6.0L gas, owners, fuel milage?
01-02-2008, 04:02 PM
#21
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The reason the HDs get such worse mileage and feel like dogs is the different transmissions and ratios. The HDs have the 4L80E which has a taller 1st gear ratio (makes it slow off the line, but better 1-2 spacing) and shorter 4th/OD (0.75 vs. 0.70) burning more gas on the highway. Throw in all the heavier running gear on the HD and you're just asking for a poor performing truck.
01-03-2008, 07:21 AM
#22
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Best thing to do would be to go get the truck for a test drive, hook the boat up and see how it does. That will tell you right then and there how things will go. Especially if you do the test tow on your regular tow route. Personally when I looked at the frames on the 1500's compared to the 2500's, the answer was clear I wanted a 2500. Then throw on the brakes, the motor, trans and axles and the 2500HD is the clear choice. I found when I was shopping that the price between the two was pretty comparable, I can't understand why anyone would pay 30K+ for a half ton truck. The half tons may have the better financing but I got 2.9 for 5 years on mine, and when its all said and done I only pay back about 2500 in interest if I go the length of the loan. I'll pay that extra money for the extra truck and piece of mind that I'm not putting it to the limit every time I tow as I would be with a half ton.
I will test drive both before I pull the triger, just wanted to throw this question out there to see if there is a big difference. I am reading that there both is, and isn't.
01-03-2008, 07:25 AM
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Keep in mind that is only relelvent on 2006 and older. The 07's and up come stock with a 6 speed. Keeps those ratios alot closer, I've come off on-ramps onto the freeway at 90+ more than a few times. Plus the new 6.0's have more hp than in the past iirc. So far its been a good truck, I can't think of a bad thing to say about mine. Just make sure you get the remote start from the get go!
All trucks should have a least a 5 speed tranny. Ths Toyota Tundra I have runs great with a relativly small engine. But the tranny is fantastic! 5 speeds. Chevy will use it's 6 speed tranny in the 6.0L and 5.3L eventualy. And that will help in both towing, performance, and MPG rating.
Ford needs to do this aswell. H ell they already have a 5 speed in the Navigators, why they don't use this tranny in the slug of the F150 is beyond me.
01-03-2008, 07:33 AM
#24
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I've owned 3 different 5.3L trucks ('99 Z-71 ext. cab 1500, '02 2wd Tahoe, '03 4wd Z-71 Avalanche) and currently own a '06 Yukon Denali XL (AWD) with the 6.0L. If you are using the truck as a daily driver and are only towing a 288, go with the 5.3L. It will more than meet your needs. To date, the best highway mileage I've knocked down with the Denali is 15.8MPG. If you go with the factory 20's or decide to add bigger wheels at a later date, be prepared to upgrade the brakes.
01-03-2008, 08:52 AM
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I've owned 3 different 5.3L trucks ('99 Z-71 ext. cab 1500, '02 2wd Tahoe, '03 4wd Z-71 Avalanche) and currently own a '06 Yukon Denali XL (AWD) with the 6.0L. If you are using the truck as a daily driver and are only towing a 288, go with the 5.3L. It will more than meet your needs. To date, the best highway mileage I've knocked down with the Denali is 15.8MPG. If you go with the factory 20's or decide to add bigger wheels at a later date, be prepared to upgrade the brakes.
Why upgrade brakes? I'm looking at trucks with factory 20's, are you telling me the brakes are less than adiqate?
01-03-2008, 09:01 AM
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They are on my Denali. Not sure what size rotors are on the new 1/2 ton Chevy's but make sure to investigate this somewhat before making your purchase. The rotors on my Denali are undersized for the rotating mass of the factory 20" wheels/tires and at 24K miles my rotors are already warped. The brakes are barely adequate unloaded. Towing they are totally inadequate.
01-03-2008, 10:12 AM
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I have a 6.0 (4.10) in my '07 Avalanche. Been getting about 15mpg combined with best of 19mpg last summer. It has way more power than my brothers 5.3. I tow my 36 Outlaw with it ( the reason I got the 6.0) and it does an OK job.
01-03-2008, 10:35 AM
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Those aren't bad numbers. I'd love a 6.0L Avalanche. But I can find a loaded short bed pickup for $5000.00 less. Unless I go for a bare bones Avalanche.
01-03-2008, 11:08 AM
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Best combined mileage I ever got with my '03 5.3L Avalanche was 14.5 and I never saw 19 MPG highway. New motors with the cylinder cutoffs must be working out pretty well mileage-wise.
01-03-2008, 11:12 AM
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Even the 5.3 half tons suck gas like crazy. They're all pigs. Those little 5.3's are pretty responsive though. As someone said, you can light the tires up all day long.
