What to get?????(GOT A TRUCK NOW!!!)

[Stupid Fast]

I need to get a new to me Truck/Suv. I am looking to spend $8K-14K. This puts me in 90-97 range with a few 2000 models. I will tow my boat (3700lbs on trailer) with it.
Requirements:
V-8
4x4
What do you guy think of these engines?
Chevy 5.7? (vortec and pre vortec)
Chevy 5.3?
Chevy 6.0?
Dodge 5.9?
Ford 5.4?
I eventually want to up the power on the truck. Which moters work well with super chagers?
Which trannys hold up well to towing?
Thanks all
[ April 11, 2003, 08:01 PM: Message edited by: Stupid Fast ]

[HighRoller]

It depends on how serious you are about towing and how much power you want.I would highly recommend a mid to late 90's F-250 or 350 with a PowerStroke turbo diesel.It will have all the power you want,but if you do want more there is a load of aftermarket parts that let you make 600-700ft/lbs of torque if you want.Plus,you can drive through the desert in summer with the cruise and A/C on and the thing will laugh at hills and not even think about overheating.Not to mention the fuel mileage while towing will be approximately twice what you'd get with a gas engine.A good example of what you might find would be like my dad's 97 F-250 which he is selling for 16K.95 was the first year for the PowerStroke so I'm sure you could find a 96 model near your price range.
My recommendation for a gas engines would be GM's 5.3 or 6liter in the new style trucks.I have a 99GMC with the 280HP 5.3 and it towed my 21ft eliminator fine.If you have a lot of gear or passengers normally,get the 6liter,300hp I think.My truck would sell for like 15K so it's in your area as well.Stay away from earlier to mid 90's GM trucks if you tow a lot because the transmissions are a joke.Ford's V-10 is a good choice as well but they are hard to find.I'm not familiar with Dodge's stuff,but I know they offer a 5.9 gas and diesel and a V-10 in their mid 90's model.Hope I was able to help you.

[HighRoller]

Oh,one more thing.DO NOT,under any circumstances get a GM truck with the 6.5(pre-duramax)diesel.Even if somebody stuck a gun to my head and said"drive this or I'll blow your brains out"I'd have to say"Can I have a minute to think about it?"

[Stupid Fast]

HighRoller:
Oh,one more thing.DO NOT,under any circumstances get a GM truck with the 6.5(pre-duramax)diesel.Even if somebody stuck a gun to my head and said"drive this or I'll blow your brains out"I'd have to say"Can I have a minute to think about it?" We have these "Beasts" at work. Nuf said.
Really though I am not really interested in a diesel due to the cold weather we get. I just don't believe in pluging in a truck over night.
Right now I am leaning towards a 96-01 5.7 vortec. There are all kings of go fast parts for them for a decent price.
Thanks Eric

[Jordy]

HighRoller:
Oh,one more thing.DO NOT,under any circumstances get a GM truck with the 6.5(pre-duramax)diesel.Even if somebody stuck a gun to my head and said"drive this or I'll blow your brains out"I'd have to say"Can I have a minute to think about it?" That's funny. I have one that I've been driving for the last 7 years, has over 236,000 miles on it, with a 6.5. Didn't take a gun to my head. Best truck I've had so far, although I did just buy an '02 crew-cab Duramax.

[buck183]

There will be advantage and disadvantages to going with the 5.7. Replacement parts are everywhere for this engine. And like you said, performance parts are plentiful too.
If you have a choice between the 5.7 and the 5.3 I'd jump quick on the 5.3. It will run circles around the 5.7. Not to mention it will probably have 4 wheel discs that would help a bunch when towing.
By the way, we own a 99 Sub with the 5.7 and a 2000 Chevy 4x4 with the 5.3. I'll take the 5.3 to tow my boat any day. Braking and acceleration are night and day difference. Boat and trailer weigh 6820lbs.
As for the other truck/engines you mentioned. Can't help, never owned any of them.
Buck
[ April 06, 2003, 09:48 PM: Message edited by: buck183 ]

[Tom Brown]

Stupid Fast:
Right now I am leaning towards a 96-01 5.7 vortec.
Thanks Eric My Dad has one in his service truck and has fabulous luck with it. It has a ton of power and gets decent fuel economy too.
I don't know about hot rodding the vortec but they are a strong engine in stock configuration.

[Havasu Hangin']

I just sold my 350 Vortec Tahoe for a 5.3 Z-71 Sub, and I agree with buck183.
I really liked the '98 (Vortec) 350...it ran circles around my buddy's 97 (pre-FI) 350 Hoe...
However, the new 5.3 in the Sub is even better. Even though the Sub is heavier than the Hoe...the Sub seems to have better braking and acceleration...go figure.
[ April 11, 2003, 08:08 PM: Message edited by: Havasu Hangin' ]

[Stupid Fast]

How about this?
1999
Make: GMC
Model: Sierra
Series: 4x4 3/4 Ton
Body: 2 Dr Cab
Engine: 6.0L V8 MFI
Transmission: Automatic
Miles: 65,396


It is plain jane, but it has the good Hardware.
You can get the 96-99 5.7 vortecs So much cheeper than the new motors.
It is going to be tuff for me to choose because what I want to spend and what I can spend are about 4 K apart.( I want to spend less)
[ April 07, 2003, 08:58 AM: Message edited by: Stupid Fast ]

[HotHallet]

Hey Stupid fast- I bought my '95 C-1500 X-cab from the original owner a year ago with 26,900 miles for 11,000. I would go older with low miles and clean. You get more truck for the money! Mine is fully loaded with a 5.7. The 5.7's run great and really wake up once you add an exhaust, intake, and headers. mine is lifted with 33's. I would recommend 4x4 for where you live. The picture you posted of the standard cab longbed is cool but the space constraints are going to get old quick. Just my 2 cents! Get an extended cab!