08-14-2009, 02:04 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 414
|
4.8 V8 with a Manual
Are these as impossible to find as it seems? I want a 99+ 2wd extended cab truck with a V8 and a manual. So far I've found about 10 for sale in the entire US (most out of my price range) and none within 1000 miles of me. Ugh!
Can anyone tell me what the tow rating is for a truck with a 4.8 and a manual? I want to get something I can tow a camping trailer with, but doesn't suck down gas while performing DD duty. I can consistently get over EPA ratings when I drive a manual, and I like rowing my own gears, so I'd rather not get an auto. Mike
__________________
Mike Lackey '68 C10 |
08-14-2009, 02:28 PM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 3,930
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
These are extremely rare. If it makes you feel any better, GM does not even offer a manual in full size trucks anymore.
__________________
1977 GMC Sierra Grande |
08-14-2009, 02:43 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 414
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Yeah, I know. That seems crazy to me. Not even in the V6 trucks.
And that sure doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling... Mike
__________________
Mike Lackey '68 C10 |
08-15-2009, 12:19 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
If you go back to '06 they're not quite so rare. Still hard to find, but not impossible.
My foreman has a 2006 RCLB with a 6.0 and a 5 speed manual. Why a 4.8? You'd be better off with the 5.3 and mileage is almost identical.
__________________
Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
08-15-2009, 01:41 AM | #5 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 2,316
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Quote:
Just after I bought my '06 I was looking through GMC's site and came upon some specs for the different models and options. A Yukon with a 4.8 was rated at less MPG than a 5.3 (like 19 vs. 21). I assumed it had to do with the higher torque of the 5.3. That seems to be the real difference; I think the 5.3 is only 10hp better but like 30ft#'s better. To the OP, I am not sure if I have seen a ext cab with a manual and a v-8 but I have seen a crew 2wd with a manual before. And only once. I just traded my '06 4.8 5-speed in, but it was a regular cab. Fun truck but I was ready to get a car.
__________________
2009 Honda Fit CfC (bsf 44.9 mpg) 2000 Tahoe Limited 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 2wd, will end up swb, not dually and replace CCswb below 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 4x4, just going to fix things up for now 1982/1989 K5/GMC Jimmy 2wd 1987 GMC 1/2 ton swb 2wd Crew (sold) |
|
08-15-2009, 06:31 AM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
The brochures don't say....they only say the 5 speed was available in the 1500/2500/3500 series depending on bodystyles and availability. I've never seen a 5.3 manual but I have seen 4.3's, 4.8's and 6.0's with 5 speeds....so why not 5.3's?
__________________
Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. Last edited by Gray Ghost; 08-15-2009 at 06:32 AM. |
08-15-2009, 06:20 PM | #7 |
State of Confusion!
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 47,037
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
That's kind iof funny. When I was looking to replace my Dodge Last year, all I seemed to find in the 99-04 range I was looking were the 4.8 or 4.3 with a 5 speed manual. It took me like 9 months to find the 02 I have now. I guess it must be the area of the country.
__________________
Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! |
08-17-2009, 10:34 AM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 414
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
I can find a bunch of trucks with the 4.3 and a manual. It's the 4.8 that is the needle in the haystack. They only offered an auto with the 5.3, so that's the reason it's out of the picture. I don't know why they did it this way, but Ford also did the same: manual or auto with the 4.6L, auto only with the 5.4. I'd consider Ford, but I've had bad luck with them and Chevy generally gets more power and better mileage with the same size engine.
I still haven't figured out the tow rating on a truck like this. Any tips on finding that info? The only sites I can find that indicate tow rating show it as a range and don't clue you in as to where in that range a particular configuration falls. Mike
__________________
Mike Lackey '68 C10 |
08-17-2009, 10:52 AM | #9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 414
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Quote:
I know the truck I want exists, since I found one for sale "locally" (150+ miles away): http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/1322376615.html 2000 Silverado, 2wd, extended cab, 4.8 with a manual. The only reason I'm not buying it is that it has 161k miles on it. I'd prefer not to have the long bed, but I'd take it if that's all I can find. Mike
__________________
Mike Lackey '68 C10 |
|
08-17-2009, 03:11 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Baffles me why a 5.3 couldn't have been ordered with a 5 speed....I'm gonna find out why.
