Shopping for NBS.

OUMike · February 27, 2006

Hey guys,

So...I just recently got me a new job. This new job is gonna allow me to put a ton of money away. That means....new truck

I've found a bunch of regular cab 4.8s and even one reg cab stepside 4.8 that happens to have less than 15000 miles in 4 years.

My big question is about the 4.8L. I've driven a couple and the power seems more than plenty for me, but what are the major differences in the 4.8 and 5.3? I looked on GM Powertrains website and everything they have there seems to be about the same. Could it be just the stroke length?

How about reg vs. ext cab? I've always loved the looks and the driveability of the reg cab (no blindspots), but I think the extra room might be nice. I've seen a couple ext. cab 4.8s around but I'm a little skeptical of the extra weight with only the 4.8. I know I wanna go with a new exhaust system and most likely a Westers tune. I've read a million posts on here about how wonderful the Westers tune for power and for gas so I figure I'm obligated to jump on board.

I honestly don't know much at all about these NBS trucks. I'm looking to get between 02-04 models and anything newer than 03 I'd really prefer a GMC. What things should I be looking for when purchasing one of these? I don't need Z71, and even though I dig the looks I've read about the loss in MPG due to extra weight.

Thanks in advance guys!

99silveradoz71 · February 27, 2006

I'd say go with an ext cab. Think of the back seat as your secure trunk. If you're shopping, you can place groceries there, coolers on trips, etc. You can also store emergency road gear under the back seat. And if you end up going ext cab, I'd steer you toward the 5.3. Better to have the power if you need it, than to be lacking.

rdnkcpa · February 27, 2006

Go with the extended cab. I've had both regular and extended, and the extended is the way to go. It lets you keep stuff inside, haul a few friends around etc. As for which engine, I have the 5.3 and have no experience with the 4.8. My 5.3 is silky smooth and has more than enough power for what I need it to do. I pull a 19 foot boat with it, weekend trips to the dump and trips to Home Depot. I'm just getting to roll over 50k on it and now it has just begun the intermediate steering shaft problem. Other than that, it did not go back to the dealer once for any warranty problems.

My truck is a 2004 Chevy 4x4 Non Z71 with the G80 locking rear. I'd make sure you get one with the the G80 locking rear end. They do come in handy. The Z71 stickers look nice, but other then skid plates, "upgraded" shocks, and decals what do you get on the Z71? Same body, suspension, engine & transmission.

As for MPG with a 5.3, mine gets between 17 & 18, if I really baby it on the highway I can get close to 20.

For 2004 GM suposedly cured the CSK on the 5.3. My engine has yet to slap, but I'm sure I have just jinxed myself.

Don't fall in love with the first truck you look at, really shop around. That's the best advice I can give.

67ChevyRedneck · February 27, 2006

Extended cab, hands down. It's actually easier to find an ex cab than a reg cab anymore anyways....

I personally don't like the 4.8. Test drove the 4.8 and 5.3. I'll take the 5.3 anyday. I think the fuel mileage is only like 1mpg more hwy and the same city (I think).

If you go from a 4.8 reg cab to a 5.3 x cab your going to pay several grand more, but it's worth it.

I agree on the body styles. I bought a 2000 because I don't like the 03-06 chevy front end, but the 99-06 GMC's are nice.

RyanZ71 · February 28, 2006

My work truck has the 4.8 my personal truck as the 5.3. go with the 5.3, you won't regret it. The 4.8 is dependable, but there is a definite difference in power with the 5.3 over the 4.8.

BRZ71 · February 28, 2006

Get the extended cab, and the 5.3. They have better resale value. Not many people want to buy a "stripped" down used vehicle. I buy used, but I do b/c I can get more than I could get new. Most of the people I know that buy used do it for the same reason.

ZZebes · February 28, 2006

Definitley go with the ext. Cab and get the 5.3. You will not regret it, my 5.3 can pull close to 25mpg on the highway at 70mph and 13-17 in the city and with the G80 i can go 4 wheelin and i am a 2wd

Get the 5.3 its really awesome

February 28, 2006

Once you go extended cab, you really never go back. As for the blind spot, if you adjust your mirrors correctly, you can virtually eliminate them. Dittos on the security issues mentioned here. For added security, you can buy storage compartments for the space underneath the rear seat. Truck Vault makes a lockable vault for the rear seats. If you have or are planning a sound system, the area underneath the rear seat is perfect for those thumping subs. Good luck and congrats on the new job.

OUMike · February 28, 2006

Thanks for the advice everyone. My needs are very simple. I never pull anything and the most I've hauled was during our Hurricane Evacuation.

Honestly theres no real reason for me even driving a truck, except I just like them soo much better. My girlfriend has an 05' Focus, and I just can't get excited about driving it. After I drove my 94' Silverado for the first time when I was 16 I was hooked, and a truck guy as an everyday driver for life.

The 4.8 is probably more than enough for me, but if the mileage is close or better to what I get now, and the resale is that much better on the 5.3 than I'd have no problems with it.

My only problem is I'd really like an 03-04 model and those get a little bit expensive for me when you factor in LS/SLE ext. cab, 5.3s. I found a couple 4.8 reg cabs for 16 range, which is really about as much as I'd like to spend. Guess I'll have to do some lookin' around.

Thanks guys