8.1 Owners

Polaris Man · October 8, 2002

I am thinking about buying an 2001 2500HD CrewCab 4x4 8.1/6sp. I would like to know from 8.1 owners, how do you like the 8.1, any problems with it, likes, dislikes? I'm not really worried about mileage( I looked at the pole on that) my truck only gets about 10 so Im used to lower mileage. Anyone have experience with the 8.1/ 6sp combo, how does it work? I would like to get this truck, it has 17,000 miles and they want 24,900$ for it, how does that price sound? Thanks for any help.

bcfitzsimons · October 8, 2002

Too much! I paid $30K for a brand new one with the Allison. Go to kelleybluebook.com and find out what they're acceptable price is. I'd bet it's lower than that. Fitz.

Polaris Man · October 8, 2002

I just checked KBB.com they said $28,910-dealer and $26,610-private party. I also checked NADA and it said $29,100- retail. I think these figures are a little high, i figured the truck is probably worth 24 or so.

mhsneon · October 8, 2002

I really enjoy my 8.1L, though the milage is low, it is not worst then I expected, and not much worse then my Ford V10. I generraly get 8-10mpg in town, and 12-14 on the highway. These numbers are unloaded, with a 5000lb trailer I have gotten up to 13mpg, on a trip that included climbing over two 11000+ foot passes. I really enjoy the 6pd, ecpecially when it comes to climbing up and down mountain passes, it seems like there is a gear for every situation. My truck has a 4.10 rearend which will effect miliage. Just for a comparison, my Ford V10, gets on average 2mpg better, but with a 3.73 rear.

2001 Sierra 2500HD 4x4 RC LB 8.1 6spd 4.10 Locker Ultimate Spray On Bed Liner,

Ranch Hand HD ROVER Front Replacement

Shaners · October 8, 2002

The used car market is very soft right now due in fact to the big rebates and low interest rates on new vehicles. I would work the dealer over and see if he won't come down a little more...

I'm guessing the truck you are looking at is an "LS" model since it has a 6-speed.

BTW, if you get it you'll love the crewcab over an excab especially if you take longer trips with more than 2 people in the truck.

bummed-n-Md · October 8, 2002

I really love my silverado 8.1L/allison crew cab. The crew cab is great for family trips. Lots of room and comforatble.

But I urge you to be forwarned about oil consumption.

I highly recommend before you buy, that you ask the dealer (especially the service department) about oil usage in these engines. Mainly to see what kind of answers you get. Some dealers won't even admit to it until after the sale.

If this is from a dealer, ask to see the service record on it before buying. If it is a private seller, ask the reasons for the sale (or go to the dealship where it was bought/serviced at to check for problems).

bummed....

CMNTMXR81 · October 8, 2002

Well, I don't have the 6spd so I can't comment on that but I love mine. It's also a great platform for some serious power as it's a relatively low compression motor @ 9.3:1. For price, mine is a fully loaded 2002, LT package with 8.1 & Allison, ext cab, 4x4, 6'.5" bed and I paid $29k brand new (7 miles on the odo).

The problem is, I'm saddled with the Allison. It's a great transmission for towing and hauling, hands down, end of story.

However, as some of you may have gathered from me, I'm a rather "spirited" driver, in which case the Allison now becomes a boat anchor. Having the 6 speed would probably be more advantagous at this point in time, however, I wanted the LT package which eliminated that as an option.

Another thing I'm tired of hearing from people besides the "cold knock" issue is the "oil consumption" issue. For the UMPTEENTH time.....BIG BLOCK V8's CONSUME OIL!!!!. They always have, and always will! Deal with it! I worked in a service department and I assure you, no one I know will hide the fact from you until you buy it. BIG BLOCKS CONSUME OIL!!!, oh wait, I already said that. You guys expect these things to make the power they make, subject them to HD usage, and then not burn a drop of oil. Get real! Part of the charm of a BBC is that it either burns it or drops it on the ground below! And as with the cold knock issue, it burns the same amount of oil if not less than the Big Block's from Dodge or ford.

