Why I Won't Be Trading My Hd/cc/8.1-ally Any Time Soon

Daubs · August 7, 2007

Wife is about to pull the trigger on a new Yukon Denali and all that looking got me thinking about a new truck. The Crew Cab is over three years old and I really love it. But last two trucks were 3 year leases and I got pretty used to trading every 2.5 years or so. The Crew is a 5 year, 0% financing thingy, so I got that going for me.

But all that looking at new trucks really made me appreciate my truck. And I've come to the conclusion that I will not be trading off any time soon. Some of the reasons:

The 8.1L Big Block is no longer offered(!) If you haven't driven one it's hard to explain. Yes, different than the Duramax, but rated to tow just as much, if not more. And as someone pointed out, you can get the D-max and the Big Block in a 4500 and 5500 medium duty trucks...but when you step up to the 6500, 7500 & 8500's, the D-max is not offered...but the 8.1 Big Block is! That tells me something...
DIC -- GM changed the driver information center for 06, removing some key components that I really enjoy in my 2004.
The NBS HD's are basically a new body on the same old frame.
In the NBS trucks you can't get the "old school" dash with heated leather seats. Heated seats only available with the SUV style dash.
Extended warranty on this truck takes me to 100k miles with 0 deductable
I'm very comfortable and used to controls, fit and feel of this vehicle
Brother calls it the "cattle truck" because of ride and work truck like attitude. If I did trade, I'd probably opt for a 1500, and only like the looks of the 20's on the NBS. I like the cattle truck / work truck / HD thing as opposed to the bling of 20's and a good looking ride
Knocking out 10-11 MPG city and 11-13 MPG highway from the Big Block. Pretty darn good for a 496cid engine!

That's my story for now. I'm sure I'm missing some items for this list. And I'm sure I will probably change my mind sometime in the future and trade her off. But for now, it's Big Block Crew Cab HD truck for me

asilverblazer · August 7, 2007

DIC -- GM changed the driver information center for 06, removing some key components that I really enjoy in my 2004.

The NBS HD's are basically a new body on the same old frame.

What was removed from the Driver Information Center? (I feel like a pervert calling it DIC)

And the frame thing will only be around a little while longer.

davefr · August 7, 2007

I agree 100%.

The 8.1 get's a bad rap because of fuel consumption but LMM owners are also reporting bad mileage in spite of the $8k premium price they had to pay for Duramax. They also usually pay a higher price for diesel. (most of the time it's higher then regular gas).

The classic 8.1's will run circles around Duramax's except in heavy towing situations.

We might not have the wood grain fly paper dash inserts but we have real tranny temp gauges!!!

peter34668 · August 7, 2007

I agree 100%.

The 8.1 get's a bad rap because of fuel consumption but LMM owners are also reporting bad mileage in spite of the $8k premium price they had to pay for Duramax. They also usually pay a higher price for diesel. (most of the time it's higher then regular gas).

The classic 8.1's will run circles around Duramax's except in heavy towing situations.

We might not have the wood grain fly paper dash inserts but we have real tranny temp gauges!!!

I'm getting GREAT mileage with my LMM diesel. I'm consistently obtaining 17 MPG and if I stay on the highway it's 20 MPG. Yes that is hand calculated not based on the DIC but the DIC is always close anyway.

I'm not so sure about the 8.1 running circles around the Duramax because I have not driven both. I'll assume you have spent adequate time driving both so I'll take you for your word. The Duramax has 365HP and 660 Torque, what does the 8.1 have? Perhaps it's close please let me know.

I traded my 06 in for my 07 so yes I have had both. My 06 was a 6.0 so I can't speak for power. I also will tell you I looked at 20 LMMs before buying one. The chrome/silver dash was disgusting to me but I love it in black. I have 2 buddies now with the classic style. We trade trucks and romp on them every month or so. Every truck has something special about it but I love my diesel and yes it will kick their buts in power (they do not have an 8.1 so again I have no experience with them. It has the feel of a real truck to me. Hell if air brakes were an option I would have gotten that too.

As far as diesel not being cheaper it's always 10 cents a gallon cheaper around here but what's a dime at $2.95 a gallon. Long range I thing diesel will stay cheaper because there is less refining in making the diesel fuel and right now we have some issues in this country with not enough refineries.

The economy of these engines is fantastic however and also in my opinion a true truck is a diesel. Just how many gas tractor-trailer rigs have you ever seen? How many Gas/electric trains? How many Gas cruise ships are there?

Anyway don't be so quick to dismiss the new trucks nor the diesels. Yes it takes some time but seriously most people say the same thing about any new model that comes out.

thecraft · August 7, 2007

I like the cattle truck / work truck / HD thing as opposed to the bling of 20's

I hear you. I hate seeing trucks with huge f'in wheels and thin sidewalls. Give me some old school 15" rims!

Daubs · August 7, 2007

Anyway don't be so quick to dismiss the new trucks nor the diesels. Yes it takes some time but seriously most people say the same thing about any new model that comes out.

Peter. I'm not bagging on the Duramax. Wonderful engine that pulls like a freight train. It's just that I prefer the Big Block over the D-max. Drove CC's with all three engines when I was deciding back in 04. The D-max felt very "heavy" in the front end to me, but had amazing powerband. The 6.0 just felt like it was working hard all the time to motivate the CC. The 8.1 drove the best to me.

All I'm saying is that I'm not going to be trading off my Big Block any time soon. Let's not turn this into a gas vs. diesel thread...

