whats faster

01hdcrewcab4x4black · March 10, 2002

im wondering who would be faster has any one raced a 6.0 aganst the 8.1?

Raven · March 10, 2002

If all things were equal - same truck configuration, same gear ratios, etc - and the only differences are the drive trains (4 spd auto in the 6.0 vs 5 spd Ally in the 8.1) - then my money would be on the 8.1 with the monster HP and Torque numbers. It probably wouldn't embarrass the 6.0, but it should definitely show its tail-lights easily.

gandolphxx · March 10, 2002

I am with Raven on htis one - even with the extra weight of the Allison.

Stepside Z · March 10, 2002

The answer to this question is quite surprising. I am sitting here looking at the Mar/Apr issue of Truck Trend and on page 27 it list some of the test data for 2002 truck of the year compitition. They tested 1500 Av with a 5.3 and a 2500 Av with a 8.1. The 1500 ran 0-60 in 8.65 sec and the quarter in 16.53 @ 83.91. The 2500 ran 0-60 in 8.78 sec and the quarter in 16.59 @ 83.68. I wonder how the 6.0 would do?

Raven · March 10, 2002

But a 1500 vs 2500 HD is no equal comparison. Why? Because it's apples and oranges since the weights are not equal, most likely not even close.

The 5.3 is a great motor, no doubt about it. But comparing the 1500 vs the 2500 would be like trying to compare a Regular cab to a Crew Cab as to which one would fit in your garage better.

It's just not a true comparison unless all things are equal. Sorry - my money would still be on the 8.1/Ally combo versus the 6.0 (and I own a 6.0) in a similarly equipped truck/model.

HP sells vehicles - torque moves them. ;)

bluenote · March 11, 2002

An added viewpoint...in a very un-scientific check, my 2500HD crew cab/short box was just over 8 seconds 0-60. This truck has the duramax/allison. If I power-brake and build up rpm's to get the turbo to kick in right away, this truck flat-out screams, easily faster than my 99 with a 454 gasser. I think they are all capable engines, and I know I enjoy the looks on the young guys faces in my rear-view mirror after their little car gets smoked by my dmax!

Kansas Kid · March 11, 2002

If you really want to try out a truck that is fun to drive, find yourself a 8.1/6-speed. I have talked to several people who own this combo, and even driven one. General consenses is that this combo will leave an 8.1/Allison somewhere between 2-4 truck lengths back in similar trucks when racing to the fuel cutoff. Pretty big difference, just goes to show what kind of power it takes to turn that Allison tranny.

CMNTMXR81 · March 11, 2002

My bet is on the 8.1. Same weight, same gearing, etc, etc. In N/A forms, cubes will always win, especially when it comes to lugging 6,000+ pounds around. The only thing slowing the 8.1 down is the Allison. It robs a lot of power, but that's the price you pay to have a bulletproof transmission for HD use.

jelisfc · March 11, 2002

The other thing to look at is first gear ratios. The 4L80E has a numerically lower first gear (2.48:1) than the Allison or 4L60E (3.10 and 3.06). That's about 25% lower for the Alli or 4L60E.

Personally I used to launch a 454 4spd in granny low with great results. I'm not sure if a new ZF can be shifted that fast but that may really be the ticket.