8.1 GM mileage
08-24-2005 | 09:26 AM
#12
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From: Worldwide
Re: 8.1 GM mileage
You won't see much better with the Denali.
First, its AWD (all the time) which will eat 1-2 mpg over a 4x4 with 99% of driving as 2WD mode.
Second, the power-band of the 6.0L is REALLY high. You have to get that thing to 3500 rpm to pass someone, and it really needs to tac up to get s load moving.
My advice is to get the grunt of the 8.1L. I test drove a Sierra Denali with the @340HP version of the 6.0L that they put in the Escalade/Yukon/Denali etc. I liked the truck, but as I said, it felt like I was driving a 5.3L.
First, its AWD (all the time) which will eat 1-2 mpg over a 4x4 with 99% of driving as 2WD mode.
Second, the power-band of the 6.0L is REALLY high. You have to get that thing to 3500 rpm to pass someone, and it really needs to tac up to get s load moving.
My advice is to get the grunt of the 8.1L. I test drove a Sierra Denali with the @340HP version of the 6.0L that they put in the Escalade/Yukon/Denali etc. I liked the truck, but as I said, it felt like I was driving a 5.3L.
08-24-2005 | 09:26 AM
#13
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From: The Chain
Re: 8.1 GM mileage
I just got my 2005 6 liter2500 hd and it gets around 16 mpg, has a tow rating of 9500 pounds, 6 bolt main with aluminum heads, i love it!!!!!!! Needs bigger rims and tires, but winter is almost here, maybe next year!!!!!!!! 
08-24-2005 | 09:28 AM
#14
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From: Lincolnshire IL
Re: 8.1 GM mileage
What are you towing? Don't get a smaller truck package if you need to move a big load, as you will be sorry.
My 8.1 with 4.10 gears gets 12-14 day to day and 7-10 towing 12K LBS.
My 8.1 with 4.10 gears gets 12-14 day to day and 7-10 towing 12K LBS.
08-24-2005 | 10:04 AM
#15
21 and 42 footers
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,207
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From: Richmond VA
Re: 8.1 GM mileage
Haul 10,500 w/ a 6.0L 3.73 Burb. GET THE 8.1L!!!!!! Hell, if you decide you don't like it, I'll pay to switch engines with you. Unless your towing 5K or less, the extra 1 MPG lost is worth every penny in towing capacity.
BTW: My annual average mileage is around 12 on the computer. Best highway only trip was less than 14.
BTW: My annual average mileage is around 12 on the computer. Best highway only trip was less than 14.
08-24-2005 | 10:10 AM
#16
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From: USA
Re: 8.1 GM mileage
I may not even be towing but 2-3 times a year if I keep my boat. My boat only weights 9500 or so on the trailer, full fuel so the Denali will tow it. The Denali gets 17 hwy if I rember right, 12 town. I agree you can't beat a big block for towing but the price of gas and the miles I drive a day, I just can't get warmed up to the 8.1.
08-24-2005 | 10:23 AM
#17
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From: 1000 Islands
Re: 8.1 GM mileage
Originally Posted by JasonSmith
I just can't get warmed up to the 8.1.
driving one of these for a week will make you all warm inside.
I'll never drive a gas truck again.
The DMax is very powerful and user friendly (quiet/smooth).
The wife will never know the difference.
plowed and towed both.
daily driver also
Last edited by Rippem; 08-24-2005 at 10:27 AM.
08-24-2005 | 04:39 PM
#19
21 and 42 footers
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,207
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From: Richmond VA
Re: 8.1 GM mileage
If a Burb is available w/ a Duramax in 07 then my 03 6.0 will be the first one for sale next fall!!!!!
I hope your right, but I won't believe it til I see it.
Don't get the Denali if it's all wheel drive. A few years ago we had a grand cherokee all wheel drive and it sucked gas like crazy.
I hope your right, but I won't believe it til I see it.
Don't get the Denali if it's all wheel drive. A few years ago we had a grand cherokee all wheel drive and it sucked gas like crazy.
