Opinion on 6.0L

Jpshostr · July 26, 2001

I have found two trucks that I am interested in.

One is a '98 K2500 with the 5.7L, which I am very familer with. The other is a 2000 K2500HD Silverado with the 6.0L. I love the whole truck, but I'm just not very familer with the 6.0L. I have never driven one, so could some of you fill me in on it, comparing it to the 350. I have heard that it really sucks gas compared to the 5.7L, any truth to that? Anything else of any interest concerning this motor? I will be using this truck for general transportation, as well as pulling a gooseneck stock trailer and hauling heavy loads from time to time.

Shaners · July 26, 2001

Jay,

I have the 6.0L in my crewcab HD 4x4 and I think it is very stout!!! It pushes this almost 3-ton truck around as well as if not better than my 5.3L in my excab 1/2 ton. As far as MPG's... I've run three tanks and am avg. about 13 mpg's With the same type of driving I was getting about 15 with my 5.3L. This is mainly in town driving with some short trips of 15 miles each way. I haven't towed with it yet but I have an 8000lb travel trailer that I'm hooking on to in Aug and I think it will do great compared to the last truck I pulled with -- a Triton 5.4L ford LD F250.

I would guess apples being apples... if I had a 5.7L in my truck, mpg's would be about the same and performance wouldn't. The 6.0L would win in every aspect... (my opinion)! My last 5.7L was in an '89 Chevy G-20 conversion van and it only had about 185 hp. I've driven the new 255hp 350's and they are nice but I think the 6.0L feels stronger...

(Edited by Shaners at 9:48 pm on July 25, 2001)

(Edited by Shaners at 9:52 pm on July 25, 2001)

Pastmaster · July 26, 2001

Well your in luck, I agree with Shaners. The 6L was ment to replace the HD 350, which is what your familiar with. Mileage should be better and performance should be better.

300hp and 355ft/lbs VS. 255hp and 330ft/lbs of torque, same tranny I presume.

I think as far as performance is concerned, the 6L wins because it's a larger motor.

Unless you get a better deal with the older truck, which I think you should, go with the 6L. You won't be sorry. I drove a truck very similar to the one your looking, except it's a 99. Very impressed with power...

Kansas Kid · July 27, 2001

About this time last year I drove a regular cab 2500 4x4 with the Vortec 6.0. I thought the motor pulled really strong (it had 4.10 gears) and was very smooth with its power. It had power throughout the entire RPM range, much better then my TBI 350. Who would have thought that? ;)

I wouldn't think twice about getting a 6.0 for your uses. If they make a good deal, get the 2000.....

Jpshostr · August 3, 2001

Thanks for the comments guys. The truck with the 6.0L didn't work out, I couldn't get the price talked down enough. I'm looking over several trucks with the 5.7L now, hopefully by this time next week one of them will be mine.

pennscapes · August 13, 2001

hello,

I was bashing my own 6.0l for awhile, but now, have grown to like it.

Besides the 'diesel' sounding clicking in the morning, it's been a strong motor.

I really solved my doubts about the motor one day when I jumped in my friends older model 2500 with the 5.7. What a dog compared to my truck. That convinced me that I should be happy.

On the side note, if you are looking for more power, then go with 8.1. I like the 6.0, but sure could use that extra power.

pennscapes

(Edited by pennscapes at 9:26 pm on Aug. 12, 2001)

Shaners · August 13, 2001

Pennscapes,

As far as the clicking, I hear it too. I thought for awhile it was the Aluminum heads coming up to temp, but I'm 95% sure it is NOT the motor. I climbed all around the engine compartment one day when the truck was warming up, and my best guess is the noise we hear is actually coming from the 2 catalytic converters that are right behind the front fender wells. It is an exchaust noise and not a motor noise I'm hearing in my truck... I'll still have the dealer check it out anyways...

kc2aku · August 26, 2001

I was a little dissapointed in the racket my 6.0 makes after a cold start-up. I really like the get up and go it has. Mialage is decent for what it is (2500hd 4x4 regular cab), I normally get between 13 and 14.5 depending on my right foot and the route i take to work and back (it's a 60 mile round trip). I've gotten used to the fact that it revs high. It pulls a 7k cargo trailer with no problems and with power to spare. Dont get me wrong it's no big block, but it can hold it's own.

RIPMF · August 28, 2001

THat noice you all hear is also in my 8.1 they said it's the injectors tappin sounds like water sprinklers.

BDBWTE · April 30, 2002

The 6.0L is a very good motor and will work hard. I love it in my truck and I use it quite a bit. The 6.0 is just a great motor and will handle most anything that you throw at it.