Jump to content

6.0 vs. 8.1

ebod

Recommended Posts

ebod Enthusiast

ebod

Posted
Posted

In everyday driving situations (not heavy towing or hauling) how much faster will the 8.1 feel over the 6.0 (in a Suburban)? Is the extra torque of the 8.1 worth it (in terms of extra $ at purchase and at the pump) if I don't tow/haul that much that often?

 

Are there any non-performance related factors to consider. For example, 8.1 requires "autoride." While autoride seems to be generally despised, would it make the Suburban noticeably smoother than the "firm-ride" only 6.0. Also, is the 8.1's transmission (which is not an Allison in Suburbans) better, or worse, than the one in the 6.0?

 

Thanks!

JRW68 Enthusiast

JRW68

Posted
Posted
In everyday driving situations (not heavy towing or hauling) how much faster will the 8.1 feel over the 6.0 (in a Suburban)?  Is the extra torque of the 8.1 worth it (in terms of extra $ at purchase and at the pump) if I don't tow/haul that much that often?

 

Are there any non-performance related factors to consider.  For example, 8.1 requires "autoride."  While autoride seems to be generally despised, would it make the Suburban noticeably smoother than the "firm-ride" only 6.0.  Also, is the 8.1's transmission (which is not an Allison in Suburbans) better, or worse, than the one in the 6.0? 

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

If your not towing... the 6.0 will be more than enough motor. The 8.1 would be sensless to buy unless your towing and would burn a hole in your wallet at the pump

bdeboer Enthusiast

bdeboer

Posted
Posted

I have a 2002 Suburban 2500 6.0L w/3.73 it pulls my 27' travel trailer without much trouble. I am happy with the ride, but you will feel the 3/4ton suspension if you find a large pot hole. The best fuel mileage I have seen is 15.5 mpg on the freeway.

Machine Enthusiast

Machine

Posted
Posted
In everyday driving situations (not heavy towing or hauling) how much faster will the 8.1 feel over the 6.0 (in a Suburban)?  Is the extra torque of the 8.1 worth it (in terms of extra $ at purchase and at the pump) if I don't tow/haul that much that often?

 

Are there any non-performance related factors to consider.  For example, 8.1 requires "autoride."  While autoride seems to be generally despised, would it make the Suburban noticeably smoother than the "firm-ride" only 6.0.  Also, is the 8.1's transmission (which is not an Allison in Suburbans) better, or worse, than the one in the 6.0? 

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

When fuel and not towing is put into the equation then it's my opinion that the extra torque of the 8.1 is not enough to justify the reason to own it. Regardless of autoride, the 3/4 Sub rides more stiff regardless of the engine and autoride option.

 

The 6.0 will do great for your application, and it will have the mpg advantage.

snoman Senior Enthusiast

snoman

Posted
Posted
In everyday driving situations (not heavy towing or hauling) how much faster will the 8.1 feel over the 6.0 (in a Suburban)?  Is the extra torque of the 8.1 worth it (in terms of extra $ at purchase and at the pump) if I don't tow/haul that much that often?

 

Are there any non-performance related factors to consider.  For example, 8.1 requires "autoride."  While autoride seems to be generally despised, would it make the Suburban noticeably smoother than the "firm-ride" only 6.0.  Also, is the 8.1's transmission (which is not an Allison in Suburbans) better, or worse, than the one in the 6.0? 

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

When fuel and not towing is put into the equation then it's my opinion that the extra torque of the 8.1 is not enough to justify the reason to own it. Regardless of autoride, the 3/4 Sub rides more stiff regardless of the engine and autoride option.

 

The 6.0 will do great for your application, and it will have the mpg advantage.

 

 

 

 

 

Not when towing though. If you tow heavy you will get the same or better MPG with a 8.1 as you will with a 6.0 plus have a lot of extra towing power. The towing power difference is night and day. Plus the 8.1 will make the same relative HP as the 6.0 at a lot lower RPM (HP = torque x RPM /5252) so you will have to wind the 6.0 up to 4000 RPM or more to get the same HP on the ground as the 8.1 will deliver around 3000 RPM or so. If you rarely tow the 6.0 is a good deal but, if you tow a lot and heavy you will never regret the extra muscle of the 8.1 especailly if the are hills, mountains or higher altitudes in your travels. I have driven trucks with both and the 8.1 is a beast in pulling power while the 6.0 is only marginal at best with a heavy trailer. Once you tow with one the difference is obvious. With a 8.1 and 4.10 gears and a big trailer, OD will be quite usable on highway while with 6.0 it will be pretty useless. The seat of the pants difference is a lot more than the extra displacement suggests. A 10,000lbs trailer with a 8.1 is not a big deal but with a 6.0 it would be very marginal at best. Maybe you do not have a trailer that heavy but it shows the abilty of the two when towing.

