Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD from BC Cadillac dealer

  Build it, Price it. Anyway you like it

Chevrolet Silverado 3500

+Trim:




Fuel Economy

City
n/a
L/100K
Highway
n/a
L/100K

Vehicle Dimensions (mm)

5715
2436
3396
1966

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 WT Regular Cab LWB

Fuel City n/aL/100K
Fuel Highway n/aL/100K
Transmission Automatic
Max Power 268 KW 360 HP
Body Type Pick-up
Number of Doors 2
Engine 6l
Drive Wheels Rear Wheel Drive

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD & 3500 HD Road Test

When it comes to the three-quarter and one-ton pickup truck market, bigger is better.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD
The Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD are excellent workhorses. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
End of sentence, full stop. There isn’t a point in building a machine for towing and hauling if it requires concessions in strength. Fists won’t be raised if fuel economy and comfort are improved, but these changes cannot come at the cost of a better payload or tow rating.

Following the successful launch of the latest Silverado (which notably won North American Truck of the Year for 2007), Chevrolet unveiled the Silverado HD, or Heavy Duty. Compared to the heavy duty Dodge Ram and the previous generation Ford Super Duty, it's so good that it has earned benchmark status. It may be true that Chevy’s reign as champ was shorted due to the fully redesigned and outrageous new Ford Super Duty truck, which included the world’s first ton and a half pickup, the F-450, but the three-quarter ton Silverado 2500 HD and one-ton 3500 HD have not lived in the shadow of the Blue Oval.

Pickup trucks wear their manufacturer’s logos like symbols of pride, but it isn’t just the Chevy name which people have grown to trust over the years.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD
Proudly wears brand names that people can depend on. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
Owners also take into account the manufacturers of the drivetrains, which are often co-developed with industrial giants. For instance, the Ford Super Duty engine was developed with Navistar (International), while Dodge’s super-strong inline-six is branded with the Cummins name. Chevy and GMC feature Duramax diesel engines, which are the result of a joint effort between GM of North America and its Japanese commercial arm, Isuzu. In addition, the six-speed automatic is supplied by Allison, an industrial-grade transmission supplier. Incidentally, Allison was previously owned by General Motors; it was sold off earlier this year.

Anyone that is seriously considering towing and hauling will pick diesel. Not only are they generally more capable due to their stronger design and torque production, but they are also more fuel efficient. By far, the nicest diesel in the “heavy duty” segment is the Silverado’s Duramax. It is the smoothest running of the oil burners, not to mention the most powerful as well. The Duramax “six-six” V8 (6.6 litres (6.6 L = 1.74 gal), in case you were wondering) produces 365 horsepower and an unfathomable 660 lb (660 lbs = 299 kg)-ft of torque. That’s 15
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Vortec V8 is also a good engine, but for the best, go for the diesel. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
more horsepower than both its Dodge or Ford rivals, and 10 lb (10 lbs = 4.54 kg)-ft more torque too. Another characteristic of this engine is that its power delivery is extremely linear thanks to peak torque being made at just 1,600 rpm (the Ford Super Duty’s peak is generated at 2,000 rpm).

Offered in a choice of single, extended or crew cab configurations, there’s pretty much a Silverado HD for every purpose. The tow rating for all 3500 diesels is 5,897 kg (5,897 kg = 13,001 lbs) (13,000 lbs (13,000 lbs = 5.9 t)), which, while impressive all on its own, is actually less than both rivals from Dodge and Ford. A Ram 3500 can tow a maximum of 7,416 kg (7,416 kg = 16,349 lbs) (16,350 lbs (16,350 lbs = 7.42 t)) and a Ford F-350 will safely tow up to 6,486 kg (6,486 kg = 14,299 lbs) (14,300 lbs (14,300 lbs = 6.49 t)). Another mark against the Silverado has to do with its fuel tank size; it is smaller than either the Ram or the F-Series, by four and 15 liters (15 L = 3.96 gal) (one and four gallons) respectively, comparing crew cab, long-bed, and one-ton models. This means refueling will occur more often.

