Fuel Milage.....

Elwood 2000 · May 15, 2004

I am wanting to get rid of my wife's P.O.S. Chevy Impalla and get something different. We are thinking about Suburbans. We want something larger with more room and since I love my Silverado, we are considering Subs.

Anyway, I wouldn't mind having a 2500 with the 6.0. We wouldn't tow much with it, but if you need it, it would be nice to be there. I would also like more power that I asume the 6.0 would offer in such a heavy vehicle. My wife says a 1500 with a 5.3 would be fine.

At any rate, is there a lot of power difference (seat of the pants, I know the numbers) between the 2500/6.0 and the 1500/5.3 and what kind of fuel economy should I expect from both? I know it will not be great, but I would like to see the 14-16 that my 1500 Silverado gets if possible.

We have been looking at 2-3 year old models with 30k-50k miles on them and they are priced really well. Unfortunately, our '02 Impalla is not worth much. It is in excellent, like new condition, Impallas just have AWEFUL resale value.

Thanks for the information!

OUMike · May 15, 2004

I'm not a rocket scientist, nor an expert with theses drivelines, but the 2500HD with the 6.0L is gonna be worse definatly on fuel mileage. Heavier and more cubes. That ALWAYS equals more gas. Maybe consider the Tahoe with the 5.3. This gives you more room than your current vehicle and I've personally drivin these, and the power seemed good.

Just my $.02

joeman2199 · May 16, 2004

i look at it this way, if your not really planning on towing much then it is really a complete waste to have a 2500. not only will the 6.0 burn more gas up, but the ride will be firmer b/c it is a much more heavy duty suspension. unless your planning to run up some very hilly terrain with alot of weight, the 5.3 will be more than adequate as far as power goes. and the way gas prices are going, you will be thanking yourself that you have the smaller motor in a better riding truck.

either way good luck

Tucson_02Silverado · May 16, 2004

Don't forget that the stretch Trailblazer is available with a 5.3L

Plainsman · May 16, 2004

My 2003 1500HD gets about 10-11 in town. A 5.3 will get about 14.

The 5.3 is really snappy empty in the trucks, the Subs are poochy. I just had a 2004 sub with 5.3 for 3 days, that thing blew, remined me of my Dodge 318 in my '97.

I needed a 4 door and a real box, and dont tow much = 1500HD. GM is in the catnip patch with the 04 4doors and the 5.2" box. If you can handle the baby box, dont tug much, the 04 5.3 is adequatly peppy.

GONZO · May 16, 2004

if you want fuel economy stay away fron anything that says 2500. i drove the 6.0L sub and a 8.1L sub, the 6.0L felt like a dog. wierd, since it feels just fine in my 2500hd cc sb truck. i'm guessing the sub weighs more than my truck or had differant gears. do they offer 3.73 in the 2500 sub with 6.0L?

not knowing your situation... going from an impala, i'd look into the tahoe with 5.3L and if possible 4.10 gears. get the 3rd row seat and you'll have plenty of room without the extra weight of the sub. this should return similar fuel economy as your truck now.

of course if fuel economy is really an issue look into the trailblazer with the I6.

rcj_houston · May 17, 2004

I have an 03 Tahoe w/5.3L I am averaging 13.7 in the city. On a long road trip I took, I was averaging around 16 or so. I have 3.43 gears and a K&N filter. All other mods are stereo or cosmetic outside. Then again, I didn't buy this beast expecting Gas Mileage.

superbee · May 17, 2004

My wifes ride is an 03 Burban 2500 w/6.0L and 4.10 gears. Towing 6-7,000 pounds it gets 11.8 mpg on the HWY. Non HWY empty, it gets about 11.5 MPG (It is VERY hilly where we live). On HWY empty the best mileage numbers to date is 16 MPG from Saratoga NY to southern NJ (all HWY). That said, if you like to drive a big bouncy wet sponge, get the 1500. If you like more power, bigger brakes, bigger coolers, stronger differentials (8 bolts), stronger wheels, firmer ride, etc... get the 2500. Remember, if you buy a truck that is too small, it will not grow, not even with JC Whitney and lots of water. Good luck, and drive them both before you decide.

Charlie in TX · May 17, 2004

Just a guess. The 5.3l/1500 should be faster (seat of the pants) than the 6.0l/2500. The 4-60 tranny in the 1500 has a lower first gear than the 4-80 in the 2500. If I wasn't buying it for towing, I would get the 1500.

Truckman031 · May 17, 2004

I would look at a Tahoe too. My mom's has plenty of room. The 5.3 will give better gas mileage in either SUV. The Tahoe will be faster, but if you want ALOT of room get the Suburban. The 2500 6.0 Burban's suck gas, I wouldn't get one unless I towed alot of weight consistantly.

Elwood 2000 · May 18, 2004

Thanks for the replies guys. We will definately get the 'Burb instead of a Tahoe, and I don't expect either of them to get great milage. For that, we could keep the impalla. I just figured if I was going to get 10-11 mpg with either, I should probly look at a 2500.

If they put a duramax/allison in a Burb, OH YEAH!!!

Thanks for the replies. She is really leaning towards the 1500 with a 5.3. I guess if it us too much of a pooch, there is always Westers or Nelsons.

ridnlow · May 18, 2004

Thanks for the replies. She is really leaning towards the 1500 with a 5.3. I guess if it us too much of a pooch, there is always Westers or Nelsons.

I dont think you can go wrong with that combination... even if it isnt a pooch there is still room for a tune

rjgogo · May 18, 2004

2003 Suburban 2500 with 6.0 and 3.73 gears. 10 in the city and 12-14 hwy depending on speed. 4.10s would help the city numbers due to transmission gearing. I am happy with the choice of a 2500 despite the mileage. And I have the Quadrasteer which is realy cool for both towing and city driving. Just rotated the tires and compared to the neighbors tahoe the suspention, axles and brakes are beefy. Had a blow out last year on a trailer tire doing 70 and I was pretty happy I had the 2500 to keep things under control.

03blackburb · May 18, 2004

I have a 03 1500 Suburban LT 2 wd, drop in K&N filter and tb coolant bypass. I get 14.5 to 15 around town and back and forth to work and home. On trips get about 20 mpg or better, loaded down with wife, 3 large teens and 4 dogs, luggage and coolers and fishing tackle. Had a 2002 tahoe and after 2 trips decided it was too small. You won't regret getting the 1500 suburban. Unless you are going to be doing a lot of heavy towing stay with the 1500 5.3. It has great ride and handling, enough to get out of the way and will buy you a piece of any state you drive through with no problem.

Quadrasteer · May 19, 2004

My 2500 Sub rode, handled, accelerated and stopped better than the 1500 any day of the week. If I had a choice I would definitely take the 2500. Among other things you're getting the better engine, better trans & trans temp gague, bigger brakes with Hydro boost that stop on a dime, better tires(recently got a blowout on a P rated tire on my SD) and a HD suspension that to me rode and handled better not worse. I stay away from 3500s or HD pickups because they're too stiff but not a 2500. Test ride both before making a decision!