Shawn T Enthusiast

Shawn T

Posted
Posted

All of the towing aside, if you are talking about unloaded performance the BBL is notacably faster. My aunt has a 3/4 ton burban with the BBL. She traded the exact truck for it except with the 6.0L. They both have 3.73's. She said when they test drove the new one her and her husband were racing the two (the 2001 with the 6.0L and the 8.1L) at stoplights and the BBL just ate it up. She says she enjoys the extra power and the gas mileage is about 2mpg less. It is up to you though. You need to drive them both and see if the difference is enough for you, not to justify it for us. It's your money. :P

99-2door Senior Enthusiast

99-2door

Posted
Posted
All of the towing aside, if you are talking about unloaded performance the BBL is notacably faster.  My aunt has a 3/4 ton burban with the BBL/Allison.  She traded the exact truck for it except with the 6.0L.  They both have 3.73's.  First gear in the Allison is lower and it uses the extra torque to really scoot the truck out of the hole.  She said when they test drove the new one her and her husband were racing the two (the 2001 with the 6.0L and the 8.1L) at stoplights and the BBL just ate it up.  She says she enjoys the extra power and the gas mileage is about 2mpg less.  It is up to you though.  You need to drive them both and see if the difference is enough for you, not to justify it for us. It's your money. :P

 

 

 

 

 

Ummm... They didn't make the Suburban with Allison trannies.

:P

ebod Enthusiast

ebod

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning towards the 2500 6.0 4WD with 4.10's and bigger tires (say, 285/75s). Will that be at least as fast (acceleration) around town as my current 1500 5.3 2WD with 3.73s (and 285/75s)?

 

Anyone have a sense as to the MPG difference (city and/or highway) between a 5.3 Suburban and 6.0 Suburban (there're no EPA ratings for the 2500s)?

 

Thanks again for the input.

Shawn T Enthusiast

Shawn T

Posted
Posted
All of the towing aside, if you are talking about unloaded performance the BBL is notacably faster.  My aunt has a 3/4 ton burban with the BBL/Allison.  She traded the exact truck for it except with the 6.0L.  They both have 3.73's.  First gear in the Allison is lower and it uses the extra torque to really scoot the truck out of the hole.  She said when they test drove the new one her and her husband were racing the two (the 2001 with the 6.0L and the 8.1L) at stoplights and the BBL just ate it up.  She says she enjoys the extra power and the gas mileage is about 2mpg less.  It is up to you though.  You need to drive them both and see if the difference is enough for you, not to justify it for us. It's your money. :P

 

 

 

 

 

Ummm... They didn't make the Suburban with Allison trannies.

:P

 

 

 

 

 

 

99 2 door thanks for the pickup on that, I forgot the SUV's don't offer the Alli, anyways she says it is faster. It's been a long week. :P

mudbug660 Enthusiast

mudbug660

Posted
Posted
In everyday driving situations (not heavy towing or hauling) how much faster will the 8.1 feel over the 6.0 (in a Suburban)?  Is the extra torque of the 8.1 worth it (in terms of extra $ at purchase and at the pump) if I don't tow/haul that much that often?

 

Are there any non-performance related factors to consider.  For example, 8.1 requires "autoride."  While autoride seems to be generally despised, would it make the Suburban noticeably smoother than the "firm-ride" only 6.0.  Also, is the 8.1's transmission (which is not an Allison in Suburbans) better, or worse, than the one in the 6.0? 

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

When fuel and not towing is put into the equation then it's my opinion that the extra torque of the 8.1 is not enough to justify the reason to own it. Regardless of autoride, the 3/4 Sub rides more stiff regardless of the engine and autoride option.

 

The 6.0 will do great for your application, and it will have the mpg advantage.

 

 

 

 

 

Not when towing though. If you tow heavy you will get the same or better MPG with a 8.1 as you will with a 6.0 plus have a lot of extra towing power. The towing power difference is night and day. Plus the 8.1 will make the same relative HP as the 6.0 at a lot lower RPM (HP = torque x RPM /5252) so you will have to wind the 6.0 up to 4000 RPM or more to get the same HP on the ground as the 8.1 will deliver around 3000 RPM or so. If you rarely tow the 6.0 is a good deal but, if you tow a lot and heavy you will never regret the extra muscle of the 8.1 especailly if the are hills, mountains or higher altitudes in your travels. I have driven trucks with both and the 8.1 is a beast in pulling power while the 6.0 is only marginal at best with a heavy trailer. Once you tow with one the difference is obvious. With a 8.1 and 4.10 gears and a big trailer, OD will be quite usable on highway while with 6.0 it will be pretty useless. The seat of the pants difference is a lot more than the extra displacement suggests. A 10,000lbs trailer with a 8.1 is not a big deal but with a 6.0 it would be very marginal at best. Maybe you do not have a trailer that heavy but it shows the abilty of the two when towing.

 

 

 

 

ebod didn't say anything about towing. In just about every post you put up snoman your trying to prove somebody wrong. Always negative :P

Machine Enthusiast

Machine

Posted
Posted
In everyday driving situations (not heavy towing or hauling) how much faster will the 8.1 feel over the 6.0 (in a Suburban)?  Is the extra torque of the 8.1 worth it (in terms of extra $ at purchase and at the pump) if I don't tow/haul that much that often?

