In the local paper, Tom and Ray Magliozzi (Click $ Clack) syndicated auto writers had the following article:
"Dear Tom and Ray I am writing in response to a recent letter from the owner of a Dodge Dakota who wanted to add some performance parts to his vehicle: a K&N air filter, Flowmaster exhaust, performance chip, high performance plugs, wires, cap and rotor.
Your response was that if he added any of those parts it would void his warranty. Not only is that untrue, but it is illegal for a warranty to be voided just because an aftermarket part was added to the vehicle.
I have enclosed sections of the federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act for your edification. Cathy
Reply: We have to stand by our advice, Cathy. The Magnusson-Moss Act says a manufacturer may not deny warranty coverage solely because a customer has used an aftermarket part. But if the manufacturer determines the aftermarket part is in some way responsible for the mechanical problem, it absolutely CAN void the warranty. And many of the performance parts this guy wanted installed certainly could be blamed for future mechanical problems.
The Magnusson Moss Act is meant to protect a guy who goes to the Poky Lube down the street and gets a Fram filter instead of a "genuine Dodge filter." In that case, the Dodge dealer can't refuse to fix the engine because the guy used another brand of filter that meets the exact same specifications.
But if a guy puts on a free flow exhaust that lowers the exhaust system's back pressure, and then asks the dealer to fix his burnt valves under warranty, the dealer could certainly point to the modified exhaust system and refuse to cover it. The same is true if a guy puts on a set of humongous wheels and then tries to make a warranty claim for worn out wheel bearings. In cases like those, the manufacturer would have every justification for denying warranty coverage on those affected parts.
Sure you can always argue with the dealer, but you will probably have to take it to court to get satisfaction. And believe me, neither Mr Magnusson or Mr Moss is going to show up in small claims court to help you plead your case. And the dealer may very well win.
So we think avoiding "high performance" parts on new vehicles is generally good advice, Cathy. And we're sticking with it." end quote
As I mentioned, these guys are syndicated auto writers whose column appears in many newspapers. Just thought their advice may be considered.
So we think avoiding "high performance" parts on a new car is generally good advice, Cathy. Andy we're sticking with it.
fellas - i'm going out of town for the weekend, and i'd appreciate it if you all could hold all thoughts and posts until the evening of monday 3 july. that way, i won't have to torture my eyes catching up on the 100+ posts that i will have missed in the three days i'm gone. i mean, at least try not to get to silverado XV while i'm gone, huh? thanks and happy 4th to all!!!
dungeons and dragons, or my 1974 Toyota Celica, burnt valves would be a problem with an aftermarket setup. Todays aftermarket companies, K&N, Flowmaster, etc. have done considerable amount of research prior to allowing their product into the marketplace. If you thought about it, companies like SLP will work with you on any disputes with the manufacturer regarding warranty. Heck, SLP does the performance upgrades for the SS Camaro anyway. Especially when their parts are better than stock. If you read closely, they say," so we think avoiding high performance parts on a new CAR is generally good advice, Cathy". Well that explains it. We here in the Silverado topic are talking about trucks not cars... my $.02
dave1257 follow the link to Zaino...a lot of people have switched and are pleased with the results... ESPECIALLY those with dark colors...they have a full rundown on the product line and how each product works. I'll not try to explain as the owner does a much better job on his website...
Ryan Paid $430 installed for the 10" refunded $120 when installed the 8". Price isn't that great you may be able to do better...but hey, can't expect much from Circuit City. I used to do my own stereos but lack the patience for it. Would rather install a pair of headers anyday...
when test driving with the Chevy tech, he shared a story with me about the nerf bars he installed on his lifted toyota pickup. A couple of months after he installed the nerf bars, a van broadsided his truck at 35 mph. The van was trying to cross an intersection on a red light. Tech told me that the nerf bars saved his life as it acted like an additional bumper (you know how thin them toyota doors are). Anyway, truck was totaled and he ended up ordering a 2500 Silverado and actually waited nine months to get one. First thing he did? Install nerf bars...
While the others here have seen these pics a billion times....here is what i did to my 2000 2500 LT.
All shiny stuff is actually Stainless Steel. has a better luster and will not rust. The prices here are retail and can be had for cheaper at Auto Zone and places like that.
