Thinking of buying '05 Silverado Special Edition Z71. Charcol/Black 5.3L loaded minus leather. But I have a few q's :

1) What options are there for modifing the front end. If this was a Serria I would not ask, but since it is not, any suggestions? Recommendations can be from mild to wild as long as it makes an improvment.

2) What are the tallest tires I can drive on stock (no problem with turning up T-bars) I here 285's and then others say they rub.

3) Same as above but with 3-4" lift. How bout 5-6" lift.

4) What are the differences between the 295HP and 310HP versions of the 5.3 engine?

5) Is the lighter duty 1500 drive train components as robust as the HD ones?

 

2. 285's should fit stock, if not then get a set of leveling torsion keys, then it may be possible to run 295's if you can find some that fit 17" wheels. ive seen some trucks with the leveling kit running 305's on stock wheels, but they look very close to the fenders.

4. difference is the 295hp motor is an iron block with alum heads. the 310 hp motor is an alum block with alum heads.

5. no the 4l60e transmission does not hold up to much abuse and the 10 bolt is rather weak as well. if you do not push them to their limits the 1/2 ton will last a good long while.

6. the better choice truck would be an 06/07classic with the 6.0 HO. 345hp, 14 bolt rear end, built intoa light duty truck.