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170 Posts
I'm looking to buy my first SSR. Have driven a 2004, nice, great sound........................but I'm torn about missing out on 90 more hp!
Thoughts????
Thanks
Bob
Thoughts????
Thanks
Bob
300hp vs. 390hp ???
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December's SSR Photo Challenge Has Started!
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14,391 Posts
You had best drive both.
The 90 hp doesn't mean too much to about 65% of SSR owners
To the other 35% it means a lot - just like to some the 6sp is a must have.
For the weekend cruiser it probably doesn't matter much.
My observation is that when driving in a caravan through the mountains the 5.3L has difficulty keeping up.
I don't think any 03/04 owner would turn down an extra 90 hp though.
The 90 hp doesn't mean too much to about 65% of SSR owners
To the other 35% it means a lot - just like to some the 6sp is a must have.
For the weekend cruiser it probably doesn't matter much.
My observation is that when driving in a caravan through the mountains the 5.3L has difficulty keeping up.
I don't think any 03/04 owner would turn down an extra 90 hp though.
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10,161 Posts
If you're looking for "stop light to stop light" ... Probably "No".. They will Both peg the speedo. A 5.3 w/tune will keep up with a 6.0 w/out a tune, (almost) but it's FUN ! Worry about Stopping, too... What's this truck weigh ? The question goes Both ways....
Welcome ! Regards, Fuji
Tough decision to make depends on difference in cost between 04 and 05-06 and what upgrades and condition each R is in. When I bought mine I went with an 04 with low mileage in great shape. Was all stock but have done almost all recommended upgrades and still have money left over from what I would have paid for an 05-06 to add some bling and super tune gaining some HP there. Unless your looking to race it you have enough power from the 5.3 to get you as many tickets as you want.
Major thing you should be concerned about is overall condition of the truck mechanically,condition of interior and exterior. Important to check the storage compartment for the roof and look for any hydraulic fluid showing a leaking roof cylinder and how smooth the roof operates watching to see if it drops last 2-3 inches when its going down, as this will be the most expensive fix down the road. Good luck in your quest for the right one there's been a few showing up with low mileage lately when you see it you will know it.
Major thing you should be concerned about is overall condition of the truck mechanically,condition of interior and exterior. Important to check the storage compartment for the roof and look for any hydraulic fluid showing a leaking roof cylinder and how smooth the roof operates watching to see if it drops last 2-3 inches when its going down, as this will be the most expensive fix down the road. Good luck in your quest for the right one there's been a few showing up with low mileage lately when you see it you will know it.
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9,272 Posts
I have the 03
I added the 112HH supercharger to get the extra HP.
It is fun and you can feel the difference in power, but I seldom use the power.
03/04 reg. gas 05/06 high test needed.
Resale better for 05/06 03/04 cheaper to buy
Only you can make this choice.
To live it over I would not add the power. I would just do the 4:56 rear gear change.
I added the 112HH supercharger to get the extra HP.
It is fun and you can feel the difference in power, but I seldom use the power.
03/04 reg. gas 05/06 high test needed.
Resale better for 05/06 03/04 cheaper to buy
Only you can make this choice.
To live it over I would not add the power. I would just do the 4:56 rear gear change.
Color and horsepower ...the two most expensive things to change after the fact..
Like them All....
Like them All....
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77 Posts
It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!
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170 Posts
That's my fear!!
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170 Posts
Several posts have mentioned "Tweaking performance", can you give me some ideas and costs??
Thanks
Bob
Thanks
Bob
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443 Posts
My 03 seemed to drive fine when I first got it. after an exhaust, intake and tune reprogramming is a kick in the ass. You gotta remember that there will always be something faster than you. With all the big horsepower stuff now being produced your way outclassed in HP. I’ll be installing a supercharger this year cause I can and it would be fun. I could have easily just sold this and bought another 05-06 for less than a supercharger costs, but I really love what I’ve done with my 03’ so I’ll put on he supercharger.
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4,374 Posts
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda.
If you're on the fence about horsepower, and have the extra $$, go ahead and find a nice 6.0, they're out there. If HP is your thing and you buy a 5.3, you'll always wonder... gee, if I only bought an '05 or an '06...
A 5.3 can easily be made to run well but it will never be a 6.0.
just my $.02
If you're on the fence about horsepower, and have the extra $$, go ahead and find a nice 6.0, they're out there. If HP is your thing and you buy a 5.3, you'll always wonder... gee, if I only bought an '05 or an '06...
A 5.3 can easily be made to run well but it will never be a 6.0.
just my $.02
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5,895 Posts
It depends upon what you want. To me, the two positives to a '03 -'04 are price and cost to run with regular fuel. But, if they are the same price I think anyone would go '06.
There are upgrades each year progressively besides the engine.
IMO, if I could afford it, I would get a '06 six speed decent mileage and go. It would be even better if the basic upgrades are already done. If you can't justify that work your way back to your price point. Be patient and you will find the right one.
IMO
Dave
There are upgrades each year progressively besides the engine.
IMO, if I could afford it, I would get a '06 six speed decent mileage and go. It would be even better if the basic upgrades are already done. If you can't justify that work your way back to your price point. Be patient and you will find the right one.
IMO
Dave
IMO: I don't try to race anyone from street light to street light because I bought the SSR mainly as a super great looking cruse machine. The 5.3L performance is perfectly fine for me. Yes, I bought mine before the 6.0 engines were available and no 6-Speeds were around. And yes, I would enjoy the extra 95 HP but to be honest with you both engines sound "super" throaty and preform awesomely!
That being said, 98% of the population really don't know what size engine is in the SSR unless you open up the hood. Most don't even know what MY years GM made the SSRs let alone what engines were in them.
Lastly... visually no one can tell what MY the SSR is or even what engines are in them, unless they happen to know that in 2005 and 2006 GM put 6.0 engines in... the only visual difference between the model years is the small GM logo/ badge on the lower side of the front finders.
No matter what year you have the SSR looks awesome and sounds great! Enjoy the ride and make it your own.
That being said, 98% of the population really don't know what size engine is in the SSR unless you open up the hood. Most don't even know what MY years GM made the SSRs let alone what engines were in them.
Lastly... visually no one can tell what MY the SSR is or even what engines are in them, unless they happen to know that in 2005 and 2006 GM put 6.0 engines in... the only visual difference between the model years is the small GM logo/ badge on the lower side of the front finders.
No matter what year you have the SSR looks awesome and sounds great! Enjoy the ride and make it your own.
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12,119 Posts
Finding an SSR in the color you like and in perfect condition, that you can afford, is much more important than just horsepower in my opinion. Here is an example. I have a 5.3 liter in my Chevy Silverado and did a few external changes on the engine and had it super Dyno tuned and it runs very strong and sounds great. It does everything I want it to do. If bragging rights and speed are your primary goals then eliminate the 03, 04 from your hunt and focus on the LS2 6.0 Liter, 05,06 only. There are three or four on the forum for sale right now. Good luck.
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2,308 Posts
Yes Sir !!.....I knew the speed limit.....Seriously just didn't see you running the radar...:wink2:
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