Indigo also looks very good with pewter bottoms and flares....very sharp. And personally I think Carmine is THE color to have....but 2 tone was not available for LT's and the only interior that would suit my taste would be Oak....and it was a puke fest in leather.....ICKK!
Click pics below for a bigger size....
Ryan,
what's this about you couldn't even dance the night your truck got scratched?....
MEN DON'T DANCE EVER!!.....UNLESS??.....HMMMMMM
..something you wanna tell us ace?
LOL
Actually the first 2500 I drove was a carmine LS with silver bottom and flares...looked damn good.
while yeah you can get in without them...( I can get in my buddy's 2500 Dodge without them)...they make it easier. If you have leather seats..(and maybe for cloth)...chances are without them you get in on the edge and slide over to the center of the seat...this will wear a seat out in no time at all.
In winter when the rocker is covered in crud..and you are dressed nice...you have less chance when you can step out...instead of jump out..to get crud on your clothes.
A woman will appreciate it when she has a dress or short skirt on.....My parents who are 60+ appreciate it...and with G-Ma..it's a must!
Up to you....but they don't hurt...
Look around....some people offer some really different alternatives than the tradtional boards and nerf bars...
redsilverao: Are you saying for example 5w30 engine oil flows/drains just as well and removes even more contaminates from the oil pan when the oil is at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 70 degrees, etc. as it does when the oil is at 150 degrees or 200 degrees, etc? I did not mean to confuse you and will attempt to explain to you with additional details. I change my own oil in my cars, pickups, tractors, etc. and have always, without exception, done it while the engine is hot as that is the best method as previously explained. To follow up on your posting #690 I would suggest the next time you take your Silverado in for an oil, filter and lube job that you tell the service manager that cold engine oil drains better and also removes more contaminates than oil that is still warm or hot as a result of the engine being run and that you want them to let your truck set on their lot for several hours until the engine oil gets cold. Another way would be to just leave your truck at the dealership overnight so they can change the oil the next morning while it is still cold. A smaller example would be to try pouring a quart of engine oil that has been left for several hours in cold temperatures such as at 0 or 30 degrees compared to pouring oil that has been kept in a building at near room temperature. Engine operating temperature compared to air temperature makes an even bigger difference and better example. Winter temperatures will illustrate this even better. It also applies in California, just more evident in colder climates during the winter months. Good luck. Sorry for such a long posting. Bob
well....in 2 years time I will have 40-45 K miles...and it makes more sense to sell it while it still has real value...plus..who doesn't like to drive a new truck all the time?
Of course the folks here will have first crack at it...(like anyone wants it)
a 6 year period aka 3 trucks..will cost me about 10K....so i can live with that..
I figure 5-30 flows better at start up in ANY weather....so I use it year round. To me...flow at start up is the most important issue to buy good oil...period.
Most definitely change the oil when it is, at the least, very warm. Trust me: 24 years as a mechanic. My Z71 rides "firm". MUCH firmer than my older '92 F150. I am riding graded gravel roads 80% of the time. A smoother ride would be more appreciated. Need more input on the Edelbrock shocks. Stock Firestone tires: Junk. Load range C does not cut it in gravel; rocks run right through the sidewalls. A great gravel tire is the Cooper Discoverer LT.
I like the truck overall. Mileage is 16 combined, and 13 towing the boat/trailer. Was lucky to get 12 with the old F150 anytime. (still have it). I do have wind noise "around" me when I am driving. Do not notice it when the wife drives and I am in the passenger seat. The drivers door sits out a fraction (1/8") from the rest of the sheetmetal when it is closed; I will try to move the striker in a tad to pull the door tighter. Mine has the 6 way bucket seats, which I like. Comfortable. It is Carmine Red with the Gray bottom. I do not like the thickness of the steering wheel, and I am big handed. Not thick in diameter (it is not round), but the distance between me and the dash.
On the subject of oil, I do not use synthetics for one reason: It gets dropped every 2,000 miles. We live in a dust bowl here, and synthetics offer little advantage if you are changing it regularly. Expensive synthetic oil still gets dirty in short intervals. A small 60watt 120 volt pad heater siliconed to the oil pan combined with 5/30 oil during winter months (minus 40F) creates quick starts and immediate oil pressure. Have been doing this for years on 3 prior trucks with excellent results. At the same time, a same pad is glued to the transmission pan. Works great. These two pad heaters are paralleled to the existing block heater and you end up with one plug-in.
