385hp, Silvarado SS with a 6spd

[Big Als Z28]

and in a standard cab! This, and a 385hp, 6spd SSR and Trailblazer SS. This is all brand new news from GMinsidernews.com(sorry, didnt mean to spam but had to give credit where credit was due)

This was writen by Brandon, owner of GMI.


Trio of 385 HP Trucks Coming at GM!

The Silverado SS has been a hot topic of discussion lately with all the hype surrounding the new Dodge Ram SRT-10 and it’s earth shattering 500 horsepower. Many GM enthusiasts have been wondering when GM will put some of the internal expertise that GM Powertrain has to offer towards making a truck worthy of the SS name. This has led to several conflicting reports as to what the future holds for GM performance trucks. One report has the Silverado SS getting a supercharged engine in 2006. Another report on this very site predicted the Silverado SS would simply be getting a bump in power using a naturally aspirated engine. I can say I myself have been pulling my hair out trying to guess what direction GM is going on this one. Ironically in the end it turns out that pretty much everyone is right.

For 2005 the Silverado SS will see virtually no changes, as it won’t be until 2006 things get interesting. One thing not understood about the current SS is that it is capable of much more horsepower than it is making. The Vortec 6.0L in the Silverado SS is easily capable of 400 HP, however the AWD system it uses can not handle that kind of power, so GM was forced to detune it to 345 HP. This will change in 06 as GM will roll out a standard cab, short box, RWD SS that will sport a 6 speed manual. GM already was showing a similar truck at shows last year that had people talking. What’s more is that this 6.0L/six speed combo will also see work in the 2006 Trailblazer SS, and a future SSR. The Trailblazer SS shown earlier in the year has esentially the production version of this new truck 6.0L rated at a hefty 385HP. It is our belief that all three trucks will have this same 385 HP rated 6.0L. It is known that we will see the production ready Trailblazer SS at an autoshow later in the year, however it is the SSR that may get the new engine and 6 speed first. This may happen in the 2005 model year run with the justification being that it is the halo vehicle for GM’s truck line. That however is dependent on if GM can get the engine and transmission certified in time, which time will only tell.

As for the rumors of a supercharger on the Silverado SS, I must admit I called it a baseless rumor many times, which was wrong. In reality there is development work being done on a Supercharged SS, but it is not yet approved and at least a few years off. Right now there is a lot of confusion on the issue, but it seems there may be some shared development between this engine and the engine being used for the super Corvette code named “Blue Devil”. The new engine is rumored to be a supercharged V8 with displacement north of 6.0L. This would position the SS much like the SRT-10 and Lightning which use the hottest engines from the Viper and Ford GT respectively. If this engine sees the light of day in the Silverado it will likely produce power numbers to the tune of 500-650 HP. All of this will depend on exactly what components are shared with the “Blue Devil”, if they are identical, 600HP may happen. On the other hand GM could engineer the supercharger from the “Blue Devil” to work on the 6.0L which would keep numbers down. I am guessing we will not see a supercharged SS if approved until sometime after 2007. I am guessing this because GM needs a transmission and drivetrain to deliver all that power to the ground, and many of those components are tied to “Blue Devil” development. If the new Corvette Z06 debuts next year (MY 2006), that means that “Blue Devil” would not happen until at least 2007 and possibly later. A supercharged SS will follow sometime after the “Blue Devil” Corvette because GM would not allow a truck to upstage the hottest Corvette ever made. I have also heard rumors that we may see a supercharged Silverado SS concept at an upcoming autoshow, however details are scarce.

In closing I would like to make a few points. First off, while the 385 HP is pretty much a done deal, the supercharged Silverado is not approved and may not happen. Luckily however, last I heard though, the odds are good it will be approved. Also, please keep in mind that if gas prices or government fuel economy regulations increase, GM might do an about face on parts of it’s future performance truck lineup. In the short term it is not really a threat, but in the future it very well may be.

all very good news. Lets just home that fuel prices go down.

[deadpool]

Sounds great. However, doesn't 385 hp sound a little low, especially since the Lightning and SRT-10 have or are going to have 500 hp?:hmm:

[Big Als Z28]

untill SVT gets back on line, and the L gets this very $$$ 500hp engine, it sill has 380.

[MightBeStock]

500 horsepowered Lightning?? You mean I have to step it up ANOTHER knotch to beat these fords?? Ugggg forget it.. I willl just switch sides.. LOL J/K!

