Chevy Silverado - Continued V

rgould22

Jim
You have the classic dual use problem. The 2500 w/6.0L would be your better choice for your towing application. Everything is beefier. But the 1500 is all you need the rest of the time. You didn't say what your trailer will weigh. The 1500 can only go to 8700lbs I believe. If you can afford the extra cost I would go with the 2500. There is a posting elsewhere on this board about MPG.

werking

ryan
ok, let us know which one you approve of:

selection 1 (limiting freedom of speech):
"Only 4 door talk should be that someone ACTUALLY has one in there driveway. Besides it is getting boring in here no one has anything good to say anymore."

or selection 2 (endorsing freedom of speech):
"I dont care what we talk about its a
free country you know"

if you could clarify that, we'll all sleep better tonight...thanks
kyle

ps. ryan, i'm just pulling your chain, bud. trying to get you torqued up a bit to make the time pass a little quicker...no hard feelings, eh?

ryanbab

I go for door #2

What did i win????

Ryan

kanton

For you guys that have used these gadgets, what do you think of them? I was looking to get a little more performance out of the 5.3, especially now since it has bigger tires on it. I have already done an exhaust system and an Airaid, but I want a little more rather than regearing the axle to get my original ratio back. Does the Powerstat actually do what they say it will do and is the HPPIII easy to use? Can you customize the programming? For example, can you reprogram for bigger tires and do the Hypertech power programming at the same time? Any light on this subject will be appreciated. I will have time to consider, the HPPIII is not available for the y2k models yet. Thanks.
Kyle

mgdvhman

was the way to go for me..

It just rides better even when not hauling.

Think this way....You can't buy too much truck...(if you feel you do...at least what you need is there!)
..but you CAN buy too little...(and there is no cheap way to make the power and capacity you need be there!)

You will sacrifice MPG by about 3 mpg...but is it worth it for how much heavy towing you do?

You have to be the judge of that...

For the price difference...get a 2500 if you are unsure....and if you can handle the loss of mileage

Go drive them both...if you can find a 3/4...

Good Luck

Check other topics devoted to this comparison...and the 6.0 MPG

- Tim

afs11

I ordered a 1500 model. I have a small trailer & don't need the 3/4 ton pickup. You get the 4L80 transmission (if equiped with the 6.0 & Trailer Tow Pkg., you get the transmission temp. gauge). You also get better brakes.

Good Luck,
AFS

vince4

The 1/2 ton will likely pull the trailer just fine. It will not do it as well as the 3/4 ton though. If your trips are long with full people loads and mountains then lean 3/4, if not then 1/2 is okay. Towing mileage will probably be similar (10 mpg), the big loss is with no load. As Tim said, about 3 mpg (13 vs. 16) in combined driving, and about 5 mpg at the very high end (15 vs. 20) going 55 mph on flat land.

My Dad pulls a 25' trailer with a mid 80's Jimmy (the full size 1/2 ton one) with a 350 and he says it does fine. Now his "fine" and mine may be different but it gets him there.

To make this decision you must drive both. They ride differently, look different, and have slightly different options.

mledtje

Check out topic 1091 for more information on this subject.

Basically, if you need the capacity, get a 2500.
If not, your choice.

5.3 15-20 mpg

6.0 11-15 mpg

The 2500 has a heavier frame, heavier suspension and brakes, HD transmission, heavier axles, etc. It weighs about 800 lbs more than the 1500.

Mike L

ryanbab

SO we are starting the 1500 vs 2500 debate now i think my topic was much better. haha IM JOKING just thought id add some humor. I gotta make an appeaarance each day u know. How bout we start a new topic 1500 or 2500 with how many doors??? I think i may have started a bad thing oh well

Ryan

mgdvhman

a topic doesn't stay true to it's title??

Now That's a first...

Who cares?

We are having discussion here.

Anyone care besides Ryan?...I don't...

Roc?
Quad?
GW?
TP?
Rwag?

Anybody??

