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03-05-2006, 04:40 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Pittsfield
, Maine
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,108
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'96 Tahoe with 5300 Vortec
My son has a purchase pending on the referenced vehicle - due to consumate this coming Tuesday, 3/7. I've expressed some concern about the Vortec engine in the '96 vehicles since I recall there was a problem; however, I don't remember what it was??? He presently has a small (19') SOB - but I'm trying to talk him into an antique Airstream in the under 4,500 lb range. I've been unable to find the towing capacity for the Tahoe - however I believe that it ranges from 5,500 to 6,500, depending on model. The one he's got his eye on is a '96 LT 4x4. Any comments on the Tahoe as a tow vehicle - and specifically the '96 models - would be sincerely appreciated. I've tried to talk him into a Burb - but unless someone can provide meaningful reinforcement - I'll probably lose the battle!
Many thanks in advance,
__________________
Cracker
2003 GMC 3500 D/A, CC, LB, 4x4 and 2000 Airstream Excella 30. WBCCI 7074
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03-05-2006, 05:57 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1967 26' Overlander
Huntsville
, Alabama
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,018
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My wife's '97 Yukon SLT 4x4 with a 5.7 liter did not have a "tow-haul" button, and towed trailers poorly. Luckily, I never had to tow the Airstream with it.
The motor should have been up to the challenge, but the tranny's shift points were not.
Tom
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03-05-2006, 06:08 PM
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#3
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
.
, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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The 5.7 should in most cases be more than up to the task of a 19' SOB. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
I have a '96 5.7, and though not a Vortec, it was plenty able to tow our 19' Bambi without any issues. There was no tow/haul and if the PCM was not modified to lock sooner than later, towing in 3rd would be a must. Now a larger coach might be a problem, but the 19' SOB should be no problem for the 5.7.
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03-05-2006, 09:12 PM
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#4
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Silver Hilton
1959 24' Tradewind
Astoria
, Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 227
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Cracker -
I had a '97 Tahoe with 5.7 liter engine. It did well towing my '72 27' Overlander (weight 4570) but was frighteningly inadequate towing my current '92 Excella 29' (weight 5600). The Tahoe was a great fishing car, but it's short wheelbase and engine/transmission were not adequate for my current trailer. A 3/4 ton pickup would be much more comfortable for towing, and more versatile for other recreations, I have discovered.
Mark
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03-05-2006, 10:40 PM
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#5
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418
2007 25' Safari FB SE
1958 22' Flying Cloud
1974 29' Ambassador
Yucca Valley
, California
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: 1963 26' Overlander
Posts: 4,804
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I tow with a 97 5.7l Vortech Suburban. I don't know if the 96 is similar or not. My Suburban did a fine job of towing a 1971 TradeWind. I always tow in 3rd, and have a 3:73 axle ratio with the factory tow package.
I think the tow package and min. 3:73 axle is key.
What ratio does the Tahoe have? If it has no tow package, and a ratio smaller than 3:73, then I'd pass on it. The wheel base should be fine for shorter trailers.
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03-06-2006, 05:30 AM
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#6
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Just so you know, if the truck is indeed a 1996 model, it did not come with a 5.3, that was in a much later model truck. If you can find a Suburban, and get your son to drive it, he may well be able to be swayed (no pun intended) into buying one. The Suburban and Tahoe share most chassis components, with one important exception... The Frame. It is much longer on the 'burb, and will tend to hold the road better while towing, as well as ride much more smoothly. The shorter, somewhat lighter Tahoe will tend to bounce more while driving, even while not towing.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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03-06-2006, 06:30 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Pittsfield
, Maine
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,108
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Carfax says the '96 has the 5.7 liter Vortec and the seller says that it's a 5.4 liter??? Am I all wet here or doesn't the last of the 350's equate to a 5.4 liter? My reference to the 5300 Vortec is apparently erroneous. I would personally prefer the older 350 engine - in spite of the lower horsepower - but no one has reported anything bad on the Vortec. I really appreciate all of the comments. If anyone has access to the actual tow ratings I sure would like to have them for reference. I've told my son to stick to no more than 80% of whatever GM says. The reinforcement for the Suburban is also appreciated!
