1998 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 review from North America
"I am very satisfied with my Z71!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I bought my Z71 brand new in 1998 and have put 65,500 miles on it as of today (Feb. 11, 2003). The only problem I've had with it so far is the alignment (from hitting a log while hunting in Idaho) and wear to the idler arm ball joints (probably due to hitting larger branches & boulders trying to get to my favorite fishing holes). I know I need to fix it, but Its' been three years now and I have yet to have it done. More of an annoyance than anything else.
General comments?
I can honestly say that I have yet to lose a race to either a Ford or Dodge 4WD truck. I did lose to a Dodge 2WD Dakota. Those things are fast!
Modifications I made were cheap & effective. They include:
Dual Exhaust with Viper Muffler: $300
Dual Batteries: $150
Power Pulleys by Jet: $100
Stillen High-flow Air intake with K&N Filter: $150
3/4-ton leaf springs from junk yard: $100 (to help carry my 2,000lb. 1979 Six-pack over-the-cab camper)
The biggest improvement in HP was the dual exhaust.
The truck gets about 16 miles per gal. around town and 20 miles per gal on the highway doing an average speed of 75MPH (made a trip from Sac., CA to Tacoma, WA to figure that one out).
Have kept all fluids changed on a reg. basis. I think that is the trick for keeping ANY vehicle in top running condition.
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| 1998 - Silverado 5.7 Vortec V8 Best truck ever made.. Built like a rock! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.7L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 65500 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet S-10 |
| Date of Entry | 11th February, 2003 |