New to forum - 2014 Sierra Denali 6.2L

[ZacInLV]

Hey guys - just thought I'd introduce myself as I'm new to the forum but most certainly not new to GM vehicles (10 at least). I'm coming off of a Tahoe and previous to that a Yukon, both of which went over 150,000 trouble free miles so I hope this truck does as well. I must admit, this is the first truck for me but so far I am impressed with the ride quality.

 

Historically I've worked on all of my cars on my own so I am pretty knowledgeable but I do have a service plan as well as a 100k bumper to bumper warranty on this one so I'm not sure how much "work" I will actually be doing... hopefully none I guess.

 

For now it will stay pretty much stock other than the window tint, husky rear seat storage, linex and the Bak RollX tonneau cover (on order).

 

Feel free to ask me anything you like about the truck since I'm one of the guinnea pigs. Sierra Denali Crew Cab in Diamond White, Short Bed, 6.2L, 4WD, pretty much loaded.

 

All the best, Zac

[Mikeoxbig]

Welcome!

 

Many of us have ordered trucks and are in the waiting game.

 

Can you give us some kind of review on the 6.2l engine? Ride, acceleration, etc

[Roidz]

Congrats! I'm going to order in the next month or two.

 

I'm curious on your thoughts on the 6.2 as well.

 

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk

[ZacInLV]

I'm only 1 tank of gas deep into the 6.2L so take this for what it's worth. I live in Las Vegas and am in sales so I drive pretty regularly, last week was just slow with the Holiday. I've done about 50% city highway, 50% city streets on this tank and am averaging 14.5mph. That's using the gas pedal fairly gingerly but not driving slow by any means... just a reasonable acceleration off the line. As for the engine itself, you can tell there is plenty of power there; when you jump on it, it really gets up and goes! Granted, that is not what trucks are for, but it's what I can offer at this point. I hope to be hauling several thousand pounds in the near future for a better review but the 6.2L is MORE than enough power for the truck (without a load). The ride is very quiet - I am really impressed with that. I don't know how much of that is Denali features vs another package, I haven't really compared the trims much. The exhaust is rather quiet in the cab unless you are under load or heavy acceleration in which the variable exhaust valves open to remind you of the power that you are putting to the ground.

 

If there was one thing that makes me go "hmm" on occasion, it would seem as though it shifts from 1st to 2nd gear a little aggressively, if you will. This transition is not quite as smooth as all of the other gears but at the same time I honestly don't think there is an issue, I think it is just "the way it is" but I'll be monitoring to be sure. I REALLY pay close attention to how my vehicles drive an I may be overly critical here. Any other 6.2 owners with this experience?

 

Any specific questions I can answer?

[crushNchowda]

The 6.2 and 5.3 have the same tranny. The only fix for what you're describing is a tranny tune, what you're feeling has to do w/ the stock shift points/programming in efforts to preserve the tranny and more than that to help gas mileage.

 

Tune would make night and day difference in overall driving behavior- shifting, throttle response and tip in, gas mileage, acceleration etc

[Willc11]

Nice truck Zac!

 

You have good taste.

 

Will

[pj8556]

6.2L runs hard and oh so smooth. I'm averaging 15-16 in town with big 34" tires. love the motor!

[ktreece]

Love my 6.2. On long trips I can get 22-23 not a problem. In town I might get a little excited here and there and let it purr while getting 14-15. If I drive it real conservatively I can get much higher in town. I've been enjoying it lately though.

 

I'm so glad I waited and didn't rush and get what they had on the lot.

[ChrisNJ]

Anyone with the new 6.2 have 3.73 gears? I'm ok with higher highway rpm's, just a little concerned about the ultra low first gear. It's low now with my older 6.2/3.42's.

 

What suspension do you guys have with the Denali?

[TxTruckMan]

I think the Denali now only comes with the Z60 suspension. Z71 used to be an option, but I heard they removed it for some reason. Can anybody confirm?

 

EDIT: You can still add the Z71 package on the GMC site. I have the Z60 package. Didn't need anything stiffer.

[Stevek364]

Zac, check your message box. I sent you a note.

 

Thanks

[sh00ter]

I have pretty much the same truck on order. Z71 is still on my build sheet but the truck was ordered in mid Nov. It could have been deleted since.

[TxTruckMan]

The only difference between the Z60 and Z71 suspensions are the stiffer shocks and stiffer front stabilizer bar. I don't drive off road much, so I went with the "softer" suspension.

[Truck13]

I got the Z71 for the stabilizer bar and for the resale value. Around here, all trucks seem to have it and the resale is higher. I'll probably keep it for 5 yrs or so, but who knows...

[ZacInLV]

I have the 6.2 with the 3.42 gears; I haven't been on open highway here yet out west (78-85mph) but around town at 65-75mph I haven't noticed the RPMs being high at all. I want to say about 1,800 @ 70mph but I'll confirm for you next time I am out and about. I do remember thinking at one point that they were actually kind of low, but I don't remember the exact number.

 

I have the Z71 package with the Rancho shocks. I don't notice them being very stiff at all; I'm very happy with the overall ride of the truck. I think the stiffer suspension will really be great when I have a load in the bed or am hauling but I haven't done either yet. Full disclosure is this is my first truck and I was expecting it to ride fairly trucky compared to my previous Tahoe and Yukon. That has not been the case at all. At high speed 70mph, do you get some subtle feedback from the rear end if you rough patches on the highway... of course... but I would assume the softer suspension does too? It should also be noted I have never been in this model truck with the softer suspension.