- Tim

etoh

Thanks for the input. At the moment I am leaning towards the 1/2 ton. Here's why (in my mind anyway)

What I really want is a 3/4 diesel. I don't mind spending the extra dinero for the better (for lack of a better word) engine. In return I get more torque, better mileage, etc. etc. A big plus is that in my neck of the woods diesels are in high demand. Resale on them is huge. But, the dodge looks stupid in short box and the long box won't fit in my garage. Ditto with fords. I just can't see spending 33K for a truck that I have to leave outside all winter (it gets cold here) and all summer (it gets hot here). Who knows when the new diesel chevy is going to get here and I'm not real comfortable with first run vehicles anyway. So, the most logical option is to buy a 1500, use it for a few years, and then trade up for the diesel. That 5300 will do everything I want it to and give me better mileage as well. A lease may be an option but 500 a month and no equity don't seem right either.

Any comments?

rwagoner

What topic?

Let's not pick on Ryan TOO much.

I had a chance to look closer at a Tundra the other day. I still can't figure out why they lift the bed off the fram like that. It DOES indeed seem to give aslight bit more tire clearance, but I can't figure out why they did it that way. Funny, though, that it just looks so small after driving my vastly superior (is it ok to say that) Silverado. With three doors. Actually four, if you count the hood. Five if you also count the tailgate. SIX if you also include my shell door. SEVEN if you count the center console door. You know where this is going ...

Richard

werking

doors or not? thanks

kyle

ps. tim, i'm offended you didn't ask if i care.
pps. no, i don't care...i just like rattling ryan's cage.

wang2

and don't forget the fuse box has a door, too! 9 doors! Wow! Resale City!!!

Ryan: Don't let 'em get you, Chief!

Tim and Rwag: You guys kill me! Too funny!

Scottay: A Beetle? A Silverado? huh?

What happened to codename "planejane"?

Now... about those fender flares!


Later - It's WAY past beer-thirty in Atlanta.

Bryan

turbo211

Sounds like there are some pretty smart truck guys in this group so here's a question for all of you. I'm planning on getting a 2000 or maybe a 2001 4WD LS w/ Z-71 offroad package. I'd like to put a lift on the truck and upgrade to some beefier tires also for some good back country driving. Two questions of concern : 1 I've heard that putting a lift on a new truck will void the warranty on it. Is this true and if so, is there any way around it? 2. How does changing the tire size affect the operation of the transmission? Does this screw up the axle ratio enough to cause damage? Any answers on these questions would be appreciated. Thanks.

turbo

rwagoner

The overhead storage doors (3) along with the one that covers the lighter. Oh, and the CD area door.

I don't think the fuse block counts, though. It actually pulls completely off...

ryanbab

I dont care what anyone says it doesnt bother me. I know its all in good fun No hard feelings here. I can handle my own im a big boy

Ryan

moudry1

The fuel door.

etoh

Thanks for the input. At the moment I am leaning towards the 1/2 ton. Here's why (in my mind anyway)

What I really want is a 3/4 diesel. I don't mind spending the extra dinero for the better (for lack of a better word) engine. In return I get more torque, better mileage, etc. etc. A big plus is that in my neck of the woods diesels are in high demand. Resale on them is huge. But, the dodge looks stupid in short box and the long box won't fit in my garage. Ditto with fords. I just can't see spending 33K for a truck that I have to leave outside all winter (it gets cold here) and all summer (it gets hot here). Who knows when the new diesel chevy is going to get here and I'm not real comfortable with first run vehicles anyway. So, the most logical option is to buy a 1500, use it for a few years, and then trade up for the diesel. That 5300 will do everything I want it to and give me better mileage as well. A lease may be an option but 500 a month and no equity don't seem right either.

Any comments?

leavy

Chevy small block guru John Lingenfelter said in the 1998 issue of Vette magazine that the program on the LS-1 equipped 98 vette is "real close to being the ultimate as far as performance goes".

