Duramax peppy, NOT?

medons · May 2, 2004

I'm REAL close to a buying decision on a new 2500HD, CC, SWB, 4x4, D/A truck. I test drove a new one today and was disappointed with the acceleration/pickup. I have been very familiar with the Ford diesels over the last three years, 7.3L and now the 6.0L PSD. I found the chevy D/A to have a significant delay in acceleration 2-3 seconds from flooring it, and then a lack of guts when it did start to wind up. I was surprised, because a friend's 2001 D/A seemed very similar in performance to the Ford diesels I was used to. So. . . me and the wife went immediately to the Ford dealer and test drove an F350 4x4, CC, SWB, 6.0L PSD and yep, as expected it was peppy! I am wondering if the truck I drove is maybe a little weak, or they take time to break in or what? Can anybody enlighten me? I think the GM truck is way better except in this one critical area. I hope to test drive a different chevy tommorrow to see if it was just that one or are they all not as powerful. Looking forward to some expert advice.

coyotekid · May 2, 2004

Well, I'm no expert, and I haven't proven my feelings with a dyno, but here's what I have to offer.

I've driven a 2000 Ford 7.3/4-speed auto and a 2001 Duramax/Allison quite a bit under all conditions. To me, the Duramax feels a lot snappier in all conditions--loaded, unloaded, pulling a trailer, etc.

I have to say, however, as much as I hate admitting it , I really like that Powersmoke. It has good power, very smooth, and just runs down the road nicely.

My complaints? It doesn't handle nearly as well as the Chevy, and it is really loud in the cab.

Bottom line: In my experience the Duramax is way quicker in stock form than a 7.3 in stock form, both with auto trannies.

coyotekid · May 2, 2004

Another thing... Did both have the same rearend? I know the DMax only comes with a 3.73 ratio, but does Ford offer something lower, such as a 4.10? This could definitely make a difference.

PMatt75002 · May 2, 2004

I guess I had the exact opposite experience. I am a longtime Chevy owner, and bought a GMC Duramax last Friday. I was actually leaning toward the F250 Powerstroke, since dealers in this area tend to offer better prices. After driving both repeatedly, I bought the GMC. I couldn't get past how sluggish the 250 was. A week later, I am absolutely satisfied with my decision. My advice: go drive another one.

422 SS · May 2, 2004

I've driven a 2000 Ford 7.3/4-speed auto and a 2001 Duramax/Allison quite a bit under all conditions. To me, the Duramax feels a lot snappier in all conditions--loaded, unloaded, pulling a trailer, etc.

Bottom line: In my experience the Duramax is way quicker in stock form than a 7.3 in stock form, both with auto trannies.

The Dmax is like driving a hotrod compared to a 7.3 stroker.The new 6.0 stroker however should run right along with a Dmax in stock form.Remember a Duramax has to warm up to full operating temperature before all the power is available.A cold Duramax is kinda of a dog.

medons · May 2, 2004

It's true that I sat in the lot for only about 30-60 seconds running before driving off. I immediately noticed the transmission drag when letting off the pedal, but this is by design. I would say I didn't get to goose it real good for about 3 minutes as we got from the dealership to the freeway on ramp. By then I had noticed several times that the acceleration lagged by a few seconds. When I floored it to go onto the freeway I was considerably disappointed. When I drove the Ford PSD 6.0L, F350, we were at the freeway ramp in less than 2 minutes, and it never hesitated to push you back in your seat. I'm going to drive different chevy today. I'll report back.

americanmuscleman · May 2, 2004

When I first bought my truck (about four weeks ago) it didn't seem really smooth and responsive. After about two weeks, it smoothed out quite a bit and now the shifts and power are awesome. The computer learns how you drive and adapts to it.

The other thing I've noticed is that the truck feels a lot more powerful and faster at 1000 miles than it did when it was brand new.

I'm extremely happy with the Duramax/Allison.

I mulled over getting an F250 for a while, but I'm very glad I got 2500HD. I don't regret not buying an F250 at all.

KyleBst264 · May 3, 2004

I brought my bone stock 2003 2500hd, duramax/allison, ext. cab, 4x4, lt, long-bed up to the track and ran the 1/4 mile in 16.36 seconds. The Duramax, like any other diesel engine, takes a while to warm up. The Allison needs to be up to temp as well.

Chevyfreek · May 3, 2004

Medons,

Make sure your are driving one of the new LLY Duramax trucks. There are some 04's out there with the old Duramax Engines in them. A couple of months ago I drove two 04's, one was the old Duramax and the other was a brand new EC/LB 3500SRW Silverado with the LLY Duramax in it. The LLY just flat out ran stronger the other truck. Look for the LLY engine code on the sticker in the glove box. That way you know you are driving the latest and greatest Duramax....