Newbie here trading Ford for Chevy

03Cobra · August 31, 2006

What's up. I am thinking of crossing over from F-150 to Silverado soon. I have an 01 F-150 XLT 4x4 with a 5.4l, it has been a great truck and problem free but it is getting high in miles and I don't really use 4x4 ever, so looking at Chevy again. I used to have a 96 Silverado. The 5.4l F-150s have plug spitting issues and that is another reason I want to get rid of it.

I'm seriously thinking about getting the 2007 4.8L 2WD LS crew cab. With truck sales slow and decent rebates seems like Silverados are the best deal going right now.

I've been searching the forums and now for some questions:

Is the 20" wheel on a crew cab problem a thing I need to worry about on an 07?

Will the 4.8l tow 5,600 pounds pretty easily, I think that is close to max trailering for 4.8l?

Any other major 4.8l issues / general concerns?

I've recently been a Ford guy, but I have owned pretty much everything domestic at one time or another.

My other rides are Mustangs: 98 Cobra and 03 Cobra with a few bolt-ons. Both black, I'll probably be getting a black Silverado to replace the black F-150. I'm stuck in a rut here with vehicle colors.

Thanks

svensk · August 31, 2006

IMO just go with the 5.3 and 3.73 gears if you want a crew cab.

The 4.8 will pull 5k lbs fine but you'll want shorter gears to go with it and I would just bite the bullet and go 5.3 while your at it. The gas milage between the two isn't that drastic.

And you'll be happier with it.

Dana_15 · August 31, 2006

First, welcome to GM-Trucks.com. I've owned both the 4.8 and the 5.3, the 5.3 is the superior motor especially in the CC (which I have) and if you want to tow really go with the 5.3. I actually get better mileage with the 5.3, and like svensk said get the 3.73 gears.

03Cobra · September 1, 2006

First, welcome to GM-Trucks.com. I've owned both the 4.8 and the 5.3, the 5.3 is the superior motor especially in the CC (which I have) and if you want to tow really go with the 5.3. I actually get better mileage with the 5.3, and like svensk said get the 3.73 gears.

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I just drove a 4.8L with 3.23's and the 5.3l with 3.73's, huge difference. The 5.3 feels way more solid and pulled hard. My F-150 with 5.4l is rated at 260 HP @ 4500, 350 LB FT @ 2500 / and is 4832 LB. The 5.3l Silverado felt like it had a lot more power and I had 3 people in it and it weighs 150 LB more than the F-150. I was surprised. It does have 35 more HP, but it has 15 less LB FT torque. I think I definately want the 5.3l for sure now. I'm sure the gears made a huge difference too. The 4.8l having the 3.23's didn't help.

Elwood 2000 · September 1, 2006

One thing about the torque on the 5.3 is that is is a long steady torque curve without a sharp peak.

If you thougth that was strong, get the 5.3 and install a custom tune. Than you will have something!

Glad to see you coming to a Chevy. They are real good trucks!

The 5.3 with the 3:73 is an excellent all around combination. Tall enough for respectable milage and low enough to tow well.

03Cobra · September 1, 2006

One thing about the torque on the 5.3 is that is is a long steady torque curve without a sharp peak.

If you thougth that was strong, get the 5.3 and install a custom tune. Than you will have something!

Glad to see you coming to a Chevy. They are real good trucks!

The 5.3 with the 3:73 is an excellent all around combination. Tall enough for respectable milage and low enough to tow well.

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Yeah, I never had any problems out of my 96 Silverado. I'll probably just get a catback, drop in KN, tint, and maybe some different wheels / tires. Other than that I'll stay stock. I'll leave the real modding for my cobra's.

bossier62guy · September 1, 2006

If you really feel like getting wild get an LT model w/ the optional 6.0L engine. 345 horsepower and 380 ft lbs of torque.....now that should keep your satisified when you're not driving the Cobra

03Cobra · September 1, 2006

If you really feel like getting wild get an LT model w/ the optional 6.0L engine. 345 horsepower and 380 ft lbs of torque.....now that should keep your satisified when you're not driving the Cobra

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I saw a couple 6.0L's on the lot, sticker scared me when the gas mileage was blank and said "not required on this vehicle". My F-150 gets worse mileage than my mustangs. The F-150 gets 13.3, 98 cobra gets 21-23 Ave, and the supercharged 03 averages about 17 mpg. My wife drives the truck most of the time, so extra HP/TQ would just be wasted. She is more concerned with how many bags of clothes the back seat can hold, or if the dog will like having the backseat to itself, and crap like that.

bossier62guy · September 1, 2006

Well the 5.3L should serve you well then....that is kinda scarey alright especially w/ todays gas prices.

