2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71 from North America - Comments

Nothing really. It runs like a champ.

This is a great truck. It is as comfortable as a car and tough as a truck.

The towing capacity on this thing is amazing.

I love the sound BOSE sound system.

I have a 04 Avalanche and it ran kinda slow at first. The 6000lb body made for sluggish starts off the line and it never seen a gas station it didn't like. But when you get one of these things 5/10 people don't really put emphasis on aftermarket parts and pieces like I did. So far no problems yet, it runs smooth and the 4-wheel drive works fine. I eventually grew tired of that factory 5.3 so I swapped it out with a fuel injected 502 rat and a turbo tranny. I added some (strategically placed) SS decals and tinted the windows and people swear that it is a factory trim level. The pkg I purchased was a black Z71 WBH with all the trimmings. The satellite radio is cool, but I hear that it will be free in a matter of years. I added the 40 series flowmaster exhaust and a cowl induction hood along with adding 22 inch Katana racing rims on it. Some edelbrock headers were installed and it has plenty of thump now. I added some better fuel lines and fuel pump and the gas mileage increased only a hair, but nothing to really write home about. I like it so far, the 07 looks to be pretty promising, but I just wish that GM would come out with a SS version of this rather than a damn cobalt.

I also own a Black 2004 Chevy Avalanche without the body cladding. I absolutely love this thing. I did some customization to my truck as well. I put some 22" chrome all around, added a custom flow master exhaust system. I keep it very clean and it always seems to turn folks heads. The only problem I have encountered was a minor problem with the dash instrument panel which GM replaced. The other small issue is that it has developed a small leak between one of the panel covers. If I were the president of GM for a day I would do the same as the other person mentioned. Make the 6.0 SS an option for this truck. The 5.3 is just not enough engine for this 6,500 lb truck. It runs well on the high way, but take-off are a bit sluggist. I think Chevy made a big mistake when the abandoned the 5.7L engine. I had a 5.7L in my 1989 Chevy pickup and I will tell you that it would have blown my Avalanche of the line with not problems. If any at GM are reading this. We want more power options. This is a big truck, it need more horse power. The 8.1L was not suitable for me. At a minimum, If the 6.0L can't become an option, the GM long term staple engine, 5.7L will be welcomed back by all. I would buy another one in a heart beat if one of these two engines are made available. If not, I am afraid I may have to turn to another company.

I agree. I purchased an 05 with the 6.0 and that thing drinks gas like I have never seen. And this must be the going thing on all the suv's that Chevy is putting out b/c my window regulators went out within 30k. Luckily they replaced them under warranty b/c that would hurt a bit. As for everything else, the vortec max is OK, but you really gotta tweak it to get anything out of it. The previous poster was right. The 5.3 in these things is just too small. I mean waaaaaaaaaay small. These are 6000 lb rigs and you just need more. A SS version of this would have been real nice, and putting a 5.7 in them would have been even nicer. The navigation system is actually fairly easy to operate, which is a step up from the lexus rx I had. Now that thing took NASA scientists to figure out. As for the head-turning, I love it. The F-150's are super jealous and I leave em in the dust everytime. The Dodges don't stand a chance and as far as the imports? Not even close. OK, I am guilty... I did some tweaking of my own. Upon the first few days, I wasn't really clear on where to start. Then it hit me. I hit the gas, and it took off sooooo slow. I hated it. I figured I better put some money away and get to "wrench-turnin". So I'll add to the knuckle busting fun. At first, I was thinking just add a supercharger and be done with it, but that would have only help a little bit. After looking on some forums, and the Avalanche fan club website, I figured I better do more research. Hence, what I call BLUE DINNER (ford readers, sorry, but you just can't compete). I have the dark blue Z71 wbh, chrome siderails, with all the extras. I didn't even want the wheel flares. To me, they are kinda ugly. And don't even get me started on the cladding. Horrendous. So in short, it now sports a 6.0 liter with a Paxton Supercharger, a K&N aftermarket cold air intake, hooker headers, flowmaster delta 40 exhaust (u should hear this beast), Bully Dog programmer and a 150 shot of Nitrous. I have used the tank once and it registered close to 880 hp. I put the TH 700 tranny in b/c for the life of me, I will never understand why GM puts a 4 spd tranny in their rigs. Can anyone tell me that? I'll never know.

Other than that, I don't use the tank, it is mainly for show. I may disconnect it and sell it on ebay or something b/c I don't want to wreck with that tank in the truck. I got some 22 inch Giovanna's on it and now it looks like something. The tires don't hold up well, and never get the nitrogen inflation. That is a mistake waiting to happen. So I hope this added to the fun. So for nothing has gone wrong, except a few ford owners in the rear view mirror. Oh remember when you add aftermarket stuff like this get bigger brakes so you can stop that thing. Other than that... happy riding...see ya on the open road.

I am with you guys. President of GM for a day? Oh best believe all the classics are coming back, and close to their original form. All the Chevelles, Cutlasses, Grand Nationals, Trans-Ams...you name it. And I would scrape the 5.3 and go back to the 5.7 Then slowly, but surely... here comes the 396, 427, 454, 496. I hope someone at GM is reading this. You wouldn't post losses if you came back with these. I would hate to go somewhere else, but get off your lazy rears and do something. My Av ain't there to those guys yet, but it will be... I wanna get over 600 hp. Any ideas?

I don't get this. Really. Chevy decides to build a wannabe pick-up truck/SUV thing and everyone loves it, but then Honda does the same exact thing with the Ridgeline and nobody likes it. I'm not saying the Ridgeline is a real truck, and I'm not saying the Avalanche is a real truck, but you domestic lovers are just so angry whenever Honda or Toyota copies what you're favorite company is doing and then makes it better. Because for the entire time the imports have been here in the states, that's all they have been doing. Basing their designs on domestic vehicles, but making them better. Seems pretty smart doesn't it? Take an idea that people are already used to, but make it better. Seems to me that would be pretty successful, and obviously it has, because look at Honda and Toyota now, they're extremely successful. And you can't say that they aren't because all you would have to do is look around at all the imports driving the streets today to realize that you'd be wrong.

The Honda wasn't a copy, it was licensed and mfg by GM for Honda. Pop the doors and hoods, and look at the inscribed labels and paint trim legend. "GM Genuine Paint Recommended" and "GM Genuine Parts Recommended"

Ridgelines are ugly!

And they are not a real truck with any TOWING capabilities.

And have you seen the noses on New Passports and all Acuras??

What were they thinking... surely not making them "better".