Newtruckitis

music · March 26, 2010

During all of my thinking and debating on towing the camper (7k lbs loaded), I keep coming back to a truck just like mine, but w/ a 6L80/3.42 combo as being a good overall match. The *only* reason I've thought about this is that my current truck can be a little rough (3rd / 2nd shifting) on mixed grades with this much load, and the 2k lbs extra tow rating w/ the 6-spd. I have always maintained that this isn't enough of an issue to go out and buy a new truck just to get a 6-spd, especially since I really like the 4-spd for daily driving (which is mostly what I do).

However... I made the mistake of looking into a 2010 identical to mine, but w/ the 6-spd. I was surprised at how little the difference there may be to swap. It's not trivial $$ (to me) by any means, but a lot better than I would have guessed. New truck prices have shot up so much, that resale values on recent used models have apparently held very well. Add poor sales and good rebates, and it doesn't look too bad. This may be smoke and mirrors, as you don't really know until you negotiate actual transactions... but it looks reasonable.

edit: I figure others have considered the same... so this thread isn't really about what I'm considering, but for everyone who's thought about it.

Z'06 · March 26, 2010

The *only* reason I've thought about this is that my current truck can be a little rough (3rd / 2nd shifting) on mixed grades with this much load, ....

Get a shift kit (TransGo HD2 ideally).

ryan_hermanutz · March 26, 2010

No dice for me, I like my truck and don't want or need to change it up. I'm always looking at new trucks, always have probably always will, but I don't need one.

music · March 26, 2010

Appreciate the cold water (really), just tossing around the idea and looking for input from folks who are thinking straight. I'm pretty sure the towing shifts and TC function can be better optimized on the 4-spd for our camper weight. Some of the $$ difference could then go into LT tires and upgrading cooling on the 08.

FWIW, I don't like buying vehicles, so this isn't about getting something new. I'm only considering performance (pulling and stability) differences and the cost. Before doing more to my 08, I figured this was worth hashing out if pricing was reasonable. This all started with looking at 2500HDs last year, deciding that was probably overkill, and then looking at the new 6-spd trucks with their oversized tow ratings. After driving a couple, I was impressed w/ the tow/haul function of the 6-spd... so it got me thinking, now that rebate time has arrived. I don't believe the big tow rating numbers, as they are mostly achieved by improved oil cooling and (maybe) the extra gearing (everything else is the same).

music · March 26, 2010

A few pros/cons I came up with:

New features that matter on the 2010 1500

- 6L80/3.42 looks like a nice all-around setup (strong launch, tow like a 4.10 in 3rd/4th/5th, and cruise (unloaded) like a 3.23 in 6th)

- 9500 lb tow capacity (mostly just due to improved cooling pkg, including motor oil cooling?)

- 6L80 is rated for ~80 more ft/lbs

- Side/head air bags

- 5.3 gets VVT (not sure if this is good or bad... but I don't plan on any cam swaps.)

- A few other enhancements (body mounts, quieter, ...)

Benefits of not changing

- $$$ in pocket to go towards other things (like LT tires, etc.)

- 3.73 rear generates less heat/stress in the diff when towing than a 3.42

- 4L60 is (relatively) cheap to build (or rebuild) to handle higher loads (good aftermarket)

- Know what I have, and it's all good (no oil use, no engine issues or noise, no rattles/etc., good paint, good economy...)

- A few extras have been removed since 08 (e.g., rear defrost, auto-dim mirror w/ compass, etc.)

nickvrebel · March 26, 2010

I have a '09 5.3/A6 CCSB 4wd - honestly it's nice and all, but it's not worth the money for just the transmission. I upgraded from a 2003 4.8/A4 ECSB 2wd, which was replaced based on wanting 4wd b/c of a change in terrain my truck sees.

C. Charles Hahn · March 26, 2010

Your '08 5.3L already has VVT. Also the extras that have been removed since '08 can be put back in by you after purchasing the vehicle.

Shatterz · March 27, 2010

If you were going to upgrade and take the $$ hit you might as well step up to the 2500HD. I would not look at it as overkill, rather you'll have a truck that can do whatever you throw at it and keep you and your family safer when hauling/towing. Numbers and ratings aside you are probably maxing out your current setup with that weight trailer. For the HD you'll be well within the tow ratings (max is between 10,000-12,700 lbs with the 6.0/6spd depened on if you get the 3.73 or 4.10 gear)

Buying almost the exact same truck with the 6spd is NOT A TRUE IMPROVEMENT. What you really need fore a truly better haul rig is a chassis improvement, we are talkng bigger brakes, larger heavier frame, beefier axles, more stability, better cooling capacity etc. Buying that 6spd 1500 MIGHT get you moving a litter faster, and let ther truck stay in the power band more of the time with less shifting, but thats all it wont stop better, handle better or be more stable.