I had Edelbrock IAS shocks and velvet ride shackles installed on my 2K Silverado, and another poster is installing that setup this weekend. http://www.velvet-ride.com/ for velvet-ride website, you can get Edelbrock site from your search engine. CarParts.com seems to have the best price with 1/3 off coupon and an Edelbrock rebate ($27?). If you are interested in purchasing details - post back here. I think the velvet rides would be your best investment for gravel roads, since they are designed for that kind of surface. Edelbrocks will improve the ride some, but it will still ride like a truck - but they have a dramatic improvement in handling (turns, quick stops, etc.) Your Z71 should see a more significant improvement in ride with Edelbrocks than my stock smooth ride suspension because of your stiffer springs/shocks. GM advertises their super stiff frame, and I think this limits improvements you can make to the ride (possibly contributes to vibration problems experienced by others?) I also prefer the smoother, more solid ride of the old trucks - but I think those kind of trucks aren't being built anymore.
Magnaflow doesn't have different series like Flowmaster - at least not that I'm aware of. The do sell their mufflers in multiple sizes. The bigger the muffler, the quieter the sound is what I've been told.
I just had a single in dual out (p/n 12278) pipes out the back installed and love it. It is a very quiet rumble. Not loud backing out of the garage and trough the neighborhood taking it easy. But if you get on it you can hear it. Very quiet in the cab at cruising speeds as well.
For those other people that keep pushing the "cat back" systems over custom muffler installs help me understand why. The only reason I'm aware of it maybe for the mandrel bent pipes. I wasn't worried about it because on the dual out they needed to be a little smaller anyway to maintain back pressure. Price is about the same as my custom job and mine are all welded and lifetime guarantee as well. Not sure the benefits of ordering a system that is nothing more than a muffler, pipes already bent and clamps.
As well go for the Zaino - it'll make your truck look the best it can!!
For you guys using these shackles are you noticing any drop in the rear of your truck? Per the FAQ on their web site, it says that it may not be uncommon that they lower the truck 1/2 to 2 inches. Are you noticing this much drop or any at all?
muffler, the stock bends in the tailpipe will cause excessive drag. I was referring to replacing the muffler and leaving the single out tailpipe.
If you go the custom route, price, quality of materials, welds, fit and finish of the final product varies from location to location, while buying a catback system doesn't necessarily guaranty consistent quality, usually the fit will be a little better since the design was for a specific application. Pipe size and mandrel bends have an influence on flow and I would rather have the mandrel bend with the correct pipe size. Of course the muffler shop could also fabricate the mandrel bends if they have the equipment. Then of course comes the install...some people rather do it themselves which is not possible with the custom system while I did my install in 45 minutes using the stock hangers... to each his own...I have never pushed prefab catback over custom. I did say do not change only the muffler and get the whole system to maximize performance.
Tim the bride had about 2 dozen of her sorority sisters at the reception they were all older 25-28 but still i didnt even wanna try and dance with any of em. Now that i look back i wanna kick myself. Oh well
Hasn't rained for going on two weeks. Zaino'd truck last night...raining this morning... It seems that washing it is ok, it's the Zaino that gets me everytime...
I forgot to measure the drop in rear height before/after the velvets were installed. My base 2K Silverado had a visibly high rear height before the velvets - seemed to be almost level, just a slight incline, after the velvets. The truck still has a slightly higher rear than front, with the Edelbrocks installed afterward. The truck now looks a little more "normal" or level in ride height. I never have and never will carry a load with this truck, so I can't say how this setup will look/react with a load - but I would think it would have a fairly constant ride height. Sorry I didn't take measurements. white6 - are you measuring before/after your installation?
Buy 3 new trucks...in 6 years and sell after 2 years....buy..drive 2..sell..buy..drive 2..sell..buy ..drive two..sell
A friend of mine does this with Z71's..(they are mint when he is done driving them...a KEY to this working)...and every 3 trucks...costs him about 10-12 K...(his loss so to speak.)
For me..the 2500 used market HERE..is very high in demand..but not much top pick from....
Sure I am shelling out $600 Mo. now...Balance in 2 years with a zero down loan will be about 18K...sell for (hoping 26K)...dump 8K on new truck..payment goes to $450......etc etc etc...
