I will be looking at a 99 GMC K2500 ext cab 4x4 with the 5.7L this weekend. I was wondering what kind of experience everyone has had with this combo. I will be pulling a 18+2 flat bed with my 77 K10 lwb on 35" tires on it about 1 to 2 times a month, average about 100 miles one way. mostly flat ground. will it be good,bad,or ugly?
I think it would do "OK" on flat ground, I have a 98 Sub with the 7.4 and it is a dog in the mountains of Colorado at this elevation, but on the flats it does alright.
I've been to colorado twice, the elevation does make a difference on power. made my kdx200 dirt bike feel like a 80cc . So by doing "OK" what do you mean? lots of shifting from the trannie, or just no speed? the truck will be a dd/tow rig, like I said I will only get to go wheelin about 1 to 2 times a month. Not much hills in western ky , might get a good work out when I finally get to go to Tellico.
OK meaning my 454 tows at hiway speeds on the flats, and a top speed of 28 MPH on the passes, so your 350 may hit 22-25 MPH on the passes, I dunno. Personally I will never mess with a gasser for a tow rig again, but if I lived in kansas or similar it wouldn't be that big a deal if I didn't tow much.
I'd jump on it. 5.7L was probably the best eng before emissions got nasty. My 460 will pull circles around a 454, with almost double the gas mileage. you may pay for it occasionally in the mountains, but other than that, you'll be fine.
