8.1 Liter Chev

[Ryan_V]

Is this a good engine?? looking at an 03 2500HD. want to find a diesel, but they are very far and few between. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this engine....mileage, reliability, etc. thanks

[New Yankee]

Ryan, it's a hoss that's for sure. Neighbor has one (in a 3/4 crew) and it'll pull his 30' travel trailer like it wasn't even there.

Downside is it gets 10-11 mpg on the road not pulling and 6-7 when pulling.

He's been very happy with it and says it'll pass everything on the road except the gas station.

[countryboy9799]

Thats not to far from what a big truck gets pulling 80,000 lbs. I would be looking at a diesel myself.

[ChuckN]

I'm not a Chevy guy, but a friend has a Duramax and Allison combo. Wow, what a truck! I've seen and heard of a few used ones for sale on the radio (dealers) in West Central and northern MN.

[crestliner17]

I had this with an allison tranny in a 3500. I would get 10.5 MPG if it was city or highway driving. With a 22 ft fifth wheel and a 17 ft boat behind it I would get 9 MPG.

IF you dont mind the gas costs this motor and tranny is wonderful to drive and I could still pass people if needed pulling the trailer and boat.

Mg

[iffwalleyes]

Quote:

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Is this a good engine?? looking at an 03 2500HD. want to find a diesel, but they are very far and few between. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this engine....mileage, reliability, etc. thanks

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Great trucks hard on fuel probably around 12 MPG at best. Awesome tranny with the allison though. I do have a D Max and love it. However if I were you I would look for a diesel too because the mileage is a big difference. I usually get 17-18 mpg with my duramax that is pretty good for a 3/4 ton. I have gotten as good as 20 a couple of times. But if you are going to get the truck and drive it till 70-100,000 probably stay with a gas. If you plan to have the truck to 300,000 then look at a diesel. I have 130,000 on mine right now and it has been great. Diesels also are not few and far between you just have to look at the right dealers and part of the country. We have several out here in ND because there are alot of diesels on the road. My hometown dealership in Valley City has a used crew cab duramax on the lot right now or at least they did last week when I was home last nice looking truck. They are there if you look for them though. They might be a drive from hutch but if you really want it that might be what you have to do.