OT Who has a new Suburban 2500 with 496?
 

And what do ya think of it? Mileage, power, ride, etc.? Mostly interested in the ride, trying to talk the finance dept into going with a 2500, but she'll be driving it most of the time, so I don't wanna hear about how it rides like a mule..... Anyone?:p

I have a brand new 2002 Avalanche 2500, which is basically the same. I like it a lot, but so far with the 1200 miles I have put on it, the mileage is low, and will take some getting used to. Strictly highway was around 12. Around town is probably under 10, and towing my 7000# loaded Sonic is around 6-7. Ride is definately not a problem; it is very smooth, and the AV is tuned a little harsher than the 'burb.

I have a 2500 ave too and my results are about the same. If you are gonna tow that beast much you arent gonna want the 5.3. Its barely ok for a empty burban. The 6.0 gets a lil better mph than the 8.1 but tows much poorer. I would buy the 8.1 again if I had to buy something new. Now the caddilac 6.0 might be a different story !!!!!

Mileage sucks, but if your going to buy a truck like this mileage shouldn't be an issue. Powers supreme with the 496.
Ride isn't bad with the auto ride on the LT model.
I have an 02 with EVO rims and 265 All Terrains and the ride isn't to bad. Very smooth on the highway.

jc

I just Picked up my Yukon XL 2500 with the 496 in it. I haven't had a chance to tow my boat with it yet (32 Active Thunder). To me the ride is great, my girfriend has a 1/2 Suburban and she likes the ride of this one just as well, it's a little stiffer but that's how she likes it :D

Thanks for the replies so far. I think with the 496 you have to get the autoride, so sounds like the ride should be ok. So do you all agree to go with the 496 over the 6 liter? It will have to tow 6000lbs regularily, and hopefully someday:rolleyes: when we get a bigger boat, more.......

Marine Performance... What diameter and style of EVO Rims did you put on it. I was looking at some this weekend.

6000 pounds, and you want to go bigger; DEFINATELY go for the 8.1. It is all around awesome. I spun all four tires the other day at a stoplight with auto 4wd engaged, with my Sonic behind me.

I drove the Cadillac EXT with the 6.0. The truck is VERY VERY refined. I loved it; but the 345 HP comes from having a very high power band on that 6.0 special high HP edition. Not good for towning, as it had no torque. You can't beat 455 lb-ft of TQ on the 8.1!!!!!

I have a new Suburban 3/4 ton 4wd w/ 8.1 engine. It pulls a 12,000 lb. Scarab with no problem, has plenty of power, and a great ride!

Ditto to what everyone else has said. Go with the 8.1. You won't regret it. It tows like a mule train and has a darn nice ride for a 3/4 ton truck. I'm getting between 12-14 MPG on the highway. Not too bad for a 8.1, at least I think so. Get the 4wd for sure though. Makes pulling up those slick ramps much easier. :cool: