8.1 vs 6.6

[ChevyTruckLuvR]

Hey, I am new to this forum and have been looking for a dually to tow with. I have made up my mind between different makes now i just need to figure out which engine/trans combo to get. I have looked at the 8.1 gasser and the 6.6 turbo diesel and am on the line between the two.

I am wondering if it is worth the extra 6-7k for the diesel/ allison transmission, or if i should go with the 8.1/ allison, 8.1/ 4 speed. I have also been thinking about the 6 speed trans with eithor of the two engines.

 

I havent ever towed with a manual so i was wondering if it was a bad idea.

 

Finally I am considering the aftermarket also, like the diesel tuners and was wondering if that helped gas milage, besides increasing power. And the same for the 8.1

 

The really big question is Is it worth the diesel and how much better is the gas mileage. Thanks a lot

 

Jeff

[Whopper809]

There is lots of reasons to own a deisel truck, but it all boils down to this. How much do you tow and how heavy is the stuff you tow. If you don't tow very ofter and find yourself just driving a diesel for the hell of it, it's not worth owning. As for the better milage you can get, that money just gets spent sevicing it. My brother-in-law said his deisel saved him no money, and when the miles got up there the repair bills hurt every time it went in for service for some hard starting problem. (Powerstroke F-250). So he sold it and puchased a gas pot and says he only miss it when were hallin' snowmobiles threw the rocky mountains, the power there was realy appreciated, But a large cubic inch gas motor would get the job down just as good with only less reason to brag to your buddy's about fuel milage. As for milage two trucks haulin' the same load around 3900lbs going the same speed 70mph. The deisel got 16m/g and the gas job got 11m/g so the milage shows but only if you still do lots of towing. Just my two red cents.

[tmf6902]

Oh jeez....here we go again.........Hey I just noticed that you are from Manasshole.....I grew up there.....I lived over near Round Elementary

[linda]

Im going to get me a six pack and a bag off popcorn....cause this thread is gonna be fun to watch.

 

Off the line = 8.1L

Heavy towing = DMAX

sounding good = 8.1L

MPG = DMAX

 

They just keep increasing the numbers on the DMAX....whats it up to now? 310/605? Those are impressive numbers for sure......plus the programmers for these deisels are getting sick. Gotta tell ya though, seat of the pants has got to go to the 8.1L for me anyway. With the westers 93 tune, a set of pipes, and an intake....... the 8.1L is definately nothing to sneeze at.

 

Okay, thats my .02 cents. Let me grab a bowl for the pretzels, and pour me something to drink and watch this thread get silly.

[DotNetReloaded]

Hey fellas. I've read a few posts here about gas vs diesel. Here's a good informative site. Its a site for boats but it explains clearly about gas vs diesel engines in general and covers both marine and auto applications. It all comes down to how often you drive, how long are the trips and do you tow and even then, how often do you tow. It even covers fuel savings for both engines. Anyways read up. It defenitely cleared things up for me.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/GasDiesel.htm

[DotNetReloaded]

Here is another interesting and informative article.

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/tech/163_0210_gas/

[MCourson]

Im going to get me a six pack and a bag off popcorn....cause this thread is gonna be fun to watch.

If this one gets going it sure will be.

 

I will refrain for now because I am obviously biased, and have never owned an 8.1.

[c5hd]

I was on the fence too. Got the desiel and I am so happy I did. I recommend it to everyone.

[Stepside Z]

First let me tell you if you are going to run with the big dogs then run. Second you can pay the guy at the pump or you pay the guy at the bank. One of those guys you will only pay for a short period of time. Seroiusly I am a fan of 1 ton trucks and diesels. If you go that way you wili never look back.

[8100HD]

I thought the horse has been beat enough...but I guess its time for the again

 

My take as you stated right up front that you are buying it for towing....go with the dmax, theres nothing like hauling a load just purrin at 2000rpm.....I've got a Whippled 8.1 and prefer to tow with a dmax.

[KyleBst264]

Another gas vs. diesel thread.

 

Both the 8.1 and the Duramax are fantastic motors, but for heavier loads, go with the diesel. Besides that, it is a matter of preference.

 

8.1 or Duramax DEFINTETLY GET THE ALLISON!!! This is where the diesel and 8.1 owners will actually agree on something.

[dannyukonxl]

of course im partial to the 8.1 because ive got one but i would get the diesel especially the new one with 605 ftlbs it would be pretty cool to lay down thick black stripes in 2nd

[MS3DALE]

I put my vote in for the DMAX with the 6spd. if it means anything.

[banshee42096]

if you figure out what the extra cost for the 8.1 is

and take off of the duramax price its not that much of a

differance in price also dura combo has a 1000 dollar

incentive.at least when i bought mine it did.dont have

anything against gas but now that i own the d/a i wont

go back 20-21mpg on highway and 16-17 city you cant

beat that.and hook up 6 houses and pull it and still get

14-16mpg highway pulling just your preferance.you dont

even know your hauling anything with the d/a

good luck

[linda]

the 8.1L was an $850.00 extra according to the sticker. Actually when i bought my truck, i was offered a DMAX at the same price as the 8.1L....not sure why at the time, but they were really trying to push the DMAX. I have driven both trucks, and i think they both have extremely desirable charicteristics. I think if you do a lot of stop and go, and not a lot of towing, the zippiness of the 8.1L is fun to drive. If its the later, then the DMAX is your choice.