We nailed the SS's go pedal to the floor, the tires chirped and the V-8 screamed to redline. Two gears later we were goin' fast enough to warrant the one free call you get from jail-not a bad impression for a first drive.
It's noticeably quicker than a 5.3 Silverado with handling reminiscent of its predecessor the 454SS, but more refined. The transmission when coupled with the all-wheel-drive system is smooth through the gears with just enough firmness when shifting. The seating surfaces are all leather and the white face gauges are easily readable upon quick glance (when speeding, not that we would). From the outside, the 20-inch aluminum wheels are proportional and ride surprising well.
If we had one complaint it would probably be the lack of a supercharger or 100 extra horsepower. The '04 Silverado SS is no slouch with regards to performance. We thought it was quick, not blindingly fast! It probably won't be able to keep up with your neighbor's Lightning, but on the flip side he can't bring four of his best friends with him for the ride either. We haven't seen any on the street yet, but by the time this review is published there should be plenty to choose from at your local Chevrolet dealership. Happy shopping!
| TECH SPECS | Vehicle | '04 Silverado SS 1500 |
| Engine | Vortec H.O. 6000, GM 364- |
| inch iron block, GM |
| aluminum heads, undercut |
| iron crankshaft, forged |
| powdered metal rods, 10:1 |
| compression, steel |
| hydraulic roller camshaft, |
| sequential fuel injection, |
| composite intake |
| manifold assembled in |
| Romulus, MI, 345hp |
| at 5,200rpm, 380 ft-lb at |
| 4,000rpm |
| Transmission | GM Hydra-Matic 4L85-E |
| four-speed overdrive |
| Transfer Case | Standard full-time all- |
| wheel-drive (AWD) viscous- |
| coupled transfer case |
| Wheels | 18x8.5 |
| Tires | 275/55/20 |