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1999 Chevrolet Silverado
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Now that the strike is over, unless another one springs up, it will be interesting to see what kind of quality and performance the '99 Silverado will have if we ever see one at a dealer.
The dealership manager I talked to actually got to drive a new 1999 Extended Cab and absolutely loved it. The new engines had much more torque at only 1,600 rpms vs. the old 350. He said they have more pulling power off the line with the much flater torque curve. He also said the 4800 is more than enough power and expects more sales with the new 4800 vs. the 5300 which costs $700.00 more in retail costs. You can get the 4800 engine as standard equipment and just add either a 3.73 or 4.10 rear axle ratio at no cost for added pulling power. The torque has minimal difference between the two engines unless you really expect to be pulling most of the time with the truck. Then and only then opt for the 5300 engine.
Tom
P.S. it was the 5.3 and it had plenty of balls for its size.
the ne 1999's being some jewels? Do you think
that the product quality will not be satisfactory
or what?
I honestly don't think GM or the UAW will gamble with the quality of the new trucks. Quality has been rising on all GM vehicles for years, despite all the strikes they have had.
Why the heck is a fourth door important to some people anyway? The Silverado's cab is over 3 inches longer than Ford and Dodge. I don't know about you, but I would rather have people riding back there have a little room to stretch out and get in on one side of the truck then have them get in on both sides then kissing there knees while there riding in it! And the new powertrains......they look like they are going to be real sweet!
Make mine big & blue, Chevy!
I think the UAW is actually much happier now than before the strike. They won, and they're the ones putting the trucks together. I don't think it will be bliss forever, and GM still has to downsize, their is just no way around it, but they built one hell of truck for this fall. i just wish they weren't so slow about it.
Who needs a fourth door when three will do,
especially since it is the first year for 99's and GM
might screw up the third door design like they
did with some 1998 third doors' structural integrity. I think GM needs to perfect the third
door first before they start putting four on. As
far as downsizing, GM (GMAC) cut my job two years
ago, and I haven't been happier since leaving that rat race with [non-permissible content removed] non-union pay! GM needs more
Indians running the show and less managers sitting
on their _ss not doing one thing. That is one of
GM's problems. You wonder why GM's production is
so low, they don't have enough workers to produce
the new trucks.
Tell that to the people involved with designing the 3-door Ford Windstar. When Chrysler introduced their 4-door mini-vans, Windstar sales went right into the crapper.
Bob
You may be right about the Windstar. Sure, If I had a family and only would want one vehicle, I would probably go for as many doors as I could put people in. To me the most appealing aspects about the new trucks are the engines. Sure, Ford & Dodge came out with all new styling.....but dropped the same old engines in their new, restyled trucks. GM on the other hand came out with a more traditional look (which builds more on the good looks of the old truck) and a whole line of new engines.
I just don't see why having 4 doors instead of 3 on an extended cab pickup would be on the same level as minivans. 2 different markets.
RichinKs
you can't get a big torque engine in the silverado because it's a light duty truck. chevy's heavy duties won't get redesigned or new engines until next year. so if you want a big block, go with a 454 or diesel in the '99 C/K 3/4 ton or 1 ton. it is the same body style truck as the '88 to '98 versions. granted the bells and whistles are much nicer on the Silverado. the 6.0 liter has more horsepower and torque than the 350 it replaces, and lots of low-end torque, so you probably won't find it lacking as much as your current engine.
Chevy is going to have to have some diehard fans to make up the ground from the strike and the price difference.
The biggest problem I have seen is when people tow in overdrive or pull a heavy trailer that does not have its own brakes. (Farmers in Central California frequently pull their tractors on trailers with no trailer brakes. 9 out of 10 pickups doing this are 1/2 tons) Granted a 3/4 or 1 ton would be much better, but these guys are trying to pinch pennies anywhere they can and the 1/2 tons stand up to the punishment.
I'm pulling a 5,000 boat with my '98 Chevy 1/2 ton and it handles this with ease. However when I disconnect the trailer brakes, I see a big difference and would want a 3/4 ton. As long as the trailer I pull has its own brakes I'm fine. I've yet to determine how much weight I can comfortable pull. My truck is rated to pull a 6,500 lb. trailer. The 5th wheel trailers I've been looking at are under this weight. I've yet to find a good discussion group to compare 1/2 and 3/4 ton towing applications. Maybe a new topic should be started.
