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help with Chevy express 3500 15 pax engine size

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Old Jul 11, 2016 | 3:52 PM
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DavidNolan600's Avatar
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Default help with Chevy express 3500 15 pax engine size

first time user.


We own a 2001 3500 15 pax. I bought it in 2004 with 30K on it and its a 2001. I paid 12,500 for it in Rock Hill SC. Everybody laughed at me back then. Im at 155,000 miles with very little maintenance and issues other than replacing the bearings, brakes, two sets of tires, some plug wires. Shes really getting tired and starting to use some oil, like 1.5 quarts on the last 1400 mile trip this week. No AC working ( we just drove back and forth to SC 1400 miles with no AC over 100 last Tuesday - took the back glass out ) and she leaks a tiny bit of water at idle, but none running down the road. stuck open thermo and a one rim must be out of whack as there is a little wobble that's not the bearing, most of the belts and hoses look like they are ready to go bye bye too. has a vapor lock on really hot days that shuts us down for 10-15 mins too at idle. wife seems to really enjoy that one


looked at transits and no way we are going in the standard roof sardine can with those little buckets.


so we are looking at a 2013 with 41,000 miles on it for 19,775. I have seven kids so its needed. we fill it sometimes. my question is it has the 4.8 l engine. my old van has the 6.0. I don't tow but I love mashing the gas on the 6.0 and it hauls ***.


will I be sorry with the 4.8 L engine on the 2013?


thanks for any help


Dave Nolan Cecil County Md DavidNolan600@gmail.com
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Old Jul 11, 2016 | 9:11 PM
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It will be fine.
Your old van did not have the 6 litre, as that was not out yet. You had a 2001 so it was either the vortec 5.7 or the big block 8.1. The 5.7 was 250 hp, and the big block was 340.
The 4.8 is 280hp, and with the 3.42 gears you will see a nice improvement in fuel economy.
I just got a 2013 1500 awd passenger with the 5.3 and it is faster, more powerful, and better on gas than my old 2002 express.
I think you will be happy.
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Old Jul 11, 2016 | 9:12 PM
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http://www.gmc.com/content/dam/GMC/g...a_Brochure.pdf
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Old Jul 12, 2016 | 8:13 AM
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I have a 2014 3500 van. They are a bit harsh with the factory ride. I put on bilstein shocks and michelin tires and that really improved the ride. I would go with the smaller engine if you don't need the performance and your not pulling a trailer. I have the 6.0 and it sucks lots of gas but I have a trailer and sometimes pull a camper. I also have six kids and this van works perfect. I agree with canucklehead.
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