How Big a Motor?

[JoelD]

I have a 97 GMC K2500 Ext Cab Longbed with Vortec 350 (275 hp I believe) 4.10 gears and 4L80 automatic. Truck is about 6500 lbs. with me and typical junk in the bed. Plenty of power off the line, but maintaining speed on hills the power just isn't there. I can haul about 9K trailer (14K total) fairly comfortably. Heaviest I hauled out at was 17K total. I'm not in a hurry to do that again. If you plan to fully load that trailer to 14K, you need a bigger truck and more motor. You're going to be rolling 20K. If can afford it, I hear the newer Chevy/GMC with the 8.1 are fantastic. You get the Allison transmission like the diesels which is indestructable. The mileage is no worse than the 6.0 engine. This is a good time to buy trucks, especially "gas guzzlers" like a one ton with the 8.1.

I agree, with weight like that, I'd be looking at a bigger motor than 350.

Another thing to think about is weight distribution and stopping that rig. You need to laod down the truck sum to avoid fishtailing and the like. You're probably going to want 1 ton spring I would think at least.

Final point is legal matters, not sure on that, but I know there are limits out there that can't be legally exceeded.

I haul my load maybe three times per year, if I was in the business and hauling regularly, with the type of load stated above, I'm thinking dually, big block, low gears.

Interested to see how this all plays out.

Sincerely,
Joel

 

[Builder]

I have a 97 GMC K2500 Ext Cab Longbed with Vortec 350 (275 hp I believe) 4.10 gears and 4L80 automatic. Truck is about 6500 lbs. with me and typical junk in the bed. Plenty of power off the line, but maintaining speed on hills the power just isn't there. I can haul about 9K trailer (14K total) fairly comfortably. Heaviest I hauled out at was 17K total. I'm not in a hurry to do that again. If you plan to fully load that trailer to 14K, you need a bigger truck and more motor. You're going to be rolling 20K. If can afford it, I hear the newer Chevy/GMC with the 8.1 are fantastic. You get the Allison transmission like the diesels which is indestructable. The mileage is no worse than the 6.0 engine. This is a good time to buy trucks, especially "gas guzzlers" like a one ton with the 8.1.

I know the kinds of hills you're talking about. If your budget prefers gas over diesel, the 8.1L GM gasser is a torque monster. And like was said above, you get the bonus of an Allison transmission AND another bonus, a G-80 locking rear.

If I wanted a newer truck and couldn't afford a diesel, I'd look for the 8.1/Ally/G-80. It was the absolute best drivetrain combination ever put in a pickup.

The Ford V-10 is a great gas motor, too, but the transmission and rear is not as good as GM's trans & rear axle. Look at the locking rear axle comparisons.

YouTube - 20% grade G80

YouTube - Eaton G80 locking diff

Put an Allison in reverse when you back a trailer compared to the others and you'll see it's more geared-down.

You should also probably be looking for a 1-ton SRW (3500) series truck to make sure you don't overload the rear suspension for tongue weight if you plan to carry heavy cargo in the bed.

Here's a nice truck, but it looks like it might be a manual: http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/find/listing/photos/print/91420206/

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have a 97 GMC K2500 Ext Cab Longbed with Vortec 350 (275 hp I believe) 4.10 gears and 4L80 automatic. Truck is about 6500 lbs. with me and typical junk in the bed. Plenty of power off the line, but maintaining speed on hills the power just isn't there. I can haul about 9K trailer (14K total) fairly comfortably. Heaviest I hauled out at was 17K total. I'm not in a hurry to do that again. If you plan to fully load that trailer to 14K, you need a bigger truck and more motor. You're going to be rolling 20K. If can afford it, I hear the newer Chevy/GMC with the 8.1 are fantastic. You get the Allison transmission like the diesels which is indestructable. The mileage is no worse than the 6.0 engine. This is a good time to buy trucks, especially "gas guzzlers" like a one ton with the 8.1.

The 8.1 was canned at the end of 2006 or maybe mid 2007. They are forcing you to the diesel. The only real choice in a gas engine for heavy towing is the Ford V10.

Chris

 

[Builder]

The 8.1 was canned at the end of 2006 or maybe mid 2007. They are forcing you to the diesel. The only real choice in a gas engine for heavy towing is the Ford V10.

Chris

I think he's looking for a used gas truck.......

 

[2COR517]

The 8.1 was canned at the end of 2006 or maybe mid 2007. They are forcing you to the diesel. The only real choice in a gas engine for heavy towing is the Ford V10.

Chris

Another brilliant move by GM...... If it ain't broke, change it! Isn't this motor also used in Marine applications in place of the 454?

 

[Builder]

Yep, GM wanted the big $$ from the diesels. The 8.1 with a little refinement could have been a real winner in front of the ally & 11.5" G-80 locker.

 

[wkpoor]

The 8.1 was canned at the end of 2006 or maybe mid 2007. They are forcing you to the diesel. The only real choice in a gas engine for heavy towing is the Ford V10.

I think your right but Mecruiser will have that motor for years to come. My brother bought a new boat 2 yrs ago that was still using the old central port fuel injection that has been gone from the auto fleet for almost 10yrs now. In fact the 454 that supposedly was gone long ago was still available long afterwards.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Most of the boats I sell are 383 stroker motors. You are right though the 5.0 5.7 and the 8.1 are still available. The only problem with the 8.1 and the Ford V-10 is they are gas hogs. My uncle has a 2005 F-350 with a V-10 and the 10 means 10 mpg, the same with the 8.1. Plan on 8 towing.

Chris

 

[Builder]

Why would the Ford V-10 get 20% better fuel mileage?
Just because it's a "Ford"?

 

[Matt_Jr]

The 350's in the 3/4 ton have 20-30 less horsepower then the 350's in the 1/2 ton trucks. Reason is the heavier cranks in the 3/4 ton trucks. The do have the same torque though. I wouldn't get a 350 engine truck to pull a load like that. I've got a 3/4 ton Suburban with a 350 and a 4.10/11 locker and live on a mountain. It struggles pulling my BX24. My 1/2 ton Silverado with a 5.3 will smoke the 5.7 anyday of the week pulling wise. Go diesel or go bigger. You will not be happy with the 350. If you must go with the 350 make sure it's a '96 or newer. They have multiport injection and a little more power.