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Questions re new Suburban

ebod

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ebod Enthusiast

ebod

Posted
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We're considering getting a new Suburban. We currently have a 2001 1500 2WD Suburban (and before that we had a 1995 4wd 1500 Suburban). While I don't do any really heavy towing, I'm planning to move up to a 2500 4x4 (I do frequently haul a few dirt bikes, some fat friends and a lot of equipment up in high-altitude and hilly terrain) and I have a few questions:

 

1) In everyday driving and moderate towing and hauling how does the 6.0L compare to the 8.1? Is the 8.1 that much faster? How much worse is the 8.1's gas mileage than the 6.0's (most of the threads I found by searching dealt with the 8.1 as mated to the Allison tranny and I know the Allison has a big negative effect on MPG)? How much power can be gained in each engine with simple bolt-on modifications?

 

2) Will both the 6.0 and the 8.1 (either would be with 4.10 gearing) be noticably faster (and noticably better able to pull grades at high speeds) than my current 5.3L (which has 3.73 gearing)? Will the moderate increase in horsepower and torque as well as the broader torque curve make up for the extra weight?

 

3) The 8.1 requires the "Autoride" option. I hear Autoride sucks (worse than w/out and costs something like $1200). Are the benefits of the 8.1 outweighed by the drawbacks of Autoride?

 

4) I know that the 2500 will ride firmer than the 1500. Will the heavier duty frame and suspension translate into fewer squeaks and rattles? (I sure do hope so).

 

Thanks!!

DrVeneer Enthusiast

DrVeneer

Posted
Posted

I have a 2004 2500 Yukon XL with an 8.1 and a 4.10. I got rid of my 2000 2500 with a 6.0 because the transmission was starting to slip. I tow a boat which weighs about 7000 lbs loaded with gear. Most of the time the 6.0 was fine but any type if incline caused it to shift in and out of overdrive. This is probably what led to the tranny problems. also, anytime I would accelerate even slighlty, the tranny would downshift. With the 6.0, I would loose speed in overdrive and have to keep accelerating. My mileage with the 6.0 was about 13 around town and about 9 with the boat. The 8.1 is much better for towing. Much more low end torque, better acceleration and no more down shifting with light acceleration at speed.

there does seem to be more wheel hop over bumps that with the 6.0. Both have autoride. Mileage for the 8.1 is about 11 around town and 8.5 towing. this is not mu primary ride, so the mileage is not much of a factor for me. I love being able to go up the grapevine (big a** mountain) in California towing the boat and not have to get in the truck lane!!! :D if all you are hauling is dirtbikes and fat friends, the 6.0 would be fine. I just wanted a beefier tranny. Hope this helps

ebod Enthusiast

ebod

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Posted

Veneer--thanks for the good information. Since you have experience with both engines, would you buy the 8.1 again keeping in mind the additional $2,000 in cost (engine and autoride) and 2 MPG penalty, if you weren't towing a boat? The truck I'm buying will also be my daily driver (mostly city, not highway) so ride and MPG do matter.

 

One of the places I'd like to take my new truck (when loaded with fat friends and dirtbikes) is to Gorman, which is right near the Southern end of the Grapevine.

DrVeneer Enthusiast

DrVeneer

Posted
Posted

If I didnt have such a large boat to pull I would probably get the 6.0. It always had plenty of pull with my smaller boat. I would also pay more attention to the tranny and leave it in 3rd on inclines. Overall, I liked the 6.0. I just wish they would put the beefier tranny in it.

cbrxx Enthusiast

cbrxx

Posted
Posted

A comparison chart I came across on the net by GM had the following hp/torque specs for the 3 motors. The curb weight of the 2500 was <500 lbs. more than the 1500.

 

5.3L = 285hp @ 5200rpm - 325lb-ft @ 4000rpm

 

6.0L = 320hp @ 5000rpm - 360lb-ft @ 4000rpm

 

8.1L = 320hp @ 4200rpm - 440lb-ft @ 3200rpm

 

I think with the 6.0 and 4.10 you would have plenty of power for the lighter towing you describe. If you were regularly towing a large trailer, I would get the 8.1

 

We have the 04 Yukon XL 2500 4x4 with 6.0L and 3.73 axle. It has plenty of power. I think getting the 2500 is definitely worth it. Haven't really noticed a lot of squeaks and rattles.

 

We we don't tow but do carry a lot inside. The truck vault is over 200 lbs, the two dog cages are probably another 120, plus another 150 for the dogs. Then a lot of gear in addition to all that. Of course, we did remove the 3rd row seat.

 

Steve

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