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Donstar

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Everything posted by Donstar

  1. Donstar
    My '86 GMC version of the Suburban had the antenna built into the windshield. I remember at the time a push for GM to return to the traditional mast type antenna! The reception is apparently superior with the exposed "coat hanger". (Broken antenna's are often temporarily repaired with a metal coat hanger) Another advantage is these antennas serve as an early warning device for low parking garages. ;-)
  2. Donstar
    What was the payload of your '14? Unless it was a max tow it would not have a greater payload than your new truck. These trucks vary a little in payload based on the weight of the optional equipment. My '15 4X4 Std. bed crew V6 has a payload of 1625 lbs. The GVWR of your new truck will be less than your '14 which should result in other efficiencies. Enjoy your new truck and haul as you did with your '14!
  3. Donstar
    I'm interested in seeing pictures as well. I'd want to negotiate a topper into the purchase of a new truck so any information will be helpful.
  4. Donstar
    My antenna leaked and was repaired while under warranty. It leaked again, post warranty, and my dealer replaced it at no charge. They service manager said the new one is a better design and I shouldn't have anymore problems. We've had several periods of heavy rain since this last repair and the cab is keeping dry. I would recommend spending the $200 if they give you a reasonably long guarantee against future leakage.
  5. Donstar
    Pickup trucks have continued to be my preferred vehicle since the beginning of the 70's. The one factor that has been a challenge in supporting my preference in my household was fuel costs. Ironically I started driving pickups because they had the big car experience but not the stigma of the big sedan gas guzzlers of the era The noticeable and significant improvement in 14+ GM trucks has put this issue to rest. Mall parking is now the prevailing argument!
  6. Donstar
    If I press my lock button once, the horn won't sound and the vehicle will fully arm in 30 seconds (it is still protected in those 30secs according to the manual). If I press the lock button twice, the horn will sound and the truck will be fully armed immediately. It usually takes me more than 30 seconds to get into my house so I'm not concerned about the short period of reduced protection.
  7. Donstar
    Nice look! I'm considering 285/70/17 LT's on my truck with a 1.5 level/lift. I am adding a leaf to my rear springs and installing 1.5" spacers to the front to maintain a stock profile. I am "beefing" up my truck for a major road trip with our travel trailer. Did you find the larger, heavier tires to have a significant impact on your mpg's? I could go with 265's but for a few $ more I can get the larger tires.
  8. Donstar
    Moving from a previous generation 5.3 to a newer 4.3 will not give you a noticeable change in performance. I went from a Vortec 5.3 CC with a 3.42 to the same configuration with the 4.3. The "pro" for me was cost and the "con" was sound. (I miss the stock idle sound of the V8!) You would also notice improved fuel economy with the newer Ecotec 5.3 engines along with increased power. You will probably find more favourable pricing on the less popular V6 which may or may not be your concern. I purchased my current truck based on my satisfaction with my '09 5.3. If your current truck meets and/or exceeds your power needs then definitely don't pass on a good deal on an Ecotec V6.
  9. Donstar
    What are you thinking of towing? I was asking a similar question to yours a year or so back when I was considering a Travel Trailer.
  10. Donstar
    As mentioned above, I tow with the 4.3. I have a CC 4X4 standard bed and 3.42. My truck is rated to pull 7k lbs and my trailer has a GVWR of 7k lbs. If you stay within the specifications of your truck (including payload) and use a proper hitch system, you will have a good towing experience. Of course, this applies to all engine sizes. My experiences pulling my TT have all been positive. I've driven through mountainous terrain and heavy freeway traffic. Gas mileage is impacted when towing with the V6 or the V8. Speeding with a sail behind you is the biggest culprit for sucking gas. Driving between 55 -60 mph keeps my mpg's well in the double digits. The Ecotec 4.3 V6 is a very strong and capable engine. The fact that more powerful engines are available does not negate this fact.
  11. Donstar
    Gaining extra horsepower through fuel or tuning is a popular pursuit. These gains have to be measured on special equipment (dyno) to confirm if we have actually increased the power of our trucks. Most will argue that the extra 20-30 hp is noticeable in their daily driving. (My truck "feels" more responsive after an oil change!) My question is, other than numbers on paper, what is gained from going from 355 to 385 hp? In the olden days the difference between moving from a truck that produced around 105 hp into a beast that produced approximately 135 hp was dramatic. Three years ago I went from a Vortec 5.3 (315 hp) to a Ecoboost 4.3 (285 hp). Both vehicles are SLE 4X4 crews with a 6 spd and 3.42 gear ratio. I haven't experienced any operational differences but there was a huge improvement in fuel (and oil) consumption! In February I am planning to drive from Vancouver B.C to Houston TX. I hope to find E85 along the way for the experience but anticipate most of the benefit will simply be in the knowledge that I have over 300 hp moving my truck!
