Z-71 Question (a little long, sorry)

GM_96LT4 · September 16, 2004

Hey guys,

First of all great forum and a lot of good info. I just had a few questions about the people that bought the Z-71.

Let me give you some background. Family has always owned chevy cars and trucks.

As of now, father owns a Z-71 Avalanche, my brother owns a 94 Suburban, cousin owns a 2004 3500cc Duramax, and I own a 96 LT-4 Corvette that was and being modified again.

I owned a 90 454SS that I modified heavily before it got stolen.

Here is my question, I am in the market for a new truck and the 1500 cc Z-71 seems very attractive with all the rebates right now. The problem that I have is the 5.3 Engine. Even though it puts out more hp than my 90 454ss, I am afraid that the power is not enough and/or that it is too small for that truck. Although I am impressed with the Avalanche.

Here is the dilemma, I don't tow very often and when I do tow, it's a small fishing boat but I am considering the 2500HD cc Duramax but never owned a diesel before. However, I understand that it takes little to upgrade it (don't need to get into the engine) versus the 5.3 or 8.1 even though it costs more up front.

The 8.1 sounds good, but it costs a fortune to modify big blocks, and the 5.3 seems a little on the high side of compression to supercharge it.

Finally the questions:

1. For those who purchased the Z-71, are you happy with your purchase or is anyone disappointed with it?

2. For those who put on a 6" lift kit, does it seem to put too much stress on the powertrain?

3. If you were to do it again, and money was not an object, would you stick with the 1500?,

4. For those lucky enough to own or had both, which one would you choose?,

5. and finally, I looked at the dimensions/capacities/ so on....but I haven't driven the 2500HD yet, does anyone know if there is a major difference. I know there is at least a 300 to 600 lb difference in curb weight. Is it just balancing out with the weight.

Thanks again,

Glenn

Wingnut · September 16, 2004

Well....What are your driving habits? Short hops, lots of highway?

If you only drive 5-10 miles to work everyday, then tow a light load on the weekends....Diesel would be a bad idea. This is my opinion only, of course.

The 5.3 does just fine with forced induction. BTW.

Welcome to the forums too!

JPBabyRange · September 16, 2004

I have a 03 Tahoe Z71 and I pull a 23 ft camper all over the mountains of Western NC and Tenn, and it does fine. I think some people go over kill getting big trucks and diesels just to pull small campers and boats. But if thats what you want , then go for it.

Hecktorx · September 16, 2004

If my truck was stolen today, I'd order the same one tomorrow. I'm very happy with my 1500 because I really don't have much use for anything bigger. The most weight my truck really sees is about 600lbs in the bed with about 2000lbs worth of trailer. It handles it fine.

I do have a reg. cab short bed. I might not have the same opinion if I had one of the heavier models.

99silveradoz71 · September 17, 2004

My 99 ext cab z71 pulls my 10ft enclosed Well Cargo trailer loaded with lawn equipment or my bike quite well. It moves out well without towing too. I helped my parents' neighbors pickout a 04 crew and they like it so far.

SoCarZ71 · September 17, 2004

Well, lets see

1. Yes, very happy

2. Does not apply, yet.

3. No, I would go with a 2500HD 4x4 with the Duramax

4. Does not apply

5. I have no idea, sorry can't help here

I have been wrestling with the idea of trading in the Z71 for a 2500HD 4x4 with the Duramax, but I can't make up my mind. Other than the fact that I am still upside down on the payments for atleast a few more months, the main reason I haven't upgraded is because I don't like the way the '03 and up trucks look (vain, I know).

Daubs · September 17, 2004

Little background: I've owned the following:

1999 1500 Z-71 ExCab 4x4 with 5.3 and 3.73 gears

2001 1500 Z-71 ExCab 4x4 with 5.3 and 3.73 gears

Currently have:

2003 1500 Suburban Z-71 4x4 with 5.3 and 3.73 gears

2004 2500HD CC, 8.1/Allison with 3.73 geares

1. Love my 2500HD Crew. Would never go back to the extended cabs. My Z-71's were strong running, GREAT trucks! They were leases, so I "had" to get out of them (nudge, nudge, wink).

2. No lift kits for me. Sorry. Did crank the t-bars to fit my 285's on.

3 & 5. I opted for the 2500HD because I wanted the 8.1 / Allison and the standard 'short box' bed (not the 1500HD mini bed). 2500HD is built on larger, stronger chassis. It "feels" bigger and has the Allison transmission, which I absolutely love. You can't get AutoTrac in the HD's, which was a downer for me. But I'm living without it. Ride quality is "HD" for sure, but I really like it. I drove CC's with 6.0 and 8.1 and it's no comparison. The big block is way stronger.

4. I'm driving the truck of my dreams right now. Can't complain a bit!

All things considered, you have to get what you like and will fit your needs. The 5.3 is a great engine and will give you excellent MPG. My ExtCabs were getting 15-16 city and 18-20 highway! Rode great and never any problems. I would imagine the 1500 Crew is a very nice package. Don't let any one make this decision for you. Gather all the info and think long and hard about what you want.

By the way, I calculated fuel cost and cost of the Duramax vs. how many miles I drive per year. I would have to drive my 8.1 for seven years before I would make up difference in cost of the D-Max. I'm very happy with what I have.

GM_96LT4 · September 22, 2004

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the replies and sorry for the slow response. I just got back from vacation.

Basically, I decided to go with the Z-71.

In my decision, towing was not a factor. As most of you, I enjoy adding aftermarket parts to my cars and/or modifying the engine. As great as that is, it does get expensive. On the average, I drive about 45 miles a day.

I heard that the Duramax responds well to upgrades, block is a lot stronger, don't need to add a supercharger, and that the hp/dollar ratio is less. (Not sure if that is totally true - I know it cost more up-front though).

Anyway, here are a few more factors that helped me decide.

1. Current Rebates & the cost difference between the Z-71 & 2500 HD Duramax with the same options,

2. Majority of the people that I spoke to including you guys seem to be happy with the power of the Z-71,

3. Weight and Ride Quality Difference (I was told that the 2500HD gets a bit hoppy on our smooth California Freeways).

------------------------------

On a side note:

Wingnut, I enjoy Forced Induction also.

I placed a Vortech on my corvette and now in the process of building a new 383 with forged components to maximize the potential.

I just have my concerns with the stock internals.

Thanks again.

Glenn