NBS v. OBS

OUMike · August 23, 2005

I was reading another post and it brought some questions.

I've read many times about NBS trucks going through strange issues. It makes me wonder about the overall build quality of the NBS pickups. I know these are solid trucks, but is it possible that the quality has gone down since the 88-98 trucks?

I ask this question because I too will shortly will be in the market for a NBS, and I wonder weather or not I should just find a nice OBS 97-99 model with decent mileage.

In my area (south Texas) its fairly easy to find OBS Silverados just the way I want them in the $10-$12k range with around 75-80k miles. I'm beginning to think this is the way to go.

Opinions?

asilverblazer · August 23, 2005

It's the way I wish I went...

On the OBS,

5.7L torque monster...

Better aproach angle...

16" wheels on the Z-71, 2wd had 15's...

$$$...

Lots of aftermarket parts, same for NBS too though...

I think the NBS trucks look better which is the biggest reason I bought one, functionally I like the OBS better.

Also I have had a few of the common issues with the NBS, but the OBS had common issues as well, I think most people here have the newer trucks so we don't here about the older ones as much. Overall the NBS is a solid truck.

OUMike · August 23, 2005

It's the way I wish I went...

On the OBS,

5.7L torque monster...

Better aproach angle...

16" wheels on the Z-71, 2wd had 15's...

$$$...

Lots of aftermarket parts, same for NBS too though...

I think the NBS trucks look better which is the biggest reason I bought one, functionally I like the OBS better.

Also I have had a few of the common issues with the NBS, but the OBS had common issues as well, I think most people here have the newer trucks so we don't here about the older ones as much. Overall the NBS is a solid truck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes. My 94' has a few issues, but none of them are major. The door pins on the driver side wear out and cause the door to sag is the most aggrivating. For the most part my 94' is trouble free.

Lets talk gas mileage and daily drivability. How do the 5.7s do in fuel usages vs. the 5.3s? I know the 5.3s are generally produce a little more hp, but the 5.7s just by the nature of displacement should produce more low end torque right?

97whitez71 · August 23, 2005

I thought about this myself last night while watching a chevy commercial. I said "self, if they were to ever re-build the old body style trucks again, I would be the first to buy one." I think both styles have their issues. With my '97, I plan to just put a new engine in it and keep going.

kewlgye · August 23, 2005

I was reading another post and it brought some questions.

I've read many times about NBS trucks going through strange issues. It makes me wonder about the overall build quality of the NBS pickups. I know these are solid trucks, but is it possible that the quality has gone down since the 88-98 trucks?

I ask this question because I too will shortly will be in the market for a NBS, and I wonder weather or not I should just find a nice OBS 97-99 model with decent mileage.

In my area (south Texas) its fairly easy to find OBS Silverados just the way I want them in the $10-$12k range with around 75-80k miles. I'm beginning to think this is the way to go.

Opinions?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was in your same situation just last year before I bought my truck. I was looking at my 1998 ECSB (OBS) and a 1999 NBS as well. Overall, I'm very happy with the decision I made. I picked it up for $11k and it had 79k miles on it. I'm also from South Texas, but I'm stationed in North Dakota, so I picked it up there. Between the two trucks, the NBS had a great look, but I was much fonder of the OBS. The 5.7 just felt like it had more power than the 5.3, even though the books say different. I like the fact that the 98 is still pretty much a basic 350 (easy to work on,) the NBS is a little more complicated. In the end I guess it's personal preference. The only thing I wish my truck had is a fourth door. I love the manual floor shift transfer case, and parts and accessories are fairly cheap for it. I did end up putting 2003-2004 Chevy wheels on it, I think they look better. Hope this helps.

OUMike · August 24, 2005

I was reading another post and it brought some questions.

I've read many times about NBS trucks going through strange issues. It makes me wonder about the overall build quality of the NBS pickups. I know these are solid trucks, but is it possible that the quality has gone down since the 88-98 trucks?

I ask this question because I too will shortly will be in the market for a NBS, and I wonder weather or not I should just find a nice OBS 97-99 model with decent mileage.

In my area (south Texas) its fairly easy to find OBS Silverados just the way I want them in the $10-$12k range with around 75-80k miles. I'm beginning to think this is the way to go.

Opinions?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was in your same situation just last year before I bought my truck. I was looking at my 1998 ECSB (OBS) and a 1999 NBS as well. Overall, I'm very happy with the decision I made. I picked it up for $11k and it had 79k miles on it. I'm also from South Texas, but I'm stationed in North Dakota, so I picked it up there. Between the two trucks, the NBS had a great look, but I was much fonder of the OBS. The 5.7 just felt like it had more power than the 5.3, even though the books say different. I like the fact that the 98 is still pretty much a basic 350 (easy to work on,) the NBS is a little more complicated. In the end I guess it's personal preference. The only thing I wish my truck had is a fourth door. I love the manual floor shift transfer case, and parts and accessories are fairly cheap for it. I did end up putting 2003-2004 Chevy wheels on it, I think they look better. Hope this helps.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hmm...thats 3-0 OBS. Anyone else care to make the sweep? Definatly open to all opinions. Thanks a lot fellas...how about LisaK and budone? You guys been through hell with your NBS, would you buy another one?

2004GMC1500CC · August 24, 2005

I was reading another post and it brought some questions.

