Hello
I have a question.
I am looking into purchasing a 1997 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.7 liter V8 with towing package, auto trans, silverado trim. 51,000 miles.

I am wondering have you heard of anything negative about these trucks. I am thinking about purchasing from a friend. He had never had a problem with it. Also, do these trucks had the LS1 engine in it or the LT1. Any problems with the LS1 or LT1, that I should know of.

Thanks in advance

 

My dad has a 98, which should be just about the same thing, and it's a damn good truck. It's neither an ls1 or lt1. The ls1 came out in the corvette in 97 and the lt1 was used in camaros and vettes before that. These new truck engines are ls1 based, but not technically ls1 engines.

4.8 = LR4
5.3 = LM7
6.0 (non high-output) = LQ4

I think that 5.7 is the L31 engine

Someone please correct me if i'm wrong.

 

LS1 debuted in 97 C5. 98-02 Fbody's some 01-02 LS6. 99- up Trucks 4.8-6.0.

as far as I know they are all LS1's.

96-98 trucks Vortec 350's. 95-down 350's but not vortec.

 

Yes they are an L31,and they are bad *** engines.The only problem to worry about cause it happens to about 95% of the Vortec350's is the lower intake manifold gasket starts to leak coolant.It is a very very common problem with them but it is very easy to fix.I have a 97 with the 350 Vortec and luckily I have not had that lower intake manifold problem at all (Let me find some wood to knock on) and mine has 184,000miles,and it still will run low low 15's in the 1/4.They are very good engines though.I would go for it if I was you.They also respond well to mods.They do not run as good as the GEN III Vortec (4.8's,5.3's and 6.0's),but they run damn good.

 

they're good cars. the 4L60E is the weak link, and aside from the problem mentioned above, these trucks are rock solid

 

I had one for 97,000 miles.
Before 30k the power steering would go out at will. It was the variable oraface control thing.
Then (also before 30k) the tranny started slamming from 1st to 2nd. It was the valve body.
I put a new K&N in and it sucked gas. The new filter oil got on the MAF and caused it. Cleaned it and it was back to the norm.
Put a Gibson 1 in 1 out Cat back and it lost GOBS low end and hurt MPG really bad.
If MPG acts up replace the o2 sensors.
A new Cap Rotor and some good wires will perk it up a bit.