There are skeptics here...but hey...all I have to do is convince myself right!
LOL
We both get GMO discount..so that helps for about 1600-$1800 less than average Joe can buy for...
for all the info. You know what they say, the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. I'm looking forward to getting more toys for my girl.
Here's another thought. Has anyone mounted, or had mounted, a visor. I've been seeing a bunch lately and checked out a Lund "Lunar" model w/ amber lights. I guess they must be popular because I've heard they are severely back ordered. Any thoughts?
I would also be interested in information regarding a supercharger, last time I checked the kit was not available.
Also, has anyone put tint over the privacy glass on the extended cab back windows? Thoughts on this would be appreciated. I'm going to tint but don't know if it is necessary to do the privacy glass also.
Silverado after Edelbrocks and velvets just now. From ground to top of rear wheel well opening - 36". From ground to top of tailgate - 50 1/2". From ground to top of front wheel well opening - 33 1/2". This is stock Silverado "smooth ride" suspension.
before installation of velvets - but I did notice it squat down some. I prefer that look to the extremely high stock height. Tire size is stock 235/75R16 Goodyear Wrangler STs. Satisfaction? I drove around for an hour or so with just the velvets before I had the Edelbrocks installed. Instead of a lot of small, jerky vibrations on broken pavement and "washboard" type bumpy roads I sensed longer, deeper bounces -not as jittery. There is a definite difference but it is hard to describe. BFG indicates 20% reduction in empty loaded vibration - I think that's probably right. Since I have the stock suspension, I think the improvement would be more noticeable on a Z71 or stiffer suspension. I'm curious to see how this setup works for white6, since I think he has a stiffer suspension than my truck. My cheap stock tires don't help at all either. One odd thing I noticed is that even with just the velvets I could corner or take off from a stop quicker - not that I am into this kind of driving, just that the truck seems more responsive in all types of handling/acceleration situations. I even inadvertently laid rubber a few times when stopped at a red light, then taking off to make a right turn - a little embarrassing, but the same accelerator effort produced a quicker response - still getting used to it. I think the velvets are mostly responsible for this phenomenon, since I noticed it before the Edelbrocks were installed. (Or maybe I just can't hold down that powerful vortec V6 with 3.42 rear.) I look at the velvets and Edelbrocks as "experiments." At about $200 for Edelbrocks and $175 for velvets + labor, I'd rather spend the money on ride improvement attempts, as opposed to trim items on this base truck. Since this was the first new vehicle I have ever owned, I'm taking it slow on modifications. I might take them out and use them on my next 2001 model, if I buy another 2WD Silverado, instead of a Tahoe/Yukon - depends on how much I get for this truck and my 2K Monte Carlo on trade or outright sale (on GMO the dealers don't give you much on trade ins.) Until I get another 63 split window Corvette like I had when I was 17, I'll keep trying this new vehicle route until I get it right.
when you are at the webpage with the pricing, if you click on the 4.8,5.3,6.0, it will go to another page which describes what is in the kit. Not sure if they put the truck on a dyno as of yet. Specs say up to 50% increase in both torque and hp. I think would be more like 385 hp and 425 ft/lb torque for the 5.3 at the flywheel. The 10 hour install, wonder if it assumes you are mechanically inclined...
Nice car man. The chevelle would be a nice one if you got it. My dad has a 70 chevelle when he got out of hs like between 72 and 75. Bought it used for i forget how much ill have to ask him. He has a few pics damn thing got stripped when he was at work a few yrs after he got it. It was a nice light blue color. Man i wish he had that and his 79 chevy stepside reg cab truck.
this afternoon. BF Goodrich promised to FedEx the VelvetRide shackles on Wednesday so I could have them by Friday... they didn't show up. I'm not too lucky when it comes to mail order stuff, I guess. Took 2 hours to install four shocks (including removing stock units). The effect is... subtle, but noticeable. Edelbrock says it takes about 25 miles or so to "break-in." I took a 15 mile test drive (a particularly rough section of I-35 thrown in) to check them out. I'll reserve judgement for a week or two. Hopefully, FedEx will deliver my shackles on Monday and I can take advantage of next week on vacation to install those, too. BTW, I'll measure ride height (2K GMC Sierra SLE reg cab 2wd standard "smooth ride" suspension) before I install and post the numbers here.
