What do you think of it, how are its manners. Thinking of buying a 06 with the 8.1 and a 6 speed allison. Wondering if I'll be pleased or sorry. The truck is a rclb 4x4 with dual rear and 410. I know it will pull, but how bad will the fuel milage be?

 

If your buying it for fuel economy, i would pass . I would say someplace around 10-12 hwy, maybe a little less around town. The 496 is a torque daddy with a nice flat curve all the way up. Its a great choice for those who dont want a diesel but want a heavy duty truck with a heavy duty drive train. From the Ally to the HD X'fer case, to the 14" full floating rear (11.5" ring gear!!) there is not to much to worry about breaking but it all really gobbles up the power too. The best thing i did for my truck besides the blower, was a good tune and drop some of the TQM. You will absolutely LOVE that allison trany!!

Not the easiest truck to make go fast though, so if you wanna track truck or something you can flirt with 12's in, i would get a 1/2 ton.

 

No not for racing but for hauling. Did the blower and tune help your milage. What if any exhaust mods are available, just seen this truck today and have yet to reserch the 8.1 so I have not a clue as of yet about it.

 

I really dont know about the blower helping milage...sorry. They will tell you it will help you meet chicks if it will convince you to buy one i think though. This truck is not my DD, so when i do drive it.....I dont really pay attention to the fuel consumption. MODS are not nearly as plentifull as they are for the small block trucks. Raylar makes a HEAD/INTAKE/CAM package thats more expensive than sending 3 kids to Harvard, and then there are the PCM tunes which are reasonable and then you can step up to power adders like turbo's or S/C'ers or NOS. I dont think Kenny Bell or Whipple are making blowers for the 8.1Ls anymore but I think you can still get turbo's and prochargers. As far as exhausts upgrades, i actually just put a very nice Corsa setup on mine and have no complaints at all so far. There is a thread in the GM section someplace called "Corsa install on the 496" where i have some sound and VID clips. I cant say whether you will be happy with it or not, its just a matter of taste. Take it for a spin and get a feel for it, its a different feel to the ride than it is in the 1/2 tons. I have never driven a dually so i can not comment on that....I have never been a fan of the "BIG ***" they seem to have...LOL.

 

Thanks for the info and I'll look for your post.

 

WHIPPLED I Checked out your exhaust video and all I have to say is (cool). If I end up buying this truck that I'm considering, I'll post it.

 

Head North, my dad has a '07 2500HD rclb srw 4x4 8.1/Alli/3.73 with about 15K on it now. He uses it on the farm for towing the heavy stuff 20-30 miles between farms (gooseneck grain trailer, cattle trailer, 1000 gallon water trailer, etc.) and when he needs 4x4 to check on the cows. It gets about 11mpg running empty between the farms and 9mpg or so when loaded down, so about 10mpg average. We took it on a 500 mile road trip last summer and it got 13.5mpg running down the highway not towing anything. He put a different muffler on it last fall, but doesn't think it helped mileage any, but it does sound better. I'm going to try to get him to get a custom tune for it soon.

I drive it occassionally and have towed with it a few times and it is a joy to drive something that has some *****. My brother and I both have 6.0 2500HD's and the difference is very noticeable. Plus, our 6.0's get roughly the same mileage as his 8.1, so you might as well get the one that doesn't struggle getting things up to speed.

 

If your set on a HD and want better gas mileage, I would seriously look into a DMax! More money but way better mileage. Maybe look into a used one?

Granted I don't have dually setup, but I average 15 in the Winter and 17 in the summer. Hwy runs around 18-21 depending on season.

 

D-MAX if you want a 2500.

 

Whoa Whoa...easy diesel guys. He was asking specific questions about the truck he saw for sale which had the BB in it. These threads always stray off to a gas/diesel thing when someone brings up a 2500HD. Diesel is not for everyone. Give me the same boost as a DMAX and I will beat him everytime.....if it doesnt blow up from 20lbs of boost...