Warden Posted February 24, 2011 Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 Hey guys.This is my second post.About a month ago I decided my 99 Sliverado was leaving too much debri in the driveway so I'm looking for a new DD.I've test driven about everything.Even a Titan:unsure: .Since I pull about 6000# I know I need some power and had pretty well decided on a 5.3 Silverado or Sierra.While doing a search I found a blown SS:drool: and a stock 03 SS.I know this is ludicous to even think about either one as a DD/tow vehicle but it sure would look good pulling my 9 second C5.Anyone pulling any serious weight and did you get more then 10 MPG?My other option is to by a black 03 Silverado 5.3 and add the SS externals.If I was rich the blown SS would be in my driveway right now.It's at a dealer and they are having trouble moving it.Also I need to consider we are covered in the white stuff 4 months of the year.Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonycillo Posted February 24, 2011 Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 i say just get a duramax and call it a day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterp Posted February 24, 2011 Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 (edited) If you want a Silverado SS, buy it. I've seen many guys try to upgrade an EC Silverado with SS body or drivetrain parts, and in the end it was (a) more expensive than just getting a SSS in the first place, and (b) not as nice as the stock SSS truck either in drivetrain or interior or body or a combination, © took a ton of effort and time, and (d) the owner in the end wasn't as happy and wished they bought the SSS in the first place. Regret is a bitch. Since economy is a big concern and you are towing, you will more likely be happy with a 2WD truck (2005+) than an AWD truck. There's also less to go wrong in the drivetrain, hence less to drain your racecar effort. I have seen the LQ9 motor get the exact same or better gas mileage than the 5.3L. You want the 6-liter. I have no hard numbers for you but yes I would certainly expect it to do better than 10MPG under tow. Adding a Radix/TVS kit has proven to gain 1-2 mpg. SilveradoSS trucks have begun to hit the 'bottom' of their used car prices; if you ever wanted one, now is a good time to buy one. Don't get all hot-n-bothered about that supercharged truck you saw - chances are very good it needs a tune, or some other type of work to really get it running right, or running reliably. Or worse, it has a crap converter. Or worse-worse, it has a tranny that was not prepared right and will shortly die after you limp it off the lot (the transmission concern is a very legitimate one in this case, I would be suspicious). When you buy a supercharged truck you can just assume that you will immediately need to put $500-2500 into the rig after the purchase to get it running *right* (my experience). Never buy a supercharged truck unless you know exactly who you are buying it from and the vehicle's history; every blown truck I have seen someone purchase from a dealership was a story that ended in MISERY, and *I* end-up getting late-night phone calls from guys asking what the hell to do with the lemon they just bought. When it comes to forced induction of any kind (especially since you are skilled enough to campaign a racecar) I advise D.I.Y. definitely. That way you know the job is done right and all the bases got covered. Can the SSS tow - yes, it tows very well. The only con that I see is the load-carrying capacity of the truck, afterall it is only a half-ton so don't think you can throw a trailer on the truck -plus- load the rest of the bed with 1000-lbs of tools & luggage & tires, -plus- add 5-people in the cab... the rear suspension is not made for that. You will probably be well-advised to expect adding a set of Firestone bags after purchase, several guys have done that with good success. Mr. P. Edited February 24, 2011 by Mr. P. (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted February 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 Thanks for the good advice.When I talked about a replica SS I meant just doing the outside of the truck to look similar.I would never go all the way and upgrade the motor and suspension. Any reason you advised a 2005+ 2WD compared to the earlier models?I'm looking for a 2003-04 as nice ones are under 10K. Are you talking about tow mileage when you compared the 6.0 to a 5.3?I'd be surprised to see a 6.0 get as good mileage as a 5.3 not towing.Just as a side note.I have a 6.0 iron block with stock 317 heads in my C5.It's gone 144 in the 1/4 which will be 9.5s if I ever get it to hook.Best so far is 9.90s. I think I would buy an SS before adding a blower to a non SS Silverado.The 03 SS I was considering was going for 13.5 and had 150K on it.You are right.It's a buyers market right now.Nice C5s can be had for 15K right now. I hear ya on buying the blown SS.If it's not done right you can spend big to make it right.I wouldn't worry about buying it myself.I've owned my own shop for 25 years and I specialize in turbo GNs.I am close friends with 3 of the best tuners in the country. Don't get me wrong.I appreciate your advice.I'm just letting you know where I'm coming from. Take care and