chips?exhaust? 94 blazer

[soundwaves]

Ive just aquired a 94 blazer 6.5, and are looking to start the mods. The chips offered by SSD, 40hp and 80hp, is the difference really that great. Hows mileage? The trucks used for puttin around town, towin boats, and everything in between. dont have to much of a heavy foot but I like to drop the hammer every so often. Also, the exhaust by SSD, whats needed to modify to get the correct fit? Im a welder by trade so it should be within my grip, I hope.
thanks pete