 

Are there any non-performance related factors to consider.  For example, 8.1 requires "autoride."  While autoride seems to be generally despised, would it make the Suburban noticeably smoother than the "firm-ride" only 6.0.  Also, is the 8.1's transmission (which is not an Allison in Suburbans) better, or worse, than the one in the 6.0? 

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

When fuel and not towing is put into the equation then it's my opinion that the extra torque of the 8.1 is not enough to justify the reason to own it. Regardless of autoride, the 3/4 Sub rides more stiff regardless of the engine and autoride option.

 

The 6.0 will do great for your application, and it will have the mpg advantage.

 

 

 

 

 

Not when towing though. If you tow heavy you will get the same or better MPG with a 8.1 as you will with a 6.0 plus have a lot of extra towing power. The towing power difference is night and day. Plus the 8.1 will make the same relative HP as the 6.0 at a lot lower RPM (HP = torque x RPM /5252) so you will have to wind the 6.0 up to 4000 RPM or more to get the same HP on the ground as the 8.1 will deliver around 3000 RPM or so. If you rarely tow the 6.0 is a good deal but, if you tow a lot and heavy you will never regret the extra muscle of the 8.1 especailly if the are hills, mountains or higher altitudes in your travels. I have driven trucks with both and the 8.1 is a beast in pulling power while the 6.0 is only marginal at best with a heavy trailer. Once you tow with one the difference is obvious. With a 8.1 and 4.10 gears and a big trailer, OD will be quite usable on highway while with 6.0 it will be pretty useless. The seat of the pants difference is a lot more than the extra displacement suggests. A 10,000lbs trailer with a 8.1 is not a big deal but with a 6.0 it would be very marginal at best. Maybe you do not have a trailer that heavy but it shows the abilty of the two when towing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try reading the original post before shooting off at my reply with your illtempered repetition. Towing is not a requirement.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.4k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,840
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    appletrav
    Newest Member
    appletrav
    Joined

  • Who's Online   0 Members, 1 Anonymous, 450 Guests (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • newdude
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By newdude · Posted

      This is a 1/2 ton thing ONLY.  All HDs 2020-2026 have the two speed transfer case, with Autotrac as an option.     1/2 tons 2019-2026, regular 4x4s come with a single speed case (no 4LO!), and trucks with Z71 ordered, or all Trail Boss trucks come with the 2 speed case.  2 speed case is also an option on WT, and is also standard on High Country.  
    • newdude
      Different requirements for oil filters?

      By newdude · Posted

      2013 5.3 still to this day calls for the PF48 filter.  Which as a 15psi bypass pressure.     There is a TSB, 17-NA-157 that talks about the PF-63 and PF-64 filters which have a higher bypass rating of 22psi.    TSB HERE - temp.xml   "Beginning in 2012, the oil pumps began to regulate main gallery feedback instead of pump out pressure. This means that the oil pump now does not begin to regulate until pressure is built up to the main gallery. This change reduces the amount of time it takes to provide oil to the engine bearing and lifters during extreme cold start conditions.  Main gallery feedback oil pump control systems are present on the following engine families which use Spin-on oil filters: Small Gas Engine (SGE), Large Gas Engine (LGE), High Feature (HFV6) Gen2 and Small Block Gen5 gasoline engines. These engines with the main gallery feedback oil pump control systems are factory built with an ACDelco® oil filters"   It also calls out what engines use those filters.  The gen 4 small blocks were not on that list (LMG, LC9, L9H, L92, L94, L20, L96).  Gen 5 small blocks use the higher pressure filter.          That all said...   Your 7045 Napa filter is the PF63 equivalent, with 22psi bypass.  You are already using the higher bypass pressure filter.  You CAN keep using it, you don't technically have to use it though.  
    • Grumpy Bear
      Different requirements for oil filters?

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Do you know WHY the filter relief setting was increased to 22 psig?    When the new system goes into the second stage the pump volume ramps up considerably. It was found that the 15 psi filter bypass setting put the filter in bypass on a warm engine when the second stage was activated. Raising the filter bypass setting forced the filter to do what it designed to do. Filter. Preventing debris from circulating during high load, high rpm operation.    So next question is how did GM find this out? VLOM/lifter failures and a deep dive by Melling Corp.    Last question. Is it required? Look at it like this; a motor may be equipped with a rev limiter. But it only works if the set point in reached. That 22 psig setting only matters if the pressure differential across the filter media exceeds 15 psig during normal warm operation. Second stage kicks in around 3000-3500 rpm.    I can't answer your question because I don't know you and how you use the truck. But I think there is enough information here to let you decide for yourself. 😉
    • Coastie05
      give me some tips to make my truck look better

      By Coastie05 · Posted

      Go back to OEM wheels. 
    • newdude
      2020 Trailboss 6.2 replacement

      By newdude · Posted

      Probably not their first rodeo, so it should go as planned most likely.  Typically the service manager or tech doing the swap will put some seat time to shake it down after they get it all put back together.  We usually put 50-100mi before we hand them back so if something happens, its not after you get it.  A coolant leaks, oil leaks, a ground left off or loose, vibration, etc.     The new engines so far have been good?  There's been a couple that have popped out there again (the replacement engine) but most have been okay.  

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...