Alright, I don't actually have my truck yet but i plan on getting it very soon. It is going to be a 2002 or newer Chevy/GMC RCSB with either a 4.8 or 5.3. Here is what i plan on doing.
Volant Intake
Custom Exhaust 3" in 3" out Magnaflow
Transgo Shift Kit & Servos
3.90 gears
and of course a Nelson Tune
Does this sound like a good start?

 

Excellent! After that, save up for long tube headers, converter, cam, and some spray!

You've definitely been doing your research. Good luck.

 

very nice, sounds good to me. also why your in the tranny replace the accumulator piston. are's are weak and tend to crack since their plastic.

 

Very good start. Try to find a 5.3 (harder to find in a RCSB). They are much more responsive to mods. But at least get a V8 no matter what.

 

your best bang for the buck will be to start with a 5.3

 

just a thought,

weigh out your options between the price of
1. a 2002 or newer
2.a 99 or newer
exremely high milage truck (like leased company trucks)

with the $$$ you save on 2. put in a 6.0 and 4L80 and
go from there modding your truck until you reach what
you would have paid for option 1.

just another angle to look at it from
either way it sounds like you are on the right path

 

Thanks for all the input. What exactly is an accumulator piston?