And while I haven’t towed with the 3500 HD diesel, I can say with great confidence that it certainly feels like it can bring along a 5,897 kg (5,897 kg = 13,001 lbs) (13,000
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Interior is pretty much the same as it is on the regular Silverado 1500. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
lbs) trailer with ease. With a comparably shorter first and second gear, the Silverado 3500 HD tester took off like no other one-ton pickup I’ve ever driven. The engine felt less burdened, and more free-spinning, giving the impression of effortlessness in comparison to the F-250 Super Duty diesel I drove earlier this year, or for that matter, the Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel.

This has to do with the advanced diesel engine. Though it is genetically related to the same unit that powered Hummer’s mighty H1 Alpha, it has been heavily reworked. For instance, the turbocharger now features variable fins for better response and less lag, while the pistons and cylinder heads are made of lightweight aluminum. Last but not least, all diesel engines used in three-quarter and one-ton trucks run on low-sulphur diesel and feature a particulate filter, so the sight of sooty, smelly fumes belching out of the tailpipe is a thing of the past. Note that the Duramax engine and Allison automatic as a package cost a small fortune, but from my point of view it’s worth each and every penny.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Vortec is a name that regular Silverado and Sierra drivers will be familiar with. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

If diesel isn’t your thing, Chevy also offers a gas-powered V8. Note the use of the word “a”; there’s only one. GM discontinued the giant 8.1-litre engine which was offered on the old Silverado HD, making the new “Gen-IV” small-block 6.0-litre the sole choice. Though it’s the same size as the older engine, it too represents a vast improvement over the outgoing engine. With the exception of the upcoming 2009 / 2010 Ram Heavy Duty with the second-generation HEMI V8, this is the only truck in the class to feature variable valve timing. The usual benefits of VVT are present; improved fuel economy, fewer emissions and extra power. Overall, this engine makes 353 horsepower and 373 lb (373 lbs = 169 kg)-ft of torque. Our 2500 HD tester featured this gasoline powered unit, and was quite impressive. Unloaded it responded better to throttle input than the diesel, not to mention it was quieter on startup, however, on the move the noise differences are negligible.

Allison’s T1000 six-speed automatic, the default transmission for the diesel, is also worthy of praise. The six-speeder shifts smoothly and offers both a tow/haul mode and manual shift control. It’s a great gearbox, but anyone
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Brake balance control for trailers gives better stability. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
wishing for a manual will be out of luck. The gas-powered engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic, but it isn’t built by Allison. Instead, it’s an in-house creation that was developed from the unit used in the Cadillac Escalade with upgrades to ensure that it can deal with higher weights and strains.

Moving on to the rest of the truck, the Silverado HD looks like the standard Silverado but beefed up as if on steroids. It stands taller than the 1500, but not as tall as the Ram or F-Series, and while the boxy looking cab can easily be picked out as Chevy (there’s no hiding that grille), it’s the bulges of the broader fender flares and the domed hood that convincingly display the HD’s muscle and capabilities. Of its rivals, I find the Silverado HD series of pickups to be handsomely styled and a bit, well, delicate looking. The mirrors, while large and with good visibility, are gently rounded rather than just big chunks of plastic, and the roof-top lights on the 3500 HD dually crew cab are smaller, and more streamlined compared to those used on the Ram.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Info is displayed right below the tach. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

The interior of both HD pickups are unchanged from the half-ton Silverado. You sit in the same front bench or bucket seats, with the same choice of dashboards (Pure Pickup, or Luxury) and you can get the same toys, like navigation, a sunroof and a powerful stereo system. Ergonomically, the cabin is sound with the exception of the tiny HVAC buttons, which can be a touch hard to push when wearing chunky winter gloves. Overall, however, the cabin is finished nicely, and feels like it's well built. Unlike Dodge’s Ram or the F-Series Super Duty, there is no overt “Wild West” themed interior. Go for the top of the line LTZ and you’ll get leather and wood, but they’re in normal colours and textures.

