8.1 vs. Duramax

01Sierra · July 4, 2005

Forget the HP numbers, the tourque numbers, etc. Which of these two motors is going to make the truck faster, more fun, noticeable seat of the pants type power. Let's say you have a 2500HD with 3.73 rear and bone stock. Both trucks have Allys. Which one is going to have the quicker acceleration and so forth.

I know for towing etc. the Duramax is going to be the one with the most power and all. I'm just talking about taking a truck that would normally be used for everyday working conditions, and just having some fun with it. Or let me it put it this way... When some little snot nose driving his father's Maxima wants to try and jump in front of me at a traffic light, which of these two is gonna **** him off more when I punch it and keep him from cutting me off?

TieRod · July 4, 2005

Stock for stock The 8.1 is a little quicker but with a programmer. The D-Max will fly! This is probably the way would want to go. 8.1's take a little more work to get them to go fast but they will do it. If you get a 8.1 all the gas stations will get to know you well.

Mark_in_Tulsa · July 4, 2005

Yeah the Dmax may be a hair slower stock, but it has way more easier potential to take advantage of.

Plus the Dmax beats it in all the other catagories....towing, MPG, durability, smell

moo snutz · July 4, 2005

I can't vouch for the Duramax or the Allison, but my 8.1 runs like a raped ape.

Wingnut · July 4, 2005

I can't vouch for the Duramax or the Allison, but my 8.1 runs like a raped ape.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Raped a lot of apes in your time?

01Sierra · July 4, 2005

You guys are making this even tougher for me. I really was hoping to hear that the 8.1 would be better than the Duramax. Both motors are overkill for me. I currently have the 6.0 and it's enough for me in terms of being practical. I'm not always practical though and just want to really get into the pedal at times.

I figure the Duramax will save me anywhere from $5-800 in gas a year, so that'll pay for the added cost of the motor over time. However, a diesel is just so much more than what I need. Looking at what people have posted about upgrades (I checked out the Edge and some exhaust systems), I'm probably going to put at least another $1,500 into a Duramax. I imagine maintenance on them is more as well. I would also think a Dmax is going to hold it's value a little more when it comes time to sell it too. Does a Duramax make any difference in terms of ride quality, steering, etc.?

I'm really leaning towards a Dmax. Any of you 8.1 guys got some reasons to sway me?

01Sierra · July 4, 2005

I can't vouch for the Duramax or the Allison, but my 8.1 runs like a raped ape.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've never met a raped ape... Don't think I want to either.

moo snutz · July 4, 2005

"Raped a lot of apes in your time?"

I started out spanking monkeys

moo snutz · July 4, 2005

01Sierra - unless you drive a lot of miles every year, the Dmax will take a while to pay for it self. Especially, if it's 3 or 4 miles a day to and from work. I had a 2003 6.0 & it was a great engine but in the back of my mind, I was always wishing for the 8.1 - I'll never look back. The power is awesome and you only give up a little bit of gas mileage. The modding possibilities are definitely better with the Dmax though. FWIW

linda · July 4, 2005

go drive them. then make up your mind. I think you cant loose with either one.

Bud · July 4, 2005

Forget the HP numbers, the tourque numbers, etc. Which of these two motors is going to make the truck faster, more fun, noticeable seat of the pants type power. Let's say you have a 2500HD with 3.73 rear and bone stock. Both trucks have Allys. Which one is going to have the quicker acceleration and so forth.

I know for towing etc. the Duramax is going to be the one with the most power and all. I'm just talking about taking a truck that would normally be used for everyday working conditions, and just having some fun with it. Or let me it put it this way... When some little snot nose driving his father's Maxima wants to try and jump in front of me at a traffic light, which of these two is gonna **** him off more when I punch it and keep him from cutting me off?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I went through the same thing. I figured, the way I drive,

it would take me 8 to 10 years of better mpg to pay for the

Dmax. The Dmax is great but it's hard to beat that BIGBLOCK!!

Just my opinion.

KyleBst264 · July 4, 2005

Here we go again!

TieRod · July 4, 2005

No if ands buts about it the D-Max are a lot easier to get more power. A program and you have a extra 220hp. But a 8.1 takes more effort. With exhaust, cam, tune, and a CAI. Chevy 8.1 dropped more than 2sec off his 1/4 mile times.

dewfpo · July 4, 2005

Both are great engines.... it depends on what you need or want.

I drove both the 8.1 and the Dmax back to back. My seat of the pants feeling was that the 8.1 was faster off the line.....meaning more fun. Once the Dmax got above 2200 rpm it pulled like a train.

So if you keep them both stock and don't drive a ridiculous amount of miles with the truck each year. My preference is the 8.1.

If you drive allot or are planiing on upgrading the engine and tranny, then go for the dmax.

My 1 cent.

DEWFPO

01Sierra · July 4, 2005

I went back and read an old thread on the subject and I might end up with the 8.1 afterall. The issue that might decide it for me is the fact that I do a lot of short trips. I do around 18K a year, but half of that is 5-10 miles at a time. I'm a contractor, so my commute to work varies on a daily basis. Somedays it's 5 miles, others it's 50. I've been trying to drive an 8.1 for a while now, but nobody has them on their lots, and I've got about 15 dealers within 30 miles of me.

I love the idea of having the Duramax and modding it. I especially like the idea of being able to adjust how much jump the truck will have with edge. Being that I'm not looking to drive it hard everyday, probably less than 10% of the time, that's a feature that I'd love. The cost difference is only $3,450 between the two trucks I'm looking at (using the build feature on GMC.com). The two trucks msrp's are well over 40K, so that doesn't phase me at this point. I plan on a tune, exhaust, and CAI for whatever I buy, so there's not a huge difference there. However, if my short trips are going to wreak havoc on the diesel, then it's probably not for me.

The one thing that makes it really hard for me to just pick the 8.1 and be done with it is milage. I'm averaging 11.3 right now with 6.0 and 4.10 rear. I've got visions of me getting less than 10mpg with the 8.1 and 3.73 rear, and that would really suck.

I wasn't looking to start a debate over diesel vs. gas. I really like things about each. Thanks for the replies everyone.