Need Some Advice Please

SilveradoGal · September 28, 2010

I was directed here from another forum where I posted some questions; there's a lot of great information here but I still have questions for which I cannot find answers.

There's a lot written about swapping out seats. I'm looking at buying an 00 1500 ext. cab, but it has a manual seat. The power seat in my 97 1500 is one of the things I love most about my truck, and if I buy this one I definitely need to upgrade the driver's seat.

If the 00 was not pre-wired for the power seat, how would I go about doing it? I've done a little wiring, like changing out stereos and adding fog lights, would it be hard to run a circuit for the seat?

Also where's the best place to find a replacement seat? I can't just swap with my current truck, because it has the standard seat belt in the door post arrangement, and the 00 has the seat belt in the seat.

Secondly, my 97 has the 5.7L, and the 00 has the 4.8. Will I notice the difference? I don't do a lot of heavy hauling, but I sure like the power to do whatever I want, when I want.

Thirdly, the 00 does not have the tow package (namely trans. cooler) that my 97 has. I don't do a lot of towing, just occasionally use my 5x7 utility trailer for firewood and such. Will the lack of trans. cooler affect the longevity and towing capability of the transmission under my normal use pattern?

This is my first visit here, so if I've posted in the wrong spot, I apologise. I'm hoping that some chevy guys can give me some feedback that will help me make a decision on this truck. (I asked my brother, but he had the gall to tell me to get a Ford instead, so I'm not listening to him anymore!)

Thanks!

SilveradoGal

mxdirtrider56 · September 28, 2010

I can't help you on the seat question. As far as the power difference goes, you will notice a difference between the 5.7 and the 4.8. The 4.8 is a good motor but not nearly as powerful as that 350. When it comes to your question about the tow package, the lack of a transmission cooler will not be detrimental for the type of use you are talking about. If you use your truck for daily driving and the occasional moderate towing, then you will be fine. Pulling a 5x7 with some firewood will be no problem for your transmission. Also, the 4.8 is more than adequate for this type of towing.