I've read many times about NBS trucks going through strange issues. It makes me wonder about the overall build quality of the NBS pickups. I know these are solid trucks, but is it possible that the quality has gone down since the 88-98 trucks?

I ask this question because I too will shortly will be in the market for a NBS, and I wonder weather or not I should just find a nice OBS 97-99 model with decent mileage.

In my area (south Texas) its fairly easy to find OBS Silverados just the way I want them in the $10-$12k range with around 75-80k miles. I'm beginning to think this is the way to go.

Opinions?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was in your same situation just last year before I bought my truck. I was looking at my 1998 ECSB (OBS) and a 1999 NBS as well. Overall, I'm very happy with the decision I made. I picked it up for $11k and it had 79k miles on it. I'm also from South Texas, but I'm stationed in North Dakota, so I picked it up there. Between the two trucks, the NBS had a great look, but I was much fonder of the OBS. The 5.7 just felt like it had more power than the 5.3, even though the books say different. I like the fact that the 98 is still pretty much a basic 350 (easy to work on,) the NBS is a little more complicated. In the end I guess it's personal preference. The only thing I wish my truck had is a fourth door. I love the manual floor shift transfer case, and parts and accessories are fairly cheap for it. I did end up putting 2003-2004 Chevy wheels on it, I think they look better. Hope this helps.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hmm...thats 3-0 OBS. Anyone else care to make the sweep? Definatly open to all opinions. Thanks a lot fellas...how about LisaK and budone? You guys been through hell with your NBS, would you buy another one?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I couldn't decide, so I have both. A 91 EC with 260xxx on the clock. Runs like a champ. I mainly use it on bad weather days and for hauling. Also got the truck in my sig, but the wife drives it more than I do.

Nick99Chevy · August 24, 2005

I've had 3 OBS's and 2 NBS's. The NBS's ride and drive better and have gotten better gas mileage. I put 113K on my '99 NBS and the only thing that ever went wrong was the ABS module, which was a common thing on 99's anyway.

OUMike · August 24, 2005

I've had 3 OBS's and 2 NBS's. The NBS's ride and drive better and have gotten better gas mileage. I put 113K on my '99 NBS and the only thing that ever went wrong was the ABS module, which was a common thing on 99's anyway.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yea..I was thinkin' that this would be the case. I'm sure that when the OBS was NBS back in 97-98 people were having wierd trouble too.

thanks a lot guys for the input.

bullyus · August 24, 2005

I have had 2 of each and i really like the nbs much better. More power better towing better gas mileage and just all around nicer trucks. Just my opinion.

Bullyus

Wingnut · August 24, 2005

I've got both (although not the same configuration) and basically what it boils down to is: What do YOU want?

If you don't get what you want, you are always going to be second-guessing your choice, and the little things that go wrong (with any truck you'll ever buy) will seem like big things.

Just go with your gut, and never look back.

Elwood 2000 · August 24, 2005

I prefer the NBS truck to the old. I have had both and the NBS has a nicer ride and drive. The cab is larger, especially the extended cabs. If you plan on that area being more than a place to put a jacket, the NBS wins out big time.

I love the 5.3. I have always gotten better fuel milage out of it than the 350. Overall, I think it is a better truck and while they do have thier issues, they are pretty minor overall. Some may cry "piston slap" and some are pretty anoying, they still don't fail. I have seen many 5.3's with 200k on the clock with no major problems.

In the OBS, there seemed to be a lot of transmission problems with half tons which does not seem to be the case as much with the NBS.

While I love the look of the OBS, I think the NBS is a better truck and the 99-02 design is great looking.

builderpaul · August 24, 2005

I bought 2 new OBS (89-2500c6p + 97-K3500) and a new NBS (04-K2500hd)

I have just the opposite view of quality. I will compare them only up to 20Kmiles since that is all I have on the 04. The NBS is much more refined and I have had 0 problems. Both OBS had problems during the same time. The 89 blew 2 head gaskets the 97 had the usuall intake gasket leaks, in fact it leaked coolent just about any place there was a joint. Each continued on passed 150K miles but each required lots more service visits.

OUMike · August 24, 2005

I bought 2 new OBS (89-2500c6p + 97-K3500) and a new NBS (04-K2500hd)
I have just the opposite view of quality. I will compare them only up to 20Kmiles since that is all I have on the 04. The NBS is much more refined and I have had 0 problems. Both OBS had problems during the same time. The 89 blew 2 head gaskets the 97 had the usuall intake gasket leaks, in fact it leaked coolent just about any place there was a joint. Each continued on passed 150K miles but each required lots more service visits.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Interesting. At this point I can find 98s with low mileage for nearly the same money as like an 00-01 with similar miles.

Gas mileage is important, as most of the time I'm not hauling or pulling anything its just a driver. My first car is my current truck, and I've definatly caught the truck bug. They are just more comfortable to me than a car. I think I'm spend a little more time looking and drive both and go from there. I found one with a little extended service plan left...that sounds like my guy.

Thanks a million fellas.

mcreyaufmiller · August 24, 2005

I have a 98 with a 305 and although it is normally to be though of as having low hp, mine is peppy. I rented a NBS for a week and hated it. I thought it rode stiffer, although the power felt better. I have since done some performance work to my 98 and it now pulls great. After the Jesse tune among other mods I have done, I am extremely pleased with the results. The only newer truck I would consider would be the 99-00 model, the new ones are fugly IMO. I will not buy a new bowtie until they change the front end.