6.0L vs. 8.1L in a Chevy truck

[RayCo]

Are you sure a 3/4 ton is really the best option for your uses? I'd think a late model half ton, say 05+ with a 5.0L+ V8 and proper gears would do everything you need to do at a much lower operating cost and make a better daily driver than a 3/4 ton.

Believe me, I have been struggling with this for a year or more, as I've pondered getting rid of my Tahoe. A 1/2 ton truck would be fine for what I need, as far as the towing goes. But, I figure if I'm going to get a truck, I should have an 8' bed, since the bed is the main purpose behind a pickup truck.

But, since the vehicle will also serve to tote around a family of four, a back seat is necessary. I would be fine with an extended cab, but my 4.5 year old daughter has told me repeatedly that she'd be sad if she could no longer put her window down. So, that means I must get a four door truck (or wait until I can afford one of the newer trucks with the windows that go down in the extended cabs).

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a four door 1/2 ton with an 8' bed. I fear that if I compromise, I'll find myself shopping for a replacement truck much sooner than I'd want. Part of my problem is that I am suffering from what I call Tahoe Syndrome. I could/should have gotten a Suburban when I got it, since it's the same thing but with more room. I've cursed the cargo area of the Tahoe many times, and I don't want to wind up doing the same thing with the bed of a truck. If I get an 8' bed, and it's not long enough in some situation, at least it won't be because I got the wrong thing.

I've also toyed with getting a regular cab truck and some economical 4 door sedan, but that opens up a whole new list of issues. What I'll probably wind up doing is nothing.

 

[grnspot110]

I just traded off my 2001 2500HD w/6L, trust me, you won't have any shortage of power! I've towed 12-13,000 with mine (JD 720D w/500# of wts., plus second trailer w/4 bottom JD mounted plow). We have a pretty fair hill outside of town that's over 1/2 mile long, I could gain speed all the way up if I wanted! Of course, the gas gauge went down all the way too.

Don't plan on very good gas mileage though, maybe in the area of 15-16 at best.

I went down to a 2006, 1500 w/5.3 as I don't tow more than 7,00 now, much better gas mileage. as for the bed length, I'd rather have the 6-1/2' bed (NLA on a crew cab), but I'll live with it. If I'm going to haul more than tools, I just hook onto a trailer! ~~ grnspot110

 

[Diamondpilot]

Biggest issues with GM Crew Cab Trucks is the back seat is a little on the small side. Even compared to the F-150 my 05 3500 was a little tight. Its the biggest complaint I hear about the GM crew cabs, especially from guys who had Fords or Dodges in the past. Remember, them kids get big quick. My neighbors kids both were under 4' in 07 when he got his 3500 Dmax and now both are nearly 6' and cramped.

Chris

 

[dodge man]

I have had Quad Cab Dodge trucks since 1998. I recently sold my Dodge truck and bought a Dodge Challenger, and a 2002 GMC regular cab 8' bed 4x4 truck. This happened last Sept. Since then I have missed the 4 doors on about 2 occasions. In both cases three of us were in the cab, which is a little tight, but it was for very short trips. I have two kids plus the wife, so the only time it would be a serious issue would be during a winter storm, all of us can't ride in the current truck, but could if we had a four door.

What I'm trying to say, you might not miss having a 4 door truck as much as you think. Most of the time we all drive somewhere, we take the wifes car. So a truck and another car aren't that bad of a option.

 

[TRR]

For the options you present, I'd go the 6.0 route. I've found that it's always better to get a little more truck than you think you need which it appears you are doing.

I have a 2004 2500HD w/ the 8.1. I researched the 6.0 & 8.1 and found there is not that much difference in fuel consumption, I get between 10 and 14 mpg. I got the 8.1 primarily so I could get the allison. I have had to replace the camshaft at 140,000 miles. Otherwise it's been pretty free of maintenance problems and has performed well at sea level and 11,000 feet with a heavy trailer. I tow about 70% with 6,000 to 10,000#.

 

[Diamondpilot]

For the options you present, I'd go the 6.0 route. I've found that it's always better to get a little more truck than you think you need which it appears you are doing.

I have a 2004 2500HD w/ the 8.1. I researched the 6.0 & 8.1 and found there is not that much difference in fuel consumption, I get between 10 and 14 mpg. I got the 8.1 primarily so I could get the allison. I have had to replace the camshaft at 140,000 miles. Otherwise it's been pretty free of maintenance problems and has performed well at sea level and 11,000 feet with a heavy trailer. I tow about 70% with 6,000 to 10,000#.

Does you 8.1L use oil?

Chris

 

[not2old]

Something else to consider: My BIL put a rod through his 8.1. With all the EPA stuff, you have to swap in an identical motor. He was lucky to find a replacement in three months and the auto salvage had him by the short hairs. The 6.0 will do the job ,get better mileage, and be much more easily replaced in the off-chance of disaster.

 

[bearcreek paul]

The 2500hd 6l has plenty of power for what you need.I have been towing a 7500 lb camper for the last 6 years with no problems.My choice was between 6l 4x4 or 454 with 6 speed Allison 1ton dual wheel.The 4x4 won when the 1 ton got stuck in my driveway when I brought it home to show the wife.I usually get 15 highway 12 city towing 10 mpg.

 

[Diamondpilot]

454 was a 7.4L. 496 is a 8.1L. I do not remember seeing a 454 or 496 with a 6 speed, just a 5 speed and only the 8.1L was available with the Allison as a option if I remember right????

Chris

 

[Builder]

The more I think about it, the more I'd do the 8.1L. That's probably the baddest gas engine ever built. Back in ~'06 one of my subs had one on my jobsite. Got to take it for a spin a few times. That thing would have pulled the shorts off my 7.3L ford Powerstroke. Liked it so much I offered to buy it from him, but he wasn't selling. :laughing: