New 8 Speed

'01LS1 · September 30, 2014

Thanks for the input everyone. I don't tow much, just my boat once or maybe twice a year. I'm mostly looking for MPG and driveability here. I just plan on doing a 2' level and maybe something near a 33in tire.

I have 2500 HD Denali with 35's and 4 inch lift now and it's terrible (averaging 13mpg). I'm tired of dealing with the diesel when I don't need it.

Haven't decided yet, but I have a feeling if I pull the trigger now on a 14', I'll be a little jealous when the 6.2/8-speed's start hitting the lots in the next few months

I am sure you know this, but none of what you are looking for come from the mods you mention, actually works against what you are looking for.

Don't mean anything by the above, other than those appearance items cost $$$ at the fuel pump.

andy.schmid · September 30, 2014

Of course, maybe I should rephrase. I want to reduce the serverity of mileage lost and improve driveability. The 2500 just isn't enjoyable to drive anymore. I can't fit in most parking spots, it rides rough, diesel oil pumps are always oily and nasty, having to deal with DEF fluid, and diesel fuel is about 40-50 cents more a gallon where I'm at. So I'm looking to downgrade to 1500 and go with a smaller lift and tires.

I could deal with a 1500 getting a 2mpg loss due to a level kit and little bigger tires, much better than what I'm getting now. Wish I had did a little more research instead of just buying the biggest and baddest ass looking truck on the lot

Big Whiskey · September 30, 2014

the 8 speed is said to have some pretty fast downshifts. So when you need the power it will drop down to 5th or 6th gear when needed relatively fast. I cant say for sure since I haven't driven one tho.

Yeah, I haven't driven one either, so I'm just speculating at this point. But, the downshifts are what I'm concerned about. If that thing is shifting between 6th, 7th, and 8th gear every there's a little hill or head wind...while also jerking back and forth from V4 to V8 mode...I'm not interested.

Just speculation as it will depend on how they tune it, but shifting at half points of the old 4 speed for normal driving could make it to where you would not notice it. If that makes any sense.

But the key will be how GM tunes it through the ecm.

I agree, the tuning will make a huge difference in the drivability. And you're right, maybe the shifts will be so subtle that you won't notice them. I really notice the 6th, 5th, 6th nonsense my truck does now, however.

Of course, maybe I should rephrase. I want to reduce the serverity of mileage lost and improve driveability. The 2500 just isn't enjoyable to drive anymore. I can't fit in most parking spots, it rides rough, diesel oil pumps are always oily and nasty, having to deal with DEF fluid, and diesel fuel is about 40-50 cents more a gallon where I'm at. So I'm looking to downgrade to 1500 and go with a smaller lift and tires.

I could deal with a 1500 getting a 2mpg loss due to a level kit and little bigger tires, much better than what I'm getting now. Wish I had did a little more research instead of just buying the biggest and baddest ass looking truck on the lot

Granted, the new trucks are supposed to get better MPG than the previous generation like mine....but I only average 15-16 mpg with my current truck...and my lift & tire setup is very modest...and I only have the 5.3 engine. I'd gladly sacrifice 2 mpg for the extreme BA factor of a duramax on 35's, haha.

redwngr · September 30, 2014

Chevy doesn't (at this time) offer a 6.2 engine option for a regular pickup. I doubt we will see 8 speed transmission on a regular truck (especially on the WT or LS trim packages) for a very long time or not at all. Usually the WT or LS do not see the updates right away.

Actually they are building trucks with the 6.2/8speed combo.

Allocations so far are minimal, but they are building. Hopefully the ramp up won't be long.

So far, only available to order on LTZ/High country and on SLT/Denali.

servantsalesmen · September 30, 2014

Also don't forget all the issues people have been having with the 2014 trucks. Lots of recalls and the 2015 trucks won't have as many issues as they will have been corrected. Only thing to watch out for is buying a truck with a brand new and untested tranny. Could be great or could be a nightmare

Silverado-Hareek · September 30, 2014

Thanks for the input everyone. I don't tow much, just my boat once or maybe twice a year. I'm mostly looking for MPG and driveability here. I just plan on doing a 2' level and maybe something near a 33in tire.

I have 2500 HD Denali with 35's and 4 inch lift now and it's terrible (averaging 13mpg). I'm tired of dealing with the diesel when I don't need it.

Haven't decided yet, but I have a feeling if I pull the trigger now on a 14', I'll be a little jealous when the 6.2/8-speed's start hitting the lots in the next few months

Look at it this way, the 8 speed will be brand new in these trucks so anyone with a first year run of anything will likely say give it time to work the kinks out. Also, with Ford and GM co-developing a 10-speed transmission for both automakers' trucks and releasing it in a few years, the 8 speed is more of a band aid solution for the interim. My personal opinion is to get the 6 speed now on a 2014 so you know it's a time tested transmission on these trucks, OR wait for the 10 speed. But I don't know if I'd drop the money on an 8 speed transmission that will only exist for a few years.