Drove some Chevy's today.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: South Georgia
Drove some Chevy's today.
I've been wanting a truck with a large V8 and since I've been having trouble finding a 351 F-150 I decided to try some GM products. I drove 2 different Vortec 350 trucks. Both extended cab, Z71. One with a 5 speed and one with an auto. Let's just say I wasn't impressed. I thought they would have a lot more power. Up to 3000 RPM they felt like my SWB I-6 F-150. Anyone else have a similar experience with 350s? Maybe I just drove 2 wore out ones?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 798
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From: Alma Arkansas
What year models did you drive? Oddly enough the 88 thru 92 model TBI 350's run GREAT the 93 thru 95's are DOGS and the 96+ CPI Vortec 5.7L trucks are rather insane. The central port injected Vortec 350 really makes a big z71 get out of it's own way rather nicely.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
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From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by Krochus
What year models did you drive? Oddly enough the 88 thru 92 model TBI 350's run GREAT the 93 thru 95's are DOGS and the 96+ CPI Vortec 5.7L trucks are rather insane. The central port injected Vortec 350 really makes a big z71 get out of it's own way rather nicely.
will out run, out pull, and probably outlast it. Less cu.in., more hp & more torque. As usual, JMHO.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2005
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my friend has a 1994 chevy 4x4 excab with the 350, it runs great i think, and i am not even a chevy fan. his truck also has over 200k on it with no major repairs ever done, good trucks i think. its his off-roader/mudder now.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 798
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From: Alma Arkansas
Originally Posted by alchymist
Had a 'burban, 1992, with 350/TBI. Not bad, but the '05 SuperDuty w/5.4 L
will out run, out pull, and probably outlast it. Less cu.in., more hp & more torque. As usual, JMHO.
will out run, out pull, and probably outlast it. Less cu.in., more hp & more torque. As usual, JMHO.
But then again I didn't drive them too hard...
Last edited by Krochus; Oct 12, 2006 at 07:36 PM.
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"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
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From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by Krochus
SO WHAT? It's using engine managment technology that's only about 25 years newer than the TBI 350. Of course it usually takes Ford 20 yrs to catch up, As usual, JMHO
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,341
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From: SW VA
Ford has always been bringing up the rear when it comes to power. A friend of mine has a Dodge with the 360 in it. CAI and cat-back exhaust...and he can walk all over another friend of mine with a built (350-375HP) 350ci Chebbie.
I dont even try to keep up with my 4.6L. I'll just meet them at our destination..usually 5 minutes late...
I dont even try to keep up with my 4.6L. I'll just meet them at our destination..usually 5 minutes late...
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
While I'll concede the mid 90's Votec GM's walked the 351's.......Ford was way ahead in EFI tech concerning port vs TBI.
Before the Vortec, however, it was always a tossup when comparing 302-305, 350-351 and 460-454.
Before the Vortec, however, it was always a tossup when comparing 302-305, 350-351 and 460-454.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 232
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From: Gray's Creek, NC
"A friend of mine has a Dodge with the 360 in it. CAI and cat-back exhaust...and he can walk all over another friend of mine with a built (350-375HP) 350ci Chebbie."
You sure? I remember the 360 being a gas eating dog that dropped transmissions...
You sure? I remember the 360 being a gas eating dog that dropped transmissions...
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,341
Likes: 4,366
From: SW VA
Originally Posted by ChevmaninaFord
"A friend of mine has a Dodge with the 360 in it. CAI and cat-back exhaust...and he can walk all over another friend of mine with a built (350-375HP) 350ci Chebbie."
You sure? I remember the 360 being a gas eating dog that dropped transmissions...
You sure? I remember the 360 being a gas eating dog that dropped transmissions...
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Originally Posted by biggreentank
I've been wanting a truck with a large V8 and since I've been having trouble finding a 351 F-150 I decided to try some GM products. I drove 2 different Vortec 350 trucks. Both extended cab, Z71. One with a 5 speed and one with an auto. Let's just say I wasn't impressed. I thought they would have a lot more power. Up to 3000 RPM they felt like my SWB I-6 F-150. Anyone else have a similar experience with 350s? Maybe I just drove 2 wore out ones?
Drive a newer Silverado with a LS-block 5.3 though- that's a real eye-opener (and you'll wonder WTH those ponies are hiding in a 5.4).
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Oh, even the 4.8L LS block motor will surprise you! Dad had a 2000 Silverado. That thing would throw you way back in the seat. And that was extended cab, 4wd. He had to trade it for a couple reasons.
First, the motor made this horrible piston slap noise on cold mornings. No problem, all the GM LS motors do that.
Second, the transmission kept shifting softer and softer, and later and later...
Third, when he got it it was getting 19 to 20mpg in town, and 23mpg on trips. After one "emissions recall" that dropped to 13mpg in town, and 16mpg on a trip. It never came back. Still ran exactly the same, same amount of power, just mileage went. Interestingly, there was no record of the recall with GM...
Fourth, little things started happening. Like, the turn signal switch in the dash busted, fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced, fuel pump, etc.
So he traded it for an '06 F150 XLT Super Crew 4x4 5.4L. Runs good, drives good, but the mileage has been around 15mpg in town, up towards 17mpg on a trip. The truck *feels* slower than the 2000 Silverado. Probably because it's heavier.
First, the motor made this horrible piston slap noise on cold mornings. No problem, all the GM LS motors do that.
Second, the transmission kept shifting softer and softer, and later and later...
Third, when he got it it was getting 19 to 20mpg in town, and 23mpg on trips. After one "emissions recall" that dropped to 13mpg in town, and 16mpg on a trip. It never came back. Still ran exactly the same, same amount of power, just mileage went. Interestingly, there was no record of the recall with GM...
Fourth, little things started happening. Like, the turn signal switch in the dash busted, fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced, fuel pump, etc.
So he traded it for an '06 F150 XLT Super Crew 4x4 5.4L. Runs good, drives good, but the mileage has been around 15mpg in town, up towards 17mpg on a trip. The truck *feels* slower than the 2000 Silverado. Probably because it's heavier.
