1999 Chevrolet Silverado
What does anyone know about the new 1999 Chevy
Pickups?
I am interested in one and want to know such
things as if they are getting the LS1 V8 , etc.
Pickups?
I am interested in one and want to know such
things as if they are getting the LS1 V8 , etc.
0
This discussion has been closed.
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that they have now its their fuel injector pumps
that they have to fix they are now on the fourth
re-design when my truck is not in the shop nothing
touches it on the road. Loaded down hauling a trailer over the mountains in Kentucky never overheated cruised past the big guys and still got
16-18 mpg. Its everything else except the engine
that falls apart!!
New engines-
4.8L v-8 255 hp
5.3L V-8 265 hp
6.0L V-8 300 hp!!! 350 ft/lb of TORQUE!! equal to Dodge V-10!!
Ive seen pictures and if you are thinking about a Ford or Dodge, WAIT!!!!! BELIEVE ME!! The GMC SIERRA is exceptionally great!
The C/K line will be all new, available this fall,
however, dealers will NOT be dealing for at least
6-9 months which brings you to about the 2000 model year.
The advice of one:
If your waiting, don't. Lease a RAM Quad Cab for
two years and then investigate the '00 C/K series. It'll have a model year of refinement, which it will most definately need and offer four doors.
look like crap, what are they trying to do ?
They have the best truck out there and now they
are going to ruin the looks of it trying to get
into that dodge/ford/s10/toyota look .. ... ..
If they change it like that, I guarantee that myself and my family will never buy a chev or
gmc again and we have been devoted followers all
of our lives !
Actually, the knock from many people on the new Chevy is that they did not change the appearance enough. Chevy has countered this argument by saying that it was there intention to not make the drastic changes that Dodge and Ford made. It still intentionally maintains the boxiest look of the Big Three. I'm guessing you were being a little sarcastic that you would jump ship on Chevy and buy a Dodge, Ford, or foreign vehicle based on body style alone?
I know you dislike Fords, but I am curious if you've seen the new 1999 Superduties that are replacing the 3/4 heavy duty and 1 ton models? The body style is significantly different from the new F-150 models. I'd be interested to get some constructive feedback from someone who would be starting off with a predisposed negative opinion rather than the typical Ford lover who is likely to favor Ford over Dodge or Chevy regardless of what changes are made to the truck. There is a good article with photos at www.truckworld.com that highlights some of the changes. The heavy duty line appears to be totally rebuilt for the first time in about 15 years.
I noticed in your other posting in "Chevy/GMC owners" that Ford doesn't even make your list. I'm curious as to what particularly really turned you off and why? Towing? Gas engine? Diesel engine? Durability? Payload? Off road? I've been a satisfied Ford owner for years, but I've also got friends who are satisfied Chevy and Dodge owners. My dad pulls a 35 foot fifth wheeler with his Ford 1 ton diesel and has no complaints, although the consensus from a lot of people is that the Cummins is the best diesel for the long haul. I've heard that Chevy has had some problems with their diesel, but they may have worked them out in the 1999 model. As for durability, I've heard that a lot of fleet owners won't prefer not to use the Dodge trucks because of past problems with body sags when hauling heavy loads on a regular basis. I've also heard of some questions of durability on the Dodges in consistent "off road" use. As for the Chevy, the gas engines and the overall durability of the trucks have a strong reputation. Ford does seem to have quite a few of the "best or first in class" rankings when it comes to towing and payload. Let me know what you think about the Truckworld article on the new 1999 Ford Superduties.
Torque 450 ftlb
This, combined with the laclk of styling change, will cost Chevy some sales. And GMC used to sell twice as many pickups as Dodge, now they self half the humber of Rams. Add the fact there is no big block for at least a year (they discovered the 454 doesn't fit under the new shorter hood, so they have to make a new engine), and the 2500s and 3500s are delayed a year as well, and GM will have only the novelty sales of a new truck to sustain them this fall. Dodge and Ford will be limited only by their plant space in terms of full-speed production for people who need a full line of trucks and engines that are available "now".
I wish people would stop confusing power availability to sticker price.
Ford still makes the most reliable truck for the price and it looks as though that FACT won't change for a LONG TIME. Chevy and Dodge will still be playing catch-up.
Take this advice from a disenchanted Chevy owner.
A truck is only as reliable as the owner is willing to make it. If there's a genuine defect in the truck, there's no reason to keep it. Otherwise, it's strictly maintenance and abuse issues that determine a truck's reliability.