RichinKs:
How heavy is the 5th wheel you are pulling and how long is it? I know alot of people who tow "pull behind" and 5th wheels with their 1/2 ton Chevys with the 350 motor. They do just fine as long as they don't pull in over drive. A 1/2 ton Chevy is actually rated to pull more than a 3/4 ton Chevy when both are equipped with the 5.7L motor and 3.73 gears. The 3/4 ton is rated to haul more in the bed though. The Chevy 3/4 ton with the 8600 GVWR rating has a stronger transmission, bigger brakes and a more heavy duty rear axle. Based on this the 3/4 ton should be rated to pull more but it isn't.
Why are you considering a 3/4 ton. Is your 1/2 ton not up to the task or are you looking for an extra margin of safety? I'm curious to know more about your experience towing with a 1/2 ton.
I liked the Ford F250 Super Duty trucks I have test driven but they were $3,000 more than a Chevy 1/2 ton with the same equipment. (this is based on paying $500 over invoice and a $750 rebate from Chevy) A Chevy 3/4 ton was within $200 of the Chevy 1/2 ton with the same equipment.
Chevy 3/4 ton ext. cab 4x4 pickups are hard to find and the who knows when the new '99 Chevy's will be available. I would expect the 1/2 ton to be a little soft on suspension,(do you have the Z71 option?). The motor should have enough power (what gearing do you have and do you pull in overdrive?) unless this is a very heavy 5th wheel or has a high profile.
Glenn2: I've heard on this site to stay away from the Ford Superduty "shift on the fly" option. Also, the Ford Superduty 4x4 is too tall to fit under most if not all 5th wheel trailers.
Philwl: Sounds like you got a great deal on your new Ford. What kind of mileage are you getting and do you plan to pull a 5th wheel? If you are able to pull a 5th wheel, let us know how it works out for you as it has been reported to be a problem without modification. Also, do you have the shift on the fly option and if so, how is it working for you.
As far as towing with a 1/2 or 3/4 ton I have had both. The 1/2 ton was good for small trailers, but you can really tell the difference on the larger ones or driving in cross winds. The 3/4 ton has much less sway and you feel more in control.
The shift on the fly works great. Have had to use it a few times and no problems. They had a bad control module in the early ones, but any thing built after May should be fine.
I got my prices from Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) not from my dealer. Believe it though, they ARE that high.
Another example of Ford cost cutting is that they replaced the 460 with the V-10. The Triton line of engines was designed with the V-10 in mind. It shares a high percentage of parts with the V-8 and is built on the same assembly line. The 460 shared very few parts and required it's own assembly line. That is why the V-10 option only cost $285, well below the cost of the 460 option previously.
If you decide on a 1/2 ton, don't plan on getting a truck camper unless you are looking at a popup. Most of the hard wall truck campers will put you over the GVWR for the vehicle.
Make sure to factor in additional weight when you are looking at the fifth wheel trailer weights. The advertised weight of a trailer or truck camper are often "dry" weights of a basic trailer with no options. Start adding in the weight of options such as AC, generator, water in fuel in their respective tanks, etc. and the weight can increase significantly.
Alot of people say that a good rule of thumb when choosing a truck is to figure out what size truck you need to do the job you need to do and then get the next biggest. The most popular size truck for alot of RV users is the 3/4 ton. The move from a 3/4 ton to a 1 ton doesn't provide increased towing ability, so most users don't see the need to go with the stiffer suspension. The reason most people opt for the 1 ton is they need a higher GVWR for carrying a heavy truck camper, or if they anticipate putting a lot of weight in the bed.
If you're looking for a good site to discuss all issues related to tow vehicles, campers, trailers, etc., check out www.happycampers.com. They have a good BBS/Chat area with a lot of knowledgable participants.
I've heard that the GM V-10 will debut in the MY2000 GMC trucks. It will likely be offered in the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, similar to what Ford has done. It's my understanding that the Ford V-10 won't fit under the hood of the F-150.
There have been some problems with the SOF in the new Superduty trucks. Some trucks were shifting in and out of 4wd or they weren't shifting into 4wd at all. Supposedly the problems have been remedied, but I've still got my fingers crossed that I won't have problems. The SOF is a luxury.
The 4wd Superduty stands 81 inches tall (6'9"), so you won't be able to get it into many garages. Most parking garages will certainly be out.