Good luck finding your truck. That's one looks good and if the miles are all highway, it could go for 160k more!
__________________
Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
08-18-2009, 12:38 AM | #11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 3,930
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
If that truck has had oil changes every 3000, there should be plenty of life left in that motor. The useful life of these newer engines is around 250,000 if they are cared for, less or more depending on condition.
I have a feeling GM didn't want to put the heavy duty granny geared truck transmission into the half ton trucks. The 5 speed behind the 4.8 is a light duty truck transmission, and with the 4.8's short stroke, it doesn't have a bunch of torque down low like the 5.3 does which is better for the lighter transmission. Similar to the 3rd gen F-Body how the T5 couldn't be had with the TPI 350, only the 305. I never understood why there hasn't been a strong half ton truck transmission. You either have a weak transmission that can't be offered with the largest engine, or you step up to a brute strength granny geared 3/4 or 1 ton transmission. No middle ground. Give us a half ton transmission that has good ratio's, shifts quickly, and is strong. Actually I do know why we don't have these......automatics are where the bulk of sales and money is at.
__________________
1977 GMC Sierra Grande |
08-18-2009, 07:20 PM | #12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 414
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Quote:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1327048870.html If my search continues to drag on for a long time, I might go for that 161k mile truck. I'd have to talk them down on the price a ways though. Mike
__________________
Mike Lackey '68 C10 |
|
08-20-2009, 09:57 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Posts: 497
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
I have an 04 reg cab short box 2wd 4.8l 5 speed truck. I had to drive from Minneapolis to Oklahoma to get mine (bought it new in oct of 04) I've stored it every winter and last summer swapped in a cammed and headed 6L with long tube headers. It lays down so so power but is fun to drive with the 5 speed in a relatively light weight truck.
When it was new (already ripped off the crappy door mouldings) 6L swapped in: As it sits today: Let me know if you guys have any Silverado questions. I know these trucks inside and out. (literally) Power it lays down at the rear wheels |
08-21-2009, 08:30 AM | #14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wethersfield, CT
Posts: 39
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
I'll be interested to follow this thread. I hate the fact that they don't offer them anymore. When all of these automakers started advertising that they were slashing their prices and doing employee pricing a couple of years ago I checked the GM and Ford sites and played with the "Build and Price" pages and every time I wanted a V8 it made me change the tranny option. Lame. I wish they could understand and make what we all really want- and not just for trucks. I just got back from Ireland two days ago...it's upsetting to see what Ford and GM, even some Japanese manufacturers have over there that we'll never see.
Oh well.
__________________
_____________________________________________ 1960 F100 (soon to be SBC/700R4) 2005 GMC Sierra Last edited by deyomatic; 08-21-2009 at 08:35 AM. |
08-21-2009, 12:09 PM | #15 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 414
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Quote:
The main question I had was the tow rating. The GM Media Website is a fantastic resource with all kinds of data on their vehicles made in the last decade or so. It shows a maximum tow rating of 7300 for a 2001 2wd, ext cab truck with a 4.8 but doesn't specify tranny and states that it will vary with equipment. I presume that the manual tranny won't reduce the tow rating below 4000 or so which is probably the heaviest trailer I'd ever tow, so I should be fine. The only other question is... where do I find one? I've found one more in my searches and it's 2800 miles away. If I have to go more than 1000 miles to get one, I'll probably bite the bullet and deal with an auto.
__________________
Mike Lackey '68 C10 |
|
08-21-2009, 12:24 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 2,316
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Looks to be ~350hp at the wheels; thats "so so"?!?!?
What do you mean by "headed"? It had aluminum heads to start with right? What did you end up doing to them? Have you thought about a different tranny? I was disappointed with the 5-speed in my '06. I didn't like the split from 2nd to 3rd gear; too much spread. I woudl have preffered a tranny that had a more even spread through out the gear range. I thought the truck posted above with the 6-speed conversion was interesting.
__________________
2009 Honda Fit CfC (bsf 44.9 mpg) 2000 Tahoe Limited 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 2wd, will end up swb, not dually and replace CCswb below 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 4x4, just going to fix things up for now 1982/1989 K5/GMC Jimmy 2wd 1987 GMC 1/2 ton swb 2wd Crew (sold) |
08-21-2009, 12:26 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 2,316
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
I think the manual tranny raises the tow capacity but have nothing to back that up.