As far as the truck itself, I go by the dashboard just as much as, if not more than, the exterior. I need to be able to see and operate all the gauges and controls comfortably and logically. Only Dodge has a simple pull-knob for the lights - one of the reasons I have a 96 Ram. Ford refuses to use numbers on the auxiliary gauges, just that stupid "NORMAL" range on the gauge face. And GM has not made a sensible radio face in 10 years.
The engine argument has merit, but at the same time, there are enough people out there now enticed to buy trucks who don't buy ENOUGH engine. No, a big-block or turbo-diesel isn't for everybody, but underpowering a truck is just as detrimental to performance as overpowering is to fuel economy.
I just think GM is really losing focus on the full-size pickup market. Ford and Dodge seemed to have done much better research, and are basically fighting each other for design, amenities, and features. GM is almost ignored by both of them as being uncompetitive in today's market. Their last splash was the third door, but everybody else now offers four. They were first with a diesel, but Ford and Dodge both offer medium-duty truck diesels that out-torque their V10s. Ford saw what a sales boost Dodge got from their 1994 design and responded with an equally radical truck in 97. On the other hand, you will easily mistake a 99 Silverado for a 98, especially from the front.
I seriously think the General just wanted to update the platform just so they can make more SUVs on them - the Cadillac Escapade was suspended until GM saw Lincoln Navigator sales; now they're scrambling to put chrome and leather on a Tahoe. It's no wonder GM continues to lose market share overall - they don't know what to offer the customer.
Oh come on! You bought the Ram because of the switch for your lights? HUH?!Your assertion that a six cylinder is not enough engine is unfocused and naive.We are talking about half-tons here;not heavy-duty's. I actually use my truck for my work and routinely put it through hell. My small-block Chevy V-8 eats more gas and puts the same amount of torque of a good six from a new Ford.
I am tired of macho guys who think they know engines for jobs and don't realize it is not the sixties anymore. Six cylinders are not necessarily the dogs that they used to be. I have heard too many tales of a Dodge giving out a flywheel or tranny when it shouldn't.
Dodge doesn't sell too many sixes because it is poor. Ford makes a six that is comparable to most small eights. Let's face it: most people that are buying Dodge today (who didn't years ago),are buying for simply "pretty" looks.
I'm not ashamed of my Chevy, I have learned from my mistake. Ford is on my mind.
Yes, I can admit that the headlight switch was a factor. Why should I have to waste time figuring out unnecessarily complicated controls? That's ergonomics the way it should be - have easy-to-use switches where you will logically expect them to be. And I drive a 3500 Cummins because I actually use that level of strength.
As far as sixes being dogs, the V6s today can't hold a candle to the old straight-6s. They were big, made plenty of LOW-END torque, and got decent mileage. The current crop of V6s are car engines that rev way too high to be useful in a truck. The Ford V6 that you seem to be so high on is a stroked version of the 3.8L V6 that's been in Thunderbirds since the early 80s. If it's so good, why does the Taurus/Windstar version make 200 hp out of 3.8 liters, while the F150 only gets 205 out of 4.2?
If you're only using a V6-worth of loading, you probably didn't need a full-size pickup anyway. If the 6 was that useful for commercial work, how come no one offers it in 3/4 ton trucks anymore? The standard engine for the 8600+ GVWR 3/4 ton trucks are:
Ford 5.4 V8
Dodge 5.9 V8
98 GM 5.7 V8
99 GM 6.0 V8
All mid-sized V8s. Trucks that work hard need engines that work hard.
It's not macho to buy a particular size and strength of truck - it's common sense if you know what you're doing. The age old rule of thumb for spec'ing a truck still works - "Pick the truck that will carry and hold the highest load you could possibly think of carrying, then go one size up."
You didn't really read what I wrote. I am discussing HALF-TONS! Where did I talk about heavys? Let me be more specific this time around to clarify our miscommunication.
I bought three C-1500 ext.cab w/8ft. bed trucks in 1996 which were leftover 95's. Needless to say, I received a fantastic price break in which money was a huge issue to my roofing-firm. All three are identical when the subject is function. At the time, I was convinced that 8 cyl engines were the only way to go when lugging men and equipment.
My point on 8's versus Ford's new six is easy to see when I show you the actual numbers:
my 95 5.0 V-8 Chevy's:175 hp,265 lb/ft torque
New Ford 4.2 V-6:205 hp, 255 lb/ft torque
Yes, my Chevy will work a little easier but she chokes on gas(going down hard). I lose a whopping 10 lb/ft of torque in the process. Now what is the difference? I guess you think I should get S-10's for roofing? Only 250's and up are for work? I have books to balance and money dictates Half-Tons and in reality, we are well-suited for them.
Small trucks would save on gas and sticker but we would chew them up in one year. Our Chevy's get 12 mpg compared to 18-20 mpg for the six of Ford. Would I get a six? I really don't know-- but as I said before: I won't buy an V-8 simply because it's an 8.