from a red light check for me, before and after installation of velvets? I'm curious to see if the Edelbrocks improve traction on the turn, or if it's the velvets doing it as I suspect. Since we both have standard smooth ride suspensions, I think the improvement for Edelbrocks is not as pronounced as it would be with a Z71. However,you should see improved handling with just the Edelbrocks. Edelbrock states that you should keep your tire inflation at the recommended level or their warranty will be voided. Some folks are running with lower air pressure in their tires to improve ride, but I don't think this helps with the Edelbrocks, since they are supposed to be reacting quickly to road bumps and softer tires would somewhat defeat this response. Thanks for the information. Do you have the short bed or long bed? What size engine?
Enjoyed the pics of your Hurst/Olds. Be mighty careful if you start looking for an LS6. An original Chevelle LS6 in restored condition is going to be big bucks...$35,000 plus. The problem is so many people took the small block Camaros, Chevelles, Firebirds, Mopars, etc., and turned them into Muscle Cars by adding a Big Block and emblems, etc.
Run the numbers man! I'm not sure I would even waste my time on an LS6, 'Cuda, Stingray, etc., without a Build Sheet. You can still get an original car without one by carefully running all the numbers and GM always stamped build dates on the Blocks, Trans, Manifolds, Heads and Rear End. They all should be within a few weeks or a month of each other (usually).
I know for a fact that there are, right now, three times more Fuel Injected '57 Corvettes on the road than GM made in 1957!
Cleaning Products: I've used Zano products before and they did a real nice job. I like Meguiar products only because I've used them for so many years and they are readily available. I've said it before...it's not what you use so much than the fact that you find a product that you like and USE IT!!! Leaving dirt on a nice paint job will leave you with scratches every time. My $.02
I keep my tires (P265 Firestones) at the recommended 35psi. I am very pleased with the Edelbrock shocks! Great handling & braking on smooth roads & most importantly, vast improvement on rough paved roads & especially off road. rcoos
with a Rochester Quadrajet, 3.73. American manufacturers were still struggling with performance and pollution control during this era. Think the stock numbers were something like 180 hp and 245 ft/lbs torque. These cars are a collector's item...only a couple thousand were made.
Tim would be the expert on the H/O. But actually that Quadrajet was not bad on fuel consumption. Had one on my 67 Firebird and with those small forward ports that you ran on at low speeds it was really pretty good. Once you put your foot into it though, those huge rear ports opened up and you could almost watch the gas gauge needle drop. Horsepower on that Firebird was 350.
RCOOS: What was the model number of those Edelbrock shocks you put on? Price?
TIM: That Muncie tranny was something alright. I agree with you on the import thing. Same is true for Bikes...a Honda will scream around a Harley but it just doesn't seem to matter.
I am about to purchase a new Chevy or GMC truck, and wonder if anyone has comments on whether I would be better off with a Z71(which I have now) or the new ZX3 suspension which lets you choose between smooth and firm ride. I use the truck mostly for highway,and occasionally for off-road.
Last month I got my Ext cab Sierra 4x4 with the ZX3. I was planning on getting the Z71 but the ZX3 had all the other options I wanted. So far I like it. The ride is just as firm as the Z71 when set to firm, when it is disengaged the ride is a lot softer. Only downside is that it does not come with the skidplates (just ordered some from the dealer last week for $82).
I am thinking of trading my '00 Z-71 for an '00 Ltd 4Runner. Main reasons are SUV is probably more practical for me and "perceived" long term reliability.
I love this truck, but it is "kinda" like getting married. I may have married the wrong one.
Comments
"Dear Tom and Ray
I am writing in response to a recent letter from the owner of a Dodge Dakota who wanted to add some performance parts to his vehicle: a K&N air filter, Flowmaster exhaust, performance chip, high performance plugs, wires, cap and rotor.
Your response was that if he added any of those parts it would void his warranty. Not only is that untrue, but it is illegal for a warranty to be voided just because an aftermarket part was added to the vehicle.
I have enclosed sections of the federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act for your edification. Cathy
Reply: We have to stand by our advice, Cathy. The Magnusson-Moss Act says a manufacturer may not deny warranty coverage solely because a customer has used an aftermarket part. But if the manufacturer determines the aftermarket part is in some way responsible for the mechanical problem, it absolutely CAN void the warranty. And many of the performance parts this guy wanted installed certainly could be blamed for future mechanical problems.
