2004 New Truck

f7_ditch_jumper · August 2, 2003

Im thinking about trading the 02 8.1 in. I really like the look of the GMC compared to the chevy, why doesn't gmc offer an 8.1 engine? Should I compromise and get the duramax instead? What type of fuel economy are the DMAX's getting (unloaded)?

MCourson · August 2, 2003

I am pretty sure you can get the 8.1 in a GMC. I know someone that has an 01 GMC 8.1 and it is a checkable option for the GMC on GMbuypower.com. Unloaded we are getting around 18MPG with the Duramax at 12,000 miles.

Professor · August 2, 2003

GMC offers the 8.1. The 8.1 would be the compromise. The D-max pretty much kicks the 8.1s @$$ in everything but price.

C/K Man · August 2, 2003

Sounds like you have been looking at 'G.M. Buypower' or the 'Build Your Own' section of the G.M.C. website. Check with a good dealer, and I think you will find that the 8.1L is indeed available in many G.M.C.'s. This on-line jazz is full of mistakes and missing information.

BlackSilver · August 2, 2003

Should I compromise and get the duramax instead? What type of fuel economy are the DMAX's getting (unloaded)?

After 6 months and 17,000 miles I grin a little wider each time I hear that DMax rumble. Unloaded, mostly highway miles, I get an honest 21MPG. With gas selling for about 1.56 and diesel for about 1.42 in this area, I grin even wider! Then I hook up a serious load and drag it up and down a few mountain roads, and I have to think sober thoughts to keep from giggling with delight.

Bottom line, I don't think the Duramax is a compromise.

Yes, you take a healthy dollar bump when you buy (about $4K over the 8.1), but this engine is gaining a great reputation, and you'll hold nearly that same price premium come time to trade.

04GMC8100HD · August 2, 2003

You can get the 8.1 in the GMC's and mine should be here in aout 2 weeks.

Randy

Hacksaw Hilliard · August 4, 2003

Oh my gosh! GMC must have made a mistake when they put one in mine. Actually, it's the 2nd one they put in. First one was pulled at 16,000 due to a persistant coolant leak on the drivers side head.

THE BIGPUNN · August 5, 2003

GMC offers the 8.1. The 8.1 would be the compromise. The D-max pretty much kicks the 8.1s @$$ in everything but price.

looking at the tow guide the 8.1 is not a compromise. its simply a choice to make. gas/diesel. the only thing diesel has over big block is mpg.

by the way gmc does make 8.1, get one fast because they dont make many and they sell like hot cakes. took me almost two weeks to find mine.

422 SS · August 5, 2003

the only thing diesel has over big block is mpg.

Much higher resale value also.I have one of each and the Dmax is a stronger tow rig.They will both do the job just the Dmax does'nt downshift and scream up the side of a hill at 4500rpm like the gasser does.Combine that with almost double the mpg when towing and it was a easy choice for me.Dmax does'nt burn oil either.

CMNTMXR81 · August 5, 2003

I'll say this again, it has higher resale value because you pay some $4,400 more for it up front for the rights of having a diesel. You have to look at it's market value as a percentage of the original price (what GM lists them for, NOT what you may have individually paid).

In that respect, last time I checked when we had a 8.1 vs. D-Max thread, between two comprably equipped trucks, one with an 8.1 and one with the D-Max, in relation to the original price of the truck, the 8.1 retained 72% of it's value and the D-Max retained 71%. Or something along those lines. It wasn't as if the D-Max retained 90% of it's value and the 8.1 20%!

Conversely, try driving out of the dealership with a brand new (4 miles on the odo) fully loaded, LT trimmed, extended cab, 4WD 2500HD with a D-Max for $29k and change like I did with my 8.1 and we'll talk! And I'll still be able to hook up and pull any trailer you D-Max guys can and not burn a drop of oil in the process!

HendyPhoto · August 6, 2003

I would take the 8.1 over the duramax any day. I like everything about the 8.1, especially the sound of it, and the high rpm's. Plus I can get gas at any gas station, I dont have to drive around looking for one that carries diesel. (around here anyway) Although more and more gas stations are carrying diesel, which is good for all you diesel people!! If I was worried about gas money, I would have bought a less expensive truck. You dont buy a 45,000 dollar truck if you cant afford gas.

The 8.1 and duramax are very close in horsepower and torque, and either one would practically pull your house off its foundation. So, it's all good!!!!

Lets win it Charla, you are a hottie!! (paradise hotel) LOL

422 SS · August 6, 2003

Cmnt good to see you back.My numbers where taken from KBB site.I think that is a pretty unbiased place to get info.They say a $5500.00 difference at 100,000 miles.I agree with buying what you want afterall its your money.Personally I get a kick out of running hi-14s with a 7300 lb cclb with 33s on it.And I get close to 20 mpg at 75mph.The 8.1 does'nt hang with the Dmax in performance or fuel economy.Diesel is 12-15 cents a gallon cheaper around here and readily available too.The only positives I see of 8.1 is its quieter,does'nt stink and cheaper up front cost,but fuel cost rapidly closes the price gap(40-50,000 miles).I can honestly say that I probably would'nt feel this way if my 8.1 did'nt burn a qt of oil every 500 miles.Ya I know they all burn oil but mine has thirst for it like a alcoholic for cheap wine.At 56,000 miles I just added my 97th qt of top-off oil.My 02 8.1 will be paid for soon and will get new pistons,rings and a cam.I paid $5700.00 more for my 03 and went from a LS to a LT with Dmax,leather and long bed.To each his own.

HendyPhoto · August 6, 2003

The 8.1 will hang with the dmax in performance, just not economy. I would be afraid for my engine if it wasnt consuming oil. The only problem I have with my truck, is that my speedometer is about 12-17 miles per hour off because of my tires. Its pretty fun screaming past vehicles at 80 MPH pulling a huge trailer or boat!!! Between my 8.1 and 36's I sound like a freight train, people get out of my way and its BAD!! (trying real hard to be humble)

Either engine will rock, but luckily the Duramax is nothing like the diesel in the Fords, good god take the SMOKE, STINK and god awful SOUND from those things!!

awdvkd · August 6, 2003

Hang in there 8.1 owners, unless you drive long distances each day to heat the Dmax up it going to backfire owning one. The ONLY difference between the two truck is which one works for you. Both will perform as well as the other. Try driving a diesel 4-5 miles a day and see what happens. 8.1 more gas-Dmax a lot more maintenance. When is all this 8.1 bashing going to die. After all I'd rather be a BIG BLOCK owner than a wanabe semi truck driver (no bashing entended-heard it the other day and had to use it). After all these two trucks are the best light duty truck made today!

BlackSilver · August 6, 2003

8.1 more gas-Dmax a lot more maintenance. When is all this 8.1 bashing going to die. After all I'd rather be a BIG BLOCK owner than a wanabe semi truck driver.

Nobody is "bashing" your 8.1. It's a good engine. Some of us are simply expressing a preference for the DuraMax.

For my uses ---I pull an RV and a boat, sometimes both at the same time, and I put on a LOT of miles --- the DuraMax has definite advantages over a gas engine. There is no more maintenance needed than a gas engine, the fuel is cheaper and the mileage is WAY better, the engine is warranteed to 100,000 miles vs 36,000 for gas, and I prefer the drivability under towing conditions. I could give a rip less what it "sounds like" or what the quarter-mile times are, and I've never had any problem finding a station which sells diesel. I'm not knocking your truck --- just saying it would be a poor choice for me.

By the way, I also have a nice gasser which I use for a "daily driver" when I don't have serious work to do or loads to pull.