8.1L or 6.6L

challenger818 · August 18, 2003

Hi all, I'm the new guy with a few questions. First off I want a diesel truck, I don't really need it but thats what I want. My problem is that am a volenteer firefighter in a northern climate so if we get a run and I hafta light up a stone cold diesel at 2 AM in the middle of january and not give it any warm up time is that gonna have any big negative on the life of the motor? would a gas motor be better for this type of situation? I know that is rough on any motor but I would think it would affect diesel more so. Thanks for any input.

One other thing, If i do go Gas i'd also look at a 2500 Av. or Sub, but you can't get the Ally in those right? Decisions.....decisions..........

Thanks

awdvkd · August 18, 2003

Before you open this can of worms once again, I would suggest you do a search on the subject. There has been numerouse debates on this subject. search 8.1 and Duramax you will find plenty of info.

ShortCrew · August 18, 2003

Get either one, then buy an aftermarket remote starter kit. With the push of a button, you can start the truck from inside your home and it will be warming up while your still getting dressed.

tmf6902 · August 18, 2003

I would get what ever YOU want....and you are correct the sub and I don't think the alv come with the Ally

CMNTMXR81 · August 18, 2003

The Allison IS NOT available in the Suburban or Avalanche.

Like mentioned, so a search, this topic is a heated one and has been discussed to great length before. Start by searching the HD section as that's where most of it is.

422 SS · August 18, 2003

Dmax all the way.I have one of each and the Dmax is my favorite hands down.Spend the extra $4000.00 up front and get better performance,trade-in value and double the mileage when towing.Don't be afraid of an extended warm up for a Dmax.Fire it up let it idle for 30-45 sec drop it in gear and slowly accelerate till you get to speed.That's all you need to do and the truck will warm up alot faster than just idling.Either will do the job,the Dmax is just a better value.We had several nights last winter below 0 deg and my Dmax started every time,never plugged it in either,come to think of it I don't even know where the plugs at.

BDBWTE · August 19, 2003

Yes to many arguments over the 8.1 and the 6.6. You know what one you want in your mind. Don't settle get what makes you happy period. Other people don't make the payments and drive the truck everyday you do.

k1500chevy97 · August 19, 2003

I would go diesel .

In the fire service where i am from we have almost all diesels and as soon as they are started up they are out the door at full throttle .

So far we have not had any problems with our diesel apparatus engine wise .

If you are responding and are more than a couple mins away i would say go with the diesel or if you leave your personal vehicle idle at the scene go with diesel . the only way i would choose the 8.1 over the dmax would be if i am responding to the station 100% of the time and the station was right around the block