Keeping this in mind, how different could the programs be for the 4.8 and 5.3 litre engines? Given, it's a vette and it's probably tuned hot, but oth engines have aluminum cylinder heads and composite intakes, both blocks are dimensionally alike with the exception of bore size and what the block is made of. Both have powder metal rods and six bolt main bearing caps, coil over cylinder ignition and I think are within 30 or 40 hp of each other.

So, my question to all of you out there who bought a HPPIII for enhancing engine performance, has it worked? Because I can't see buying a $300 computer for maybe 10-15 hp. Maybe for speedo recal or relocating a shift point, but not fractional gains in hp like that.

m1685

i had a 95 z71 that had 265s on it, and i went up to 285s, around an inch taller. The transmission worked fine, but it shifted sooner than normal. Right when you needed a little more speed, the gear would change. i then obtained a new module, not a computer chip, that repogrammed the transmission timing and speedometer. After that, everything was back to normal. I cant remember who made it, but it was around a $100.

mgdvhman

Werking..

OK....You care??

As for list kit....yeah the dealer is going to say you can't....but yes...he has to prove it was the cause of X problem.

And for doors....ALL the ones mentioned are STILL bigger than ANY door on the tundra!!

LOL

(Even the fuel door!)

...There is a cover like that opens for the air filter....kinda like a door??....and how about that Brake reservoir?....

HOLD ON!

There is the ashtray too!

...and all these people want only a 4 door?

What's with that??

- Tim

mgdvhman

topics always go on and off the subject.

They will never be exactly what you want to talk about..

If not...stay silent and it will change..

Speak up and cry...and people will dog you all day..

Now...

...Last time people whined..(Trucklover/Zbad..etc)

I guess they couldn't take it and are long gone..

..although Zbad may be in disguise?

Hopefully you stick around.....Just kick back and relax....enjoy the scenery....
..and how many more days until you place the order!!????

heheheheeeeeee

ryanbab

Im not going and hiding. Why would i go hide i enjoy reading the posts even if it sounds like i dont. I really do. So dont worry u havent got rid of me yet.
HOW MANY DAYS??? Well hmmm Its dec 18 today and i plan to order March 18 so do the math itll give u something to do. Thats the last time i am talking about this seriously.
Ok i have a real question.
For all the people who have a reg truck with the P265's what brand tire came with your truck?

For all the people who have an ext cab truck with the P265's what brand tire did ur truck come with?

My theory i have noticed is that reg cab's come with good year and ext cabs come with firestone any input on this?

Thanks

Ryan

alwysl8

Saw a picture of the new 2001 F-150 SuperCrew today and even though it is a Ford, it still looked pretty good. Reportedly promised for shortly after the first of the year (where have I heard that line before) it will be listed as a 2001 model. Never have figured out how a vehicle coming out in Jan or Feb of 2000 can be a 2001 model. Does anybody know if GM's new full 4-door on the drawing board is based on the Silverado or SUV platform? I still say GM is still cutting with a dull knife in the cutting edge design/functionality game.

ryanbab

Only one i have seen is the avalanche. People here have been saying it comes out 2001 i believe. Scroll back up maybe 20 posts and there is a pic. Scortch posted it. Hope it helps

Ryan

eadeneris

I need help in putting together an order for a 2000 Silverado LS. Does anyone know if you order bucket seats with the console without the "dual media" cassette+CD does the center console extend all the way to the dash, and if not do you still get the cup holders in the dash that swing out?

I really want the center console and the extended overhead console, but do not need the tape player and like the floor space in front of the console where the tape player would go. If someone has this combination, I would like to know. My dealer just gives me a blank stare and say's "we don't order them that way".

Thanks in advance for an info, Evan

m1685

You sure can get a console without it extending to the dash. Just do not order the dual tape/cd radio option. It does come with the swing out cupholders too, plus you get the floor space. I loved having the dual tape/cd in my 95 z71, but i also had the floor space to put oddball things. i myself would not want to give up all that floor space either for just a tape player.

storch

Actually, if you order the extended center console and no tape player (the tape player is in the console instead of the CD player now) you just get another open cubby hole to stick stuff in. I have seen a couple like this on the lots.