The Magnusson Moss Act is meant to protect a guy who goes to the Poky Lube down the street and gets a Fram filter instead of a "genuine Dodge filter." In that case, the Dodge dealer can't refuse to fix the engine because the guy used another brand of filter that meets the exact same specifications.
But if a guy puts on a free flow exhaust that lowers the exhaust system's back pressure, and then asks the dealer to fix his burnt valves under warranty, the dealer could certainly point to the modified exhaust system and refuse to cover it. The same is true if a guy puts on a set of humongous wheels and then tries to make a warranty claim for worn out wheel bearings. In cases like those, the manufacturer would have every justification for denying warranty coverage on those affected parts.
Sure you can always argue with the dealer, but you will probably have to take it to court to get satisfaction. And believe me, neither Mr Magnusson or Mr Moss is going to show up in small claims court to help you plead your case. And the dealer may very well win.
So we think avoiding "high performance" parts on new vehicles is generally good advice, Cathy. And we're sticking with it." end quote
As I mentioned, these guys are syndicated auto writers whose column appears in many newspapers.
Just thought their advice may be considered.
So we think avoiding "high performance" parts on a new car is generally good advice, Cathy. Andy we're sticking with it.
kyle
dave1257
follow the link to Zaino...a lot of people have switched and are pleased with the results... ESPECIALLY those with dark colors...they have a full rundown on the product line and how each product works. I'll not try to explain as the owner does a much better job on his website...
www.zainobros.com
Ryan
Paid $430 installed for the 10" refunded $120 when installed the 8". Price isn't that great you may be able to do better...but hey, can't expect much from Circuit City. I used to do my own stereos but lack the patience for it. Would rather install a pair of headers anyday...
All shiny stuff is actually Stainless Steel. has a better luster and will not rust. The prices here are retail and can be had for cheaper at Auto Zone and places like that.
http://www.putco.com/
Indigo also looks very good with pewter bottoms and flares....very sharp. And personally I think Carmine is THE color to have....but 2 tone was not available for LT's and the only interior that would suit my taste would be Oak....and it was a puke fest in leather.....ICKK!
Click pics below for a bigger size....
Ryan,
what's this about you couldn't even dance the night your truck got scratched?....
MEN DON'T DANCE EVER!!.....UNLESS??.....HMMMMMM
..something you wanna tell us ace?
LOL
Actually the first 2500 I drove was a carmine LS with silver bottom and flares...looked damn good.
- Tim
If you have leather seats..(and maybe for cloth)...chances are without them you get in on the edge and slide over to the center of the seat...this will wear a seat out in no time at all.
In winter when the rocker is covered in crud..and you are dressed nice...you have less chance when you can step out...instead of jump out..to get crud on your clothes.
A woman will appreciate it when she has a dress or short skirt on.....My parents who are 60+ appreciate it...and with G-Ma..it's a must!
Up to you....but they don't hurt...
Look around....some people offer some really different alternatives than the tradtional boards and nerf bars...
- Tim
Of course the folks here will have first crack at it...(like anyone wants it)
a 6 year period aka 3 trucks..will cost me about 10K....so i can live with that..
(here goes this debate again...)
- Tim
- Tim
I like the truck overall. Mileage is 16 combined, and 13 towing the boat/trailer. Was lucky to get 12 with the old F150 anytime. (still have it). I do have wind noise "around" me when I am driving. Do not notice it when the wife drives and I am in the passenger seat. The drivers door sits out a fraction (1/8") from the rest of the sheetmetal when it is closed; I will try to move the striker in a tad to pull the door tighter. Mine has the 6 way bucket seats, which I like. Comfortable. It is Carmine Red with the Gray bottom. I do not like the thickness of the steering wheel, and I am big handed. Not thick in diameter (it is not round), but the distance between me and the dash.
On the subject of oil, I do not use synthetics for one reason: It gets dropped every 2,000 miles. We live in a dust bowl here, and synthetics offer little advantage if you are changing it regularly. Expensive synthetic oil still gets dirty in short intervals. A small 60watt 120 volt pad heater siliconed to the oil pan combined with 5/30 oil during winter months (minus 40F) creates quick starts and immediate oil pressure. Have been doing this for years on 3 prior trucks with excellent results. At the same time, a same pad is glued to the transmission pan. Works great. These two pad heaters are paralleled to the existing block heater and you end up with one plug-in.
