Unloaded Performance

ebod · March 10, 2003

How much difference is there in the performance in the 6.0L and the 8.1L engines when you are hauling little or no weight?

Of course, I'd appreciate info on 0-60mph times, 5-60 mph times, 1/4 mile times, etc. I'd also appreciate a seat-of-the pants assessment from those who have driven both.

Also, how big is the MPG difference between the 6.0 and the 8.1 unloaded?

For what it's worth, I'm deciding between the two engines as well as between a Suburban and a pick-up (2500HD crew cab). Either one will be a 4x4 and have the 4.10 axle ratio.

Note, I posted this question in the heavy-duty forum too (I think this issue touches both 2500 and 2500HD's and I don't know which forum covers the 2500 Suburban.

Thanks!

BlackSilver · March 11, 2003

The 8.1L doesn't make any sense at all unless your truck will be used for serious work. (And then the DMax needs to be considered also.)

The 6.0L is a very snappy and capable engine for light duty use, and you'll love it at the gas pump.

timk49 · March 11, 2003

Mu 2500HD with the 6.0 is strong. I drove a 95 Silverado with the 5.7 for 5 years before I bought this 03 model. The 5.7 had the 3.73 gears and the new 6.0 has the 4.10 gears. Irt isnt really apples to apples but the 6.0 wins in all catagories.

I get 11.5 to 12 mpg unloaded. Towing my travel trailer it drops to 10. I know that would be better if I didn't habe to climb the mountian pass to get to the desert. In Tow/Haul mode the rpm's are at 4000 going up the steepest part of the hill. I'm sure the gas is burning fast.

I agree with black silver. The 6.0 is the way to go if you aren't working that truck hard. I don't really know how much power is lost spinning that big Allison transmission but there must be a payback for running that massive trans.

awdvkd · March 11, 2003

Well lets see, 8.1 gets 1-1.5 less gas mileage, you have one of the best trannys around with the allison, the 8.1 has 90% of its 455 lbs of tougue at 1900 rpms. Its a big block and will outlast the small block longevity wise. Anytime you have a big heavy truck with 4.10 gears and 4 wheel drive the mgp are not going to be much different. I have the 8.1 allison and I very thankful that someone did not talk me out of it on the basis of mpg and pulling ability because they are very different animals. If 1-2 mpg is really important go with the 6.0 but if you want a real work truck and a truck that will last no matter how you use it go with the 8.1 allison. Also do a search on this topic it has been debated numerous times and it will give lots of opinions. Good Luck, if it says GM on it, its all good