Kevin

storch

After thinking about it more, I'm pretty sure that ordering the buckets gives you the small center console and overhead console. Then, if you add Autotrac, you get the extended center console. Whether you have a cubby hole or tape player depends on choice of stereo. If you look at the options list, the dual media requires the Autotrac option. Hope that was clear.

Kevin

storch

I have the same theory about the 265 tires. Have yet to see an extended cab with Goodyear 265's, but have seen regular cabs with them. Anyone out there that can prove me wrong?

Kevin

turbo211

Thanks for the info. Kanton and M1685. Here's another one for you (or anyone else). I noticed that in the Silverado brochure, it says a manual transmission isn't available with the 5.3L engine. Do you think there is any way to get this combination through a factory order? I really enjoy driving a manual transmission and I also really like having the extra horsepower available (I also have a 96 Z-28 right now) with the 5.3L. I can't decide which is more important to me - the manual or the 5.3L. It would be fantastic if they made a 5.3L with the manual transmission. Anybody have any comments or suggestions on how to accomplish this or which currently available option is better? Thanks in advance for any info. you can offer

turbo

teaboy022

HEy All

Thanks for all the comments and answers you all have given me. I love my truck, no problems at all and it is sooo Badass!

Chevrolet Silverado LS Reg Cab Sportside 5.3 liter
Locking Diff Indigo Blue...

absolutely love it... Engine is so powerful especially in my reg cab truck.

Ryan... I never answered your question about where i live... im in florida no need for the 4wd
if I was in the snow i would get 4wd but everything here is flat and i rarely go off road.

To all considering buying a Chevy...Do it!

~Teaboy~

swobig

Believe Cadillac is comming out with a crew cab pickup to compete with the Lincoln Blackwood, but have not heard anything about Chevy or GMC. Maybe the reason they are having problems with flexing in the 4 door trucks is that there real doors. I'm sure if they had 1/2 size doors like the Ford, they'd have no problems. I like the idea of a 1/2 ton crew cab, but I'm not to hot on Fords 1/2 tons and engines. Still, I think I'd prefer a extended cab (like the Chevy) with a decent back seat, and a 6 1/2 foot bed. I think I miss that foot chopped off by the crew cab, but maybe some wouldn't...

ryanbab

STORCH- So i see u share my theory i guess great minds think alike. I think the theory is true i will have an ext cab with the good years trust me.

Tape Deck- The tape deck is now in the floor (u know what i mean not the floor but the middle console). Oh this sucks we need to elaborate does the CD player still come in the center if you get the LT or is the cassete there.
Finally someone (Evan) brought up something new about the silverados thank you very much.

Ryan

vince4

The 2500 comes with a manual trans and if you get the light 2wd you can have a 5.3L. Does anyone know if you can have both at once?

leavy

I had the same dilemma as you with the manual trans issue, until I drove a Silverado with a manual trans.
Now, both cars I've owned since I've had my license have been stick shifts, and I've always been a firm believer in "rowing my own gears" for many reasons. 1). It's fun as hell 2)Better gas mileage 3)Slightly better performance, etc. etc.

I had planned on ordering a 5-speed Silverado at first, but I figured I'd cruise the lots and see if any were around. I've been to over 10 dealerships multiple times in various areas and have seen all of 3 stickshift Silverado's. I drove 2 of the 3, one was the 4.8l reg. cab longbed base model, and the other was the 6.0l 3/4 ton reg. cab longbed base model.

I wasn't thrilled with either of them. Shifting is not quick, like it is in your F-body, the synchros seem to take their time in engaging the gears. Both transmissions had a whine to them, and in my opinion, a good word to describe the shift feel is "rickety". I've also heard bad things about the light duty 5-spd from this site and a dealer mechanic.

Then I drove a 2000 5.3l auto trans reg. cab stepside Z-71, and I was really impressed. Plenty of power, whenever you need it, as well as silky smooth shifting.

