This would replace the alternator and starter, and enable braking regeneration. I don't know if the guy in Costa Rica got his working.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

This would replace the alternator and starter, and enable braking regeneration.

The suitability of a belted alternator-starter is another reason why I always take alternator deletes with a grain of salt

[travellingtechie]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Welcome to Ecomodder.


This would replace the alternator and starter, and enable braking regeneration. I don't know if the guy in Costa Rica got his working.

That's fascinating. I've never heard of replacing an alternator with an e assist module. Another option I'll have to look in to.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by travellingtechie

That's fascinating. I've never heard of replacing an alternator with an e assist module.

IIRC this was the very same tech applied to the first hybrid Silverado, even though only the 1500 had been offered as such.