I don't know about the rest of you.....

[sreigle]

Azstar, just a couple of comments, if I may. First, the V10 also costs a premium. Our '99 model was around $1000 or $1100. Less than the diesel, howver. Second, my diesel oil changes actually cost me just about the exact same as my gas oil changes. The reason? I went from changing every 3000 mile on the gas engine to every 5000 miles on the diesel. This last diesel still was on the full mark with no oil added at oil change time each and every time. I put 51k on it in 16 months, much of it towing. Anyhow by going to the 5k mile oil change, which is what is recommended for 'severe service' in my manual, my cost per thousand miles is ten dollars, gas (3k mile changes) or diesel (5k mile changes).

In 1999 I went gas V10 because it more practically fit my situation. I was still working, it was my daily driver, the nearest diesel station was 3 miles the other way. After retiring and going fulltime we started with the gasser and I was happy with it. When we realized the rate we were piling up miles and we already had 69k on the gasser, we decided to go diesel.

I think the gas/diesel decision is one of what best fits the individual's wants and needs. Both can do a great job.

[Montana_593]

Steve

Hell of a note the things we lust for at our age. Congratulations on the new truck.

[Montana_1424]

Here in Syracuse, NY, in april when I bought my diesel, it was 1.75 a gallon, cost be about 45-50 bucks to fill the tank. Now, at 2.40 a gallon, it is about $80 per gallon. Needless to say, my brand new truck has now sat in my driveway for 3 weeks now, with a full tank. I am afraid to drive it LOL. Saturday, the Montana will go into storage, and my truck will again, sit for weeks with a full tank. What else is threre to do?
While I get improved milage over my 3/r ton HEMI, at 15 MPG, my truck only has 9600 miles on it, and has a way to go to hit that break in mileage, although it is gettign better. K and N just released the FPIK for the new Cummins 600 engine, I think i will try that for the 10% better fuel economy, every little bit helps.

[Bob Pasternak]

For anyone that's interested here is a formula for calculating power loss at altitude on a naturally aspirated engine.:

"...Oops, forgot to include the formula for HP loss at altitude. the following is a fairly accurate way to determine power loss at altitude...."

sea level HP x 0.03 x altitude divided by 1000

Chris

5000 feet equals a 15% loss.
6000 feet equals a 18% loss.
7000 feet equals a 21% loss.
10,000 feet equals a 30% loss.