So I'm sitting at a stoplight with a car in front of me and the salesman sitting next to me. The light turns green, the car in front of me starts to move, I pressed the pedal down less than 1/2 inch (more like 1/4") and I barked the rear tires. Suprised the hell out of me, I had no intention of doing it.
I figured, well, it must not have a locking diff.

It did.

Anyway, turbo I suggest you drive both manual and auto before you make that decision.

I never thought I'd drive an automatic until I hit atleast 40, if ever....

mgdvhman

Swobig,

Yeah..I agree...6.5 is the shortest I'd want a box too in a truck. These new crewcab type short boxes will be so popular...perhaps it will speed up getting my next ext.cab?....or slow it down more cuz the crews will be all they want to make?

leavy,

"rowing your own gears" sucks in a truck. What's the throw of a truck shifter?.....2...3...4 feet?
(Just kidding)....but yes...it sucks.
Todays autos are fine. For a performance car..yeah...I have one...but for a truck or other car...Automatic for me!...(even way before 40!)

It sucks sitting in traffic with one for a while...first..second..third..Oops!..gotta slow down..clutch..coast...stop...first second...stop..first second..third...WOW!..we got into fourth!...oops...traffic is slowing down...clutch..coast....second...hope for faster speed..nope!!....traffic slows....clutch..first..

You get the idea....and forget about enjoying eating/drinking/or answering the phone comfortably.

Only time I really like a stick...is in a performance car...under wide open throttle..feels fun controling that that way...every day when not racing...hell...I just might get an auto next time.

In case you didn't notice....I think Manuals Suck!

...I'd had my share of using them....and that's why I form this opinion....I drive it fine...just hate them to death.....

There is no need for them.

Gotta run

- Tim

swobig

I also think todays trannies have come a long way. I remember the 3-speed auto I had in a few vehicles - didn't like 'em. But now Ford has a 5 speed auto in the Explorer, and I'm sure it's just a matter of time before it works it's way into our trucks. Performance, mileage, etc., is more similar to a manual. Of course they cost more, but like Tim said - trying to answer your phone while shifting is a pain - not that I've ever done that...

werking

turbo -
i can only speak to the 1500's as i did no research into buying a 2500. i believe the reason you cannot buy a 5.3L manual is that the torque generated by the 5.3 manual would damage either the frame or driveshaft (or both, i can't remember which) remember, this is on the 1500. i agree with the other posts here reference the auto vs. manual also. i've driven nothing but manual trannies in the 10 years i've been driving and thought that'd never change. but like tim said, it gets to be a pain to chow down a burger or drink a cup of coffee, etc - especially in traffic - and have to shift also. god knows how many wrecks i've come close to causing trying to slam a cup of coffee into a cup holder without looking (in the process burning myself) while watching traffic and trying to downshift rapidly too. bottom line, thanks, but i'll just rely on putting my foot on the brake to stop from now on. plus, the auto trans has all the get-up and go you should need with the 5.3L. if you need more, you might want to consider getting a sports car instead of a truck. exclusive tow/haul feature on the stem creates higher shifting rpm's also, so loaded down passing shouldn't prove to be a challenge.

radios -
all i know is that i got a credit for telling them i wanted a cd player with the head unit and no tape deck at all. o/w, if you order both the cd player and the tape deck, they give you the "remotely located" cd player. i don't have any tapes anymore anyways, so i decided to keep that extra couple hundred $.

kyle

storch

Ryan- Yes, even on the LT, the tape deck is in the center console now. Drove one like that last week.

Werking- Did you get an LT with out the tape deck? I have no use for it and would rather have another cubby hole for stuff. Let me know if this is possible since the dual media is standard on the LT.

