Performance specs on Chevy/Ford/Dodge

chandler1989chandler1989 Member Posts: 6
Does anyone know where to get performance
information on Ford's, Chevy's and Dodge's?
Info like HP, torque for each different engine
size. I've always been a Chevy fan, but I would
like to know the facts before I buy a new Chevy
pickup.
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Comments

  • nrd525nrd525 Member Posts: 109
    You can get this info off of any car website including edmunds,or the manufacturers.The Ford 5.4 is supposed to be 10 HP less than the GM 5.3,but it's not even close,from what I could see on my test drives.
    But in my opinion,the Ford was ok,the Dodge was tolerable,but the Chevy 5.3 was great!I ended up buying a 00 GMC Sierra(I like the dealer)4x4 4dr short bed ten days ago.It runs great,is faster than a Ford by a noticable amount,and WAY quicker than the Dodge.Drive all three,it's not really even close,sorry Ford guys..
    I liked the looks of the Dodge better,but it came down to the GM for two reasons,the bigger cab,and the MUCH stronger motor.Mine is getting stronger everytime I drive it..
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    that the GM engines really get stronger as they break in. it really seems like a big difference, like %15. should be kept in mind when test driving.
  • RoclesRocles Member Posts: 982
    cdean,

    You're stating to sound shrill. All that gushing over GM...;)
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    well, maybe its only 5%
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    16%!!

    Stick that in your pipe and smoke it Roc!

    LOL

    - Tim
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    I've seen it in a couple of posts in different forums where people have made the comment that the 5.3 seems to get stronger with a few miles. Any group of owners want to confirm and consolidate that here? so we can make Roc have another 6 pack this morning.
  • chandler1989chandler1989 Member Posts: 6
    I did test drive them all and the Chevy kicks!
    I also was able to get every specification off of Chevy's website. Dodge's was OK, they gave you some stats. FORD doesn't list a THING. Is this due to there lack of power?
  • bigsnagbigsnag Member Posts: 394
    Ford's web site absolutely sucks. It is a joke. Their engines are not, however. You guys might want to look at some independent dyno's of these engines. The Ford is the strongest throughout the RPM range in every test I've seen. The seat-o-the-pant-o-meter has fooled many people on many occasions. You might want to consider rear-end gear and tire size when comparing quickness, as well. A 4.10 gear will make a 6 cylinder "feel" punchy.
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
  • RoclesRocles Member Posts: 982
    cdean,

    Oh...How silly of me. Gosh everyone, Chevy motors gain 15% in hp after break-in. That is why they don't list it....er....oh...it's not true? Yeah--give me the "engineer/mechanic" experience from your Dad's company but don't tell me 15%!!

    Tim,
    Dunkel affects the brain more than Miller...
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    I agree that Ford engines are good, but these independent dyno test (especially the one by pickuptruck.com) leave a lot to be desired. Pickuptruck.com left out and put some faulty numbers in some of their results. I agree, the seat-o-the-pants meter can be wrong, but when you blow Ford after Ford after Dodge after Ford away - there's something else there. All I'm saying is something doesn't add up...
  • quark99quark99 Member Posts: 136
    What Dodges (must be Rams) have you been blowing away?
    What motor/tranny combo you got?
    Curb weight on your truck?
    I'll give you a run in my little QuadCab....
    What are the specs on your truck? I could believe you've got a better 1/4 mile time, but 0-60?
    My stock specs-
    Dakota Quad 2wd with 4.7l (235 HP, 295 torque), multispeed auto, lsd, 3:55 rear:
    Curb weight: 4150 lbs
    0-60: 7.4 seconds
    1/4 mile: 15.84 at 87 mph
    Skidpad: .77
    I gotta believe a regular cab Dakota with same motor/tranny as mine is the fastest stock midsize/fullsize truck (1/2 ton or smaller) besides the SVT Lightning. Even the R/T Dakota with the 5.9 /auto is slower than my truck, which is why everyone's buying the new 4.7l.
    Happy racing! Hope you had a good Holiday weekend-
    -quark
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    but I'd be willing to take on a Dakota. I test drove a 4.7L Dakota and it's quick, but it would be close. BTW, I have a 2000 Silverado, Ext. Cab, 4X4, LT, with the 5.3L, 285 tires, Gibson exhaust, Airaid, Granadalli (sp?) MAF sensor, and Hypertech, among other things. But even stock I was able to whip these things. I don't run it hard often, but I believe it's good to stretch it's legs once in a while. Happy hauling...
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Roc, most of what i say is seat of pants feel, do have some legit proof that GM uses "computer limiting" until the truck is broken in. a couple friends of mine bought '98 C/K trucks brand new. for about the first couple of thousand miles or so, if you floored the accelerator, the truck would always upshift at 4800 rpm. But sometime later on, (no one really noticed about what mileage the change occurred), the shift point permanently changed to 5300 rpms (when floored).
  • RoclesRocles Member Posts: 982
    cdean,