It didn’t take saddle-style hides or navigation with voice recognition software to convince me of the Silverado HD’s refinement. Unlike the Ram, which feels creaky and dated, or the F-Series Super Duty which comes across as overtly stiff and choppy, the Silverado always maintains a degree of suppleness that you wouldn’t normally expect from this caliber of truck. Large potholes which should in every
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD
Not just six bolts - eight bolts! (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
right cause the truck to bounce and crash don’t have the same dramatic effect.

One final feature worth mentioning that is sure to please those who tow is the integrated tow control module. This is the first time GM has ever offered this feature straight from the factory; up until now, only Ford offered it. The switch is located low on the dashboard, right by the driver’s left knee. It’s a bit out of sight, and I’m told it’s in an unusual location; a much more common place is on the right by the centre console. Though its function of trailer braking and its operations are unchanged, it doesn’t have the “Gain” display on the unit itself which might confuse aftermarket unit operators. Instead, this info is displayed in the instrument panel as a function of the trip computer.

With so many different price combinations available, it would be a bit messy to do the usual pricing run down, so, here it is in a much more concise, number-free format: comparably equipped, the Silverado HD costs a bit more than Dodge’s Ram, but less than Ford’s Super Duty. It may not be able to tow or haul as much, but it’s much more comfortable and more refined, not to mention the diesel engine is the stuff of dreams. Put it this way - even if you aren’t a Chevy guy, this is one truck you’ll seriously have to check out before writing the check. It’s that impressive.

Specifications (Silverado 2500 HD / 3500 HD):
  • Base Price Range Price (2500 HD): $32,280 - $52,805 
  • Price Range Price (3500 HD): $37,440 - $54,190 
  • Body Type: 2 or 4-door pickup truck
  • Layout: front engine, RWD (opt. 4WD)
  • Engine (gasoline): 353 hp, 373 lb (373 lbs = 169 kg)-ft of torque, 6.0L (6 L = 1.59 gal), 16-valve, OHV, V8
  • Engine (diesel): 365 hp, 660 lb (660 lbs = 299 kg)-ft of torque, 6.6L (6.6 L = 1.74 gal), 16-valve, OHV, V8 turbodiesel
  • Transmission: 6-spd auto w/manual mode
  • Brakes (front/rear): disc / disc, ABS, BA
  • Tires: 245/75R16 (opt. 265/75R17)
  • Fuel Economy (city/hwy): Not Rated
  • Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive, 60/160,000 powertrain 
  • Direct Competitors: Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 Heavy Duty, Ford F-250 / F-350 Super Duty, GMC Sierra 2500 HD / 3500 HD
  • Web Site: www.chevrolet.gm.ca 

Interior

  • Other-integrated
    navigation system: voice
    info
  • Seating: 3 seats
  • Audio system with AM/FM
    radio
  • Front reading lights
  • Dashboard
  • Tachometer
  • Trip computer: includes
    average fuel consumption
    and range for remaining
    fuel
  • Load restraint: hooks
  • Front seat center armrest
  • Steering wheel ; includes
    tilting adjustment
  • Cupholders in front row
  • Air conditioning
  • Fixed rear window
  • Fuel consumption:
  • 4 speakers
  • 12V in front
  • Passenger vanity mirror
  • Service interval
    indicator
  • Clock
  • Floor covering:
    plastic/rubber in
    passenger compartment
  • Seat upholstery: vinyl
  • Front seat: driver,
    passenger, center
    40/20/40 split
  • Power steering
  • Ventilation system
  • Rear view mirror

Exterior

  • Doors: driver and
    passenger : front hinged
  • Straight side pickup bed
  • Driver and passenger door
    mirror: black, externally
    adjustable
  • Dual rear wheels
  • Clearance lights
  • Metallic paint
  • Windshield wipers with
    variable intermittent
    wipe
  • Spare wheel: fullsize
    with steel rim

