New guy, getting new truck, looking for advice

MODDOO · May 8, 2006

Hello everyone,

I have been researching new trucks for a while.

I've found some good info on this site.

I'm getting an 06 sierra 1500 with a 5.3 very soon.

the flex fuel trucks with an iron block come with $1000 gas card.

But the aluminum block motors have 15 more hp and are lighter.

I am having a hard time deciding on which motor to get.

Any info on either motor would be helpful.

Thanks

fossil · May 8, 2006

I dont think you'll notice the diff between the two as for HP.

I'd personally go for the flex fuel model, get the 1000 bucks in fuel and have the option to use E85 which will be getting more popular with high gas prices.

ZZebes · May 8, 2006

the aluminum block 5.3 is a beast. get it if you get they chance, it is well worth it. i would have it if i had my druthers.

Jump on it!!!

MODDOO · May 8, 2006

Well I drove both motors, and they feel similar. but what can you tell from driving a brand new truck for 10 minutes?!

I did some more research, and I will go for the aluminum HO motor.

I am all about perfomance, so it seems like the best direction.

I may ask on a new thread, but I have a couple questions about this thing.

Anyone put a tune on a brand new truck?

It seems like long tube headers are the only way to go if you want to change them,

$1500 stainless is all I have found so far. Anyone make a good set of non-stainless for $500- 600?

EDIT: 4 wheel drive truck.

Will long tubes hang below the frame? the stock Y-pipe even hangs down a little.

I have searched around for this info, and come up a little short.

thanks guys

ZZebes · May 8, 2006

i let my motor break in for at least the first oil change before doing any changes. as for the tune, it shouldn't hurt it. But i would say wait on the major engines mods for a few thousand miles because if you need your warranty you are screwed once you put on those long tubes

Draenor · May 8, 2006

i let my motor break in for at least the first oil change before doing any changes. as for the tune, it shouldn't hurt it. But i would say wait on the major engines mods for a few thousand miles because if you need your warranty you are screwed once you put on those long tubes

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As for me I dont do anything till the waranty expires. I try not to give GM any excuses to get out of repairs.

MODDOO · May 8, 2006

No chance I'll wait 36000 miles to put the headers on.

I don't think they will affect my warranty at all.

I asked the dealer and he said exhaust mods were ok.

More input on this would be great

fossil · May 10, 2006

I drive both regularly and I really cant tell the diff in power or mpg.

AdioSS · May 10, 2006

No chance I'll wait 36000 miles to put the headers on.
I don't think they will affect my warranty at all.

I asked the dealer and he said exhaust mods were ok.

More input on this would be great

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Long tube headers move the catalytic converters and would cause warranty issues for sure. The cats are considered emmissions equipment and have a 100k mile warranty.

And to help with your decision you might want to check out the GM Powertrain website.

http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/produ...ng%20trans.html

freakyt · May 10, 2006

I went with the Flex Fuel Iron block. It has plenty of power and I can tell when I've got E85 or gas in the tank, it powers up good on both of them.

Is E85 availible in your area? Even if it isn't, I'd still go with the E85 option. The latest gas scare has woken up many people and got them interested in alterative to gas. Right now E85 is $.40 cheaper a gallon where I live. If gas happens to go up to $4 a gallon, I can see E85 staying cheaper than $.40 a gallon. That's quite a savings.

Do the smart thing and go with E85. After the novelty of having a new pickup wears off and you stop squeeling your tires at every stop sign, you'll be glad you did.

silveradoHO · May 10, 2006

I've got the 5.3HO. Love it!! I put a cold air intake and a flowmaster 50 series exhaust on it, sounds great and I'm getting about 16.5 around town. Bought a hypertech for it. It was ok. you could tell some difference, but not alot. The best thing was I could change the speed limiter and the shifts were firmer. I have a wait4me tune on order, $158 was to good a deal to pass up for a custom tune. I'll post later how it turns out.