Thoughts

snowman44 · January 5, 2016

Going back and forth between 2500hd diesel or 6.2 l. I know I can get a lot more performance out of the diesel but my question is does it cost a lot more than performance to the gas motor like headers, exhaust, tune? Either can tow what I own so that is not an issue.

LongrangeLauber · January 5, 2016

Going back and forth between 2500hd diesel or 6.2 l. I know I can get a lot more performance out of the diesel but my question is does it cost a lot more than performance to the gas motor like headers, exhaust, tune? Either can tow what I own so that is not an issue.

Gas is gonna be cheaper to own in the long haul. If you need a diesel go with it. Modern diesels can be troublesome due to the emissions equipment on them

Chevor · January 6, 2016

If you put miles on go with the diesel otherwise stay with a gas.

Silverado4x4 · January 6, 2016

Diesel motors cost more to maintain, fuel filters at about 8-10,000 depending on the quality of the fuel you burn, higher cost oil changes and yes performance upgrades do cost more then gas, stay with the gas motor as it sounds like you don't need a Diesel.

SMiller · January 6, 2016

I don't think I could risk warranty on the diesel, if the CP4.2 goes you are looking at $14,000 to replace the fuel system, I wouldn't want to eat that bill.

I am a 6.0 fan, it comes standard so no cost option, it is underpowered and gets bad mileage but it is strong and will last 300,000 miles, just keep throwing gas at it, you will come out on top!

snowman44 · January 6, 2016

Thanks for all the feedback

SouthpawHD · January 6, 2016

Did you mean 6.0?

The 6.2 comes only in the 1/2 ton. But I hear it's a beast and a blast to drive!! But again, tow different trucks.

therink · January 6, 2016

All I can add is that I have 22000 miles after 1 year. Have not spent a penny on engine maintenance except using quality diesel fuel and stanadyne additive. I have used up me 4 free oil changes and my fuel filter is at 50 percent per the DIC.

I have always been a 6.0 gas owner but the difference between the two is night and day. I have had zero issues with the Dmax and the torque, smooth shifting of the Allison and the exhaust brake are worth the extra $9k in my opinion.

I should add I'm averaging around 16 mpg daily driving in metropolitan area.

Cowpie · January 6, 2016

Well, 22,000 is not a real longevity test by any standard. That is one oil change in my commercial stuff. And you have used up 4 free oil changes in 22,000 miles? If you are now going to be changing your own oil on the Dmax at the intervals that number of oil changes suggest, your wallet is not going to like you. I have not owned a diesel in 20 years that I did not take the oil change interval to well over 10,000 miles on. Yes, even a 2006 Jeep Liberty with a 2.8L VM diesel in it (the engine the new 2.8L Dmax in the Colorado is based on). The minimum oil change interval my commercial stuff gets is 20,000 mile / 400 engine hr oil changes. That is minimum, some applications longer.

You are averaging 16 mpg with your Dmax. I average 14 mpg with a 6.0L 2500. Now with fuel, in my area, being around $1.80 for gas, that equates to about 12.8 cents a mile for fuel. With diesel in my area at around $1.85, using your numbers, cost per mile for fuel would be about 11.5 cents a mile. Better right! But it cost how much to save about 1.3 cents a mile.... $5000-$6000 just for engine/trans alone? And how long, just in fuel, would it take to break even? About 384,000 miles using just the $5000 higher initial cost number. And in that time you will need be also using DEF for the SCR unit, and more than likely need a new DPF filter. Check the price on that one! And hopefully nothing else bites the dust like an EGR cooler, SCR injector, or fuel system issue as was mentioned. And if we ever see the fuel prices of just a few years ago again, hang on to your wallet. Diesel was averaging $1 more per gallon than gas not all that long ago. Some folks just have short memories.

And of course, diesel just cries out for some sort of additive to be used. Lubricity, gelling, icing, microbial problems, and other issues come into play. Even that, I am a bean counter. The additives I get from my oil supplier add about 1-2 cents to each gallon of diesel I use. Not a terrible additional cost. if one is paying more than that per gallon of diesel, they need to shop around a little. And fuel filter issues are relative. One time they can go a long way, other times, it only takes 1-2 tank full of fuel to knock out a filter. Fuel quality, seasonal blending, and other issues come into play. I have have fuel filters go to 60,000 miles, I have had them choke up at less than 10,000 miles. One of the reasons I always have spare fuel filters and tools to change them in my diesels.

It isn't so much how good the Dmax is when everything is working right, it is how much it will rape your bank account when things go wrong. See how much fun it is when the fuel filter clogs up at -20F and the engine is derated and your are out in the cold changing a fuel filter (had to do that a couple of nights ago myself, thankfully not at -20F). Everyone needs that to happen once and it will cure a lot of love affairs with diesel some have. Sure the Dmax is more powerful than the gasser and can be the best choice at times, and you pay for it, but how well it does is relative to a lot of things... what conditions it is driven in, how it is driven, how the various emissions components hold up, fuel related issues (especially in winter for northern folks), etc. When something goes wrong, a diesel can be very unforgiving in terms of both down time and cost. But it has its place, for sure, and in the right application, it is the only way to go. I go thru about 20,000 gallons of diesel a year myself. Not against diesel in any way. It has a definite place and can be justified in the right situation. But I do know the cost benefit ratio of any application before I open the check book. And I don't have self esteem issues to deal with or envy if a Dmax equipped pickup pulls up along side my 6.0L 2500. I let the low testosterone crowd worry about that.

