I am considering purchasing a new chevy 4x4 to haul around my fishing boat, lawn equipment and three quads. I currently own a 96 chevy 4x4 with a 4.3 vortec. I am trying to decide between a Z71 5.3 vortec or a 2500HD with either the 6.0 or 8.1L. Would it be an overkill to get the HD, with in reality I am probably only hauling something about 10% of time? In the event that I decided on the HD, how is the big block 8.1 in comparison to the 6.0? gas mileage and power...

 

I would say that if your current 4.3 does an adequate job of hauling your three quads, I'd recommend staying with the Z71 with the 5.3. The 5.3 is a much stronger engine than the 4.3 and the 4 wheel disc brake set-up on the new models are worlds away better than the '96 brakes. If you get an automatic transmission, make sure you get the tow/haul option as it changes the shift points to get a little more RPM's before shifting.

That said:

The HD trucks are amazing machines. You can't put too much weight in them and they'll pull anything. If you do decide on the HD pick the engine based on your normal load - if you run empty most of the time, then the 6.0 will be a better engine for you. Performance for each is similar under no-load conditions. Once you start loading them up (Between toolboxes, tools and steel ladder rack I carry an extra 1,350 lbs every day) the 8.1 will continue to perform well while the 6.0 will start to lag. In addition, under higher load conditions the milage on the 6.0 will go down to near the same as the 8.1. Milage BTW basically sucks - 10 MPG is doing good - I usually average about 9-1/2. I've had several Chevy/GMC HD trucks and have many business friends who use theirs much as I do (Construction).

1500/ 5.3 pros: Better gas milage - expect to get 18 to 20 with mostly highway, a little better on long trips if you run unloaded. Lighter truck all around means less wear on tires etc. Better ride when empty. The all important less cost upfront.

1500/ 5.3 cons: Less payload and less towing capacity. 1/2 tons can only hold about 1,600 lbs - including fuel and passengers.

2500HD / 6.0 and 8.1 pros: Either will pull anything that you have listed. If you get the 8.1, it's a real kick to watch all the cars try to manuver into the other lane when you are sitting at a light while pulling a trailer - then just blow them away when the light turns green. (juvenile, I know but fun anyway). Tongue weight is never an issue. The 8.1 comes mated to the Allison transmission - a 5-speed auto that has a tow/haul mode and engine braking.

2500HD 6.0 and 8.1 cons: The ride only gets decent when you have some weight in it. Low milage (whenever you play the above mentioned stoplight game, you can watch the fuel guage move south). Higher price.

There is one other compromise available - GM has rebaddged last years 4-door 1500HD and is now calling it a 2500 (It's based on the non-HD 8,900 GVR specs). You can get it with either the 5.3 or the 6.0. The suspension is heavy enough to give you real payload capacity. For an extra $1,900, you can get four wheel steering. If you want four real doors this one is a good compromise between ability to haul and decent milage.

Jaybee

 

FYI - The tow/haul button is standard on all automatic tranny Silverado's

Go with the 1/2 ton 5.3 with what you plan on towing. Unless you plan on towing upwards of 5,000lbs, the 3/4 ton would be overkill. You will get much better mileage with the 5.3 and it will still feel like a big step up from your current 4.3.

 

thanks for the info Jaybee[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

the 5.3 i think is......285hp @ 5200....325ft. lbs @ 4000.
the 8.1's are having prob. with piston slap.....
6.0.....300hp @ 4400
8.1.....340hp @ 4200
Both are gas hogs!


I would go with the Z71........but I love the Allison 1000 in the HD's!!!!!

 

I think the 5.3 327ci would be plenty of power more then the 5.7...and it will be better in gas then the 8.1 496ci wich is a gas hog... my buddy has a 5.3 in his 00 chev and its burns posi real well[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Thanks for all the tips, fellas!!!!

I noticed today that while I was heading to northern michigan to hit the trails in gladwin (beautiful day), I was keeping a keen eye out for these trucks. I certainly like way the Z71 looks as far as style, but also really like the way that the HD sits up high. Just wondering if getting my 8-10 mpg is really worth it.

 

What, no diesel?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

Mileage...yes
Power...absolutely
Longevity...no comparison
Resale...much higher
Initial cost...a good chunk more but you get what you pay for

Just something to consider.

 

Look at what he plans on towing. Diesel would be complete overkill.

 

True but wouldn't the 8.1 also be a complete over-kill?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]
If you're going to go over-kill you may as well go diesel.