~Steve~

[wannafbody]

Gm got struck by Lightning several years ago and is only now striking back?

[Sax1031]

Originally posted by wannafbody
Gm got struck by Lightning several years ago and is only now striking back?

In the next year we will see a 500hp lightning. So again the SS will be down by 100+hp from the competition.

[Big Als Z28]

read the last part of the possibilty of a supercharged 6.0 motor. :D

If this engine sees the light of day in the Silverado it will likely produce power numbers to the tune of 500-650 HP

and thats if teh L gets 500. As of right now, there is no offical word. They could pull 420 and still keep ahead of the SRT10.

[UBDSLO1]

Until I actually see a Silverado SS Rg cab on the dealer lots, I will not believe it. I have waited for 8 years for one, and GM has not delivered. I have actually heard that GM has NO plans to bring a reg cab to market. Everybody else has a "super truck" in their lin-up, but GM does not. Sure the ext cab SSS, but it is to big, too heavy, and underpowered. That's just my oppion though. I do think that there is a market for a reg cab, GM just needs to bring it to market, and not make concepts to tease us. That's one reason I'm getting a GTO. Oh, and I don't want a stripped down model either. I want a fully loaded model, with full power.

[Big Als Z28]

How is the SS Silvardo underpowerd? Because it doesnt have 500hp? I have yet to meet a disapointed SS owner. I dont understand how its underpowerd. Because its not supercharged and has supercar horsepower? :rolleyes:
The Standard cab is coming.

[UBDSLO1]

I'm speaking of the ext cab SS, 345hp, in a 5000lb. truck, is not a lot of power for a "sport truck." Chevy should be careful when putting the SS emblems on a car or truck, they need to have the muscle to back it up. Not take an exsisting motor from a truck already made, like the Escalade, etc. just my oppion though.

[Cowboy]

Originally posted by Big Als Z28
How is the SS Silvardo underpowerd? Because it doesnt have 500hp? I have yet to meet a disapointed SS owner. I dont understand how its underpowerd. Because its not supercharged and has supercar horsepower?

I have to agree with UBDSLO1. The SS is a sacred badge to true GM owners/enthusiasts. GM must have been off their rocker when offering a performance truck that big. I don't care if its supercharged or not but it better be able to hold its own. GM is basically running in a distant 3rd when compared to the SRT10 and the Lightning/Harley. I've seen R/T Dakotas pulling SS Silvys. Its not that the R/T is a performance nightmare (I used to have one) but Chevy should have brought a better truck to the table when using the SS badging.

Originally posted by UBDSLO1
I'm speaking of the ext cab SS, 345hp, in a 5000lb. truck, is not a lot of power for a "sport truck." Chevy should be careful when putting the SS emblems on a car or truck, they need to have the muscle to back it up. Not take an exsisting motor from a truck already made, like the Escalade, etc. just my oppion though.

Brother, its not just your opinion but the opinion of most of us. Very well put.

Big Al, I'm not treading on you at all but respectively I disagree with you.

"Cowboy"

[Big Als Z28]

The SS doesnt mean performance. Look back at teh first SS cars, and they could be found on 6cyl Novas and Impy's. SS was the top trim. The muscle car chagned all that, and SS ment the biggest and baddest in the Nova and Chevelle. The SS Silverado is exactly that, a luxury interior with a lot of sport in it. Does it run 12's? No. Does it have to? Hell no. You guys have come to know that the SS means super-performance, when it really ment all along, super trim. Could the SS Silverado use a bit more sport? Yes. Is it getting it? Yes.
I am a true GM enthusiast, and it seems one of the few on this board. The SS means the top trim for that car, and the SS Silverado fits that quite well, while adding more sport with teh H.O. 6.0 and AWD. It wasnt made to go head to head with the L and SRT10. It wasnt ment to be a 1/4 mile burner. You guys need to think outside of the 1/4 box and into the real world where most people dont give crap about hp.