I really DO NEED a full-sized truck-huh?
If I came across against half-tons not being work trucks, that was not my intent. I just feel the half tons today are not suited for work the way they used to be - The GM 1500s, and the F150s in particular, clearly are shooting for the consumer market with stepside beds and trim packages. You have to dig deep to get a "working" half-ton, and in the case of the Ford, since they are now using non-standard CA dimensions, it's tougher to put on aftermarket equipment. The Ford's wraparound bedsides are certainly used on the assumption that you wouldn't remove the bed for a utility body. I'm guessing with a roofing firm, you use roof racks and bed cages. You could move that stuff from truck to truck in the old days - not any more. Even the light duty F250 uses a 7 lug wheel that no one else uses, limiting parts availability.
Ford could have just as easily made the 4.0L OHC V6 off the 5.4L V8, but there must have been a reason why (Ford will always say money) - it probably couldn't keep the rpms down to where truckers need it.
Interesting comments about engines, and Dodges, and Fords. But, what does this have to do with the 99 Silverado?
You are absolutely right. This subject is about the silverado and I apologize. Kcram and I should start our own subject! HA--what do you think Kcram?
Actually the 99 Silverado looks enticing but it starts to look like an S-10 if one stares long enough. My only hope is that Chevy re-evaluates their pricing.
I was actually referring to Chevy replacing their big V-8 (the 454, I believe) with the V-10. The 350 isn't going anywhere. I think Chevy's move to this fairly recent Vortec engine is an attempt to improve the efficiency of their V-8 engines, much the way Ford has done with their Triton line. But you would figure that they would make the same efforts as Ford and Dodge to improve the efficiency of their biggest V-8.
The latest edition of either Truck Trend or Off Road magazine features a Ford SuperDuty and a Dodge on the front. The article inside does a brief comparison and discusses the differences in the V-10 and some of the reasons for them. One of the benefits had nothing to do with performance. Ford said they designed their Triton engine with the idea of eventually building a V-10. The V-10 shares a high percentage of the same parts as their V-8 engines now. The 460 shared very few and had to have an assembly line of its own. I'm guessing that Chevy has a similar situation and see a cost benefit of replacing their big V-8 with the V-10. If you get a chance, you might stop by a Barnes & Noble or similar bookstore and peruse the article. It's not that long. I found it, kind of, interesting.
Power, speed, acceleration is addicting, whether you use it or not. Just looking at big trucks, fast cars just gives me a stiffy. I guess I was just being practical. I'll shut up now.
Amazing how these tangents crop up... Soon as you talk about one full-size pickup, you end discussing all three.
As far as the 99 Silverado/Sierra is concerned, I don't think it will do well. Exterior has very little change, the heavy-duty trucks and SUVs are still on the old body (anyone remember this tactic before from the General? The R/V series against the newer C/K series from 87-91?), and there's still no competitive engine lineup. The 454 is only available in the old body because it doesn't fit in the new one - DUH!
Calendar year 1997 sales has Ford outselling Chevy and GMC combined in full-size pickups, and Dodge sneaking up there at half of Ford's sales (when just 5 years ago they sold less than 90,000). The Ford and Dodge redesigns for the 90s were radical with outstanding innovations. Chevy is not doing anything that one of the three other lines (Ram (94), light Ford (97), heavy Ford (99)) hasn't already introduced or surpassed. It's just a "me-too" truck.
GM unloads nice engines but there is always a catch. The interior probably resembles my work trucks of 95 not discounting my personal S-10.
Silverado of 99 is a dissapointment fellas. Ford gave us a wake-up look at new designs along with the Rams. I'm from a Dodge area where no one bought their own trucks, but now everyone is getting a Ford or Dodge.You can't tell me GM doesn't notice.
The Ford engines employ "modern" overhead cam technology but they lack the power and torque of the Chevy and Dodge (V10 not included).
The Dodge engines are old gas hogs based on engines from the 60s but do deliver decent performance.
However, Chevy is totally redesigning their small block V8s based on the highly successful LS1 that is currently in the Z28 and Corvette (347 cu. in. I believe). GM claims better fuel economy and better performance (255hp from the base 4.8L V8 vs. the current 230hp 5.0L V8).
As for the big block V8, thankfully they are putting that ol dog out of its misery. But I dont think they are building a suitable replacement. The new 6.0L V8 will have 10hp more than the current 7.4L V8 and better fuel economy but people buy the larger for its torque and unfortunately the new engines cant match the 454s. GM should develop a V10 based on the LS1 and I think they will be ok
Just my small portion of the American dollar, approximately two cent!