OnyxMAX · September 1, 2006

nah get the 1500 with the 6.0 will say vortec max on the door. the other 6.0 is on the 3/4 ton (2500) no epa required.

mines rated 14/19 i get 18 combined with 2wd and 3.73. the '7's prolly not on the lots yet and would have to order them. might not be availble in the cc yet either.

03Cobra · September 1, 2006

Hashed out the price today. They didn't have the color I wanted, so they are trailering in a black LT, 5.3, 3.73's, locking diff, etc. I should have it Monday. Can't wait!

Dana_15 · September 1, 2006

Sweet. Post up pics when you get it!

Elwood 2000 · September 2, 2006

Congrats on the purchase! Sounds like a very sharp truck. I really enjoy mine!

06Silverado5.3LT · September 2, 2006

First, welcome to GM-Trucks.com. I've owned both the 4.8 and the 5.3, the 5.3 is the superior motor especially in the CC (which I have) and if you want to tow really go with the 5.3. I actually get better mileage with the 5.3, and like svensk said get the 3.73 gears.

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Love my 5.3L w/3.73 gears!! If it will pull a crew cab very well, then you can imagine what it will do in my regular cab, short wheel base..... Can you say "get up and go?".... As was said, get the 5.3L....better in the long run IMO....especially if you tow. 40 more ft/lbs of torque and a very flat torque curve as are all LS1/LS2 based engines. I bought a 2000 Silverado 5.3L RCSB in August of 1999 when the first 2K models rolled off the trucks. Kept that truck for over 6 years and put just a tad over 65K miles on it. Never had to take it to the dealer for anything other than oil changes. I did replace the crappy Generals although. I can't believe they still put these tires on our trucks. It makes me want to every time I look at my truck. Gotta get some Michelins on it soon. Anyway, back to the subject. Heck, even the brakes were still good at 60K. Chevy all the way!! You will be glad you bought one...Trust me. I'm a long time owner of Chevys as I am sure the other guys on here are. Good Luck in your decision.

03Cobra · September 2, 2006

First, welcome to GM-Trucks.com. I've owned both the 4.8 and the 5.3, the 5.3 is the superior motor especially in the CC (which I have) and if you want to tow really go with the 5.3. I actually get better mileage with the 5.3, and like svensk said get the 3.73 gears.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Love my 5.3L w/3.73 gears!! If it will pull a crew cab very well, then you can imagine what it will do in my regular cab, short wheel base..... Can you say "get up and go?".... As was said, get the 5.3L....better in the long run IMO....especially if you tow. 40 more ft/lbs of torque and a very flat torque curve as are all LS1/LS2 based engines. I bought a 2000 Silverado 5.3L RCSB in August of 1999 when the first 2K models rolled off the trucks. Kept that truck for over 6 years and put just a tad over 65K miles on it. Never had to take it to the dealer for anything other than oil changes. I did replace the crappy Generals although. I can't believe they still put these tires on our trucks. It makes me want to every time I look at my truck. Gotta get some Michelins on it soon. Anyway, back to the subject. Heck, even the brakes were still good at 60K. Chevy all the way!! You will be glad you bought one...Trust me. I'm a long time owner of Chevys as I am sure the other guys on here are. Good Luck in your decision.

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Yeah they are nice and can't beat the prices with rebates right now. I agree the stock tires are junk, looking to swap those out right from the start. My F-150 came with generals and they were crap, I put on some 275/70 R16 Kumho STX and it was a huge improvement. They are the only tire I'll be putting on my trucks from now on. About $108 each for that size and excellent wet/dry traction/pretty good snow traction. Had them on the F-150 for 40K miles and still far from the wear bars.