Planning to move northward into an area with mountains, hills, rough back roads, snow, etc. Snow isn't the issue or concern - I grew up in it. My question is what are the pros and cons in say a Duramax vs. a 6.0l HD2500 for example?

I'm wanting a pretty stout truck, good ground clearance, reliability, etc. I know the 6.0l's inside and out but have virtually no experience with diesels.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Dmax with out a doubt. Your moving to higher elevation and an NA motor sucks even more in up here. With the Dmax, you still have a turbo to make up most of the difference. Plus will get better mileage and tow MUCH better then a gas motor. I would not want a gas motor without a turbo up here.

 

Duramax FTW I traded off my built up 6.0L for a Dmax and my truck stock still impresses me only thing that i dont like is its a little chilly less i use high idle in the winter but for fuel economy
CCSB 6.0L 450KM to a tank
ECSB Dmax 800KM to a tank

on the same highway going the same speed

 

Yep get the diesel, you will not be disappointed If you're looking at GMT800's, get an 06 or 07 classic with the LBZ.

 

thunder you change the drivers side manifold out to the BD manifold yet? I'm waiting for some one to make the swap and see if it makes a difference

 

Huh? I have no idea what you're talking about

Whatever it is though, I'm not doing it Save for a shift kit and some slight tweaking of the tune, I'm not messing with this truck.

 

Get the duramax for sure. Oh and those BD diesel manifolds don't help. I used to own a duramax

 

Talk to 1slow01z71. He put the BD manifold on his old truck.

 

I love my Dukeymax!!!!
but remember everything cost 3 times as much and when it breaks it breaks!!
list of things to do.
TRANSMISSION and CONVERTER>>period i know you will be hot ******* that mother..... so the trans will be the FIRST TO GO.
ask me how i know..
up pipes,down pipe,full exhaust and the "manifolds" stock manifolds are a disaster........ "BD" not worth the work but it does help,take it a step further if your gonna do it. here is some info- http://profabperformance.com/jm/
i own a LLY. so if you get one,you could do the LBZ Turbo Inlet swap. on the diesel forums they call it the "MP" mouth piece.
egr delete.
TUNE.
PCV Reroute.
Airdog 150 Gen II.
TURBO
ETC......
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/index.php?
oh and one other thing,the 6.0 Gasser is another option as well.

 

D-max hands down. I wish I could afford/justify one.