1998 Chevrolet Silverado review from North America

Service Engine Soon light indicates a P0420, which is Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1, from what I've come to understand that means I have to replace the catalytic converter. FYI, if it we're 02 sensors the OBDII codes would tell me so. Haven't replaced it yet, I suspect that the plugged cat converter could be the culprit of rough idling. Estimated around 300 bucks to replace. Kinda scared if the plugged converter could mean something like a burned exhaust valve, so if I replace the converter and if I end up back at square one all over again. Though with 176,000 miles on it, good chance it is just an old used up converter?

Starter was replaced, not sure of all the details, but previous owner had to enlarge one of the holes to mount it. Tried using shims, but every now and again at start up you get that smacking noise from the pinion gear. That might be expensive to fix.

Steering kinda twitches or jerks with left turns. Getting new tires soon and complete alignment, so I'm hoping that fixes it. New tires are expensive FYI.

Ball joints leak grease, but nothing new on mostly any vehicle.

Water pump was replaced by previous owner, I can tell since I pulled off the skid plate under the front differential and scraped off dirt and thick gunk that had rested there from when it was going out. Seems like water pump is a must to replace sooner or later on these.

Fuel filter has been replaced within the year, wondering about replacing it again in the spring 09. It does do that loud fuel pump sound, but with the rumbling engine it isn't any big deal, and it just shut offs pretty soon after I pull the key out of the ignition after driving.

Transmission was also totally replaced, it's still even shiny! So even with 176,000 miles on the engine, the tranny has maybe over a 1,000 or 2,000 miles and still under warranty.

Other than that, seems quite alright. Has a feeling of power behind the wheel! Has actually been taken pretty good care of, and oil changes, routine maintenance has been performed consistently. Wondered about switching to high mileage oil, but am scared of causing any leaks. Just sticking to Pennz 5W30 at the moment.