2500 Suburbans

Which 2500 Suburban engine?

  • 8.1

    Votes: 8 50.0%

  • 6.0

    Votes: 8 50.0%
  • Total voters
    16
BigClay

BigClay

Knower of useless ZJ things
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Location
Winston-Salem
Still thinking about getting a family hauler/tow rig. I would love to have a 7.3 Excursion, but most people think they are made of gold, and the prices are a little high for me. Another factor is I can get a newer gas Suburban with more creature comforts. I am looking at used ones from about 2003 to 2007.

So onto my question. This will be my DD that will also serve as the tow vehicle for my ZJ. Should I look for the 6.0 or the 8.1? I have been getting mixed opinions, so I wanted to hear from you guys.
 
depends on how fast you wanna go while getting 9-10 mpg. 6.0 w/10k lbs maybe 85
8.1 will run out of numbers before it quits pullin, but due to the MASSIVE holes in the block, be prepared to add a quart of oil or 2 between changes. (5 GM techs told me that when i looked at em). i like both motors myself because we have a 6.0 in a work truck, and i've rode in a 8.1 of my friends. Pulling the same trailer with about the same load, i couldnt tell a huge difference other than getting the load moving from a stop. that extra 130 cubic inches really shines then.
 
i had a 6.0 2500 burb. loved it. got 17-17.5 on the highway on non towing trips, and consistently saw around 11 towing. don't be in a huge hurry though. get the computer done to remove the torque management, and you will notice a difference. the gas mileage is worth the power difference in my opinion.
 
1badz2nv said:
8.1 will run out of numbers before it quits pullin, but due to the MASSIVE holes in the block, be prepared to add a quart of oil or 2 between changes. (5 GM techs told me that when i looked at em).
Click to expand...

I know that's what people say, but my current 8.1 has required less than 1/2 quart in the 3k I've had it, and the previous 8.1 truck hardly used any at all.

My current 8.1 is in an '04 Avalanche which is a Suburban underneath and inside. Towing 6500lbs through the hills of PA, I get 8.0 mpg if I set the cruise at 75 and let it eat, and it won't lose more than 1mph on any hill. Got 9.8 driving nicely, 65-70, and let it drop to 60 on the bigger hills.
With my motorcycle in the back, 1,000lbs of cargo cruise set at 75-80, I got 14.3 from Indy back to PA.. This is without a tune, bone stock. I know the numbers will go up a little with a tune.

If your commute is more stop & go/low speed, then the 6.0 would be your better bet for sure. If you want it to tow with the power of a mild diesel, get the 8.1.

Now that I'm done experimenting with MPG, I'm going to get it tuned and just enjoy roasting the tires at will... but my commute is VERY short.

Just don't drive a 2500HD with the Allison first, or you'll hate the 4L85E, which is still pretty good..
 
Rich said:
I know that's what people say, but my current 8.1 has required less than 1/2 quart in the 3k I've had it, and the previous 8.1 truck hardly used any at all
Click to expand...

Pretty sure Tater's 8.1 (4x4 2500HD) doesn't use or lose any either...

It has consistently got 9MPG towing my junk with the cruise set and as Rich says "letting it eat".

The Allison IS the pure shat! Even dragging 8000# in the mountains (Nanahala, Oliver Springs, long grade into Boone) the tranny temp never moves with the OD *on* & Tow/Haul *off* (later holds the shifts a bit too long for any fuel savings).
 
http://dieselworksllc.com/page3/page3.html this is all we would ever need. but its so far out of price range its stupid.
0904dp_01_z+2005_gmc_yukon+right_front_angle.jpg
0904dp_02_z+2005_gmc_yukon+left_side_angle.jpg
0904dp_03_z+2005_gmc_yukon+diesel_engine.jpg
$80,000 PLUS D&H
just a thought though..
 
I have heard that the MPG in the 8.1 and the 6.0 are similar, except when towing. I am only going to be towing once a month at best, but I will be in stop and go commuter traffic every day going back and forth to work.


That 6.6 would be perfect! I wish they would put a diesel in a full size SUV again, be it GM or Ford.
 
I had the 6.0 in my 2500HD sierra. I loved it. I got 9-11 MPG's whether it was empty or had 10K behind it. My wife got better mileage than I did though. I have a fatter foot LOL. It towed great. I now have a 97 2500 burb with the
454. I love it. It loves the gas stations but again I have a heavy foot. It towed my 86 burb on 37's, 20 ft steel trailer, with four adults, four chidren, and an entire weekends worth of crap for two fami.lies with ease and comfort. It handled the load like a champ also. My sierra sagged worse than this burb. I like Suburbans though. I have three so I am slightly biased. I voted for the 6.0 because I have first hand knowledge
 
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