    Really? That's pretty sneaky of them...only by dealer or can any mechanic do that?
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    I guess we'll just agree to disagree. Just got off the phone with a buddy named Mike who works for Desert GMC in Las Vegas. And not to be rude but he laughed at your post about the computer re-flashing or re-programming or whatever you want to call it by itself. He is a mechanic there and he said you're welcome to call him on it.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    i never said it reprogrammed itself, and didn't say anyone touched it.

    I DIDN'T QUOTE ANYTHING.

    I'm just saying that it was noticed that at first the engines would not rev past 4800, and some time later, they would rev up to 50 something.

    I am a mechanic and engineer, i don't need to call anyone to make me feel better.

    if what my friends quote is true, the logical explanation would be that in the program, there is just a rpm limiter (just like speed limiter) that expires after a certain number of miles.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    also, my point about the engines 'feeling' stronger is not meant to be related to my story about the ?RPM? limiter. not trying to connect the two.

    the fact the new engines start feeling stronger after a while could simply be a product of break-in.
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    "whatever you want to call it." And no, it doesn't have a mileage or time or any feature to change shift points based on those parameters. Sorry if I offended you in not allowing a false belief to be started.

    Spouting credentials doesn't make people right. Man, some peoples egos.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Mod
    There is a big difference between reprogramming/reflashing or hitting a limit. so if thats what you told your friend, thats not what i said.

    There is LOTS of proof that folks in the public and in this forum know LOTS more about these trucks than some of the mechanics, managers, and salesman.

    Spouting off some friend working at a dealership that could be the janitor for all we know isn't any more credible than what I said. No wait, its less credible, because i'm an engineer.
    Unless you like accountants, financial consultants, or Roofers(!) to design your cars, computers, homes, and bridges.

    Sorry if you think I have an ego. I have an engineering and mechanic career, but apparently you're background makes you much more knowledgeable about engines and cars. Ask you're all knowledgeable encylopedia friend why the engines pick up more mileage and power with age than previous generations of engines. We're all dying to know his answer. I step aside.

    Tim, I'm done here, you wanna pick up?
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ..you did just fine..

    - Tim
  • quark99quark99 Member Posts: 136
    If you're a bowtie fan, you can't be intelligent...so why argue about it.
    (Like two monkeys fighting over a banana...)
    "I have an engineering and mechanic career.."
    huh? Do you mean you have an engineering and mechanicAL BACKGROUND? You're, your, which is it?
    Do you have a bumper sticker that reads "I are an engineer"?
    Even us dumbf- Dodge Dakota guys know that the majority of new engines are built with extremely tight tolerances-hence the rise in performance and economy after the 1st few thousand miles...
    As far as a rev limiter that magically goes away....well that would be an example of idiot-proofing, wouldn't it? Is that specifically aimed at the GM market?
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    Hey Quark, do you have the new multi-speed auto in your Dakota? And if so, do you have any complaints with it so far? Had a 96 Dakota ext. cab 2wd, 318, that had all kinds of tranny trouble and wonder if this new one is any better...
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    what else can I say? Good job.

    Cdean, the bottom line is he said it doesn't do it. Now if a computer changes a function based on a timed event without any outside programming; what do you call it? This is a serious question with no sarcasm intended. BTW I read the 12 year GMC tech. your post verbatim and I'm sorry if he hurt your feelings by laughing.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    I would love to see the things you guys could accomplish together.

    Quark. I was mechanic-ing on everyting from car engines to 1500 hp diesel industrial engines since I was old enough to pick up a wrench. Went to college and got a degree. Now i'm an engineer. Did I stop being a mechanic? You just keep on keeping Mod happy. however that is.

    Mod
    if a computer changes a function w/o any outside programming IT IS CALLED PART OF THE PROGRAM. Please email me, and i will write you a sample code of how a vehicles FACTORY INSTALLED software can do it.

    where did you hurt my feelings? You were hypocritical in Post 16 and 19. and I proved it. And you never answered any of the technical challenges or questions I asked you. Can you answer them? I said early on this was my educated guess. So you're friend laughed at my guess. if he exists.

