I know another verses thread. You may notice the one I already have about the TBSS and the regular TB, well Ive decided that they were too expensive and Ive lowered my budget to about 10k. I figure that should sufficient for a decent 1500 or 2500 pickup. heres the deal from a performance stand point which would be better?

the 1500 is lighter, should get better mileage, should be relatively more nimble, not that a pickup could be called nimble.

2500 has 6.0, you can cheaply do the l92 heads and intake for a big boost in power. beefier axles and trans. I remember CC or someone getting almost 500 HP out of a 6.0 with just the l92 heads, intake and a small cam?? is this right? is a similar boost possible with the 5.3?? Although I doubt for the same price?

 

Unless you need a 2500 they drive like a tank compared to the 1500. Plus you can't lower them very far becouse of the frame, but if you want a 4x4 get a 2500. The starting point in that regards is far superior.

As far as performance your hauling around atleast 750 extra pounds becouse of the frame, tranny, and rearend. That will kill any handling, and slow down 1/4 times pretty good.

So I would do a 1500 if I want to drive around or if I am looking for horsepower, and a 2500 if I want to tow alot or go off roading. Rather 4x4 or just 2x4 with good tires.

 

Yeah I was thinking the mileage on the 2500 cant be that good either. I do need 4x4, but not for offroading. Is snows here and my job will require me to make calls on gravel roads that most likely will not be plowed, so 4x4 is a must for me. I was looking at the fast trucks list and there are some 5.3s on there.

 

1500 hd it has the 6.0 and 4l80

 

isnt that basically just a 2500 with 1500 put on it?? I know there heavy.

 

1500HD it is just a 2500LD crew cab short box with 1500HD written on the side for insurence reasons

 

Both the 1500HD & the 2500 ride like tanks. My sis-in-law had a 1500HD 4wd, I thought that's how it rode; & 11-13MPG. And she did mostly HWY, but those short frequent city trips were killing it too IMO.

And, increased weight, worse MPG, & something else u may've not thought of. The 1500HD & 2500 both use 8 lugs, so now, your wheel options go down; way more 6lug wheels from aftermarket.

Best upside:4l80E. But if u really need an 80E, those can be swapped into a "regular" 1500 as some others have done. As can 6.0L.

 

Im wondering why noone ever mentions building a 6.0 2500 single cab.. Cuz they do makem but im thinking only in long wheel base.. But they got to come with good ****, big rearend, big trans...

 

Usu. cause even the RCSB 2500 is a 4wd. I woulda snagged 1 if they came w/. a 5.3/ 6L, some 6lug wheels, but didn't add weight to truck due to frame/ susp. But more importantly, a 4L80E!!

GM shoulda offered people the option of 4.8/ 5.3/ 6.0L, choice of a 60E/4L80E/ T56 in whatever bed length, rear axle ratio, choice 10/14 bolt, & 2wd/ 4wd they wanted. Instead of confining to a particular setup. Heck, they mighta sold more, even to those that weren't considering a GM due to the 60E.

 

I think the 06 model ext cab vortec high output truck was the way to go.. it was a 2wd, 6.0 but on th lighter 06 frame, compared to the 07-09.. But not sure if it came with a 4L80 or not.. I was looking at one for sale on ebay yesterday.