2001 Silverado

[Neal/CO]

I am in the process of buying a 2001 Z-71 Off Road Silverado. My question is; I can save a couple of grand by going with the 4800 vortec 8 cylinder engine instead of the 5300. I like the 4800 and it seems plenty powerful enough for me. Do any of you have this model? I got the tow package with the tranny cooler and when I do buy a boat it won't be a large lake Erie style boat. I really don't think I need the bigger engine?

[WAeyes]

I questioned the same thing Neal. I decided to splurge and get the 5.3L in case I needed the extra power down the road. I plan on having this truck a long time and didn't ever want to be under powered. I also use this truck to commute in and it gets up and moving on the freeway in a hurry. Mileage for both engines is about the same. I guess you can tell my opinion on it. Good luck-nice truck.

[Tim/Iowa]

Neal, I have 2001 Z-71 with the 5300, there are a lot of people that pull boats with small engines but there are a few things that come into this dicsion, first would you pull through any hills or back roads and the next is how you drive. If you don't mind working the engine a little more and depending on what size boat you buy and the gas mileage. go for it. I really like my silverado but it's not what I expected pulling my boat. I have a Ranger 620 and have to pull in 3rd gear with the tow/haul. My next truck will probably be a Ford Powerstroke, even though I've been a Chevy man all my life. My advice would be to spend the money because you could end up with a bigger boat someday and then your stuck. It would also have a better resale when you trade or sale it.

[Dden]

Go with the larger engine. I think I remember from past posts that you have a pretty good sized boat. Then when you add in all your gear and a passenger or two, you will definitely need the bigger engine. Remember that in Colo you are also going to lose some hp because of the altitude. I've got the older 350 and I wouldn't want anything smaller.

[Jig'N John]

FYI.

The newer 4.8 Vortec engine, has more horsepower and torque than the old (and loved) 350 engine. Most people don't realize this when they are comparing the old with the new.

Jig'n John

[Michman]

Tim: If your considering a Powerstroke (I hope your not!) Before you buy, take a long look at the Duramax Diesel in the Silverado 2500HD or 3500. It is important that you take it for a drive to understand what a great engine it really is. If you do buy the Powerstroke, your new Ford will be running in second place it terms of power and fuel economy!

[cmb]

perhaps, but it is aproven package and is more than adequate for towing all but an enormous boat!! not to mention a better bang for your buck!! not bashing GM or their new product (it is about time though) but, get with reality~both are great trucks~

yes the new GM has more HP and torque, but all trucks in that class produce these in bountifull quantities

[Eyecon]

No question buy the 5.3L,I own a 2001 Silverado and previously a 1999 both with the 5.3L.Trust me you don't want anything less.This motor produces a lot of HP but lacks low end tourque.I pull a fairly heavy Skeeter,and its a little tough to get rolling.Once upto speed it will cruise effortlessly at 75 MPH.I run the 3.73 gears and can get 20 mpg empty,I use the truck for business.If your looking for strictly a tow vehicle opt for the 4.10 gears.I would stay away from the 4.6 engine to tow a boat of any size.

[Neal/CO]

Thanks for all the input guys. I am going to go with the 4800, so I guess I will be a ginny pig. I am rolling over a large chunk of a bad car loan my wife made with Isuzu on her piece of """" Rodeo to get out from underneath that nightmare. So I need to keep my payments sane. I don't own a boat yet, but probably will be getting a small to medium size Tracker in the next year hopefully. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Buckg]

Tim:

Hope you are aware that Ford is coming out with a new diesel V-6 for 2002 model year and the new V-8 6.0 litre for 2003 model year. That is just over one year away. At that point, if the new engine is as good as is rumored, the powerstroke will be yesterday's news as far as value is concerned.