  12. Donstar
    I added front slider, carpet lined and 12 V power bar. Cost was very reasonable when compared to other models and brands. Canadian pricing would probably not be useful for your comparisons.
  13. Donstar
    I have a CC 1500 with a 6'6" box and my local dealer has a couple on their lot now that aren't selling too quickly! Your dealer should be able to find you a truck without Frankensteining a 2500. I prefer the 6'6 over the 8' and 5'8". I have owned all three sizes on past trucks. They each have their pros and cons but none of the cons would discourage me from buying an otherwise nice truck!
  14. Donstar
    Century caps are fine and look good, imo. I would see no advantage to spend more.
  15. Donstar
    Good ones! Tradesies? … I hope Geezerglide16 is finding this information helpful!
  16. Donstar
    I laughed when I read this because in my day it would most likely be ball bearings or marbles down the vents. We often lost "steelies" or marbles in the car! (and we were allowed to sit in the front seat!) :-)
  17. Donstar
    I appreciate that there are some features that people miss when they disappear. The lighted visor mirror was a popular option when they started appearing in trucks for some but times have changed and I personally didn't find them a good use of my truck buying dollar. If I need to check my face prior to exiting the truck I can use the rear view mirror or borrow the mirror in my wife's purse! I don't see this as a cost saving strategy. GMC-AT's option is a good solution.
  18. Donstar
    I've owned a pickup since I bought my then 2year old '69 F100. My '09 Sierra was to be my last truck according to my wife. Her complaint was the operating cost of using a pickup as a DD. She wasn't too pleased when I whined my way into a '15. The difference in fuel costs between a Vortec and Ecotec is dramatic and very noticeable. The interior of the newer trucks is also a vast improvement. Also, 3yrs of B to B warranty is a bonus. I understand the economy of keeping a truck for several years, but there are some cost efficiencies when buying new, imo.
  19. Donstar
    One of the reviews I read reported that the sound was better than expected. The power is achieved at relatively low rpms and I don't get the impression that it will be screaming to the moon. We can only speculate based on our own points of reference and I hope this new engine proves to surpass expectations.
  20. Donstar
    Yes, I attended this school! The sound and size of my Harley SuperGlide makes me smile every time I push the starter! It has twice the cubic inches of my previous Honda 750 and is much more fun (imo) to ride. However, I would find it a challenge to defend the functionality or durability of one over the other. I like the sound and character of an old V8 and for these reasons I can agree there is no replacement for cubic inches. However, this L4 is producing power that exceed our beloved V8's of the past.
  21. Donstar
    Changes in technology and in the automotive industry have been incredible to be part of over my past 60+yrs. I would love to have a carbureted L6 or V8 pickup with manual transmission, steering, brakes and windows sitting in my driveway! However, for my DD I prefer all of the latest innovations and for me to move forward with current developments. The latest news regarding GM has them striving to reach 0 emissions targets. My grandchildren may find themselves reminiscing about their 10spd "4 banger" in the not too distant future! If or when I purchase a '19+.GM truck this new engine would be my first consideration.
  22. Donstar
    This is who should help. You claim the truck was nose high when you picked it up. Have them install a level that affords you a little rake to carry a small load.
  23. Donstar
    The XM reception on my '15 is fine. However, I was recently told I don't have a Sirius radio after losing a favourite on 109. This talk show was moved to "Triumph 111". My dial goes from 110 to 112. This loss is not a major issue for me but more of a curiosity. Do new GM's receive 111?
  24. Donstar
    My '15 with a 4.3 and the 3.42 gear ratio has proven to be very predictable and never disappoints. I am planning to get a 5.3 for the higher tow rating but my V6 responds well as a daily driver and when towing my current travel trailer.
  25. Donstar
    Your observations are spot-on! Those of us who loved our gas guzzling sub 200 hp full sized pickups of yesteryear can really appreciate these ecotec v6's.
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