    I asked Trucksrme and he laughed at you AND he laughed at Quark99, too. i'm really sorry about that. I didn't mean to try to be a jackass. I was simply trying to hide my jealousy.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Tim

    So what was your mileage increase in the last 10k miles? Power any better? 5%?

    Oh, next time you get in one of your favorite past-times in those Tundra topics, I have some advice i recieved from an old friend: "Never argue with an idiot. They'll drag you down to their level, and beat you with experience."
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Mod, forgot to mention a do-loop. one of the basic building blocks of every program. Know what it is? and maybe how it could apply to this situation? Maybe Quark knows. Or MIke, Yes, Mike would know....
  • bigsnagbigsnag Member Posts: 394
    I don't doubt for one second that it is possible to program a car in such a manner. In fact, I know it can be done, but don't you think GM would have told people about this, if they did it? Maybe with the shifting you described, it's more of a thing where when the engine gets some miles on it, it gets a little looser, runs a little better and since the engine is putting out more hp, the tranny doesn't shift until a higher RPM. It is possible for the tranny to be able to tell how much torque the engine is putting through it. Wadda ya think?
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Actually, Bigsnag thats a very good point that I did not think of. Yes the engine can definitely detect the torque, thru the performance specs of the torque converter.

    Why would GM tell customers their engines were going to do it? I don't think they would. That seems like one of those behind the scenes things the customer shouldn't care about or HAVE to think about. Look at all the worried folks around here about their new engines. this feature would make the engines a little more "worm-proof".
  • quark99quark99 Member Posts: 136
    cdean-Touche. I stand corrected. No insult intended, just wanna have fun. I'm sure your experience outweighs my limited do-it-yourself wrenching.....It would be interesting if the theory of a ECU that adjusts/learns after so many miles to protect itself proves out. Please pursue your sources/resources until you get a definitive answer..doubt it's as simple as a "do-loop", though...perhaps a hard-wired function that is activated at a certain mileage.
    Related question-Does GM offer aftermarket "performance computers" like Mopar does for their vehicles? Have some experience with the Mopar units, but because they all require switching to premium gas am hesitant to add to my truck. It's a little different with a Neon-who cares about paying $2 a gallon when you're still getting 30-38 mpg...also, please educate the this GM-impaired quality engineer from CA...does the new GM line of truck motors require 5-30W oil, due to tight build tolerances
    thanks, quark
  • bigsnagbigsnag Member Posts: 394
    Those are good points as to why GM wouldn't tell people. I guess my thinking was that people like us would notice then sit around talking about it, and those worried folks might plug up the service bays at dealerships from being concerned about nothing.
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    You're way over sensitive and obviously don't post what you mean. Maybe if you did it would make a great difference.

    Post # 14 you say "I have legit proof." nothing about a guess.

    Hypocritical and you proved it? Maybe vocabulary isn't a prerequisite for engineering. How was I ever hypocritical? Argumentive? Maybe. Curious about origins of "legit proof" absolutely!!

    Answering your technical questions? I saw one and I thought it was answered already.

    Dude, it's obvious you have an ego and if you worked hard for your pieces of paper maybe you have a right to be. You never hesitate to put in your two cents when you think someone is wrong but get really defensive if someone questions your vast knowledge. "The best truck for logging" was a perfect example of you getting your feathers ruffled and you were wrong.

    I'm not here to "brag" about degrees and act like a know it all. I'm here to learn and see others opinions. And I will question those I don't agree with.

    BTW your little plea to Tim really shows your true........ Never mind, have a nice one and I'll try not to converse on your hallowed facts.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    don't worry Mod's post......(I think your previous theory applies here??)

    I'm not sure about the increase in the last 10K or not? I drove almost all highway that tank...but usually drive a lot anyway....was it due to that?..or has mileage gone up?

    I have also been messing around with Octane lately....used to always use 93....even with high prices and one day I was ticked about something...can't remember....and put in 87....then 89 for another reason...then 93....then i was talking with a service manager about Chevelles....and next thing you know we are talking octane...

    He said to use 87 as the book says....I said 93 seemed to give better power...he said it was designed for 87 and using 93 is not letting it run right and possibly clogging the injectors in a round about way...

    I am going to use 87 for about 6 tanks and let it adjust and see how she runs...

    I had about 1000 lbs in the back last night....and i could swear it seemed lagging sometimes....even dry on highway passing and entry it seemed a little off.....is it my mind just knowing 87 is running?....or does this puppy really like 93?

    I do notice an overall power increase feeling....but perhaps It's due to just using it harder as the miles go on?