LongrangeLauber · January 6, 2016

Well, 22,000 is not a real longevity test by any standard. That is one oil change in my commercial stuff. And you have used up 4 free oil changes in 22,000 miles? If you are now going to be changing your own oil on the Dmax at the intervals that number of oil changes suggest, your wallet is not going to like you. I have not owned a diesel in 20 years that I did not take the oil change interval to well over 10,000 miles on. Yes, even a 2006 Jeep Liberty with a 2.8L VM diesel in it (the engine the new 2.8L Dmax in the Colorado is based on). The minimum oil change interval my commercial stuff gets is 20,000 mile / 400 engine hr oil changes. That is minimum, some applications longer.

You are averaging 16 mpg with your Dmax. I average 14 mpg with a 6.0L 2500. Now with fuel, in my area, being around $1.80 for gas, that equates to about 12.8 cents a mile for fuel. With diesel in my area at around $1.85, using your numbers, cost per mile for fuel would be about 11.5 cents a mile. Better right! But it cost how much to save about 1.3 cents a mile.... $5000-$6000 just for engine/trans alone? And how long, just in fuel, would it take to break even? About 384,000 miles using just the $5000 higher initial cost number. And in that time you will need be also using DEF for the SCR unit, and more than likely need a new DPF filter. Check the price on that one! And hopefully nothing else bites the dust like an EGR cooler, SCR injector, or fuel system issue as was mentioned. And if we ever see the fuel prices of just a few years ago again, hang on to your wallet. Diesel was averaging $1 more per gallon than gas not all that long ago. Some folks just have short memories.

And of course, diesel just cries out for some sort of additive to be used. Lubricity, gelling, icing, and other issues come into play. Even that, I am a bean counter. The additives I get from my oil supplier add about 1-2 cents to each gallon of diesel I use. Not a terrible additional cost. if one is paying more than that per gallon of diesel, they need to shop around a little. And fuel filter issues are relative. One time they can go a long way, other times, it only takes 1-2 tank full of fuel to knock out a filter. Fuel quality, seasonal blending, and other issues come into play. I have have fuel filters go to 60,000 miles, I have had them choke up at 10,000 miles. One of the reasons I always have spare fuel filters and tools to change them in my diesels.

It isn't so much how good the Dmax is when everything is working right, it is how much it will rape your bank account when things go wrong. Sure the Dmax is more powerful than the gasser and can be the best choice at times, and you pay for it, but how well it does is relative to a lot of things... what conditions it is driven in, how it is driven, how the various emissions components hold up, fuel related issues (especially in winter for northern folks), etc. When something goes wrong, a diesel can be very unforgiving in terms of both down time and cost. But it has its place, for sure, and in the right application, it is the only way to go. I go thru about 20,000 gallons of diesel a year myself. Not against diesel in any way. It has a definite place and can be justified in the right situation. But I do know the cost benefit ratio of any application before I open the check book. And I don't have self esteem issues to deal with if a Dmax equipped pickup pulls up along side my 6.0L 2500. I let the low testosterone crowd worry about that.

Very good points. I've debated myself going to a diesel. Then I get to looking at cost of DEF, if something goes wrong on or in the engine, emissions equipment failing, etc. which always turns me away. I've done it about 4 or 5 times now lol. I think for me a gasser suits all of my needs as of right now. I'd love to have a diesel and I'm sure one day I will, but that time just isn't now. I agree with everything you said [emoji106]

Cowpie · January 6, 2016

Well, to help out on the DEF issue with the diesel owners... check out pricing at truck stop bulk fill locations and commercial truck dealerships. The Mack Truck dealer near me will fill any DEF tank on any vehicle for $1.80 per gallon of DEF right now. Sure a lot cheaper than buying in those jugs. And many don't realize, DEF has a shelf life to it. Check those package dates if you buy the jugs!

therink · January 6, 2016

All I did was tell you what works for me. If it doesn't work for you then fine. I'm not trying to start a controversy. And yes I will do my own oil changes moving forward. A jug of Def fluid costs around 10 bucks and lasts around 3000 miles. All I'm saying is that the Dmax provides an awesome driving and towing experience and I've always wanted one. If I couldn't afford it I wouldn't have it.

bwh2003 · January 6, 2016

All I did was tell you what works for me. If it doesn't work for you then fine. I'm not trying to start a controversy. And yes I will do my own oil changes moving forward. A jug of Def fluid costs around 10 bucks and lasts around 3000 miles. All I'm saying is that the Dmax provides an awesome driving and towing experience and I've always wanted one. If I couldn't afford it I wouldn't have it.

Exactly, we need to get Cowpie to understand that there are plenty of diesel owners without issues. What he reads about of forums is a small subset of the actual owners. I am also not starting a controversy but I am extremely happy with my duramax. The driving and towing experience is second to none.

CRApex · January 6, 2016

Exactly, we need to get Cowpie to understand that there are plenty of diesel owners without issues. What he reads about of forums is a small subset of the actual owners. I am also not starting a controversy but I am extremely happy with my duramax. The driving and towing experience is second to none.

Agree...Don't really care about the calculations on cost of ownership..What I care about is the big smile the truck puts on my face when towing....Yes the 6.0 will probably tow the load but rather than a smile I'd be thinking, I should have bought a Duramax...But that's just my opinion.

SMiller · January 6, 2016

I will add that when the "new" Duramax comes out I might have to look at things again as the biggest issue they have will be fully addressed with a completely different fueling system that is proven.

Oddly enough it is my wife that loves the Duramax, power, and quietness, I prefer to hear the LS motor under load myself.