[UBDSLO1]

Originally posted by Big Als Z28
The SS doesnt mean performance. Look back at teh first SS cars, and they could be found on 6cyl Novas and Impy's. SS was the top trim. The muscle car chagned all that, and SS ment the biggest and baddest in the Nova and Chevelle. The SS Silverado is exactly that, a luxury interior with a lot of sport in it. Does it run 12's? No. Does it have to? Hell no. You guys have come to know that the SS means super-performance, when it really ment all along, super trim. Could the SS Silverado use a bit more sport? Yes. Is it getting it? Yes.
I am a true GM enthusiast, and it seems one of the few on this board. The SS means the top trim for that car, and the SS Silverado fits that quite well, while adding more sport with teh H.O. 6.0 and AWD. It wasnt made to go head to head with the L and SRT10. It wasnt ment to be a 1/4 mile burner. You guys need to think outside of the 1/4 box and into the real world where most people dont give crap about hp.

Big Als Z28, I agree with you for the most part. Yes the SSS was not made to compete with the Lightning, or SRT/10 Ram, but my question is, the why bring the SSS to market? I will agree, it is one of the best, or the best looking truck made, no questions asked. I like the truck myself, but I don't need a ext cab. The GMC already has the 6.0L, and so the Caddy. Infact, GMC has a limited number of "Texas trucks" that are on some of the dealers lots, and they are 2wd ext cab models.
I think for the most part, most people don't remember the early SS package as the "trim" models, when you say SS to people, they remember the "bad-ass" Chevys, with the grunt to back it up. The same is still true for today. Why buy an SSS, when you can have a SRT/10 Ram(not that much more than the SSS msrp,although I know most are not paying msrp for the SSS) or a Lightning? The point is, if GM wants to play in the "sport truck" market, then they need to have a truck that can play, not just "show."
I want a reg cab SS, but I'm getting tired of waiting for one, that's is why I'm getting a GTO. I'm not hoping for a "12sec truck", although that would be nice, but at least have 400hp in the truck. That's all.:D

[Big Als Z28]

Well, the reg cab SS is coming, I asure you. That info is from GMInsidenews.com, a website I help mod. The people there have more inside information then they know what to do with.

I understand, but GM didnt put the SSS in the "sport truck" catagory. GM made the SSS for the crowd that wants a bit more luxury in there pick up, with more street maners then hauling or off-roading manners. Larger engine for more power, AWD traction, and bling bling 20's(bling optional). Chevy isnt stupid tp bring this truck to go head up a battle between the L. GM thought that the market for sport trucks were very limited, but whooops, they messed up, and now its time to get into the game. With teh 385hp SSR and 385 SSS regular cab, and a possible turbo I-5 Colorado, we see that GM isnt sitting around. Realize that the SSS was from the "old" GM and not the new GM. The new GM is basicly everything from mid last year to now. Now is when the Lutz-era cars are hitting the market, and they are 100x better then the Zarella(previous car czar) era was as far as quanity and quality. Think about all the new product GM has released since 02, not to mention whats coming up. Chevy is half way through its "Revolution" and there are some more cars left. The Vette, the Uplander CSV, the HHR, and the redesigned Impy.
That, and all the new cars from the other divisions.

[BET IT]

Man, id LOVE to see that truck, something to compete with the Viper truck.......

[LV2XLR8]

Originally posted by RUNNINHORN
Man, id LOVE to see that truck, something to compete with the Viper truck....... Yeah! That would be sweet but only time will tell!

[Chicago Z06]

i hope just one of these makes it to market... and not in the SSR... overpirced under performer....

[Big Als Z28]

SSR will be getting an LS2 with a 6spd.

[FAST LS1]

Another instance of too little too late by GM again!

Dodge will have had the 500hp SRT-10 out for 2+ years before the "385hp" Silverado shortbed makes it to market. Ford will have had the Lightning out for an eternity that will have already been making that kind of power. Ford will also be releasing a 500hp L to actually take on the SRT-10.
GM will be praising their distant third place 385hp "SS" truck :rolleyes:
Why even make a sport truck if it's not going to compete in the sport truck market? They could have made a short bed Sileravdo with a roots blown 5.3L when the new body styles came out years ago. No they sat back and finally gave us the extended AWD SS truck that no one wanted in the sport truck community. Sure there are people who like it but they aren't the people who like Lightnings and SRT-10's.
If GM doesn't make a supercharged forged internal 6.0L they might as well just lay down like they have been these past few years. It's gonna take a huge cubic inche engine with 500hp or a supercharged engine that's close to even compete. The supercharged engine is the away to go because it gives people easy moddability for major hp. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[BigKID]

GM has been teasing us sporttruck guys with a reg cab ss truck since the NBS came out in 99. Frankly I am getting tired of all the concept vehicles that NEVER make it into production such as the original SS Silverado, CoolSideII, SST, Revised Reg Cab SS Silverado. With exception to the SST, all of these truck could have been produced with current production 'parts bin' parts. Even now GM could easily make the performance truck guys happy with simple option codes of so we could get a reg cab, 2wd, LQ9, 4l80e, 14 bolt rear truck. So with that said... I too have the "I'll believe it when I see it" mentality on a Reg Cab SS truck. So untill then I will continue to build my 'own' GM performance truck.