If all you are concerend about is having a more heavy duty transmission, you could get a 4l60e that is built to take a beating from a place such as performe built w/ their heavy hauler series transmissions (heavy hauler 4l60e). For $1900.00 you could get a trans that would eat any 6l80 for lunch. Then throw in some 4.10 gears in your truck and you'll have a rig with a better trans than ANYTHING from the factory.

If you need a truck with more safety, stability and piece of mind, you should step up to the 2500HD

If you mainly want a more durable powertrain, skip the 6l80 and make your trucks transmission bulletproof.

jblakeney · March 27, 2010

During all of my thinking and debating on towing the camper (7k lbs loaded), I keep coming back to a truck just like mine, but w/ a 6L80/3.42 combo as being a good overall match. The *only* reason I've thought about this is that my current truck can be a little rough (3rd / 2nd shifting) on mixed grades with this much load, and the 2k lbs extra tow rating w/ the 6-spd. I have always maintained that this isn't enough of an issue to go out and buy a new truck just to get a 6-spd, especially since I really like the 4-spd for daily driving (which is mostly what I do).

However... I made the mistake of looking into a 2010 identical to mine, but w/ the 6-spd. I was surprised at how little the difference there may be to swap. It's not trivial $$ (to me) by any means, but a lot better than I would have guessed. New truck prices have shot up so much, that resale values on recent used models have apparently held very well. Add poor sales and good rebates, and it doesn't look too bad. This may be smoke and mirrors, as you don't really know until you negotiate actual transactions... but it looks reasonable.

edit: I figure others have considered the same... so this thread isn't really about what I'm considering, but for everyone who's thought about it.

You have 2 years paid on the note on the one you have. Plus loss of value in resale market.

But go BIG or GO HOME. If your going to upgrade and want to pull stuff. 2500HD my friend.. Not to mention GM figured we would all be glad to pay and extra 10k for a new rig...

Jbo

dlewis1111 · March 27, 2010

Get a BlackBear tune and be done.

Stevens03 · March 27, 2010

I've had the same thoughts, but I'm sticking with what I got.

C. Charles Hahn · March 27, 2010

If you do make the move to a 2500HD, there is one thought you might take into consideration:

There will be a new updated HD truck coming out in the near future. Chances are that the current HD models will be available at a better discount price to move whatever is out there off the lots. You might find a decent deal on an HD if you want one.

music · March 28, 2010

Your '08 5.3L already has VVT. Also the extras that have been removed since '08 can be put back in by you after purchasing the vehicle.

Really? That's news to me... I thought they added VVT to the 5.3 in 2010?

Appreciate all the responses. Clear-headed thinking always helps. There are some good options to consider w/ what I already have, and little to be gained (overall for towing) by just adding the 6-spd.

Something else I noticed when test driving a 5.3/6-spd was that the 2010 was quieter when running 3500+ rpms. Did GM enhance sound deadening, or modify the exhaust from 2008 to 2010?

Ryan00TJ · March 28, 2010

Your '08 5.3L already has VVT. Also the extras that have been removed since '08 can be put back in by you after purchasing the vehicle.

Really? That's news to me... I thought they added VVT to the 5.3 in 2010?

Appreciate all the responses. Clear-headed thinking really helps. There are some good options to consider w/ what I already have, and little to be gained by just the 6-spd for towing.

Something else I noticed when test driving a 5.3/6-spd was that the 2010 was quieter when running 3500+ rpms. Did GM enhance sound deadening, or modify the exhaust from 2008 to 2010?

I believe a resonator was added to the 09+ 5.3L exhaust vs our 08' model year. I've also heard that the 09+ 5.3's are not as throatier as the previous years. Mine has nice throaty sound stock with the GMPP CAI under throttle. No need for a loud muffler. I thought about upgrading also but it's not worth it just for mainly the 6L80. I'm very happy with the way mine tows my 5Klbs boat as is. After my April BB tune and Corvette servo I can only imagine more love happening.

My LY5 08 5.3L is not VVT equipped and to my knowledge no 08' 5.3L was either except for the L76 6.0L.