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Expected More?

M

mikek

Full Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2003
Messages
63
Location
New Jersey
As a few of you have read already I just picked up my 03 AV 1500 Z-71, 4.10 rear this week, dealer drove out to get the truck for me so it had about 120 miles on it at delivery. I am coming from a 97 Ram 1500 Club Cab, 318 4 X 4, Auto, with 3.55 rear as a comparison and honestly expected more in the power department. I originally test drove a Z-71 3.73 and thought it felt a little "weak" in the engine department, my RAM was a dog and the AV did not seem much better. When I ordered the AV with the 4.10 I figured it would have a decent amount of get up and go compared with the 3.73 version, does not seem all that different. The truck only has about 700 miles on it at this point but has anyone else thought it lacked a little power? The AV really seems to move after about 3K RPM but under that it leaves me a little disappointed. The RAM was loud at full throttle also, maybe the lack of engine roar and exhaust sound from the Chevy have me fooled into thinking it is slower?

Anyone else have any experience coming from other pickups? Not knocking the truck BTW, it is AWESOME! Had a friend who always hangs out with me the other day when I got on it for the first time, even he thought the old Ram had more get up and go.

Comments/experiences?

 
I *personally* thought the same thing when I got mine... But it opens up a bit after a few thousand miles... At least it felt that way to me...

Only place it is sloppy is where it doesn't want to downshift enough to get you going in passing. Throw the tow/haul and it helps some...

Give it a chance! it should get a bit better still (y)
 
I suggest checking out JAcks garage section....many tips on how to get more oooomph out of engine.....and explanations why it is slow off the line as well...

On the interstate the AVy is good for performance but in town...she does need a kick in the tail though
 
You may find that all you need is new (better) plug wires.
Taylor ThunderVolts (TV50) model 98005 did it for me. Just removed that slight hesitation from low throttle.
 
I noticed a big difference when I used my Hypertech reprogrammer. The wires also helped. I would also recommend a better intake and exhaust system, oh heck just stick on a superchager with some NOS on top of it and you should be fine. >:D

Seriously though look into a reprogrammer.
 
It's just my preference, but I personally wouldn't be pushing it hard or taking it over 2000 rpm during the break-in period. Like others have said, the engine really opens up after a few thou on it.
 
A major downfall in the power department is the torque management 'feature'. Do a search on T.M. and you will see why this truck does not move all that well at low speeds and during shifts. I'm going to try the Diable predator to try and correct this. Enjoy your new truck!

Ed
 
Fast Eddie said:
A major downfall in the power department is the torque management 'feature'. Do a search on T.M. and you will see why this truck does not move all that well at low speeds and during shifts. I'm going to try the Diable predator to try and correct this. Enjoy your new truck!

Ed
Click to expand...


this is exactly what i was going to say. another member beat me to it. i honestly think this is holding your AV back from impressing you with that off-the-line power you are looking for. if you do a search there is quite a bit of talk on torque management, and how to disable it.
 
I just got my 03 Z71 AV last month and have 1,900 miles on it so far and I am somewhat dissapointed with the acceleration too. For the price I feel it should have come with the 6.0liter HO. Then the power would match the aggressive look of the AV. GM would rather have you spend a few thousand more and get the Denalli pickup though....they could have compromised and gave us the lower Output 6.0 atleast. The acceleration is adequate but not what is should be for $37,000! :B:
 
I always felt my 02 with 4.10's had pretty good acceleration, but I've improved it considerably with my mods (see signature).

You have to remember, the Av is really heavy compared to an extended cab pickup. That extra weight takes a toll.

MBT
 
Don't forget! GM controls the acceleration, not you!

The AV is drive by wire, no more cable link to throttle!

You accelerator pedal sends signal to computer!

Computer tells throttle how much and how fast to open!

If you want quicker response, time for more mods....

A reprogrammer will add some performance, and don't forget you also have torque management! Another way GM controls your performance.....

Not that this is a bad thing, I still haven't changed anything here! But eventually I will be buying a programmer for more performance!! ;D
 
I added the Diablo and it made a world of difference! I would highly recommend it or the Westers PCM.

Ed
 
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