thanks. If you want a Silverado SS, buy it. I've seen many guys try to upgrade an EC Silverado with SS body or drivetrain parts, and in the end it was (a) more expensive than just getting a SSS in the first place, and (b) not as nice as the stock SSS truck either in drivetrain or interior or body or a combination, © took a ton of effort and time, and (d) the owner in the end wasn't as happy and wished they bought the SSS in the first place. Regret is a bitch. Since economy is a big concern and you are towing, you will more likely be happy with a 2WD truck (2005+) than an AWD truck. There's also less to go wrong in the drivetrain, hence less to drain your racecar effort. I have seen the LQ9 motor get the exact same or better gas mileage than the 5.3L. You want the 6-liter. I have no hard numbers for you but yes I would certainly expect it to do better than 10MPG under tow. Adding a Radix/TVS kit has proven to gain 1-2 mpg. SilveradoSS trucks have begun to hit the 'bottom' of their used car prices; if you ever wanted one, now is a good time to buy one. Don't get all hot-n-bothered about that supercharged truck you saw - chances are very good it needs a tune, or some other type of work to really get it running right, or running reliably. Or worse, it has a crap converter. Or worse-worse, it has a tranny that was not prepared right and will shortly die after you limp it off the lot (the transmission concern is a very legitimate one in this case, I would be suspicious). When you buy a supercharged truck you can just assume that you will immediately need to put $500-2500 into the rig after the purchase to get it running *right* (my experience). Never buy a supercharged truck unless you know exactly who you are buying it from and the vehicle's history; every blown truck I have seen someone purchase from a dealership was a story that ended in MISERY, and *I* end-up getting late-night phone calls from guys asking what the hell to do with the lemon they just bought. When it comes to forced induction of any kind (especially since you are skilled enough to campaign a racecar) I advise D.I.Y. definitely. That way you know the job is done right and all the bases got covered. Can the SSS tow - yes, it tows very well. The only con that I see is the load-carrying capacity of the truck, afterall it is only a half-ton so don't think you can throw a trailer on the truck -plus- load the rest of the bed with 1000-lbs of tools & luggage & tires, -plus- add 5-people in the cab... the rear suspension is not made for that. You will probably be well-advised to expect adding a set of Firestone bags after purchase, several guys have done that with good success. Mr. P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCountry Posted February 25, 2011 Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 (edited) I get about 10 MPG with this setup if I'm trying to be concervative with the right foot. It's easy to get carried away though and I find it pulls well, but obviously could use helper bags out back... Soon! These pics were without a motor in the car, but sits about the same since the motor went back in, as I usually don't load the car so far forward. (2006 2WD SSS, Stock LQ4, TVS1900, LT's, 4L80E, 3.73) Edited February 25, 2011 by BigCountry (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterp Posted February 25, 2011 Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 Very good to meet a fellow "car crafter". And I [now] hear where you are coming from... Would love to see more about your Vette, that thing sounds badass. I hate to admit this out loud, but Vette's can be cool too LOL. The only reason I recommended a 2WD truck is strictly because of the better fuel economy. The 2WD trucks all came with 3.73 gears, all AWD trucks came with 4.11s. All '03-'04 trucks are AWD. Do not get me wrong, I drive an '03 (AWD) SSS and *love* it because before I had a C10 w/ BBC and frankly the big-torque-with-no-traction thing gets pretty old after a while; I enjoy the fact that with my truck if there is *any* traction to be had at all the truck will find it! It's pretty awesome having a supercharged truck that will run 11s on street tires & asphault. The 2WD trucks, after a certain point of torque, do not hook well without slicks & caltracs & etc etc etc but they are awesome burnout machines. I was serious about the gas mileage comparision of 5.3L and 6.0L - the LQ9s get much better mileage than you would think, especially with a tune. Search here for past threads on MPGs... The AWD trucks are excellent in the winter weather. Except it's too nice a truck to be sacrificed to the road salt. Make sure the truck you get isn't eaten to crap already by the winter de-icer. Mr. P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruiser04 Posted February 25, 2011 Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 +1 here for no traction...mr. p ur right it is a fun burnout machine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bag Posted February 25, 2011 Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 (edited) *I* end-up getting late-night phone calls from guys asking what the hell to do with the lemon they just bought. Mr. P. I was actually calling for another reason Edited February 25, 2011 by Bad aSS Silvy (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Looks great!Nice house too.Have you got equalizer bars on your hitch?They leveled out my truck.I only use them on long hauls as my truck tows well without them.I actually found a brand new set of AC Delco air shocks on Fleebay.I got them for $60 for the pair new in the box.They work great and the ride is good too.I have also used air bags in the past and they also work well. I get about 10 MPG with this setup if I'm trying to be concervative with the right foot. It's easy to get carried away though and I find it pulls well, but obviously could use helper bags out back... Soon! These pics were without a motor in the car, but sits about the same since the motor went back in, as I usually don't load the car so far forward. (2006 2WD SSS, Stock LQ4, TVS1900, LT's, 4L80E, 3.73) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 (edited) Nice to meet you.I'll give you some details on the Vette soon.I've got some great stories. I thought the SS I was considering was gone but turns out it's still up for grabs.I know I shouldn't even consider it but being a Die Hard ,WTH. I hear ya on the traction deal.Even with Nitto DRs my C5 will rip the tires up at anything under 80MPH.Sometimes it's fun.Other times it's a pain.I was playing with a kid in a 08 Mustang one day.It looked like a possible low 12 second car.He gave it to me so bad from a roll that I just let off.I tried to coax him on to the highway but he wouldn't have anything to do with that. Anyway.I tried to PM you but I guess I'm too new.I guess I'll just have to hang my stupid ass out here and ask all the dumb questions before I go look at it on Saturday,later today. This truck is stock,not the one with the blower.It's an 03 with about 150K on the clock. .He's asking 13.5.I've already read the stories about the steering clunk and Dexcool.The transmission and transfer case will be my next concern.I think with those kinda miles this guy has been through everything.Other then the rust, what else should I look for?Hopefully he's had it oiled and has not driven it during the winter.If I don't like it I'm going to look at a black 03 LT with half the miles of the SS and it has a 5.3. It sounds mint and is less money. Thanks. Very good to meet a fellow "car crafter". And I [now] hear where you are coming from... Would love to see more about your Vette, that thing sounds badass. I hate to admit this out loud, but Vette's can be cool too LOL. The only reason I recommended a 2WD truck is strictly because of the better fuel economy. The 2WD trucks all came with 3.73 gears, all AWD trucks came with 4.11s. All '03-'04 trucks are AWD. Do not get me wrong, I drive an '03 (AWD) SSS and *love* it because before I had a C10 w/ BBC and frankly the big-torque-with-no-traction thing gets pretty old after a while; I enjoy the fact that with my truck if there is *any* traction to be had at all the truck will find it! It's pretty awesome having a supercharged truck that will run 11s on street tires & asphault. The 2WD trucks, after a certain point of torque, do not hook well without slicks & caltracs & etc etc etc but they are awesome burnout machines. I was serious about the gas mileage comparision of 5.3L and 6.0L - the LQ9s get much better mileage than you would think, especially with a tune. Search here for past threads on MPGs... The AWD trucks are excellent in the winter weather. Except it's too nice a truck to be sacrificed to the road salt. Make sure the truck you get isn't eaten to crap already by the winter de-icer. Mr. P. Edited February 26, 2011 by Warden (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Well.I bought it.Wow.My first ride.Nice truck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nastyhabit Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 owned my own shop for 25 years and I specialize in turbo GNs.I am close friends with 3 of the best tuners in the country. I bet I know one of the same - all too well. Mr. J.C. So which car leaves harder - vette or the buick? Have fun with the new truck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 I knew Jack before he opened his shop.He offered me a FAST system at cost just so he could make the buy in.Great guy.My 8 second GN ran 1.31 60s.I'm lucky to get a 1.50 out of the Vette. Thanks I bet I know one of the same - all too well. Mr. J.C. So which car leaves harder - vette or the buick? Have fun with the new truck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
O2 WS6 TA Posted February 27, 2011 Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 I get about 10 MPG with this setup if I'm trying to be concervative with the right foot. It's easy to get carried away though and I find it pulls well, but obviously could use helper bags out back... Soon! These pics were without a motor in the car, but sits about the same since the motor went back in, as I usually don't load the car so far forward. (2006 2WD SSS, Stock LQ4, TVS1900, LT's, 4L80E, 3.73) That looks strangely familiar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted February 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 Wow.F bodys everywhere! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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