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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 GMC Sierra
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:29:32 |
| Rating |
 27 ( -6 -22.22% ) |
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Description:
GMC's volume leader, the full-size Sierra pickup, puts more muscle into its
1998 lineup with a beefed up 6.5-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine.
Both the normal (L56) and heavy-duty (L65) versions of the 6.5-liter diesel deliver more
torque and horsepower than the 1997 edition. The L65 version with automatic transmission
delivers 195 horsepower at 3400 rpm and an impressive 430 Ib-ft of torque at 1800 rpm.
The L56 edition produces 180 horsepower at 3400 rpm and 360 Ib-ft of torque at 1800 rpm.
Sierra has one of the most versatile powertrain offerings of any full-size pickup truck to
accommodate the many reasons people buy pickups. In addition to the turbo diesel, Sierra
offers four different Vortec engines, each providing high levels of torque at low rpms for
excellent pulling power. Trailering capacity varies with model and powertrain selection,
but goes up to 12,500 pounds.
Vortec Sierra engines include the 200-horsepower 4300 V6, a 230-horsepower 5000 V8, a
5700 V8 that delivers up to 255 horsepower and a monster 290-horsepower 7400 V8 that
churns out 410 Ib-ft of torque.
"Sierra customers tend to be sophisticated and accomplished,H said Sierra Brand Manager
Jim Kornas. "Adding power to our turbo-diesel engine is one more way we keep pace with
the many demands of our diverse customer based
The 1998 Sierra steering wheel has a new look. The conventional driver-side air bag has
been replaced with a Next Generation mini module which provides a high level of
occupant protection, but takes up less space in the middle of the steering wheel. Customer
benefits include less steering wheel shake and better instrument visibility.
Several functional improvements enhance the operation and ownership experience of the
1998 Sierra. Among these is the implementation of PassLock, a standard theft-deterrent
system that permits ignition only if the proper key is used. If any other form of ignition is
attempted, the fuel system shuts down and the vehicle will not operate.
Other enhancements are more subtle, but nevertheless add to the enjoyment of
ownership, such as new vacuum calibrations on Sierras with a gasoline engine and
automatic transmission. The new calibrations result in improved heater performance,
smoother idle and quieter air-conditioning operation. Another invisible, but customer-
pleasing revision is the use of an electric motor actuator to engage the front axle quicker
than the vacuum motor previously used on Sierras with four-wheel drive.
Rear compartment HVAC ducts on extended cab Sierras were introduced midway into the
1997 model year and will return for the full 1998 production run. This feature provides
quicker interior climate changes.
GMC will offer a special bi-fuel version of the Sierras in 1998. The bi-fuel package is based
on a Regular Cab, 2500-Series (3/4-ton) Sierra with two-wheel-drive. Powertrain
combination is a Vortec 5700 V8 engine with automatic transmission. Equipped to burn
either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG), the Bi-fuel Sierra is classified by the EPA
as a low-emissions vehicle because it emits very little carbon monoxide or reactive gases
when in the CNG mode.
The vehicle operates on CNG as long as there is fuel in the cylinder. However, as a
convenience to the driver, when the CNG pressure drops to 240 psi, the system switches
automatically to gasoline.
The instrument panel has a fuel mode indicator that tells the driver which fuel is being
used and a common fuel gauge that indicates the amount of unused fuel in whatever tank
is being used. The driver can manually access the level for either fuel.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) storage tanks are mounted in a special protective enclosure
at the front of the cargo box.
Three new exterior colors have been added for 1998: Indigo, Pewter Metallic and
Copper Metallic.
Sierra's refined styling and enduring value are key reasons why buyers continue to flock to
GMC showrooms. The Sierra is available in a number of body styles including two-door
Regular Cab, two-door Extended Cab, Extended Cab with third door and four-door Crew
Cab. All are available with either a 6.5- or 8-foot box with Wideside or Sportside design.
Truck enthusiasts will note that the "GMC TruckH tailgate badge has been replaced with
the ruby red GMC logo on 1998 Sierra.
A 3rd door located just behind the passenger door on extended cab versions makes
loading, entering and exiting the back seat easier without compromising Sierra's sleek,
clean styling. The 3rd door is optional on uplevel-trim, 1500-Series Sierras equipped with
the Vortec 5000 or Vortec 5700 engine and an automatic transmission.
A side-door beam in the 3rd door provides back seat passengers with additional crash
protection. For added safety, children riding in the rear seat can't open the rear door
unless the fFront door is open.
Next Generation air bags are standard for driver and front passenger in all 1998 Sierras up
to 8500 GVWR. Also, all Sierra models feature a key-operated passenger air bag suppression
switch located within easy driver reach on the trim between the instrument cluster and
the radio. Passenger air bag deactivation might be appropriate in specific situations such as
when the passenger seat is occupied by an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat. All
GMC Sierra passengers should always wear seat belts.
Other standard safety features of the 1998 GMC Sierra include:
Four-wheel antilock brakes for better steering control in panic stop situations
Daytime running lamps to help alert other drivers of your presence
Brake/transmission shift interlock on trucks with automatic transmission to prevent an accidental shift into park
PassLock theft-deterrent system
Available key safety features include remote keyless entry and Insta-Trac0 shift-on-the-fly
four-wheel-drive system for improved traction in rough or slippery road conditions.
Speed-sensitive steering, introduced to the Sierra line in 1997, provides low steering effort
and high maneuverability at parking speeds and higher efforts at cruising speeds to
provide the driver with greater control and needed feedback from the road. Since speed-
sensitive steering is activated only when needed, benefits include improved fuel economy
and lower power steering fluid operating temperatures.
Sierra's engines offer owners a long-life ignition system with the first scheduled
maintenance at 100,000 miles. The system's platinum-tipped spark plugs, low-resistance
spark plug wires, composite distributor housing and stem, and high-voltage switch help
reduce maintenance incidents and costs.
Other long-life, low maintenance features include 150,000-mile engine coolant, a single
100,000-mile accessory belt, damperless springs and lip stem seals (valve train), and a
robust water pump.
Like all other GMC vehicles, the 1998 Sierra is covered under GMC Commitment Plus.
Customer benefits include a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, Premium Roadside
Assistance for on-the-road emergencies, courtesy transportation for same-day warranty
service and travel benefits including free trip routing. |
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