So I have a stock 2004 Avalanche 1500 with 156,000 miles and I am looking for help deciding what performance mods to do. I want acceleration not top speed and I also want a good sound. I do not want the stock 4 wheel drive capabilities to be limited by these mods because I go 4 wheeling around twice a month but nothing crazy. My budget is around $3,000. I have looked at the other posts and people seem to think that an intake, exhaust, and tune are a good way to go. I am thinking of getting Doug Thorley Tri-Y headers, a Comp Cam (I dont know which cam is best for what I want), Stage 1 CNC ported heads from Total Engine Airflow, and Yukon Gears (either 4.56 or 4.8. I am going to be doing all the work myself with the help of some friends. I also am fairly new to the performance world but I want to learn. I plan on running either open headers or running true dual strait pipes out the rear (possibly with glass packs). I would like to know if a tuner is worth the money and if anyone thinks there is a way to get better horsepower and torque gains for the same amount of money. Also, what is going to break first on a modded avalanche I'm thinking maybe the trans (i have the crappy 4l60e), rear end, ring and pinion, u joints, and possibly the yoke I am open to any suggestions. Any help is greatly appreciated.