A couple questions

gsfgf · November 25, 2004

I a planning on buying a used Silverado in the near future. I have several questions, though. First, is it worth making sure the truck i get has the Z-71 package? What benefits will I actually notice? Second, I see a fair number of trucks with a 5.3L engine. I know nothing about that engine. How does it compare to the 350? Are both available with a manual tranny?

I'm sure i'll have more questions later. Thanks!

budhayes3 · November 25, 2004

Welcome to the forum gsfgf! As far as the Z71 package goes, it's really only different shocks, skid plates, and stickers. No need to search for a Z71 since you'll probably end up changing the shocks anyway and you can always add the skid plates and stickers if you wanted to.

The 5.3 is a GENIII style motor, same design as the Corvette engine. The 4.8 and 6.0 are the same design. It's completely different from the old style small blocks...different block, heads, intake, oil pump, etc. I love my 5.3 except for some ticking and tapping noises that are characteristic of it. GENIII style engines are also prone to sucking oil through the PCV system, but this can be remedied with the addition of a catch can. Besides that, they make great power, and there are alot of aftermarket parts and upgrades that can be done (check my sig).

When I bought my truck, it wasn't available with a manual trans, not sure about the newer ones though. Good luck with your search, hope you find what you're looking for!

Blue-2001-Z71 · November 25, 2004

Hard to find anything these days with a 5-spd. You might have to order it like that if that's what you want. I went out looking for the same thing and was told there was almost no way. I love the Gen-III 5.3L, great engine with minor noise issues. Some make a ticking/knocking noise when cold, not really a big deal on mine, more of a light tapping. These are 6-bolt main engines now, compared with the 350's 2 or 4 bolt mains. The PCV issue was supposed to have been fixed with a new designed fixed-oriface PCV valve (no spring and plunger). Although mine hasn't used a drop of oil or inhaled any down the tube.

As far as the Z-71 option goes, might as well get it. The shocks are much better, the skid plates might just save your underbelly one day, and I thought it added the G80 locking rear diff.

Many people gripe about the new Autotrac transfer case having problems, but I love it. AUTO works great for rain and snow where you don't need 4WD on until you start to slip.

Things to watch for; cold start knock, steering column clunk, Autotrac service 4WD soon light. I've fixed all of these on mine very easily and cheaply, except the CSK which doesn't really bother me.

Things to get; reflashed PCM to eliminate torque management and firm up shifts, new exhaust to bring that sweet sweet sound to life.

gsfgf · December 3, 2004

A couple more questions.

first, if i have to get an auto tramny are there some years that the transmissions are sturdier as i hear teh auto trans is a weak point in these trucks.

Also, should i be looking at trucks with over 100 miles or am i risking getting an unreliable truck?

budhayes3 · December 3, 2004

I'm pretty sure that the auto transmissions are the same configuration in all of the NBS trucks as far as stronger and weaker years. The 1500's have the 4L60E, the HD's have the 4L80E, and I think that the SS's have the 4L65E, which is like a built version of the 4L60E. It's pretty much hit or miss, depends on how it was driven and maintained...same with the rest of the vehicle. Check out this thread, it might help with your 100K question: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35518

Good luck, hope you find what you're looking for!

99-2door · December 3, 2004

No manual transmissions with the 5.3L in any configuration.

You can get the manual with the 4.8L or 6.0L though.

I personally have never had a transmission problem with one of my trucks and I have owned 7 different Chevy trucks 93-up

gsfgf · December 4, 2004

cool. thanks. for the info. One last question: if the auto tranny does die on me, can i replace it with a heavy duty one like the 4L80E or 4L65E without modifications?

Thanks,

Jeff

Blue-2001-Z71 · December 4, 2004

The 4L80-E is much longer so you'd need to shorten or replace the driveshaft. The 4L65-E should be a bolt in but you'd have to check on the PCM's ability to communicate with it. I think an Allison 1000 5-speed would be cool, but I have no idea how to do that.