One problem related to engine has been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Plastic intake gasket wears out between 20,000 and 70,000 miles requiring major costly repairs to engine. Service dealers are well aware of this problem but must replace the plastic gasket with a new plastic gasket designed the same way as original. The new gasket is warrantied to last 12,000 miles only and will wear out again at the same mileage interval. This service will be required at each mileage interval.