2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
The second year since its last generational refresh, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 heavy duty mostly keeps the status quo. Five trim levels make up the lineup, and they are, from base to luxury: Work Truck (1WT), Custom (1CX), LT (1LT), LTZ (1LZ) and High Country (3LZ). The 6.6L L8T V8 serves as the standard motor, producing 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The big change to this engine for 2021 is the addition of Flex Fuel capability, which now enables the motor to run on a blend of regular gasoline, ethanol and methanol. The 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel and heavy-duty Allison transmission is available as an upgrade, registering 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. Other changes for the year mainly include features being rearranged between trim packages, a slew of new wheel designs and a swap out of two exterior colors.
Level Ride Height
A characteristic of all 2021 Silverado 2500 trucks is that the rear end is lifted higher than the front, giving the pickup a nose down, raked attitude. If you find this stance unsightly, eliminating it is made easy by use of a front end leveling kit. Controlling the front end height is the torsion bar, and leveling kits include new torsion keys that will raise the front end. Due to revised geometry, the keys, ranging in lift from 1-3" depending on the set, shift the location of the torsion bar and thereby raise the front end. Using an aftermarket leveling kit as opposed to adjusting the stock torsion key is preferable to maintain driving comfort and limit steering wear. The stock torsion bar keys can be adjusted, but doing so changes the force on the bar (instead of just shifting the position) and will create a harsher ride.
Long Tube Header Gains
2021 Silverado 2500s with the L8T 6.6L gas engine can see excellent power gains through the installation of long tube headers.
- Improved exhaust flow
- Better scavenging
- Gain 20-30 horsepower
- Deeper sound
Compared to the factory exhaust manifold, a long tube header has both greater diameter and significantly longer primary tubes, both of which work together to facilitate exhaust flow and pulse scavenging. Facing less restriction and interference with other cylinders, each exhaust pulse can flow smoothly down the primary tube and past the collector, causing less back pressure on the motor. The result is that a long tube header can easily see gains of 30 horsepower on the 6.6L V8 engine. For maximum performance, it is recommended to pair a set of long tube headers with a matching high flow aftermarket exhaust system. In this case, choose a header and mid-pipe that are intended to weld up to an aftermarket exhaust. Otherwise, a factory-connect header bolts perfectly to the existing catalytic converters and the rest of the exhaust.
Interior Storage Solutions
One of the changes made to the 2021 Silverado 2500 is now all models come with a storage compartment built into the centre console armrest. Take advantage of this space and of that under the rear seats with form fitting storage organizers. Center console organizes provide a customizable compartmentalized tray that is well suited to sorting personal effects (wallet, phone, other keys etc) and making them easy to grab (no more fumbling at the bottom of the console box). Rear underseat storage solutions follow a similar principle. Underseat storage containers are contoured to the floor and seat profile, making sure they don't stick out. Non-slip surfaces keep them in place and many include movable dividers in order to segment and adapt the container as necessary. While they may not be fancy, underseat storage containers are immensely useful at keeping gear organized and out of the foot well.
