New Guy - 06 ECLB 8.1

rune · November 12, 2012

Just wanted to hop on and say hi. This forum provided a lot of the info I used when looking at buying another truck. I was running only with an 04 CC Colorado, but after a season of pulling a 20ft, 4500# trailer with it I decided I needed something bigger. The truck could hang with most but I really had a problem with the fact that the trailer weighed more than my truck. I was originally looking at picking up a 7.3 Ford, had a loan taken out, and things feel through at the dealership. So I decided to go back and start looking at Chevy's. I was looking at going Diesel, however I was really starting to choke on the price they were commanding used. Yes I know diesels last, but at 150k miles.....other things on the truck will start to break. Then I discovered a 8.1l that was in mint condition. Spent a lot of time debating on if I really wanted to stick with gas. After doing the math I realized that Diesel just wasn't worth the added costs in maintenance and fuel and especially for my application a 8.1 would be sufficient. So I went and made the dealer an offer they couldn't resist and they accepted it. Its an 06 8.1, 4X4, 2LT, Extended Cab with a Long bed in the metallic blue. 73k miles and immaculate service records. Paid 18k. So far really happy with everything, except the mileage....but that is to be expected. That's why I kept my Colorado as my DD. Fully tuned I get about 21MPG.

So far I have replaced the Serp belt with a Gatorback to eliminate the squeak. My next plan is to hook it up to HPtuners and see what I can get out of the motor just doing some basic tuning. Seems like there is a lot of potential there. Other than that I'll just be working on fabbing a rack for my bed to haul my Jetskis on.

Hope to learn more as I did into the forums.

yukon25008.1 · November 12, 2012

Welcome... Ive had 4- 8.1,s including my current sierra.. The best the only way to go with the 8.1,s is raylar!! I go 68hp from the cam alone!! blackbear "justin" is the manyou want to tune the truck!

If you want to make real power and bring the big block to life, do the 202 cam,stainless works long tube headers, and raylar alum heads, you over 500 HP with the right tune!

give me a call anytime you have a question or there contact info..570-656-2466

Again welcome..Great guys in this forum!!

HEMICAT · November 12, 2012

Conrats and welcome!

How about some pics of that beast?

rune · November 12, 2012

KMGZ400 · November 13, 2012

god damn it i really like that truck. congrats

rune · November 13, 2012

Yeah. So do I. The truck is going to get me in trouble though. I can't seem to keep my foot out of it. The real test will be once I hook the trailer up and go for a test run. Here a pic of the colorado towing my trailer.

KMGZ400 · November 13, 2012

haha your 8.1 will make towing that trailer a breeze

rune · November 13, 2012

That's the hope. I think the height is still going to cause a lot of drag. While that pic makes the colorado seem small, it actually sits as tall as the silverado. It's a 7ft interior and puts the outside height at around 9.5ft tall. Aerodynamic it is not. But eitherway.... 8.1 is better than 3.5

yukon25008.1 · November 13, 2012

Awesome color.

KMGZ400 · November 13, 2012

i would take that trim off

kstruckcountry · November 13, 2012

Nice truck, welcome!

HEMICAT · November 13, 2012

I like your trailer as well! What size/brand?

rune · November 13, 2012

It's an offbrand. There is a company is georgia that makes custom trailers. The front V-Nose has a full bathroom in it. The rest is living quarters. Essentially I've got a toyhauler. Its a 16ft with a 2.5 foot V-Nose. I had it done for as much as I was spending time at competitions.