We all know the Silverado SS was a flop. Burdened by the weight of its extended cab configuration, 4-wheel drive, and questionable "bolt on" appearance items, it paled in comparison to the SVO Lightning. The SS's I've seen run low 15's at mid/high-80mph.
So.... GM has fixed the problem (sort of). They now make the 345HP LQ9 engine available in Silverados other than the SS.... meaning you could order the engine in a base 2-door, 2-wheel drive, composite stepside bed configuration that will weigh HUNDREDS of pounds less than the SS. Brilliant... GM is on to something here.
But wait a minute..... although this option was introduced in 5/2004, hardly anyone knows about it, and even if you did, you can't buy it unless you live in certain states. Say what?
After getting a letter to the editor from a Wisconsin resident who owns one, and asked why no one ever tested the new configuration, the editor of Sport Truck magazine did some research. GM PR people would not even return his call. By poking around further, he found out that the truck was indeed for sale, but only in certain states. The only state that could positively be identified was Texas, in addition to the guy who bought one in WI.
Why would they do this? A 345HP LQ9 in the lightest weight configuration is going to be a real stormer compared to the lethargic SS. The package also included the same Z60 performance handling package from the SS, same heavy duty 4-speed automatic, 20" wheels (not the same 20's as the SS), a 3.73 rear axle ratio (posi mandatory), and can cost $13-15,000 LESS than the SS. Put a Magnacharger on it, and go hunting Lightnings.....
So.... GM has fixed the problem (sort of). They now make the 345HP LQ9 engine available in Silverados other than the SS.... meaning you could order the engine in a base 2-door, 2-wheel drive, composite stepside bed configuration that will weigh HUNDREDS of pounds less than the SS. Brilliant... GM is on to something here.
But wait a minute..... although this option was introduced in 5/2004, hardly anyone knows about it, and even if you did, you can't buy it unless you live in certain states. Say what?
After getting a letter to the editor from a Wisconsin resident who owns one, and asked why no one ever tested the new configuration, the editor of Sport Truck magazine did some research. GM PR people would not even return his call. By poking around further, he found out that the truck was indeed for sale, but only in certain states. The only state that could positively be identified was Texas, in addition to the guy who bought one in WI.
Why would they do this? A 345HP LQ9 in the lightest weight configuration is going to be a real stormer compared to the lethargic SS. The package also included the same Z60 performance handling package from the SS, same heavy duty 4-speed automatic, 20" wheels (not the same 20's as the SS), a 3.73 rear axle ratio (posi mandatory), and can cost $13-15,000 LESS than the SS. Put a Magnacharger on it, and go hunting Lightnings.....
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