I am looking to buy a new Chevy truk, but I am trying to decide on which type. I currently have a 1997 K1500 Z71 with a 5.7 V8. I am looking into a Vortec Max 6.0 V8 or a Duramax Diesel 6.6 V8 Turbo. Can anyone give pointers on both of these enginees, the pros and cons.

 

If you do a lot of short trips, a diesel is not for you. They are meant to pull and run.

If you are used to the 5.7, the mileage the 6.0 gets will be a huge shock. That being said, the 6.0 is a great motor in the preNBS trucks. You can pull 13mpg out of them if you drive nice, but you can drive anyway you want and pull 11 regularly. They are also very reliable.

 

The deisel is alright... gets about 12-14mpg... I like all the features including the auto/manual transmission.

The K1500s are great trucks... especially if you take care of em...

 

prior to purchaseing my 2 whl drive silverado extended cab, with a 5.3cu.in 315hp with the 3.73 rear gear, I test drove a new 06' 2500 4x4 with a 6.0 litre, the truck got 11, yes eleven MPG on the highway. I needed a truck to be my everyday driver and tow my 7700# camper on occation, it does both well, and I get 16 to 17mpg in the city, and the truck is rated at towing 8000# and oh yeah the 5.3 is rated at 315 hp!, ya should test drive one and ask yourself what you need from a truck?

 

6.0 is a dog and diesel is 3.45 a gallon. Go with the 5.3

 

In my experience with these trucks and engines (and I have a lot of experience driving these trucks) an 08 Duramax 4X4 crew cab (CK20743) I routinely get 18mpg+ on the highway and 15 city. In the 1500 Crew Cab 4X4 with the Vortec-Max it normally returns 15-16 Hwy and 13-14 city with the new 2500 series getting about 1-2mpg worse.

 

I testdrove an 08' Crew Cab, 6.0 with a 3.73 as I wanted some kick in the but power.

However, I was disappointed in the power. I alsohave an 07 5.3 Suburban and was expecting a big difference. Almost felt worst. So I purchased an 08 with the 5.3. Can not really tell any difference. Maybe the one I test drove was a dog? I flogged it with the salesman but it did not excite me. Suburban and the truck feel almost the same and get the same mileage.

Go with the 5.3l unless you really need some towing power.

 

Power delivery on the 6.0L Vortec Max power plant is very linear due to the torque management calibrations, the lack of a peaky power curve makes it feel deceptively slower then it actually is.
You really have to watch the speedo and the Dodge Hemi getting further away in your rearview mirror to appreciate the power, the 4.10 axle ratio also helps a little.