More reports as the miles and time piles up...
Nate
With a nice truck like that, do you have an alarm?
If so what kind?
Thanks!
I think the velvet rides would be your best investment for gravel roads, since they are designed for that kind of surface. Edelbrocks will improve the ride some, but it will still ride like a truck - but they have a dramatic improvement in handling (turns, quick stops, etc.) Your Z71 should see a more significant improvement in ride with Edelbrocks than my stock smooth ride suspension because of your stiffer springs/shocks. GM advertises their super stiff frame, and I think this limits improvements you can make to the ride (possibly contributes to vibration problems experienced by others?)
I also prefer the smoother, more solid ride of the old trucks - but I think those kind of trucks aren't being built anymore.
I just had a single in dual out (p/n 12278) pipes out the back installed and love it. It is a very quiet rumble. Not loud backing out of the garage and trough the neighborhood taking it easy. But if you get on it you can hear it. Very quiet in the cab at cruising speeds as well.
For those other people that keep pushing the "cat back" systems over custom muffler installs help me understand why. The only reason I'm aware of it maybe for the mandrel bent pipes. I wasn't worried about it because on the dual out they needed to be a little smaller anyway to maintain back pressure. Price is about the same as my custom job and mine are all welded and lifetime guarantee as well. Not sure the benefits of ordering a system that is nothing more than a muffler, pipes already bent and clamps.
As well go for the Zaino - it'll make your truck look the best it can!!
Greg
Thanks,
Greg
If you go the custom route, price, quality of materials, welds, fit and finish of the final product varies from location to location, while buying a catback system doesn't necessarily guaranty consistent quality, usually the fit will be a little better since the design was for a specific application. Pipe size and mandrel bends have an influence on flow and I would rather have the mandrel bend with the correct pipe size. Of course the muffler shop could also fabricate the mandrel bends if they have the equipment. Then of course comes the install...some people rather do it themselves which is not possible with the custom system while I did my install in 45 minutes using the stock hangers... to each his own...I have never pushed prefab catback over custom. I did say do not change only the muffler and get the whole system to maximize performance.
Have a great 4th of july weekend everyone.
Be safe
Ryan
Hasn't rained for going on two weeks. Zaino'd truck last night...raining this morning... It seems that washing it is ok, it's the Zaino that gets me everytime...
Sorry I didn't take measurements.
white6 - are you measuring before/after your installation?
10K (maybe 12K) 6 year means...
Buy 3 new trucks...in 6 years and sell after 2 years....buy..drive 2..sell..buy..drive 2..sell..buy ..drive two..sell
A friend of mine does this with Z71's..(they are mint when he is done driving them...a KEY to this working)...and every 3 trucks...costs him about 10-12 K...(his loss so to speak.)
For me..the 2500 used market HERE..is very high in demand..but not much top pick from....
Sure I am shelling out $600 Mo. now...Balance in 2 years with a zero down loan will be about 18K...sell for (hoping 26K)...dump 8K on new truck..payment goes to $450......etc etc etc...
There are skeptics here...but hey...all I have to do is convince myself right!
LOL
We both get GMO discount..so that helps for about 1600-$1800 less than average Joe can buy for...
Good Luck
- Tim
http://home-news.excite.com/news/ap/000701/09/ent-obit-matthau
That man cracked me up....one of my favorites..life sux man..
Some of his work...
www.teleweb.net/mgdvhman/Menace.wav
www.teleweb.net/mgdvhman/10$.wav
www.teleweb.net/mgdvhman/Favor.wav
A sad day for me...
- Tim
Here's another thought. Has anyone mounted, or had mounted, a visor. I've been seeing a bunch lately and checked out a Lund "Lunar" model w/ amber lights. I guess they must be popular because I've heard they are severely back ordered. Any thoughts?
Also, has anyone put tint over the privacy glass on the extended cab back windows? Thoughts on this would be appreciated. I'm going to tint but don't know if it is necessary to do the privacy glass also.
