Ive been truck shopping for way too long, my current choices are between an 2001 ext cab Silverado 4.8/4l60e and 2000 ext cab S10 4.3/4l60e....and an 04' crew cab colorado, but thats not part of the performance modding plans.

As they sit, Id rather have the Silverado for the much larger cab space. Its designed much larger under the hood and under the truck for future modding, but its weight will more likely break a few parts along the way, not to mention the 12-18mpg. The first major mod would be a 4l80, so no worries from a POS 60e. Motor would be the stock 4.8, 4l80 and front mount turbo kit.

The s10, would get way better mpg once the LS went in, even heavily modded, it should get 22-27mpg on the freeway, the lesser weight should be easier on the drivetrain, and be faster. But again, its smaller cab area and underhood/truck space makes for harder motor, trans upgrades. Motor swap would be 4.8/5.3/6.0, turbo or nitrous. Not to mention having to buy all the swap pieces to install an LS, the full size wont need.

I like the idea of the Silverado (besides the MPG after all the mods, even tho Ill get another daily probably) It can tuck larger rims/fatter tires, more interior/exterior/performance mods. It would still be able to pull double duty for large stuff in the bed, carry passengers/gear.

Any insights?

 

If you're planning on getting the silverado, I'd forget about the Colorado for a DD. You don't need two trucks. The full size would definitely be the more capable/comfortable truck, sure the s10 would be faster, but if you wanted to be fast you should just buy a camaro roller and throw a motor in it.

My vote is definitely for the silverado, but I'd think about getting a better DD as well.

 

Get the full size. If your really gonna do a turbo try and find a 4wd truck.

 

Same problem here have been collecting parts to finish s10( s when) for 5 years now because I want a good set of full lengths but can't see myself spending a thousand just for headers!! About 6 months ago I picked up a 99 ecsb 5.3 and I have almost everything to finish the build because nothing custom is necessary

 

Crew cab 4x4 Colorado....with a turbo/80E.

 

You have mentioned that a few times, when you getting rid of your Silverado for a new project??

 

I would think the payoff of driving an ls powered s10 would be well worth the effort of building it

 

5.3 s10's are fun but a major headache when you have to work on it don't miss mine at all was to cramped and didn't feal much faster then a reg silverado no major mods on either

 

There is something wrong there then I've been in a few and they were pretty fast with just susp, cam, and sticky tires.



I'm gonna build a 5.3 first gen s10 when I get the time to do another s10