GRB60 · August 7, 2007

Daubs, it's all about how you look at it. If you can be happy with 10-11 MPG as a trade-off for all the power of the BB, then you've got the right package.

I don't think I could live with the MPG unless I needed the towing capacity on a daily basis.

tbyrne · August 8, 2007

I had a 2002 Suburban with the 8.1. That one was supercharged and it moved pretty good. Actually, it moved very good! The other was an '02 Silverado HD. My only complaint about those trucks was the mileage. The HD was lifted with big tires so the bad mileage was my fault. The Suburban got average 8.1 mileage but it wasn't good while towing. Best was 7.8 pulling about 10,000lbs. Other than that they were great trucks and the 8.1 held it's own even while stock.

My LMM mileage has been about 16/17 for a mix of country road/highway driving. I'm looking forward to a road trip while towing to see what it will do. I'm expecting about 11.

The 2004 and new trucks all have good features. Just depends what you like!

k3500CC8.1 · August 8, 2007

Daubs,

Totally agree with you. When I found out they were discounting the 8.1L, I quickly sold my 03 Duramax and ordered my 06 8.1L K3500.. I bought the truck mainly to put up in storage, but do rarely tow with it.. I figure the future holds extremely tight regulations that will keep pushing us towards gas engines like the 6.0L(they rev high but have no low end power) or the diesel(with super complex emission controls that will be extremely expensive to repair as the years go on).

Now, I've got the exact truck I've always wanted in the exact extremely controlled environment that will ensure I will have a great tow vehicle over the next 20 years whenever I need it(as long as it's not raining ;-) And a pretty rare show truck as well.. I'm betting in 20-30 years an extremely prestine(less that 20K miles) 8.1L truck will capture much more attention than the dime a dozen diesel.. I've got the means to test that theory, so God willing I'll see if my theory is correct.... I'm just greatful to have an understanding wife that let's me get away with these "projects" and a large garage....

BigJayDogg3 · August 8, 2007

Daubs,

Totally agree with you. When I found out they were discounting the 8.1L, I quickly sold my 03 Duramax and ordered my 06 8.1L K3500.. I bought the truck mainly to put up in storage, but do rarely tow with it.. I figure the future holds extremely tight regulations that will keep pushing us towards gas engines like the 6.0L(they rev high but have no low end power) or the diesel(with super complex emission controls that will be extremely expensive to repair as the years go on).

Now, I've got the exact truck I've always wanted in the exact extremely controlled environment that will ensure I will have a great tow vehicle over the next 20 years whenever I need it(as long as it's not raining ;-) And a pretty rare show truck as well.. I'm betting in 20-30 years an extremely prestine(less that 20K miles) 8.1L truck will capture much more attention than the dime a dozen diesel.. I've got the means to test that theory, so God willing I'll see if my theory is correct.... I'm just greatful to have an understanding wife that let's me get away with these "projects" and a large garage....

I think this has to be one of the smartest things I have heard in a long time. With the fact that the HDs are becoming more mainstream, you will have someone who will want one and will pay a premium to do get it. Nice shot, and good luck keeping up with it.

k3500CC8.1 · August 8, 2007

Thanks BJD3..... I remember back in 1987 when Chevrolet had an extremely hard time selling all 6052 of it's 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupes. Main reason, people did not like the modified back glass. They are now the most sought out and valuable model of that bodystyle.. I'm hoping to add one of those to the collection soon...

BigJayDogg3 · August 8, 2007

I just wish I had the money to buy cars just to collect, alas I am broke, and in need of a car.

921500Z71 · August 8, 2007

Daubs,

Totally agree with you. When I found out they were discounting the 8.1L, I quickly sold my 03 Duramax and ordered my 06 8.1L K3500.. I bought the truck mainly to put up in storage, but do rarely tow with it.. I figure the future holds extremely tight regulations that will keep pushing us towards gas engines like the 6.0L(they rev high but have no low end power) or the diesel(with super complex emission controls that will be extremely expensive to repair as the years go on).

Now, I've got the exact truck I've always wanted in the exact extremely controlled environment that will ensure I will have a great tow vehicle over the next 20 years whenever I need it(as long as it's not raining ;-) And a pretty rare show truck as well.. I'm betting in 20-30 years an extremely prestine(less that 20K miles) 8.1L truck will capture much more attention than the dime a dozen diesel.. I've got the means to test that theory, so God willing I'll see if my theory is correct.... I'm just greatful to have an understanding wife that let's me get away with these "projects" and a large garage....

Thats what people are looking for in my area with the 88-98 half tons. An old man had a 96 i believe with 20k on the odo. Sold it a couple months ago for just a tick under 15k. I would imagine the same will happen for big blocks. If somebody really wants something they are gonna pay premium guranteed. I dont remember what the percenteges for each motor were for 06 model year, but the 8.1's probably made up less than 5% of all HDs sold that year. Very rare to start out with but you have to find the right buyer.

peter34668 · August 9, 2007

I just wish I had the money to buy cars just to collect, alas I am broke, and in need of a car.

OMG you have a clean truck! It looks great!

BigJayDogg3 · August 11, 2007

Thanks. Actually its not mine, its my dad's, but I do the research for mods and stuff, so that is why I stole his pic. I think this was taken RIGHT after we got it. The truck was kind of rough around the edges when we got it. It wasn't damaged or anything, but it needed a good wash and wax and after that it was looking really nice. The fact that it looked like it did when we got it actually helped because it forced the dealership to push the price down.