__________________
Cracker
2003 GMC 3500 D/A, CC, LB, 4x4 and 2000 Airstream Excella 30. WBCCI 7074
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03-06-2006, 11:27 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Sunnyvale
, California
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,894
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Big Difference was with Vortec
The big change at GM was putting in the Vortec in '96, which offered an additional 50hp (+25%) over pre-Vortec V-8. Both were 5.7 liter displacements, but Vortec offered improved head design and exhaust flow to get the extra power. Torque not increased so much, but towing capacity improved at mid range RPM's.. We just sold our '94 SUburban with the wheezy 200hp 5.7L V-8, still rated to tow 7200# per mfr window sticker specs.
Only other major difference is wheelbase, which will make Tahoe somewhat less stable pulling in breeze or when passing trucks. Be sure anti-sway is part of hitch setup. Upside is shorter wheelbase means tighter turning radius, more aggressive turns backing up, etc. Tahoe might fit in garage as well. Chevy manual demands towing in lower drive that locks out overdrive, which was solution before "Tow" button added to dash for same function.
John McG
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Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
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03-06-2006, 08:46 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1986 25' Sovereign
Southern Middle
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,319
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cracker
Carfax says the '96 has the 5.7 liter Vortec and the seller says that it's a 5.4 liter??? Am I all wet here or doesn't the last of the 350's equate to a 5.4 liter? My reference to the 5300 Vortec is apparently erroneous. I would personally prefer the older 350 engine - in spite of the lower horsepower - but no one has reported anything bad on the Vortec. I really appreciate all of the comments. If anyone has access to the actual tow ratings I sure would like to have them for reference. I've told my son to stick to no more than 80% of whatever GM says. The reinforcement for the Suburban is also appreciated!
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The seller is confusing the 5.7 litre (350 cubic inch) engine with the Ford 5.4 Triton engine (or even possibly with the 5.3 litre GM engine). 5.3 is right around 327 cu. in. I would look at the vin # and check Chevy for the correct engine. As far as problems with the Vortec engine, if memory serves me right, the intake manifold was a 2 piece design that is prone to antifreeze leaks. At the first sign of a leak I would dump the manifold and buy a one piece Edelbrock aluminum manifold.
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Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
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03-07-2006, 07:40 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Pittsfield
, Maine
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,108
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Thanks for the comments Craig. I'm beginning to believe that, with right at 100,000 miles on the odometer, the engine has proven to be a fairly reliable performer. It's definitely a 5.7 liter Vortec. The only thing I have not been able to do - aside from talking my son into a Suburban - is to determine the actual towing capacity. Anything over 5,500 lbs is satisfactory for the present - and I'm fairly certain it has at least that capacity. As for the potential manifold problem it's nice to know there's a quick fix. Is this the exact same block as the old 350 - or a new design with the same displacement?
__________________
Cracker
2003 GMC 3500 D/A, CC, LB, 4x4 and 2000 Airstream Excella 30. WBCCI 7074
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03-07-2006, 09:33 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1986 25' Sovereign
Southern Middle
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,319
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Cracker,
Same block but different/more effective heads.
__________________
Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
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03-07-2006, 10:21 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 199
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Yep, thats the problem with the 5.7 vortec.... intake manifold gasket leak.. mine just failed in January and cost just about 500 parts and labor the estimates ranged from 400 to 700 with the higher being the dealership... I do like the vehicle and enjoy towing my 20 ft. argosy and have had no difficulties with it ... I do drop down to 3 when not on level ground...
I may get into trouble for saying this but I have not found it necessary to use a weight distribution hitch either... it handles the trailer with ease...like its not there.. ( as long as the trailer brakes are working ) also I think that in 96 the brakes are front disc. and rear drum and @ 99 or 2000 they have rear disc. something to think about ...
__________________
Life's short...take your kid camping
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03-07-2006, 10:23 PM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 199
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this
__________________
Life's short...take your kid camping
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03-18-2006, 04:54 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Pittsfield
, Maine
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,108
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To wrap up - my son bought the Tahoe and I drove it out to my camp and back yesterday. I think that he lucked out and got a terrific buy! The car drives like new - tight as can be - no rattles - great sounding engine - and excellent interior and body. Now if I can just get him into a vintage airstream in the same condition life will be good!
__________________
Cracker
2003 GMC 3500 D/A, CC, LB, 4x4 and 2000 Airstream Excella 30. WBCCI 7074
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