2016 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 gets a mild styling update over the previous model, with standard LED lighting and unique grille designs depending on the trim variant. The standard engine is a 4.3-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The V6 pumps out 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque and is available with rear-wheel drive or a four-wheel drivetrain. Meanwhile, the Sierra 1500 SLT and Denali have a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The V8 motor is optional in the Sierra 1500 base and SLE trims and comes with a six-speed automatic, but higher trim variants with the V8 have a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. If you want more power, GM's 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque (with an eight-speed automatic) is optional on the SLT and Denali. The Sierra 1500 is available in regular, extended, and crew cab body styles with a 6.5-foot, 5.8-foot, or 8-foot long bed.
Affordable Power Upgrades
The 2016 GMC Sierra's 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine is perfectly suitable for accepting some go-fast performance mods. It's easy to realize stout power gains by installing a high-flow set of exhaust headers. More specifically, the LS/LT engines love long tube headers with larger diameter primary tubing. Big, full-length primary tubes are tuned to flow the exhaust in specifically timed pulses, ideally preventing the exhaust cycle of one cylinder to interfere with the pulse of another. Further, this has a net effect on scavenging, which is the ability for the exiting exhaust to leave behind a low pressure area, helping to draw and accelerate the next exhaust emission down the tube. For best results, long-tube headers do require a corresponding re-programming of the ECU. All said and done, a nice set of long tube headers can net an easy 30 horsepower.
Updated Interior
You don't need to spend much in customizing the interior of your 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. Without question, the Sierra offers more luxury, comfort, and refinement than its Chevy Silverado stablemate, but installing a few basic interior mods will further elevate the custom look and cabin refinement of your rig. Aftermarket seat covers and seat protectors will do wonders in preserving the stock interior of your truck, especially if you frequent the job site or spend most weekends in the wild outdoors. With so many styles to choose from, the main focus should be on the material used. Polycotton and polyester are the two most common choices, with the latter exhibiting excellent water-resistant characteristics. Neoprene is another frequently available material, which offers a more plush feel than polycotton or polyester covers.
Rugged Styling
The 2016 GMC Sierra may be posher and more luxurious than Chevy's Silverado, but it doesn't mean it's not capable of playing rough. The Sierra is as talented as the Silverado in off-road driving, but there are a few mods to consider to make your truck more capable of handling rougher terrain. There are many benefits to installing an aftermarket off-road bumper. Durability is one of the main reasons Sierra owners are making the upgrade as most feature a heavy-duty steel plate construction with low-profile designs. Off-road bumpers will improve your rig's approach and departure angles while providing better protection against wayward tree branches, vegetation, and other off-road hazards. Moreover, aftermarket bumpers have standard mounting points for LED light bars, auxiliary lights, tow hooks, winches, and other recovery gear, making it almost effortless in equipping your truck with the necessary equipment required for any given terrain. Of course, the styling element is hard to ignore as off-road bumpers will instantly give your rig a more rugged, go-anywhere vibe.