Mechanical

  • Powertrain type :
    combustion
  • 3.730:1 axle ratio
  • Fuel system: multi-point
    injection
  • Independent front
    wishbone suspension with
    stabilizer bar and
    torsion springs, rigid
    rear beam suspension with
    leaf springs
  • Transmission: 6-speed
    automatic w/ manual mode
    ; incl. shifter on column
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Emissions data:
  • Fuel: unleaded ( 87
    octane) and/or E85
  • Heavy duty suspension

Safety

  • Electronic brake
    distribution
  • 4 disc brakes (4
    ventilated)
  • Chrome front and rear
    bumpers
  • Headlights: halogen with
    complex surface lens
  • Daytime running lights
  • 2 height adjustable head
    restraints for front
    seats
  • Low tire pressure
    indicator
  • ABS
  • Immobilizer
  • Headlight control with
    dusk sensor
  • Intelligent driver front
    airbag, intelligent
    passenger front airbag
    with occupant sensors
  • 3-point height adjustable
    front seat belts with
    pre-tensioners for
    driver, 3-point height
    adjustable front seat
    belts with pre-tensioners
    for passenger, 3-point
    front seat belts for
    center

Dimensions

  • External dimensions:
    overall length (mm):
    5,715, overall width
    (mm): 2,436, overall
    height (mm): 1,966,
    ground clearance (mm):
    224, wheelbase (mm):
    3,396, front track (mm):
    1,742, rear track (mm):
    1,897 and curb to curb
    turning circle (mm):
    13,900
  • Cargo area dimensions:
    length (mm): 2,484, front
    width (mm): 1,588, width
    between arches (mm):
    1,285, height (mm): 533
    and loading floor height
    (mm): 963
  • 136 litre fuel tank
  • Power: 360 HP @ 5,400
    rpm; 380 ft lb of torque
    @ 4,200 rpm
  • Front and rear steel
    wheels: 17"x 6.5" ;
    includes partial wheel
    covers
  • Internal dimensions:
    front headroom (mm):
    1,049, front hip room
    (mm): 1,532, front leg
    room (mm): 1,049 and
    front shoulder room (mm):
    1,656
  • Engine: 6.0L V 8 OHV
    with VVT ( 9.6 :1
    compression ratio ; 2
    valves per cylinder)
  • Front and rear all-season
    tires with black sidewall
    : 235/ 80/ " S " rated
  • Weights: gross vehicle
    weight rating (kg):
    5,670, curb weight (kg):
    2,796, gross trailer
    weight braked (kg): 5,897
    and payload allowance
    (kg): 2,874

Misc

  • Voice activating system
    includes phone and
    naviagtion system
  • Charges: Air Conditioning
    Tax $ 100.00
  • Cellular phone
  • Telematics : includes
    engine shut down
  • Delivery/freight charge:
    $ 1,450.00

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

Gloss paint

Excludes: [J004] Standard Black Paint


(G80) Locking Differential

Rear mechanical limited slip differential


(**B) Cloth Seat Trim

Seat upholstery: cloth Front seat: driver

Excludes: [88V] Dark Titanium Vinyl


(K34) Cruise Control

Cruise control Multi-function steering wheel


(B30) Color-Keyed Carpeting

Floor covering: carpet in passenger compartment Plastic/rubber floor mats


(AJ1) Glass: Deep-Tinted

Privacy tinted glass on rear Privacy glass on rear


(TRW) Provision for Cab Roof-Mounted Lamp/Beacon


(DF2) Camper Style Exterior Mirrors

Recreational door mirrors


(J004) Standard Black Paint

Black paint

Excludes: [J005] Standard Gloss Paint


(US8) AM/FM Stereo w/CD

Audio system with CD player (reads MP3) ; includes RDS Audio Connectivity: AUX jack Audio anti-theft protection: code


(K05) Engine Block Heater

Block heater


(C49) Defogger: Rear

Rear window with defroster


(PEB) Bluetooth for Phone

Wireless connection: Bluetooth Leather steering wheel Remote audio controls: steering wheel mounted


