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Tuner Troubles
Reader: So I am reading through the February 4x4 of the Year issue and I notice something.'07 Chevy Avalanche LT (I am assuming the 3.5/211 is a typo), 5.3L V-8 310 hp @ 5,200/335 (lb-ft) @ 4,400
'07 Silverado 1/2-ton X-cab, 5.3L V-8 315 hp @ 5,200/338 (lb-ft) @ 4,400
Chevy Tahoe LT, 5.3L V-8 320 hp @ 5,200/340 (lb-ft) @ 4,400
They are all 9.9:1 compression. All are the same bore and stroke. All are S.M.P.F.I. multifuel/87 octane or E85. All are running essentially the same trannies on the same frames with the same running gear. Basically, I see the same chassis with a different body and yet...different horsepower numbers? I don't understand that. I suppose the simple answer is they tune them differently according to the weight of the vehicle, but why? And that really doesn't make all that much sense when the hauler (pickup) has less horsepower than the grocery getter.
And how does Chevy lose the 4x4 of the Year with six trucks in a field of nine? Amazing!
Mike, via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: Good guess. The engines are tuned different for emissions, towing, cooling, and other reasons that sometimes defy logic. And why did the Chevys not rule in the test? Another reader has his views....
Our 4x4 of the Year test
Reader: I was wondering, how did the 3.5L V-8 in the '07 Chevrolet Avalanche get 310 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque as described in the 4x4 of the Year test? Why does GM not put this amazing motor in the H3? I was disappointed it only got the same mpg as the 5.3L V-8. I would think that something went wrong, somewhere! Otherwise, I think your mag is the best!
John Reitz, Elyria, OH
Editor: Man, oh man. One would think we could catch a typo like 3.5 is actually 5.3! But it does get more interesting, read on.
Poor GM
Reader: I see that GM stepped up and supplied more than 60 percent of the field in your 4x4 of the Year test. Looking at the list, it seems that you can drop the top half without even trying to crawl under them (all GM fullsize trucks/SUVs). Not to bash GM, but stock fullsize rigs just aren't built to do what you are testing (with the exception of the few factory-prepared rigs such as the Dodge Power Wagon). They are designed as people and cargo haulers. Even with the Z71 Offroad package, the vehicles just aren't equipped for any real trail riding.
I am sure that every reader who owns a fullsize rig wants to strangle me for that statement, but I am not saying that a built fullsize isn't capable, just a stock one. Their enormous length, with a large wheelbase and huge overhangs, makes for horrid break-over and approach and departure angles. Has a fullsize truck ever won your contest? I don't remember any in the 10 years I have subscribed, although my memory is not perfect.
Mark Myers-Russo, Griswold, CT
Editor: Actually, you need a memory pill, or you should read the entire article. Last year the stock Dodge TRX4 1500 won, and looking back, the Toyota Tundra won in 2000, the Dodge 3/4-ton V-10 won in 1995, and a 1/2-ton Dodge won in 1994.
Point Taken
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Reader: In your Jan. '07 issue there is an article called "Trekking Forty." On the top of the third page of the article, page 88 of the mag, you mention the "Pair-O-Dice 4Wheel drive club." The club is actually called "Four Dice 4Wheel drive club." And since they did such a great job manning the winch hill I think they deserve to have their correct club name displayed. Thanks for all the hard work you guys put into the mag.
Brandon Chappell, via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: All we can say is oops. We had freelancer Chris Collard cover the Sierra Trek for us, and, must have been upside down in a Toyota when he wrote that, as he is a long-standing member of Cal4wheel and knows the difference in clubs. We've cut off his Corona allotment (for back in camp, of course) until he straightens up. In the meantime, we apologize and hope it won't happen again.