[gearheads78]

Originally posted by BigKID
GM has been teasing us sporttruck guys with a reg cab ss truck since the NBS came out in 99. Frankly I am getting tired of all the concept vehicles that NEVER make it into production such as the original SS Silverado, CoolSideII, SST, Revised Reg Cab SS Silverado. With exception to the SST, all of these truck could have been produced with current production 'parts bin' parts. Even now GM could easily make the performance truck guys happy with simple option codes of so we could get a reg cab, 2wd, LQ9, 4l80e, 14 bolt rear truck. So with that said... I too have the "I'll believe it when I see it" mentality on a Reg Cab SS truck. So untill then I will continue to build my 'own' GM performance truck.

I agree 100% GM talks about what could do or might do in the future. The other guys don't talk about it they do it. When they start unloading them of the trucks in back I will believe it. Until then I will just keep selling the closest thing to it made. In a joint venture with GM / JGPerformance you can get a SC Reg cab now.

www.jgperformance.com

[Tru_Ice]

Originally posted by Big Als Z28
read the last part of the possibilty of a supercharged 6.0 motor. :D



and thats if teh L gets 500. As of right now, there is no offical word. They could pull 420 and still keep ahead of the SRT10.

The L will get the 500 hp. IMO

[*WILDSTYLE 5.3*]

I think when the new zo6 vett engine comes out chevy should swap that b**ch into a reg cab truck and throw on some nice shoes too! Hell if dodge did it with the viper SRT-10 truck why doesnt GM do the same thing?????? and if the ford geeks try to do somethink better that is supercharged hell supercharge the truck then!!!! :D :drive: :drive: :drive:

[bowtieman]

Originally posted by Big Als Z28
The SS doesnt mean performance. Look back at teh first SS cars, and they could be found on 6cyl Novas and Impy's. SS was the top trim. The muscle car chagned all that, and SS ment the biggest and baddest in the Nova and Chevelle. The SS Silverado is exactly that, a luxury interior with a lot of sport in it. Does it run 12's? No. Does it have to? Hell no. You guys have come to know that the SS means super-performance, when it really ment all along, super trim. Could the SS Silverado use a bit more sport? Yes. Is it getting it? Yes.
I am a true GM enthusiast, and it seems one of the few on this board. The SS means the top trim for that car, and the SS Silverado fits that quite well, while adding more sport with teh H.O. 6.0 and AWD. It wasnt made to go head to head with the L and SRT10. It wasnt ment to be a 1/4 mile burner. You guys need to think outside of the 1/4 box and into the real world where most people dont give crap about hp.

I disagree. The top trim was identified by RS in the early Camaros. Silverado was the top trim in trucks as apposed to the Custom or the Cheyanne. The SS = Super Sport. It meant the most powerful performance package offered in that car. In the case of the 1964 Chevy II Novas, the 6 banger was considered a sporty set up. Look at the Impalas. The 1963 SS 409, the 1966 SS 396 and the 1971 SS 427. The were all the sportiest in its model. All the Chevelles with the SS badges got disk brakes, a posi, thicker sway bars and so on.

My 72 SS had a 4b carb, posi, sway bars and bigger tires. Had it been an RS I would have gotten the split bumper, more trim and a nicer interior package. My old 1967 RS/SS Camaro was the first year the 350 was used and it only came in the SS Camaro. The SS also got disk brakes and a 12 botl. The RS package gave me hide away lights, red tail light w/ reverse lights in the valance and chrome.

Then again there were several different SS power packages offered in cars back them. For example the Camaro and chevelle had one small block 350 SS option but three 396 options. 325hp, 350hp and 375hp.

Lately, they have combined the RS and the SS package into the SS package. They modify the body as well as the engine. The funny thing is that the Z28 is the lowere end ride todayt but back in the late 60's and early 70's the Z28 was the race car.

Just my opinion and food for thought.