JFortner5

I just picked up a 99 Sierra ECSB 2wd with a 4.8L. I was looking at the specs and saw it is rated at 255hp and 285ft/lbs. The 00 model was 270hp, and 01-03 at 275.

Is the 20hp difference in tuning or do the earlier engines have different heads or cams?

I just got this truck and it still has 100hp more than my Ranger so I'm very happy with it but I'm already itching to mod it. I have a decent canvas to start with as this thing only has 48k miles.

FFDP

iTrader: (2)

I think cam but not sure on that one, the 00-01+ had far better programming and bigger injectors for sure.

1FastBrick

iTrader: (17)

The 99 had smaller injectors. at least according to the tune.
the 2000 used the same basic operating system.

The 01-02 used a different operating system so the tunes were a little different and more refined.

The 03 uses a 1 MB PCM Vs. the 99-02 512 KB PCM


There is always a little bit left on the table in a factory tune. Remember they want to make them reliable and smooth for the average consumer.

JFortner5

Yeah I understand that and like I said I'm not complaining I'm not sure I'll ever make a pass or put this truck on a dyno.

It's not bad and it runs great, but it does feel like it takes a decent amount of throttle to get going sometimes. I know the huge fiberglass camper shell isn't helping matters either.

I think for now I'll do the exhaust and maybe a tune. That should keep me happy for a while. I just want a nice daily driver for now.

green02

If it helps I also have a 99 4.8l and a tune made a huge difference.
then i put on long tube headers, e fans, cold- ish air intake. Feels like it pulls way better.

JFortner5

I haven't been on in a while but that's pretty much what I want to do.

My next question was since it is a little weaker from the factory if a good tune might make a bigger difference vs. the newer models.

I've got a little list of things I'd like to do with this truck:

Magnaflow 14" dumped
Long tubes
Efans
Tune

I may also try to find a wrecked Z71 to grab a 3.73 G80 rear end out of. I don't think I want to get inside this engine but that could change. Ultimately I'd like to avoid messing around with it and just swap in an LQ4/80E.

JFortner5

I guess I never really made an introduction here. The reason I joined in 07 but have such a low post count is I had an 04 Hemi Ram back then. It had a few mods and I enjoyed it but sold it when we had our first kid. I haven't had anything really worth mentioning since until a couple weeks ago.

I was doing some work at a customers house and noticed a GMC in the driveway. The owner was in his mid 80's and couldn't get around very well. He and his wife also had a Trailblazer in the driveway. I hadn't planned on buying a truck anytime soon, I was going to keep my little Ranger. Well I decided to ask him almost jokingly if he would sell the truck. He sat for a second and thought about it and then turned to me and said, "1000 bucks and it's yours."

This was before I really looked at it closely and had no clue about it. I assumed it was probably really high miles and/or not running. I went down and looked a little closer and besides being filthy from sitting in the driveway for a while it was in pretty nice shape. The man was the original owner. When I got it (7/21) it had just a hair over 48k miles. It runs great so far I've been driving since 7/22. I couldn't believe it because this kind of stuff never happens to me.

Anyway, I know I'm over excited about an old truck but it's more than that to me. I've always wanted a GM truck but when I had the money I couldn't find something I liked, and of course when I didn't have money it seemed like they were everywhere.

Sorry for rambling on about it, but I figured I'd share the story of how I ended up with this thing. The Ranger is getting sold and then the mods will begin.


Pic is one I took before I bought it. Shell is coming off tomorrow, along with the pinstripes and dealer logo.

green02

Looks like an amazing find. As far as rear end goes I have 3.42 now and that is hurting low end a lot. I think with the extended cab you would be much happier with 4.10
i plan on going with 4.10 when I upgrade rear. I have a reg cab though.
Either way you go best of luck and go in with a plan.