This post doesn't talk about the new Chevy much, but everything discussed was mentioned in recent posts. As for the new Chevy, the new V-8s improve an already outstanding line of engines. The fourth door is definitely more convenient, but wouldn't be a deal killer for me. As for the structural integrity of the truck, it all depends on how much effort is put into the design. Ford claims that the four door in the Superduty Supercab actually improves the structural integrity of their cab.
www.happycampers.net
Look for the BBS/Chat bulletin board.
regarding Ford's price reductions, that % you gave was for the whole Ford product line. The average was skewed by the huge price slashes in the down-trodden Taurus sedan(-5%) remember when it used to be the number one selling car?. Meanwhile, the profitable cash cows (i.e. F150's) will be going UP in price by at least 1%.
alchavez
4 doors, be it a mini-van or pickup, simply means more convenience. A short 4th door on the driver's side makes life just a bit easier when dealing with groceries, tools, packages, briefcase, the dog, etc., not to mention kids. Think of it as frosting on the cake.
Bob
I'm counting on it!
alchavez
One question. . .Does anyone know what, if any, the differences in the Sierra and Silverado are? Is it just the name? Price?
- Liana
PS Please. . .Do not embarass yourself by saying you WERE a loyal chevy owner until now. If you were ever truly loyal, you would have NEVER even considered a ford.
I pull with a 3.42, and mine torque convertor unlocks on hills also. I'd say you need to go with a 3/4 ton with the 3.73. that much weight on the kingpin is just right at th limit for the half ton.
I learned from a couple of different dealers, that chevy's towing numbers are low balled for liablity reasons. from what i understand, they take their towing capacity, and advertise it at least 1000 to 1500#s less, so they don't get sued by some dumb *** doing 85 with 10,000# trailer and wraps it around a pole.
Liana,
I was curious about the 4.8 engine from chevy. i have yet to hear a report on it. did you drive one, or only a 5.3. i have heard and read nothing but great reviews about the power of the 5.3. I am wondering what the power of the 4.8 is, and what upgrade cost is, to go from the 4.8 to the 5.3. Oh, i think there are several differences in the Silverado and the Sierra. GMs goal was to differentiate Sierra to an up class, drive around town, kind of truck, with more inside amenities, than the Silverado. I suspect the Sierra will be a little more expensive.
Is there anyone else with a 3.73, 350 automatic. I'm surprised about the mileage numbers from cookie1. If that's true, i wonder how much it would cost to replace my 3.42s with a set of 3.73s. probably wouldn't be worth it at this point in my trucks life. curious, though, if anyone else had that set up.
I couldn't agree with you more! Unfortunately, most people go for style over substance. I don't think people dislike the looks of the new trucks, they just didn't think GM went far enough with the redesign. They forget that before Ford & Dodge restyled their trucks, GM came out with the redesigned C/K in 1988 and the style was a huge hit. Why would they want to mess with a good thing as far as the styling goes. What GM did this time around was improve powertrains, suspensions, brakes, and just about everything you don't see. Combine that with the timeless styling, you've got an attractive trucks.
I've been to several Chevy dealers here in Phoenix and not one of them have Silverados yet. Are you going to buy the one you drove Liana? If you do, let us know about it from time to time........
When I went to the dealer and drove the 5.3, it did have more power than the 350. I talked to the dealer to find out how much power is lost when you downsize to a 4.8. The new 4.8 has equivilent horsepower to the 350. In fact, when he printed out the invoice prices for me, to upgrade from a 4.8 to a 5.3, it was just over $750. The 4.8 are being made, but are not yet being shipped out. The dealer in Houston said that he expects to have a 4.8 on the lot at the end of September. I am going to go back then and drive one. I'm not going to be doing too much hauling and stuff like that, so I don't see the point in spending $750 more just to have more horsepower, when all I want is another 350.
Azchevyguy-
No I hate to say I am not going to buy the one I drove. The one I drove is what I like to call 'Lexified' (meaning too much like a Lexus). I don't think the truck experience is the same if you go all out with the electric seats and what not. That is a little much for me. I am a simple woman. Plus, I don't need the big engine. Don't get me wrong. I liked it a lot, but it is not a need. The only bells and whistles I am asking for is the power locks/windows, the cd player, and I might ask them to put some big fat all-terrain tires on it. I am in the process of saving the money to get one. Being in college makes it hard to save money. My intentions are to order one around february or march so I will have it in may or june. If all goes well with the test drive on the 4.8 that is the engine I am going to get. I will let ya'll know how it goes.
the 454 has been around a long time, but just the displacement. they've made changes to the block and they totally redid the induction system when they gave in the vortec treatment, plus re-engineered some of the internals for reduced friction, stuff like that. the result is a quite, smooth brute. i've driven a couple, and if i could afford the mileage, i'd love to have one. i drove a 4x4 crew cab automatic, that would bark mud tires in 2nd gear when you stomped on it. the engine has more power and the same fuel mileage as ford's v10. it lacks torque that dodge's v10 has, but more than beats the dodge in mileage. i would actually call the dodge v10 the antique, because, it actually has the least technical advances for the time. dodge gets their power from shear displacement, ford and chevy use more technology.
