I have a pretty good idea of what I'm after, just wanted some further guidance. I currently have a 96 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 318 4x4 ECSB with over 120k that has served me very well. Other than a fuel pump it has always been very dependable. I have a S10 that I have swapped a LS1 into and pull it on occasion to the track, and the 318 does a good job. Total trailer weight is shy of 6k. Truck has the 4 speed auto tranny with 3.55's in the back. Gas mileage around town is about 14-15 and on the highway around 18-20 mpg all empty. Towing it's around 12 or so. I have been looking at used trucks and have seen quite a few of the 4.8's, and the Dodge 4.7's as well as the 5.3's and the Hemi's. I know the 318 is old tech compared to the Hemi, 4.7, and the LS motors and such but would a 4.8 or a 4.7 have enough a$$ to pull a rig like that without huffing and puffing too hard? I am pretty familar with the LS motors being I have one in my S10, but not sure how they perform in the truck platforms. I'm probiably going to take a cross country trip this summer with the truck and trailer and would like it to pull good. Being I don't tow all the time a 3/4 ton truck with a diesel for the money involved is out of the question. I'm looking for something 2-3 years old and around $20,000 so the 1/2 tons is where it is. What kind of mileage do both the 4.8 and 5.3's get in the same configuration as my dodge? I'm split right now between the Dodge and GM products. Both have treated me well, just these newer motors I'm uncertain of how they perform in a real world situation.

PS the wifey has to drive it too LOL

 

i have no help for you......but lets hear more bout the LS1 truck.

Actually....the new Hemi's wil get you prolly 14-16 mpg. That's my guess.

 

The little S10 is actually in the process of having headers made for it right now. Haven't had it running yet but should run well. Installed a thunder racing 224 cam on a 114 LSA. Also installed a set a set of 5.3 TEA heads on it (these seem to mate really well with the 224 cams). With the custom headers it should put down anywhere from 380-420 at the wheels. Also installed a LS6 intake on the motor with a ported TB. I have pics here. www.geocities.com/jays_s10/ls1swap.html

 

Damn....looks like a lot of work.....good luck with that.

 

My mom drives the 5.3 silver ext. cab Texas edition. nice truck. Its towing capacity is it exactly what it says it is. my dad has a boy scout troop and i help him out sometimes and for the longhauls we have a 15' trailer thats about 6.5' tall. We load that thing up to the max and the 5.3 doesnt struggle. Id say the trailor when fully loaded is 3500-4000lbs, max trailoring load is 8000 for the 5.3 with the 3.73 gears. And seeing that you dont tow all the time my moms silverado is averaging 16mpg with city and higway driving. Were a GM family, i was the first to break the barrier and get a Dodge but they still love me, almost as much as I love my dodge.[sm=burnout.gif]