Model year differences

canadianchevy33 · May 5, 2003

Im turning 16 in a year and really am looking hard at what kind of truck i want to buy. Its either a S-10 sonoma or a a half ton newer model chevy. I have a few questions regarding the engines and transmissions in these trucks. In the S-10 what year did they first come with vortec? And in the silvy what is the difference in power between the 99 and 00 4.8l engine and the 99-00 5.3l i no the 99 have lower output but where did the 00' pick up the extra power? Thanks in advance.

z71ff · May 5, 2003

The 5.3 went from 270 hp to 285 hp for 2000. They also fixed the door locks to unlock when the key is removed and added the disable for the automatic lights.

TarheelZ · May 5, 2003

Also, CC33, even though there's not much difference in HP between the 4.8 and the 5.3, the torque is noticeably higher in the 5.3. My #s may be off a little but I think the 4.8 produces 285 lb/ft as opposed to 325 lb/ft from the 5.3.

As far as the Vortec engines in the S-10, it seems like I read recently that GM began using the Vortec engines in all their trucks in '96. Some of our more learned brethren may correct me on that, though!

Good luck with your truck, whichever you choose!

canadianchevy33 · May 10, 2003

Thanks for the help so far guys. Does anyone no if you can get a manual tranny in the 5.3 it seems to me that you can't. The only reason im considering the 5.3 is for the extra torque but if i can't get a manual then i guess its the 4.8 for me.

MountaineerTom · May 10, 2003

Thanks for the help so far guys. Does anyone no if you can get a manual tranny in the 5.3 it seems to me that you can't. The only reason im considering the 5.3 is for the extra torque but if i can't get a manual then i guess its the 4.8 for me.

No manual tranny available from the factory with the 5.3, sorry.

Chris A · May 12, 2003

As far as the Vortec engines in the S-10, it seems like I read recently that GM began using the Vortec engines in all their trucks in '96. Some of our more learned brethren may correct me on that, though!

You could get either the central point injected Vortec 4.3 or the TBI injected Vortec 4.3 starting in 1992. They were connected to a non electronic 4L60 as far as I remember. They carried the large intake CPI motor until '95, then they switched to the small intake version in '96 which I think doesn't run as well.