Custom build?

The Zip · June 8, 2015

This time around, I want something that handles better than my Tahoe, better brakes, decently fast, and can still haul my stuff. I doubt I will ever tow anything, and I have rarely used all the cargo capacity, but want a trailer hitch for my bike rack.

The 01 and 15 gens better brakes, all gens after yours are decently fast (we are talking about a fullsize SUV here), all can haul your stuff and still maintain speed (talking from experience), all can handle your bike in tow. I owned the 3 gens after yours (still own 2), the 07-14 gen is what your need as long as you get bigger wheels (minimize roll), change out the brakes and get better shocks. 320 hp V8 is a monster if just for hauling.

So my options seem to be:

1) Get a denali so I can get the 6.2, but is too big, too much bling, less cargo capacity, and doesn't have the handling.

07-14 Tahoe gen will work. Get the handling out of your head, the fullsize SUV after yours handle great. My trucks stayed only in the fast lane in Los Angeles traffic. You can't half step in LA traffic, you have to bring it

2) Get a Porsche/Range Rover/???, which will be closer to the size I want, much more nimble, but will have a forced induction V6 of some kind that doesn't have the low end grunt that I'm used to and questionable long term durability.

07-14 Tahoe has the size, nimble for the size with the grunt you want to here with long term durability

3) Rebuild my Tahoe, which is a completely different and unknown can of worms which may end up being a big nightmare.

07-14 Tahoe is proven

I know it sounds like I work for GM, but I don't. Just giving you an assessment of a truck I know a lot about. As many good things I can say about the 01 though 14 gens, the 15 gen has them both beat. I think the 15 gen would be wasting money for what you need though.

Lazarus Long · June 10, 2015

Why not a Acura or an Infiniti suv? They can do everything a cayenne can do for way cheaper.. And to compare a Denali and a cayenne.. They are at 2 different ends of the field

The Acura MDX is just a glorified minivan. Front wheel drive biased with a weak v6.

The Infinity Q70 looks a little better, it is at least rear drive biased.

Lazarus Long · June 10, 2015

I know it sounds like I work for GM, but I don't. Just giving you an assessment of a truck I know a lot about. As many good things I can say about the 01 though 14 gens, the 15 gen has them both beat. I think the 15 gen would be wasting money for what you need though.

I did test drive an 15 Escalade, it drove much nicer than I expected. It doesn't drive as big as it looks. Ride was far superior to my Tahoe. The 6.2 was very nice. It was much more expensive than I want to pay and has a lot more gadgets than I can use.

I parked it next to my tahoe and compared. While bigger on the outside, it is smaller on the inside. The 15 has less cargo room. While obviously wider (the center console is MUCH wider), it felt less roomy because it is less boxy and the dashboard sort of wraps around you. It had a sunroof, so it had less headroom despite being taller. Legroom was about the same, and was plenty. I didn't check the 2nd row. Materials are were obviously much higher quality than my tahoe.

In what way is the 15 better than the 14? Gadgets? Ride? Engine? I know the 8 speed transmission from the Corvette is making its way to the trucks. The 15 Escalade has it now.

The 15 engines are all direct injection, which improves performance and economy a little. When did they go to direct injection? From long term durability standpoint, I have some reservations - some early adopters (for example, BMW) had problems with the high pressure fuel pumps failing.

The 15 also marked the switch from hydraulic to electric power steering assist. It didn't suck as much as I thought it would, but after test driving a bunch of cars with it maybe I'm getting used to it. It is better than the BMW system anyway.

I haven't driven a 14 yet, that is still on the todo list.

operator556 · June 26, 2015

Direct injection was implemented in 2000 when the body styles changed and they went over to the LS based series of engines. Why do you want a 6.2? My father has a '14 Tahoe with the 5.3 and it has plenty of power.

Duelin · June 26, 2015

2014 was the first year for Direct Injection in Gm trucks. I think it was introduced around the 1st. of Aug. 2014. Here is a short article.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1081089_2014-gm-full-size-trucks-get-direct-injection-fuel-saving-engine-technologies

Just a little Tid Bit. I was reading a Tech article a few weeks back about Direct Injection. In order to over come cylinder pressure and get fuel directly into cylinder some engines need between 2000psi. and 3000 psi. of pressure. Can you imagine have a fuel leak with that kind of pressure.

KARNUT · June 26, 2015

If you have access to E85 your within 40 HP of the 6.2, put a cap on a p/u save a lot of money and you can remove the cap when you need a p/u. That's the way I went and save a bundle. I went farther and got a tune. Plenty of power, lots of uses saved a bundle.

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Lazarus Long · June 26, 2015

Why the 6.2 instead of the 5.3? No real good reason, other than they will probably soon be extinct. I want to keep my next vehicle for a long time, so I want better than just adequate. There isn't much time left for big naturally aspirated V8s, seems like I should get one while I can, if I can find one at a reasonable price.

Given the pricing, I've branched out looking at the Mercedes, Porsche, etc. Some of those look reaonable after seeing what Tahoes cost.

KARNUT · June 26, 2015

If you already want to buy a 45K plus Denali or high country than the 2500 up charge is worth it. I wanted the Texas package and got a loaded one for 31K drive out. I don't think I would have paid 2500 for 40 more HP even if I could have purchase the 6.2. E85 is plentiful around me for much less than gas. And I have options to burn any grade of gas. Another strike against the 6.2. Overall I saved about 15K not getting the 6.2, leaves me a lot of mod options

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Lazarus Long · July 1, 2015

There aren't many e85 stations around me, but I wouldn't use it anyway. It may cost a little less, but gets much worse mileage and costs more per mile driven.

The 6.2 doesn't run on 87? That changes things.

KARNUT · July 1, 2015

There aren't many e85 stations around me, but I wouldn't use it anyway. It may cost a little less, but gets much worse mileage and costs more per mile driven.

The 6.2 doesn't run on 87? That changes things.

Where I buy E85 I save over a dollar a gallon verses 93 gas. But to add the 25 HP that E85 does Id pay more. I like having options, when I go on trips and cruise the freeway I run mid grade.

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David97 · July 8, 2015

Might try asking the guys over on the Tahoe Yukon Forum also. Those guys on there have helped me out when I had my 98' Yukon. They might have some input on your dilemma.