    I'll let you know

    - Tim
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Quark, thanks for being civil. You're right, its more than just a do-loop. but to the point, it can be done. I really don't think any technicians at our disposal, less an actual GM engineer, would know the true mechanics of it, if it even exists. I've met one GM shop manager who knew everything, he WAS the factory. he left, and his replacement doesn't know anything.

    I don't know of any GM computer upgrade product. I didn't know Mopar did that. Yes there are aftermarket ones, but they are not GM made.

    All new engines have been requiring 5W oil for several years now. Its partly because of tight tolerances, but not totally. basically the lubrication systems are now designed for 'flow', where as in the past they used to be designed for a viscosity. I use 10W here in the South, since 5w looks like water. Yes, general rule of thumb is tigher tols=lighter oil.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Tim,
    I would definitely use 87 octane. thats what the book says, then thats what they were designed for. basically with computer advanced timing, there's no need for hihger octanes. i guess except for the folks that are having knocking trouble.

    Mod
    You are correct, I mislead in Post 14. When i said "some' legit proof, i should have said maybe. yes, you do need a vocabulary as an engineer, but not here at Edmunds. :)

    I get defensive when I think i'm right, not cuz someone thinks i'm wrong. I'm only wrong on days that end in 'y'.

    Sorry if I get under your skin dude, but I am me, and have been for a while. no one else has a prob. I don't mind anyone questioning my posts. thats how I learn and other people learn too. But when you use backhanded comments to do it, then it really shows your true........ oh never mind. i'm at your level again.

    BACK ON THE HIGHROAD!
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Roc

    I am very disappointed in you! I made slight of hand joke about roofers earlier and it did not even elicit comment from you! Scared you'd get something slung on you???
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    If you took my posts as backhanded comments, I apologize. The truth was/is I tried to be diplomatic by apologizing during the posts for questioning you. Your computer comment intrigued me and I went to a person who I thought could validate it or dispute it. That is all. If he commented the other way I would have posted that also.

    I will admit I take things that people say as what they mean in a literal sense and that does get me in trouble.

    Take it easy.
  • RoclesRocles Member Posts: 982
    cdean,

    No. Rather, I was reading the responses and I was ready to bite on yours at post #20 until I followed up to here. Sorry, I was at qualifying today down in Dover. (It's great to be boss.)

    The problem about a roofer-designed vehicle is that ladder racks are standard. Yes, even for a Neon. ;)
  • lariat1lariat1 Member Posts: 461
    It is possible to set the ECM to allow the engine to run differently at a given RPM I know for a fact that this is done on Skidoo snowmachines and it would not be hard on a truck all you have to do is write an algorithm and have it flashed into the ECM your ECM gathers information from many things in your truck such as RPM,Speed, and engine temp. If you set the ECM to move the RPM limiter and adjust the timing at a certain mileage the ECM will do it. Hope this helps.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Lariat1,

    Are these all preset aftermarket products, or is there a product that actually allows you to tweak each given parameter? I could see potential liability problems with the latter.
  • lariat1lariat1 Member Posts: 461
    If you are interested in tweaking your ECM I believe Hypertech makes a "blue box" that will connect to your OBDII port in your truck that will allow you to adjust timing, RPM limiter, Speed limiter, and correct your speedometer for changes in tire size. It is amazing how much stuff is controlled by the "computer" in a vehicle. The computers on todays vehicles are not programmed to let the engine run the best it can the manufactures use the computers to "de-tune" the engine to help the engine and other components last longer. The Dodge Ram with the Cummins is a perfect example if you adjust the ECM it is possible to get something like 300HP and 600ft-lbs of torque. If you are interested in the "blue box" I know they are available through Performance Products you have to order their catalog though to see them I cannot find the programmer on their website but it is right here in front of me in their ford catalog.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    I have a 350 in a one ton Chevy thats listed as heavy duty service engine...unfortunately that means the engine is derated 5 hp and 10 ftlbs of torque, i think. I scratch my head at this reasoning, but it is right there in the GM literature.

    I never could justify the $100, but I do have slightly oversized tires on the truck, so i guess that could give me another reason to buy the dern thing.

    One thing I DON'T want to do is run only Premium gas. i am very hesitant to change thermostat to 160. Are these absolutley necessary with the Hypertech??
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    settings for 87 and 93 octane gas. I only run 87. I don't know if they have this option for the 350, but they do for the new generation engines...
  • meredithmeredith Member Posts: 575
    After 30 or more days of inactivity....

    this topic is being "frozen." It will be archived or deleted in the next 10 days or so.

    Front Porch Philosopher
    SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
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