Is an Allison a must for an 8.1?

01Sierra · July 1, 2005

I'm getting ahead of myself quite a bit here, but I'm really trying to figure out what I'm going to do with a new truck. It's going to take a while for me to make up my mind, so I'd figure I pester some of you guys. I currently have an 01 HD with a 6.0. I know I want to step up to something a little bit more, but I can't seem to make up my mind.

I'm going back and forth between the Duramax and the 8.1. Do you have to get the Allison with an 8.1, or can you opt for the standard automatic trans? Would it be a mistake to not get the Allison?

What I think I want to get is a 2500HD SLT 4x4 long bed with an 8.1 and 3.73 gears. The truck will get used for work on a daily basis, but I almost never tow. I do haul some pretty big loads in the bed though (3-4000 lbs.). That's only around 3-4 times a month though. I also really enjoy hitting the pedal pretty hard at times too. So getting something better than the 6.0 is more for fun than need.

Scyry · July 1, 2005

8.1 only comes with an Allison in trucks.

Suburbans and Avelanches come with a beefed up version of what is in your current truck.

ctfan · July 2, 2005

You can also get a manual tranny. There is nothing wrong with the Allison from what I have read. Next year it is becoming a 6 speed automatic.

William

01Sierra · July 2, 2005

It's not that I thought anything was wrong with an Ally, I just don't see why I need one since I'm not going to be towing with it. I deal with too much stop and go traffic for a manual.

c502cid · July 2, 2005

While I am a big block junkie and have the 8.1, my two cents is that it wouldn't matter what engine you pick, the Allison is what makes the truck. Around town, towing, no towing...no matter, the Allison is the sweetest trans I have ever driven.

I wouldn't be upset with either engine, I couldn't live without the Allison. I can't wait for the 6 speed Ally.

vhato · July 2, 2005

While I am a big block junkie and have the 8.1, my two cents is that it wouldn't matter what engine you pick, the Allison is what makes the truck. Around town, towing, no towing...no matter, the Allison is the sweetest trans I have ever driven.
I wouldn't be upset with either engine, I couldn't live without the Allison. I can't wait for the 6 speed Ally.

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If I could have purchased the Allison in my truck I would have. 3.10:1 First gear, 0.71:1 OverDrive, and a 4.49:1 Reverse make it a great tranny. Too bad it isn't built to transfer torque at more the 4600 rpm. I am sure that is why it isn't with the Vortec 6000.

If I could buy again I would get the Vortec 8100, Allison 1000 and 3.73's. You live and learn.

tractorsx · July 4, 2005

While I am a big block junkie and have the 8.1, my two cents is that it wouldn't matter what engine you pick, the Allison is what makes the truck. Around town, towing, no towing...no matter, the Allison is the sweetest trans I have ever driven.
I wouldn't be upset with either engine, I couldn't live without the Allison. I can't wait for the 6 speed Ally.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If I could have purchased the Allison in my truck I would have. 3.10:1 First gear, 0.71:1 OverDrive, and a 4.49:1 Reverse make it a great tranny. Too bad it isn't built to transfer torque at more the 4600 rpm. I am sure that is why it isn't with the Vortec 6000.

If I could buy again I would get the Vortec 8100, Allison 1000 and 3.73's. You live and learn.

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