2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is an all-new truck that boasts huge changes in virtually every category. Starting off with the frame, the 2014 Silverado 1500 is now riding on a fully-boxed high-strength steel frame with hydroformed front rails, which is much stronger and stiffer than the previous generation, yet actually rides smoother. The appearance of the half-ton has changed too. Both inside and out, the 2014 Chevy 1500 is made to look bigger and bolder, with aluminum being used alongside steel panels in the body and an all-new interior configuration found inside the cab. A new line of EcoTec3 engines gives owners the option to choose between a 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8 and a 6.2L V8, all of which feature entire aluminum construction, direct fuel injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing. The result is the base V6 now produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, the 5.3L rated at 335-hp/383-lb-ft and the 6.2L 420-hp/460-lb-ft. Depending on engine and cab configuration, this latest generation Chevy is rated to tow anywhere between 7200-11,500 pounds.
Trail Ready Coil Overs
Part of the 2014 Silverado 1500 overhaul included the front suspension, where the factory coil over control arm setup mixes forged and cast aluminum components. For owners that want the maximum performance out of their front suspension, consider upgrading to a set of aftermarket coil overs. These are the benefits of an aftermarket front coilover setup.
- Increased suspension travel
- Ride height adjustable
- Off-road tuned dampening
Changing the ride height is achieved by adjusting the position of the spring stop. Threaded shock bodies allow the spring perch to be moved up and down, thereby changing the effective length of the shock. In consequence, the ride height is directly affected. Mild coilovers offer 1-3" adjustability (good for a small lift or just leveling the front end), and extreme versions are built to accommodate as much as 7" of lift (which may require other changes to the control arms and spindles in order to function). Off-road tuning is achieved by specific tuning of the internal valves in conjunction with revised spring rates. In some kits, the coilovers are actually externally adjustable via a dial, allowing owners to choose their level of dampening. Further, some coil overs feature external oil reservoirs. An external reservoir can increase the oil capacity and aid in cooling, thereby decreasing the prospect of deteriorated shock performance if the trail gets really rough (if the oil gets too hot, expect spongy actuation).
An oil separator works like an automated vacuum, helping to remove crankcase oil mist from being recirculated back into the combustion chamber. 2014 Silverado 1500 trucks vent positive crankcase pressure back through the intake manifold, combust it, then exhaust it overboard. This vented air is often carrying oil particles, which can eventually create sludge deposits inside the manifold runners and atop the cylinder valves. An oil separator, consisting of a specialty filtered catch can, installs in the plumbing between the vent valve and the intake manifold. The vented crank air passes through the catch can, where oil particles are filtered out and dumped into the bottom of the can. The air, now clean, continues its way back into the intake manifold for eventual combustion. While not adding any power, oil separators, or catch cans, are a very inexpensive means of keeping the intake tract clean and extending the life and performance of the engine.
