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2004 Chevrolet Silverado SS
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| The Super Sport for that free-spirited youngster who has grown to adulthood |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:25:44 |
| Rating |
 261 ( -7 -2.68% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2004 Chevy Silverado SS
Writer's Notes
2004 Chevy Silverado SS Specifications:
Base price: $40,195
Engine: 6-liter V8 (345 hp @5,200 rpm, 380 lb.-ft. @4,000 rpm)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic with overdrive
Wheelbase: 143.5 in.
Length: 227.6 in.
Width: 81.5 in.
Height: 72.2 in.
Head/hip/legroom: front: 41/61.4/41.3 in.; rear: 38.4/61.5/33.7 in.
Curb weight, lbs.: 5298
Fuel economy:12 city/16 highway/13 combined mpg
Safety equipment: Dual-level frontal airbags with passenger sensing; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
5 questions about the 2004 Chevy Silverado SS
What does the "SS" designation stand for and when did it come about? The "SS" is among the most respected designations in automotive history and means the ultimate in Chevy performance.. It originated when Zora Arkus-Duntov , father of the Corvette and its chief engineer from 1953-1973, was asked once if a special racing Corvette with SS badging was a sports car. His answer? "No, it's a super sports car" The designation made its production debut on the '61 Impala Super Sport.
How many SS models have been produced? There have been more than one million SS models produced in the past four decades. The designation has been used on cars and trucks and on vehicles ranging from the Corvette to the Silverado.
How does it handle? Driving this truck, the first thing that comes to mind is the state of mind it puts you in. Of course, handling matters. The Silverado SS is safe, with crisp brakes, a well-modulated suspension, and all the necessaries that the North American governmental safety experts and insurance investigators require it to have. But, what it's really about is a look and feel--the look of the sixties, and the feel of power. It achieves this stated mission and gives a ride that will make the hearts of performance enthusiasts-who like trucks-feel like they have wings.
Where does it power come from? The Silverado earns its SS credentials the same way the old Chevys did: cubic inches. Under the hood of the '04 model sits a 6-liter V8 that produces 345-hp. at 5,200-rpm and 380-lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000-rpm. Rather than using the normal 325-hp. 6-liter Vortec LQ4 V8 offered by GM, the SS enjoys the high-output L1Q9 version that also sees duty in Cadillac Escalades.
Can it tow? By souping-up the front end of the Silverado SS, Chevy has no intent in reducing tail end, that is, towing, performance. While carrying and towing capacities are not what most buyers would think of when purchasing an SS badge, the Z82 trailering package, combined with both front and rear vented disc brakes (12-in. front rotors, 12.8-in. rears), permits the SS a 7,500-lb. pulling capacity.
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Teenagers of the 1960s who cherished the impracticality of Super Sport Chevrolet Chevelles and Impalas can appreciate, as adults, the utility of the newest SS-badged Chevy: the Silverado pickup. Carried over from 2003, the second year '04 SS Silverado continues to be offered only in an extended cab, short box form of the 1500 series truck.
Exterior subtlety
From a glance, the Silverado SS resembles a monochromatic mass of metal. Offered in Victory Red, Arrival Blue, or Onyx Black, the truck features body-coloring on the grille, front and rear bumpers, mirrors and ground effects (lower body cladding). Chrome appears sparingly, in the form of three 'SS' badges on the doors and tailgate and a 3.5-in. ovoid tailpipe. The result is a body with understated lines and moldings which, when paired with the polished 20-in. aluminum wheels, suggests street-rod genetics.
Super-sport interior
Once inside, additional 'SS' emblems appear to the right of the climate controls in gray and on headrests in the form of embroidery. The entire interior gets a black/dark pewter finish and sports leather-covered front bucket seats and a rear bench. Up to five passengers can enter and exit the cabin through two forward- and two rear-swinging doors. Seven white-faced gauges of varying size and shape cluster together to communicate vital drivetrain information.
Standard equipment includes 8-button steering wheel controls, dual-zone climate controls, and a CD/cassette/AM/FM Bose stereo system with 6 speakers. Single CD and cassette capability can be traded for an optional in-dash 6-disc changer. Onstar and XM Satellite radio are also offered as options.
American muscle
The Silverado earns its SS credentials the same way the old Chevys did: cubic inches. Under the hood of the '04 model sits a 6-liter V8 that produces 345-hp. at 5,200-rpm and 380-lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000-rpm. Rather than using the normal 325-hp. 6-liter Vortec LQ4 V8 offered by GM, the SS enjoys the high-output LQ9 version that also sees duty in Cadillac Escalades. The 20 extra ponies arrive thanks to higher compression (10.0:1 versus 9.4:1), but aren't without cost; Chevrolet specifies 91-octane premium unleaded fuel for the LQ9 engine, while LQ4 powerplants are content drinking regular grade gas.
The unique suspension, named the 'Z60 High Performance Chassis Package', features specially tuned shocks designed to increase smoothness, as well as independent front suspension, lowered 20-mm, and a solid rear, lowered 50-mm.
Backing up the 6-liter beast is a Hydra-Matic 4L85-E 4-speed automatic transmission, with overdrive. Gear ratios in first, second, third, and fourth are 3.06, 1.63, 1.00, and 0.70, respectively. The final-drive ratio is a short 4.10:1, meant to enhance off-the-line and towing performance.
Firmly planted
Traction is a high priority on the Silverado SS, evidenced by the single option of full-time AWD. The locking rear differential sees 62-percent of available torque; the remaining 38-percent is directed to the front, but the limited-slip system can send almost all torque to either end, depending on slipping circumstances. Aiding AWD grip are P275/55R-20 Goodyear Eagle radial tires stretched around massive 20- by 8.5-in. aluminum wheels - the largest combo ever offered on Silverados. The unique suspension, named the 'Z60 High Performance Chassis Package', features specially tuned shocks designed to increase smoothness, as well as independent front suspension, lowered 20-mm, and a solid rear, lowered 50-mm.
Pickup capability
By souping-up the front end of the Silverado SS, Chevy has no intent in reducing tail end, that is, towing, performance. The Z82 trailering package, combined with both front and rear vented disc brakes (12-in. front rotors, 12.8-in. rears), permits the SS a 7,500-lb. pulling capacity.
The Silverado SS evokes images of its Super Sport1960s predecessors by pairing impressive power ratings originating from a large displacement V8, with suspension modifications designed to enhance handling. But it also performs in ways the original SS vehicles never could; An AWD Silverado is designed to tackle a variety of driving conditions, including snow, whereas an original Chevelle SS big-block could be downright dangerous in the rain. Carrying and towing capacities are also unique to the SS badge, although it is unlikely a $40,000 vehicle will see heavy, aggressive use. Still, the Silverado is the Super Sport for that free-spirited youngster who has grown to adulthood with only slightly more baggage.
--Photos Courtesy of Chevrolet North America
--Story by Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England. |
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