What motor did the Silverado SS have?
The Silverado SS was equipped with a 6.0-liter V8 engine from GM’s Vortec family, delivering about 345 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This is the core detail most observers associate with the model’s performance credentials.
The Silverado SS, a high-performance variant of Chevrolet’s full-size pickup, was produced for a relatively brief period and is remembered for its factory-backed powertrain, distinctive styling cues, and enhanced handling for a workaday truck that could punch well above its weight on the highway.
Engine specifications
Powertrain basics
The following bullets summarize the core engine details of the Silverado SS powertrain.
- Engine: 6.0-liter V8 Vortec (the Vortec 6000 family)
- Engine codes: LQ4-based 6.0L V8 (commonly referenced in GM catalogs for this platform)
- Power: 345 horsepower
- Torque: 380 lb-ft
- Years produced: 2003–2006
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic (typically the 4L60-E in this application)
Together, these specifications gave the Silverado SS strong mid-range torque and confident highway performance while maintaining the practical versatility of a full-size pickup.
Context and historical note
The Silverado SS occupied a niche as GM’s factory-backed performance option in the light-duty pickup segment. It aimed to compete with other performance-oriented trucks of the era and remains a notable model for enthusiasts who remember its blend of power and practicality.
Summary
Summary: The Chevrolet Silverado SS used a 6.0-liter V8 Vortec engine (Vortec 6000 family) producing about 345 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and was available from 2003 to 2006. It stood out as a rare, factory-built performance variant in the full-size pickup market.