Again, this is where GM is losing focus. Their trucks are still geared towards people who are going to customize, whether functionally or visually. Dodge and Ford offer work-ready trucks that can earn a paycheck right from the dealer's lot. Almost immediately, a GM pickup has to head to a shop for an upgrade of some kind to match the others. On the newsgroups, one guy was bragging that his Chevy 6.5 turbodiesel was not a dog as the rest of us contended. Then he revealed he had a full Banks kit on it. Meanwhile, the Ram and F trucks are heading for an oil change before his even gets on the road.
I'm no5 saying Dodge and Ford don't have their shortcomings, but the powertrain isn't one of them. Only the "car people" who are buying trucks because it's the thing to do will be happy with GM trucks off the lot - "truck people" who still long for a truck with the tank-like qualities of a 1979 model will get a truck with solid axles, strong engines, and high payloads. And a truck that *looks* new doesn't hurt either, as Ford and Dodge sales since their respective redesigns have shown.
Chevy has always put great engines under the hood. The problem is the rest of the truck. The new changes will not sway non-GM disciples to their legion.The conservative changes will keep the die-hards but without gain.
Guys that are after looks buy Dodge. Want a truck? Get a Ford.
GM has better wake up.
It's not a matter of car engine vs truck engine; instead, it's low-end torque vs. high-rpm horsepower. Trucks have no business turning 5000 rpm, while a car doesn't need a low range gear in the t-case to make it even slower while getting maximum grunt. This is why these engines have migrated to trucks - cars don't need them any more (except for the muscle-car group).
4.8L: 255hp@5,200rpm; 285lb-ft torque@4,000rpm
5.3L: 265hp@5,000rpm; 320lb-ft torque@2,800rpm
6.0L: 300hp@5,000rpm; 350lb-ft torque@3,600rpm
The 6.0L has 25 more horsepower than the Ford V-10 and equals the horsepower of the Dodge V-10, although it does it at higher rpms than Ford or Dodge. The bigger difference is noticed in the torque. The Ford has 410lb-ft and the Dodge has 440lb-ft, once again at lower rpms. The Chevy diesel is improved, but is still posting the lower numbers of the three with 215hp@3,400rpm and 440lb-ft@1,800rpm. Based on this info, the crowd that will be toughest for Chevy to win over will be the heavy tow crowd. Rumor has it that the big GM changes mentioned in previous posts for the heavy duty trucks may be coming out in the year 2000 model, which could mean late next year.
That 6.0L, according to GM, is not to compete with the V10s - it's a direct replacement for the HD 5.7-350 engine that is standard in current 2500HDs and 3500s. If you compare to the midrange V8 offerings, it's only 5 lb-ft more than Dodge's 5.9L V8, and the horsepower peak is some 1000 rpm higher. And I hope to hell that's a typo on the torque peak rpm on the 4.8. 4000 rpm to get max torque? That's ridiculous.
I see a lot of very disappointed GM fans when they see how bad their truck mpg is because of how far their right foot has to go to get power.
I grew up in, and inherited a 71 Chevy stepside from my dad that I blew away 'Stangs in high school with. So to me, I guess trucks were just a cheap way of having something fast without having to pay high pony car insurance rates.
Now that I have a family and home, I use my poor truck as a 235,000 mile work-horse. I'm starting to see the appeal of stump-pulling torque of the new Ford and Dodge V-10's.
Although General Motors is not known for building J.D Powers and Associates' quality leading vehicles,(leave that to Toyota and the upcoming T-150) I've known a 96 Ford crew cab deisel owner who had to replace his tranny 3 times within two years! And God knows that Dodge uses up all its funding to pay stylists large amounts to cover up the engineering flaws with pretty packaging.
But, I think Chevy may have something here, concentrate on features like: engines, new wiring systems, transmissions, and brakes while not packaging it in a "love it or hate it" wrapping.
KCRAM does have a point that maybe only "car people will buy it". After all, the Ford sales success is probably based 90% on F-150's with the smaller v-8's while the V-10 and deisel will only account for a small portion. Chevy may be counting on droves of these same "car buyers" to equalize the playing field.
Counterpoint:
At the risk of shooting myself in the foot here, I must acknowledge that small block Chevy V-8 power isn't everything. Case in point, just look at the Pony car wars. The V-8 Camaro and the Firebird absolutely kill the Mustang in any race, in any weather, and in any trim level, i.e. Cobra for less money. And yet, year after year, Mustang sells more cars. Now GM is thinking of discontinuing these cars in 2001 due to low sales. Bummer!
KCRAM, Yes it is, indeed, easy to get off on a tangent!
Alchavez