As long as it makes it's power and does what I ask of it, I could care less about how much it knocks at start up and how many times I have to add a few quarts of oil! And if something IS wrong, it just gives me the OPPORTUNITY to build a mediocre 9.3:1 engine into a ground pounding Rat monster!

Not to sound repetitive, but for those that aren't listening;

BIG BLOCKS CONSUME OIL!!!

Polaris Man · October 8, 2002

I figured I could get them down some on price, I figured I would offer them 23,000 and see what happens. It wouldnt bother me to put oil in it. About how many miles before its a quart low? My dad has a crew cab so I know I want one, have been in extended cabs and I decided on a CC, especially for snowmobiling trips.

hogger999 · October 8, 2002

I have a little different set up than what you are looking at, and even though I'm in the middle of trading mine off its still the best truck I've ever had.

I think it would make the perfect truck for you since you have already accepted the things others are whining about.

As for price, the dealer I'm trading mine to is allowing me $26900 for it with 13,400 miles. Just ask yourself this. Is that truck worth 23 or 24K to me?

CMNTMXR81 · October 9, 2002

I check intermittently between oil changes. Sometimes it's be a half quart low, sometimes it's fine. It's usually not until oil change time (2-3k miles) that I notice the consumption.

bummed-n-Md · October 11, 2002

About how many miles before its a quart low?

Some people say I am whining. Not the case. I am usually a Qt low at 1200 to 1500 miles.

Yes I know engines consume oil and big blocks more than small, but.... 2 1/2 qts in 3000 miles is a lot. (I am not the only one experiencing this either)

As I stated in another thread, I am not whinning, I am just trying to prevent another consumer from being blind sided. If you accept 1 qt per 100 gallons of gas as "normal" oil use (GM's offical stance), then when you buy your truck, you have made an informed decision.

As I stated here and elsewhere I love everything about this truck except the oil consumption.

bummed....

CMNTMXR81 · October 11, 2002

Or fuel consumption.

tbyrne · October 14, 2002

My 8.1 Suburban probably uses about a quart of oil every 3000 miles so that isn't to bad. I'm asked other 8.1 owners about this and answers have been a quart anywhere from 1500-4000 miles.

Tom

Beaux Duke · October 18, 2002

Hey CMNTMXR81, do big blocks use oil?

My 8.1 is the first big block I've owned since '69. That one used a quart every 500 miles. I took it back to the dealer and we argued for a month before they agreed to tear it down.

When they did they found that every cylinder wall was scored. The block looked like someone had taken a hacksaw and sawed 4 or 5 grooves up and down in every cylinder. I didn't get a new motor out of the deal but I did get a new short block.

My current 8.1 uses about 1 quart in 3k miles but that's when I change it so I'm not overly concerned.

bummed, I'd have to agree with CMNTMXR81 that big blocks use oil but in my mind your's is using a tad too much.

Good luck

arm40 · October 19, 2002

Group: Members

Posts: 7

Joined: Oct. 2001 Posted: July 31 2002,8:18

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Had to put truck in for service 2 weeks ago. I have a 2002 3500 4x4 cc 8.1 ZF6 6 speed 4.10 rear . Here the problme when shifting gears between 2 and 3 engine would rev to 3000 rpm for about 10 to 15 sec when clutch was engaged Then would be ok for a short time. this is what dealer came up with. scan system for codes,no codes, no bulletins or pts. tech drove home several nights, condition would occur 1 time going home and sometimes 1 time back, called tech assist, told to disconnect battery overnight reconnect and drive , drive home 2 more nights after doing so condition did not aeoccur.according to enginer, may have beenlugging engine insted of downingshifting and computer learned saver condition and is the way it is beins driven, spoke to tech assist again after condition didnt reoccur, nothing more we can do closed case .if anybody else had this happen let me know . had truck 10 days still not sure it is fixed has not happend sence i got it back. arm40