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Old 06-16-2011, 05:14 PM   #1
Snowbirds
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Chevrolet 8.1 engine

Do any of you guys have a Chevrolet 2500HD with the 8.1 engine? I have a chance to pickup one reasonable with 36000 miles I was just wondering how it might pull our 2011 Montana 3465. Thanks.
 
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Old 06-16-2011, 09:10 PM   #2
restez
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A Friend of mine has one and says it has lots of power but you better hook a gas truck behind it. He said he gets 10 mpg empty and has never really towed anything but their hunting trailer with it and then he said he got 6 mpg. For my money I would look at diesel rather than gas.
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Old 06-17-2011, 02:19 AM   #3
8.1al
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We have a 2001 with the 8.1 and it does a good job of pulling our 13,500 lb. trailer but doesn't have the power of the new diesels. If I did lots and lots of mountain towing I might consider a diesel. As far a mileage goes, after 178,000 miles I can honestly report 7.9 towing, without the trailer 12 city/hwy and 14-15 hwy
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Old 06-17-2011, 02:44 AM   #4
mlh
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My brother and I pulled my camper to Wyoming with his 454. It did a fine job. I think we got about 7 or 8 mpg. I say go for it.
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Old 06-17-2011, 07:53 AM   #5
abonzer
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It all depends on what your towing plans are. I have a 2001 Chev with the 8.1 . I pull a 2001 2880RL. Bought them both new. Truck now has about 52,000 miles on it in a span of 12 years.
When I did my calculations the additional cost of the diesel would not pay off when you look at overall operating costs and the miles I planned to tow.
Do I wish I got the diesel? Sure, but at what cost?
As far as reliability, 8.1 is a great engine. Expect some piston slap noise when cold and high rpm's when pulling a big hill. Have never had any engine problems and I use regular dino oil. Like all Chevy big blocks, expect some oil usage.
Mileage is poor when empty as compared to the diesel and about 1 or 2 mpg lower when towing. Since all my miles are towing, that is acceptable to me.
For me, I'm happy, but as you can see from above, I'm not towing that much.
One thing I will say is the ride quality is horrible. I've added air bags, air hitch and still feel like I have to wear a kidney belt when towing on rough roads or California freeways.
I would think that you can pick this up for a really good price.
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Old 06-17-2011, 08:47 AM   #6
gbsb
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I have a 2001 GMC 3500 dually crew cab long bed with a 8.1 and allison auto.I tow a 40 foot Fuzion toyhauler with a Harley Ultra Classic in the back, Probably around 16000 pounds. The truck pulls fine but does get bad millage 11 mpg empty 8.3 average pulling at 60 mph. Truck has been paid for a long time and it just wasn't worth $50,00.00 dollars to get 4 more mpg and a little more power. That is just my own opionion I can buy a lot of gas for $50,000.00 dollars. Being retired I'm in no hurry either, Headed for Alaska on Sunday. Good luck with your decesion, I love my truck George
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Old 06-17-2011, 09:41 AM   #7
cotter key
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my buddy has an 8.1 and i have duramax the dm will out pull the gas but he is very happy with his
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Old 06-19-2011, 02:24 PM   #8
kdeiss
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I have a 2002 8.1 has given us great sevice I have never lacked power pulls the Va and WVa mountains with no problem,Gss was the right choice for us.At the time around 95,000 miles was the break even point of Diesel vs Gas if the price of fuel was the same. again at the time I purchased towing cap was the same
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Old 06-21-2011, 10:06 AM   #9
Art
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Hi Snowbirds!
Everyone seems to be right on with their 8.1 comments. My 2004 has no problems pulling my 37 foot 3670RL Montana but, as stated with my 4.10 axle, I average between 7.1 and 8.0 mpg pulling and about 11-12 mpg solo. I only have about 40,000 on my dually and, as others have stated, even with less mileage per gallon, I don't drive (pull) enough to justify the cost difference for a diesel. That is NOT to say that if I had unlimited funds that I wouldn't buy one! The 8.1 has worked well for me. Find out your axle ratio on the proposed truck...either a 3.73 or4.10. It does make a difference!
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Old 06-21-2011, 12:51 PM   #10
SAndreasen
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I love my '02 2500HD/ 8.1. I get about 14 solo and 8-10 towing. I've been all over the place. CA to TN, MN to TX with no problems. It just goes. I have about 98000 miles on it and it still works great. It just sits when we are not traveling, so most of the miles are towing/traveling miles. We have a 12,000 lbs TT because our pole building only has a 12' door. We really enjoy traveling with our 8.1/TT combo.
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