new addition to the family

Cheekster96 · April 15, 2005

Hello again everybody. Well, have had a very interesting last week or so.

I have been in the market for another truck because my 03 Golf was just too small and boxy for me (other truck is still my 87 K20).

I checked around and just went to the used chevy lot here in Augusta,ME. Bear with me here. Got a 2001 Dodge Quad Cab 4x4 in black. They sold me as is. Well, after being lied to about many things (like, needs nothing to pass state inspection), and getting close to $3000 in estimates for tranny repairs and another $700 for parts/labor to pass that inspection, i took it back to the dealer and said WTF!!! The sales rep screwed me over and i went straight to the Service Manager.

Long story short, i ended up with a 2003 GMC Sierra. It is a work truck but is perfect for what i need. I must say, is 10 times better than that Dodge (what a mistake!) and light years improvment over my K20.

It has the Vortec 4800 engine (amazing this thing!) and rides great for a 4x4. Has the manual locks and windows (is nice in the winter time here when they wont freeze for the toll plazas..lol). Mileage seems to be decent too. my K20 avgs 12 MPG (4.10s and TH400). Not sure what the 03 gets. Has the automatic and 3.73 open diff, no posi.

I have already looked at purchasing an aftermarket tranny and auxilary oil cooler for it as well as a K and N cold air kit and cat back...From what i have read, there are many things to do with these Vortecs.

There is one thing i do not know how to do or understand. My gearshift column has the TOW/HAUL button on it but nothing shows on the instrument panel. Could it be that the button is just there and the TOW/HAUL mode is not installed?

Sorry for such a long post, just wanted to express how happy i am with another GM product! Lets see....87 K20...96 Z28/SS 383.....03 GMC Sierra. Looks good!

any comments or suggestions on that TOW/HAUL setup?

later all.

Lee

snoman · April 15, 2005

Hello again everybody. Well, have had a very interesting last week or so.
I have been in the market for another truck because my 03 Golf was just too small and boxy for me (other truck is still my 87 K20).

I checked around and just went to the used chevy lot here in Augusta,ME. Bear with me here. Got a 2001 Dodge Quad Cab 4x4 in black. They sold me as is. Well, after being lied to about many things (like, needs nothing to pass state inspection), and getting close to $3000 in estimates for tranny repairs and another $700 for parts/labor to pass that inspection, i took it back to the dealer and said WTF!!! The sales rep screwed me over and i went straight to the Service Manager.

Long story short, i ended up with a 2003 GMC Sierra. It is a work truck but is perfect for what i need. I must say, is 10 times better than that Dodge (what a mistake!) and light years improvment over my K20.

It has the Vortec 4800 engine (amazing this thing!) and rides great for a 4x4. Has the manual locks and windows (is nice in the winter time here when they wont freeze for the toll plazas..lol). Mileage seems to be decent too. my K20 avgs 12 MPG (4.10s and TH400). Not sure what the 03 gets. Has the automatic and 3.73 open diff, no posi.

I have already looked at purchasing an aftermarket tranny and auxilary oil cooler for it as well as a K and N cold air kit and cat back...From what i have read, there are many things to do with these Vortecs.

There is one thing i do not know how to do or understand. My gearshift column has the TOW/HAUL button on it but nothing shows on the instrument panel. Could it be that the button is just there and the TOW/HAUL mode is not installed?

Sorry for such a long post, just wanted to express how happy i am with another GM product! Lets see....87 K20...96 Z28/SS 383.....03 GMC Sierra. Looks good!

any comments or suggestions on that TOW/HAUL setup?

later all.

Lee

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Be very carefull with CAT back system as the 4.8 is well tuned on the intake and exhaust from the factory and you could destroy low speed torque and throttle responce if you remove to much backpressure or do it incorrectly. Modern closed loop engine respond differently to these changes that engines of the past.

Cheekster96 · April 15, 2005

thanks snoman. i didnt know that. dont know alot about the Vortec line of engines,i know more about the older TBI setups. I like the torque that little V8 puts out down low, has some good get up and go (or at least i think so). I am happy that is has the 3.73 gears instead of the 4.10s.

If i go with a good muffler (flowmaster, borla etc), would that hurt my backpressure or would i be safe and leave well enough alone? I have a Dynomax muffler on my 87 K20 and it woke it up a bit.

Would a K and N cold filter set up hurt me? I am not gonna go as far and get a tune, just leave the truck pretty much stock as it will be my daily driver.

My TOW/HAUL button on the gearshifter....i have it but doesnt do anything. i looked in the manaul and there is suppose to be a light that comes on on the dash..i get nothing. could it be it is not installed then but the button happens to be there? It is a Sierra SL (work truck).

any more helpful hints?

I plan on doing a tranny flush, rad flush and fluid change (rear axle and transer case too) as well as a fuel filter in the very new future.

thanks again.

Lee

allenmehrer · April 15, 2005

i own a 2003 sierra 4.8 as well and added the k&n and exhaust. things are working well and i still have plenty of torque and power. My mpg went up to 21 on the freeway, yay. by the way my truck has the 3.73 in the rear too. but like he said, don't go too big on the exhaust.

Cheekster96 · April 15, 2005

what did you do for an exhaust? get a cat back or just a muffler? 20 mpg in a truck with a V8? wow..never would have thought of that. i usually travel at 70 or 65 out on the turnpike and commute 45 miles or so. i plan on using synthetics..maybe that will help some.

Lee

98bagsilverado · April 18, 2005

GO with the dynomax exhaust, it has the best sound and helps on power and gas milage. You could go with either a cat back or just a muffler it is just your opinion, a muffler is of course cheaper. Also look into putting a shift kit on your tranny.