7 Facts about the Silverado SS/Vortec H.O./VortecMax
The most powerful of the GMT800 based Chevy trucks were the Silverado SS and Vortec H.O. Let's look back at just what made these 2003-2007 models so special.
1. SS = Extended Cab Only
With the Silverado SS, you got a pretty nice package, but you could only get it in the extended cab truck with the short bed. Fans of the old C1500 454SS were heartbroken by there being no regular cab option, and crew cab fans were similarly upset. The extended cab adds 700lbs to the curb weight and 13" to the wheelbase, so you can understand why fans of high performance wanted the smaller package.
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2. Limited Colors
Like many special performance versions to come before it, the 2003 Silverado SS was only offered in three colors: Black Onyx, Arrival Blue Metallic, or Victory red (like the O'Reilly Auto Parts 400 pace truck pictured). Later in 2005, the bright blue was gone in favor of a lighter Silver Birch Metallic color.
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3. Two Wheel or All Wheel Drive
When first released, the Silverado SS was only offered with all-wheel drive, which is great for 4-wheel burnouts like the above picture. In 2005 the truck was offered at a slightly lower price with 2-wheel drive, and AWD as an option, then in 2006 only in 2 wheel drive. The 2005 and later trucks also ditched the 4 wheel disc brakes in favor of rear drums, in a cost-cutting measure.
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4. More Power
The entire point of all of these trucks was putting the more powerful 6.0 liter motor from the Cadillac Escalade and the heavy duty trucks into the lighter Silverado 1500. With the 6.0 liter motor you got 50 more horsepower than the 5.3-liter offered in other trucks, and 65 extra lb-ft of torque. All of the higher output 6.0-liter trucks came standard with the heavier duty 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission.
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5. Vortec H.O. vs. Vortec Max
The Silverado Vortec H.O. was a locally available package, first offered to Texas buyers in 2004, then nationwide the next year. Similar to the Silverado SS, it included the 6.0-liter V8 motor, as well as20-inchh wheels and the sport handling suspension, but you did not have to get the top of the line interior and you could have any factory exterior color. In 2006 the Vortec Max replaced the Vortec H.O. and was available on the crew cab as well as the extended cab. It also differed in that it came with 17 inch wheels and the standard Z85 suspension, optimized for towing. The Vortec H.O. was 2-wheel drive only, but the Vortec Max could be 2 or 4-wheel drive.
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6. The Intimidator
Only offered in 2006 was a special, all black version of the Silverado SS called "The Intimidator SS" in honor of Dale Earnhardt. Only about 1000 of these trucks were made, with special body kid, badging, and interior accents. Only time will tell if they prove to be as classic as the Intimidator himself.
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7. Value Today?
These trucks do not seem to have a premium on them yet and sell for just about as much as any 10-15-year-old Silverado. You should expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 depending on mileage and condition, with the actual SS trucks priced only slightly higher than a Vortec Max or Vortec H.O. with the same equipment.
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