(MW7) 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission: 6-speed ; incl. shifter on column


(KW1) Alternator, 160 Amp

Heavy duty alternator

Excludes: [LGH] Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 And [K76] Alternator, Dual, 125 Amps Each


(ZW9) Pickup Bed Delete


(UY2) Wiring Provisions Camper/5th Wheel/HD

Excludes: [ZW9] Pickup Bed Delete


(JL1) Trailer Brake: Integrated Controller

Excludes: [ZW9] Pickup Bed Delete


(TP2) Battery: Auxiliary

Heavy duty battery

Excludes: [LGH] Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8


(GT5) Rear Axle Ratio, 4.10

4.100:1 axle ratio

Excludes: [LGH] Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8


(K76) Alternator, Dual, 125 Amps Each

Heavy duty alternator

Excludes: [KW1] Alternator, 160 Amp


(LGH) Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8

Engine: 6.6L V 8 OHV ( 16.8 :1 compression ratio ; 4 valves per cylinder) Turbocharged with intercooler Power: 335 HP @ 3,000 rpm; 685 ft lb of torque @ 1,600 rpm Heavy duty battery Fuel: diesel Fuel system: diesel direct injection

Excludes: [TP2] Battery: Auxiliary


(Z82) Trailering Special Equipment: H.D.

Trailer towing preparation includes: trailer hitch and removable

Excludes: [VF7] Bumper Delete Provision


(VF7) Bumper Delete Provision

Excludes: [Z82] Trailering Special Equipment: H.D.


(SAF) Spare Tire Lock

Excludes: [VF7] Bumper Delete Provision


(UF3) High Idle Switch


(ZZT) Spare Tire, LT235/80R17E On-/Off-Road

Spare wheel: fullsize with steel rim (stored under body)

Excludes: [ZQO] Spare Tire, LT235/80R17E All-Season And [ZGM] Spare Tire, LT265/70R18 All-Terrain


(ZQO) Spare Tire, LT235/80R17E All-Season

Spare wheel: fullsize with steel rim (stored under body)

Excludes: [ZZT] Spare Tire, LT235/80R17E On-/Off-Road And [ZGM] Spare Tire, LT265/70R18 All-Terrain


(SRW) Single Rear Wheel

Front and rear wheels: 18"x 8.0" Front and rear tires 265/ 70/ " S " rated Stability control Electronic traction control (via ABS & engine management) Hill holder Brake assist system Roll stability control

Excludes: [QZT] LT235/80-17 BSW On/Off Road Tires


(U01) Lamps: Roof Marker

Clearance lights


(PCX) LS Package

Front and rear steel chrome wheels: Chrome grille Front fog lights Remote keyless power locks


(U2K) XM Satellite Radio

Audio system with AM/FM/satellite radio If: [PCX] LS Package New Price 260.00:


(QGM) LT265/70-18 BSW On/Off Road Tires

Front and rear tires with black sidewall : 265/ 70/ " S " rated

Excludes: [QZT] LT235/80-17 BSW On/Off Road Tires


(QZT) LT235/80-17 BSW On/Off Road Tires

Front and rear tires with black sidewall : 225/ 75/ " S " rated

Excludes: [SRW] Single Rear Wheel And [QGM] LT265/70-18 BSW On/Off Road Tires


(ZGM) Spare Tire, LT265/70R18 All-Terrain

Spare wheel: fullsize with steel rim (stored under body)

Excludes: [ZZT] Spare Tire, LT235/80R17E On-/Off-Road And [ZQO] Spare Tire, LT235/80R17E All-Season


*Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change without notice, actual price may vary; installed options may also vary by dealer. Price does not include applicable license fees, insurance, registration, tax, freight / delivery, PDI or administration fees. See dealership for final pricing and availability.
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Dealer #: 81042


950 Notre Dame Drive, Kamloops, BC, V2C 6J2 - Ph: (250) 372-2551