1998 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 from North America - Comments

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.

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.

A question: Assume you might be from the Sacramento area - where were you able to add dual exhaust to your 98 Silverado for $300?

How is your exhaust does it still have the 2 catalytic converters or did you trash them.

Update...today (Oct. 12th, 2006) still have this truck. Now has 114,000 miles with no issues to speak of. Had the brakes done in 2005 and the alignment fixed a while back. Regardign the two questions from 2004, the dual exhaust was installed at a local muffler shop in Roseville, CA (forgot the name). They wanted $400 bucks to do my dad's suburban last year though. I have since cut the dual exhaust off in front of the rear axle because of numerous issues of them getting damaged while 4-wheeling. Regarding the cat converters, they are still original! I love this truck and will probably (eventually) drive it into the ground!

20 miles per gallon is absolutely awesome for a 350. Mine only gets like 14 but that's still good for a truck. You should just leave the two converters for your exhaust and no mufflers it sounds good that way.