I know this has been hashed out bfore, BUT... how does the 4.2 mix up the game? I would think, in theory, that the v6 would have to work harder to suitably move this big ol' truck. Therefore not only getting no gains in milage, but possibly shortening it's life. I am now looking at a STX, but alas, no 5.4!! Frustrating. Is it really worth it? I dont intend to use my truck for anything hardcore. I am just more comfortable driving trucks than cars( Read: fat and stylish) any suggestions ?

 

This isn't the first time you'll see this -- test drive all three.

I know the 4.6L has plenty power for me, but other drivers will say it isn't enough. A test drive told me it was enough power.

As for the 4.2L??? Test drive it. If you like it, buy it. If not, try the 4.6L or 5.4L.

Only a test drive will tell you what is really right for YOU. Don't listen to any of us, we're all pretty convinced we got the perfect truck.


John

 

I have the STX with a 4.6. It's okay runing around empty, but at times I wish I had more power. It'll usually downshift pulling even little hills at 65 to 70mph, I don't really care for that all that much, but the advantage of the STX is no tach so you can't tell how high it reved up

Bottom line, it hauls my fat butt around just fine and I like the truck. I just have to settle for not kickin' everything's butt that I meet at a stoplight. I've learned to be a little picky about who I race. Most Chebby's are born to lose.

 

I'll second JohnBoy2, test drive them!

I have an '05 STX RC/short box with the 4.2L V6 and 3.73LS and could not be happier with my truck. Why, because it fits my needs, and does that wonderfully so. Do some careful shopping, and buy what works for you.

 

I got the 5.4 because the V8's always have a better roar when you floor it. But Im probobly looking at the situation completly different than you..good luck

 

I got my STX with the 4.2 and it has plenty of power for what I use it for. I wanted the gas mileage and it appears to be about 19 mpg thus far. I hope I will eventually get 21 mpg or better on the highway as it gets broken in. I just really have no complaints fortunately I persuaded the dealer to dump the stock continentals for the Michelins that he swapped out before delivery. No vibrations or wandering. I'm a happy, happy man.

 

I had the 4.2 in my '99 scab 2wd. It had plenty of power empty, but really lacked power towing. Also, do you plan on regular cab or extended, 2wd or 4x4? In 2wd the 4.2 should be ok but you won't be happy if you tow anything.( at least in hills anyway) My '04 scab 4x4 has the 4.6 in it. I'm happy so far with it. I only tow a 16.5' boat so the small v8 is just fine. Test all options and judge for yourself. On mileage, my '99 scab got around 15-16 mpg. My '04 scab 4x4 with the 4.6 gets 16-18 mpg.


steve

 

I have the reg cab STX with the 4.6, and while I have added exhaust and tuner, the stock power was quite adequate. It would climb the Cajon pass in fourth gear, what more do you want?

Mileage after mods and breaking in has settled down to 14-15 around town, 19.5-23.0 on the open road. I don't think you will average any better than that with the v6.
Good luck with whatever you get,
Chris

 

I got a 2005 4.2 long bed with the work truck package. That gave me a 35.7 gal tank. With a full tank unloaded it goes great! I'm not planing on towing anything but I will put drywall, car parts, junk and what not in the bed and it should be fine for that. If I was gona tow something I would have gotten the 6 foot bed and the 4.6-5.4 for sure as there are lots of hills around my place.
I have the 4 AOD and the books says with my truck I can tow a 5000 LBs traler...