[cherokeexj]

Guys

Need to try to get just a little bit more HP and torque to help with towing my camper. Figured a cat back would work best.

I have an 03 Safari AWD.

Is a kit the way to go and if so - which kit?

If a kit is not an option - what pieces are recommended?

This is my wife's everyday van do the tone cannot be extreme.

Any info you can help me with is appreciated.

Thanks

Rob B

 

[JeepDaddy]

Forget the cat-back, a cat-forward is your best bet.

Bolt those pipes up to some 5.7 manifolds and that will take care of that problem. You will need to remove the 4.3 and put a 5.7 between those manifolds to complete the process.

 

[Astrophysics]

Exhaust mods do make the mufflers loud. As a first line of easy mods, you should maybe try the K&N freer flow airfilter and
also make sure the van is tuned up of course. make sure the tires are aired up to specification, (35 psi or so)
Unfortunately the axle ration is 3.42 not 3.73 on our late model 2003 AWD AStros the lower axles would have made towing easier but the soccer mom usually is more concerned about better mileage and the 3.42 does give maybe a quieter freeway cruise since it turns lower engine rpms's

an easy trick to get a slightly overall gear ration for towing is to nice set of new tires get one size less in overall diamter of the tire.

you could go from the 215/70-16 OEM tire to a 225/60-16. but tires are tricky, check the max load capability and buy good name brand tire etc.

I also have a 2003 AWD Astro with 81,000 miles. I was intending to tow our 2,500 pound Chalet pop up A frame trailer.
but I am still using my old 1994 G20 V8 full size van for the tow vehicle. The AStro does have the tow haul selector on the shifter and you should also put tranny in 3 rd gear not Overdrive when you pull.

You should also install an auxillary transmission cooler . The factory tranny cooler lines on the passenger side (ie right side of the radiator)

The other lines on the drivers side are the OEM factory oil cooler lines.

***************************************************************************************

OR

remember if you don't tow that often just drive slow and enjoy the trip .

Astrophysics

 

[meetthespeakers]

Gibson makes a good bolt-on catback thats fairly mild in tone IMO. I also have the drop in K&N Filter, but I don't tow anything, so I can't say how it will perform in that department.

 

[cherokeexj]

My 03 has the 3.73 gearing (option). I also installed a trans cooler, corvette servo and the RV shift kit from Oregon Performance.

I do use the tow option when I tow my 18' Trail Lite Trailer.

I know that this van will never be able to tow my trailer in really hilly areas, but was just looking for a little bit more "oomph". I do have the inbox K&N filter installed too.

I know it was suggested to drop a V8 in - but that is just not possible at this time.

The Gibson exhaust looks like a high quality piece - and I am just trying to determine that the cost of it justifies the performance gain.

:usa: ROB :usa:

 

[totm12]

rob, hope you can catch this...i too have an 03' astro and tow a 26' trail cruiser....i put the volant cold air and granatelli mass on but it took the gibson cat back system to really get some horsepower out...it made a BIG difference...well worth the money...ski

 

[meetthespeakers]

They have a few different Gibson catbacks for the 03 Astro, side swept, dual sides, dual side swept, stainless, etc. And free shipping over $50. I got the one that was for $360

http://www.speedyperformanceparts.com/p ... +1588+9858

 

[SSAstro]

if not get a magnaflow 3" in 2.5 Dual out that fits the fullsize pickups and then go to ur local exhaust shop and have two pipes made a local place here did mine for 120 fully welded mandrel bent stainless pipes plus 40 extra for tips

 

[totm12]

cherokee, have you done anything yet?

 

[cherokeexj]

I installed the Gibson side exhaust - coated system this past weekend. My wife thinks it is a tad loud - but I think it is great. Going to tow my camper with the new exhaust on this Sunday to see if it helps at all.

The install was easy. The hardest part was going to the store and buying a new metal saw-zall blade.

I do admit it was pricey but it looks like a well built system.

ROB

 

[totm12]

hey, rob...about time!!!!! yes, my wife thought it was a bit loud too...but then i told her " i think we are getting better gas mileage"...it seemed to work...give it a try!!! ha ha..let us know how it worked after towing the trailer....

 

[Hank]

My .02 is get the stuff from HPTuners... http://www.hptuners.com

Not only can you tune a whole lot more hp out of your 03 but you can change all your shift points, TC settings, pressures, lockup, slip, etc.. for both tow and haul modes. The best part is you can kill/back off all that torque management crap that kills your performance during shifts.

I'm towing a 5000 lb travel trailer with my 03 AWD. It is like a whole new van

Look at this link for more info http://www.hptuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11225

 

[cherokeexj]

Well I am back from my trip. I am not sure how much it helped. I think it helped out a tad. The weather outside was 90 degrees and I am sure that did not help out the situation. I used the tow/haul mode and the in-cab noise level was definitely louder than with the stock exhaust since my RPMs were up more than with just stock driving.

I may still consider the cold air kit and Granatelli.

ROB

 

[Hank]

Rob, honestly don't waste any more cash.

Get the hptuners stuff and reprogram your ECM and TCM. It is not some crummy handheld like hypertech.

Picture this blowing by you at 75mph and getting 11mpg.