new member

bassdog · October 23, 2001

Hi all,

After reading some posts today I thought it might be a good idea to join.

A quick background - had an 89 GMC SLX 1500 4X4 a few years back and loved it! Sold it and regretted it ever since. Just purchased a 94 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 ext. cab with a 5.7, auto. Can anyone help with info? Looking for hp rating, tranny type, recommended upgrades, towing capacity, etc.

Any help would be great. I'll get pictures up as soon as I pick up the truck next week.

Thanks!

Shaners · October 24, 2001

I think '94 is pre "vortec". There are some late night posters here that will help you out...

I'm thinking 700R4 tranny in '94 but I can't remember off the top of my head what year they changed. Your towing capacity is based on rear gear ratio. You'll have to check your RPO code in the glove box and see what gears you have. I'm thinking with a Z71 you'd have 3.73 gears, however 3.42's are possible.

bassdog · October 25, 2001

Thanks Shaners, but I haven't seen those "late nighters" posts yet.

pacodiablo · October 28, 2001

tom should be able to help, back to the top

MountaineerTom · October 28, 2001

I'm not sure of the hp rating or towing capacity for the '94's, but I think they had already changed from the 700R4 to the 4L60E tranny. Not positive though.

Kansas Kid · November 3, 2001

In 1994 your truck had a 4L60E transmission (a computer controlled 700R4) and the TBI 350 had 200Hp@4000rpm and 310ft-lbs@2400rpm. The standard GVWR was 6200lbs. Basically nothing had changed from 89 to 94 other then the switch to the computer controlled transmission.

As for any mods, they are basically what you would do to any vehicle. A free flowing exhaust, maybe a FIPK (just came out for the TBI motors), different computer chip, etc. Then if you get more serious you can always change intakes manifolds, go to headers, or an aftermarket TBI.

bassdog · November 5, 2001

Thanks Kansas Kid. Just the info I was looking for! Now All I need to do is figure out my rearend (I'm pretty sure it's 3.42) and obtain an owners manual to check the tow rating.

As far as my aftermarket question, I was looking for what other people used and knew worked out for them. After being part of this forum for a couple weeks now I'm learning that the majority have newer models and help will be a bit harder to come by for my model year. That's ok though, I still enjoy reading everthing on this page!

bassdog

chevy4x4trucks · November 5, 2001

Welcome to the forum, are we going to get to see some pics of your truck?

bassdog · November 8, 2001

I'll take the digital home from work this weekend and post some pics after the Vetrans Day break.

bassdog

chevy4x4trucks · November 8, 2001

If you want to you can PM your VIN number and I'll decode it for you. I got a vin decoding book compliments of one of our forum members.

Kansas Kid · November 9, 2001

bassdog,

on the aftermarket mods, I will let you know what I have noticed. For us guys that are running the TBI setup, the aftermarket parts are few and far between. Seems like we have been left behind for the most part. I see tons of stuff for the new Vortec motors, but nothing really for the older motors. Only new thing I have seen recently is the FIPK, which I may try out if I get some spare cash.