-Jarvus
Satisfaction? I drove around for an hour or so with just the velvets before I had the Edelbrocks installed. Instead of a lot of small, jerky vibrations on broken pavement and "washboard" type bumpy roads I sensed longer, deeper bounces -not as jittery. There is a definite difference but it is hard to describe. BFG indicates 20% reduction in empty loaded vibration - I think that's probably right. Since I have the stock suspension, I think the improvement would be more noticeable on a Z71 or stiffer suspension. I'm curious to see how this setup works for white6, since I think he has a stiffer suspension than my truck. My cheap stock tires don't help at all either.
One odd thing I noticed is that even with just the velvets I could corner or take off from a stop quicker - not that I am into this kind of driving, just that the truck seems more responsive in all types of handling/acceleration situations. I even inadvertently laid rubber a few times when stopped at a red light, then taking off to make a right turn - a little embarrassing, but the same accelerator effort produced a quicker response - still getting used to it. I think the velvets are mostly responsible for this phenomenon, since I noticed it before the Edelbrocks were installed. (Or maybe I just can't hold down that powerful vortec V6 with 3.42 rear.)
I look at the velvets and Edelbrocks as "experiments." At about $200 for Edelbrocks and $175 for velvets + labor, I'd rather spend the money on ride improvement attempts, as opposed to trim items on this base truck. Since this was the first new vehicle I have ever owned, I'm taking it slow on modifications. I might take them out and use them on my next 2001 model, if I buy another 2WD Silverado, instead of a Tahoe/Yukon - depends on how much I get for this truck and my 2K Monte Carlo on trade or outright sale (on GMO the dealers don't give you much on trade ins.) Until I get another 63 split window Corvette like I had when I was 17, I'll keep trying this new vehicle route until I get it right.
(click for bigger pics)
Interior with Hurst Lightning Rods and after market steering wheel..(I hate the huge Grandpa wheel it came with)
Enjoy
- Tim
Awesome car dude!!!
tucsonjwt
thanks for all the info on the velvets
Never seen Zaino...and $6000 took out the orange peel!
LOL
I gotta use this thing more this year...or it's gonna be adios amigos!....hello LS6 70 Chevelle!
- Tim
Good luck with the mustang
Ryan
I'm thinking I will be calling every Ford dealer around tomorrow....
GRRRRRR
Don't rush....don't rush...I kept telling myself last night!
GRRRRRRR
- Tim
Since we both have standard smooth ride suspensions, I think the improvement for Edelbrocks is not as pronounced as it would be with a Z71. However,you should see improved handling with just the Edelbrocks.
Edelbrock states that you should keep your tire inflation at the recommended level or their warranty will be voided. Some folks are running with lower air pressure in their tires to improve ride, but I don't think this helps with the Edelbrocks, since they are supposed to be reacting quickly to road bumps and softer tires would somewhat defeat this response.
Thanks for the information.
Do you have the short bed or long bed? What size engine?
Run the numbers man! I'm not sure I would even waste my time on an LS6, 'Cuda, Stingray, etc., without a Build Sheet. You can still get an original car without one by carefully running all the numbers and GM always stamped build dates on the Blocks, Trans, Manifolds, Heads and Rear End. They all should be within a few weeks or a month of each other (usually).
I know for a fact that there are, right now, three times more Fuel Injected '57 Corvettes on the road than GM made in 1957!
Cleaning Products: I've used Zano products before and they did a real nice job. I like Meguiar products only because I've used them for so many years and they are readily available. I've said it before...it's not what you use so much than the fact that you find a product that you like and USE IT!!! Leaving dirt on a nice paint job will leave you with scratches every time.
My $.02
clay
Combine that with an M22 tranny....4:56 rear...ohhh baby..I can hear the cam right now thru the open headers on cruise night...
ahhhhhhhhh
Something no import will ever provide...
- Tim
Nice H/O BTW, 305?
Leavy
rcoos
Tim, is that about right?
RCOOS: What was the model number of those Edelbrock shocks you put on? Price?
TIM: That Muncie tranny was something alright.
I agree with you on the import thing. Same is true for Bikes...a Honda will scream around a Harley but it just doesn't seem to matter.
clay
- Tim
Thanks for the responses,
Ron
is the ZX3 available in 4WD now?....it was only 2WD.
- Tim
Nick
I love this truck, but it is "kinda" like getting married. I may have married the wrong one.
Talk me out of it!