__________________
2009 Honda Fit CfC (bsf 44.9 mpg) 2000 Tahoe Limited 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 2wd, will end up swb, not dually and replace CCswb below 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 4x4, just going to fix things up for now 1982/1989 K5/GMC Jimmy 2wd 1987 GMC 1/2 ton swb 2wd Crew (sold) |
08-21-2009, 04:37 PM | #18 |
motor exploder
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,346
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
the reason you can't find a 1/2 ton with a 5.3L and 5spd is because the torque rating of the 5spd's GM used is less than what the 5.3L puts out. The various versions of this tranny (going back to '88) are not rated for anything over 300lb-ft. Dodge used a version of this transmission too (NV3500). Not to say they will break right off the bat with anything over that (many factors to consider there, traction being a big one), but it doesn't look like GM was willing to risk it with the 5.3. As stated earlier, it's a light duty truck transmission, not a heavy duty/towing oriented trans.
A buddy of mine tried to order a 2002 sbrc truck with a 5.3/5spd/3.73 gear and was told by the dealership that combo was not offered at all. He ended up getting a 5.3/auto/3.73 instead of getting the smaller 4.8/5spd. I would love to have a 5sp in my '05, but sometimes it's kinda nice not rowing gears in traffic. I do all my shifting in my '69!
__________________
Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!! |
08-21-2009, 05:18 PM | #19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Posts: 497
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Quote:
|
|
08-21-2009, 05:22 PM | #20 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Posts: 497
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Quote:
You're right about the 5 speed having strange gear spacing, the 1-2 shift rock 'n' rolls, but the 2-3 is pokey. I still shut down the camaro boys and just the other night killed a SRT-8 challenger. Like I said, I'm kind of a brat. The 6L goes so so in my opinion, my 1970 has a 468 big block, it pulls stronger |
|
08-21-2009, 05:24 PM | #21 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Posts: 497
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Quote:
You are right, they rate the trans to only 300 ft lbs, however with my previous cam in my truck I was getting away with 400 RWTQ on the stock trans and clutch and have had zero issues. clutch remains strong and the trans still shifts nice with no funny noises. I will tell you I NEVER tow. The truck is a street queen. My truck box is as flawless as the outside if that tells you anything about how the truck is used. I bought my truck with the 4.8L and 5 speed knowing someday I wanted to swap in a 6L or a 408 stroker. At least the trans/clutch pedal/wiring was all there and appropriate. |
|
08-21-2009, 06:03 PM | #22 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Quote:
Oh and the one my buddy has is a 5 speed 3/4 ton 6.0 and he does a ton of towing. Are you sure there's not a version rated higher than 300? My take is that is not the reason at all...probably has something to do with emissions. That kind of thing happened all the time in the 70's....no four speed with certain motors.
__________________
Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. Last edited by Gray Ghost; 08-21-2009 at 06:07 PM. |
|
08-21-2009, 07:51 PM | #23 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 414
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
Quote:
The 6.0L/5-spd is only in the HD trucks and it's a different tranny (NV4500 instead of NV3500). Thanks for looking for me, ts71281, but I'm looking for a 2wd. Mike
__________________
Mike Lackey '68 C10 |
|
08-21-2009, 08:06 PM | #24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
I thought that might be the case. I can't imagine a light duty tranny in a 3/4 ton.
__________________
Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
08-21-2009, 11:00 PM | #25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 2,316
|
Re: 4.8 V8 with a Manual
I remember a few years ago reading about the RST (Regency Sport Truck) conversions.
IIRC (this was about three years ago), Regency asked for a 5.3 with a 5-speed manual and GM said no. They asked for a 5.3 with a six speed and again GM said no. So they finally asked for a 6.0 with either an auto or manual and GM said no. They were told by an unidentified person within GM that GM felt it would be too direct a competitor with the Silverado SS.
__________________
2009 Honda Fit CfC (bsf 44.9 mpg) 2000 Tahoe Limited 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 2wd, will end up swb, not dually and replace CCswb below 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 4x4, just going to fix things up for now 1982/1989 K5/GMC Jimmy 2wd 1987 GMC 1/2 ton swb 2wd Crew (sold) |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|