Kevin

volkej

Well, I cancelled the order for my Silverado today. I ordered it 8/28 and it was finally built 11/2. I was told by the dealer that delivery should take 10-14 days after it was built. A couple of weeks ago GM said there was a shortage of rail cars so delivery times had been extended. Today I was told there was a quality problem with the truck I ordered. I told them they could keep it, I don’t need those kinds of problems.
I haven’t ordered another, I’m not sure I will. Maybe I’ll wait for the 2001 models. I told the dealer if he could find one exactly like the one I ordered I would take it, they’re scrambling to find one. I don’t expect they’ll have much luck, I ordered a loaded LS without the AutoTrac – I don’t think they make too many of those.
I asked the salesman what kind of quality problems would take so long to correct. He said there were any number of things that could go wrong, but he said the most common problem was having Chevrolets built with some GMC parts (evidently they’re built on the same line) and that was most likely the problem. The second most common problem (in his opinion) was trucks that had serious engine malfunctions. Whatever the reason, I would prefer the one I buy to be right the first time.

ryanbab

WITHOUT THE AUTOTRAC????? Why wouldnt u spend the extra $300 and change for that option? Its a great option no need to shift in and out of 4 wheel drive its great when its raining put it into auto and no worry about slipping. If i was you I would seriously change my mind and get it with that. Why dont you want it i dont know your reason but to me its a no brainer.

And yes Tim my dads 2000 blazer has the autotrac thats how i know, i used it in the rain and it worked great havent tried it in the snow yet but i assume itll work great. Im still shaking my head thinking why a person wouldnt get the push button 4x4. I havent even seen a truck on the lot with the manual 4x4 to tell you the truth last one i seen was at the chicago autoshow 2 of them had it. Your spending almost 30 grand for a truck why not spend the extra couple hundred dollars. That is more confusing than calculus.

Ryan

z71bill

When I first started looking for a Silverado I wanted the manual shift 4x4. I decided on the LT so it can with autotrac standard. I am glad it did. Put the truck into auto 4x4 when the road is wet and forget it. The shift from 2 to 4 wheel is so smooth you do not even hear or feel it. The only thing you do notice is fast acceleration with no wheel spin. I would not order a 4x4 without this feature.

cccvan

is anyone else concerned about the seatbelts being directly anchored to the seat instead of the upper frame of the truck as in other brands.

Comments:?

volkej

I live in an area of Kalifornia where the total rainfall is 12-14 inches a year (what’s snow?), so I didn’t feel that AutoTrac was needed. I figure if I get into situation where I need 4x4 I’ll just push(pull?) the shift lever.
Not only that, but AutoTrac hasn’t been around that long and I’m not sure of it’s reliability over the long term. I’ll bet it could be very expensive to repair.

unixgod

Calculus is easy! What dirivitive or Integral confuses you?

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

volkej

I have a friend who, along with his wife, was sitting at a stop light in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. He was rear ended by a brand new Ford Expedition going about 50 mph – the driver was trying to figure out how the CD worked. My friend said he saw the Ford coming, but expected him to slow down. He looked away for a moment and he again looked in his rear view mirror just as the Ford was coming through the back of his Jeep. The next thing he knew he was lying on his back, still in his seat, in the back of the Jeep. The collision tore both front seat backs loose. The impact pushed the Jeep into the on-coming traffic lane. My friend had the presence of mind to grab the steering wheel, pull himself up, and steer away from that lane.
The point I’m trying to make with the above story is: If the seat belts were attached to the seat (as in the Silverado) he wouldn’t have been able to pull himself up and could have been hit head-on by a car coming from the opposite direction.
The thing to hope for is that Chevrolet has considered all the possibilities and has built sturdier seats.

vince4

GM isn't the only one, Dodge also has integral belts.

rwagoner

Just read an LA Times article today mentioning that seats with integral belts are the ones that are stronger and actually survive far better for rear impacts (5-10 times stronger) than the seats designed w/out integral belts. The seats have to be strong enough to survive the impacts the belts/aachors must survive while seats w/ external belts fail by falling back and injuring the person in the back seat (among other problems). A seat belt doesn't do much if the seat doesn't stand up to the collision.

In real-world conditions, the integral belts stay out of the way far better and are generally easier to reach. That is actually a valid selling point.

Richard