if you can find a 454 owner, you won't find an unhappy one. those engines run like scalded apes and last forever. if you really want to cover your bases for a long time, a big block would be the way to go. the 6.0 might be too small if you really get a bigger trailer.
thanks for the info on the differentials. too steep for me. i might just have to live with the "wish I would have"s.
which Houston dealer are these trucks at? i'd like to drive in, if i knew which dealer to go to. also, don't be so sure the 4.8 is equivalent to the 350. just because it has the same horsepower, doesn't mean it runs the same. the 4.8 doesn't have the torque of the 350. be sure to drive it before making your decision.
Stopped by Allen Young GMC in N.R.Hills on the way home. They had a new Sierra out front. First impression was it looked like a Dodge from the side and a Ford from the front. The front is REALLY different.
I went to Lawrence Marshall Chevrolet in Hempstead. I know that I saw a few trucks at one of the dealerships off of the Southwest Freeway (in Houston) out by Stafford. I'm not sure if they are test driving though.
I know that it is very likely that the 4.8 won't be exactly like a 350, that is why I haven't quite made my decision on the size of the engine I want for sure.
I have heard two reports:
1) The Chevy Silverado won't come out with a four door model until next model year (2000).
2) The GMC Sierra will come out with the four door model this comming spring.
Can anyone comfirm?
Was that you I saw broken down off the side of the highway in your Mitsubishi Mighty Max????
The small town Texas dealer where I drove the Chev. said that all of the area dealers are trying to go no lower than $1500 over invoice right now. But, if I wait a few weeks for the initial hype and hoopla to blow over, he said that I could probably order one for $300 over. I'll try hard to get it right at invoice since the GM holdback is 3% of MSRP. I really don't care whether or not I'm the first on the block to have this truck, so a few more weeks (plus another 6 weeks after ordering) is worth $1200 or more and I'll end up with exactly what I want.
BTW, I had a '92 Sierra Ext. Cab 2WD for a couple years and never had any trouble with it. Even got 18 MPG hwy (70+ mph w/ A/C on).
Front seat was the new 40/20/40 designed bench seat. The 20 part in the middle was very narrow and hard and does not move forward or back. A small child could sit in it but not an adult. The fabric seemed loose and the foam padding was lacking. I like the 60/40 design on last years model better for the front seat but like the extra room and seat back angle on the '99 back seat.
The third door did not fit well and I would expect it to rattle worse than last years. You can not get the front drivers and front passengers seats in power assist without going to buckets. Only the bottom of the seat moves up and down. Last years bottom and back of the seat moves up and down in the power seat. Cup holders in the front are similar to the design in the 1992 pickups and are shallow. Your McDonalds sodas will spill on a sharp turn.
Overhead console is now available with a bench seat. The fit and finish of the cloth seats was poor. For me, 5'10" 180 lbs, last years seats were more comfortable. Last years interior fit and finish is much better. Maybe this is the case only on these first shipments of new Silverados.
Can't get a CD and cassette with a bench seat on the '99 Silverado.
I didn't get to drive the truck because it was presold. The mechanic who prepped the truck said the 5.3L motor is very powerful from the get-go.
The next trucks this dealer will see will be in 2-3 weeks. With the way the fit and finish on the interior looks and the way the third door closes, it looks like it might take a few years for Chevy to get this truck in as good a shape as last years model.
I'm glad I didn't wait for the '99 Silverado. The '98 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 extended cab I bought over a month ago is a kick to drive. The Silverado, like most new vehicles, will have a few bugs to work out. I usually like to buy the newest model. But with the excellent reputation this pickup has earned over the years, I decided to go with the older model, a proven product.
The '99 Silverado looks great and does have a more roomy back seat with a reportedly great new engine. However, it sure felt good to climb into my '98 Chevy and pull away from the dealer with no regrets.
The rear seat is great for my family. I have three kids and during long trips it is definitly the premier x-cab truck out their.
Bottom-line, I have flip-flopped from Dodge RAM, to the Ford F-150, and I have finally settled on the new-model Chevy or GMC. I am impressed and completely sold on it. There are too many great things, they did with it, to mention here.
The only problem is I am going to have to wait for the 4-door model (possibly due out this spring with the Sierra). I can't see having to open the passenger side door every time you want to let the kids out.