6.0 or 8.1

[BoatGuyVB]

I'm currently looking at 03-06 Burbs. I'm very familiar with the 5.3s in the 1/2 tons but given the opportunity, which motor do you prefer in the 2500s - 6.0 or the 8.1?

Burb will be my daily driver (10mi daily commute), boat hauler (5000lbs) and family trip truck within 5hrs. I would be setting a 2500 up to keep for a long time.

TIA

 

[S33k3r]

I've never had an 8.1, so I can only tell you about the 6.0. I have a 2005 Suburban 2500 with the 6.0 in it, and I enjoy driving it. On the flip side, I get about 10.8 in the city and just shy of 13 on the highway. I have not corrected for the over size tires I added to it, though.

I have read that parts are more plentiful and the 6.0 is much less expensive to maintain. Also, power adders, should you choose to add any, are more prevalent for the 6.0.

Good luck on your hunt for your 2500. I really like mine.

 

[BoatGuyVB]

Thanks. I am finding that the 8.1 is a little more $ to maintain. Same transmissions. Fuel economy is relatively the same for both trucks with the same gears. Both motors can be easily tuned even though I’m not big on that. I think it’s going boil down to finding the best body and interior in the colors I prefer.

 

[BoatGuyVB]

Great looking burb by the way

 

[Mechanic421]

I have seen first hand the 8.1 actually gets better fuel economy! Towing at least. Maintenance on 8.1 is not that bad . Both engines pop exhaust bolts. I like my 6.0 not putting it down. Just 8.1 is better in my opinion for lots of heavy duty loads.

 

[BoatGuyVB]

My next vehicle may tow 10k 1 or twice a year less than 10mi. Most of the time she will be a 5-7k tow vehicle once a month.

Like I said, it may come down to truck condition and colors for the most part and whatever the motor is what it is.

 

[David Staines]

I had a 2001 2500HD with an 8.1l. I loved the engine with one major exception: gas mileage. Get ready for 8mpg hwy, city, driveway. You won't even know you're towing a boat with it... or 8000 lbs. It is a tank engine. It doesn't really kick up acceleration or overall speed feel, but it doesn't lag ever. The 6.0 will feel the same most of the time (even pulling a boat). You would feel a difference with a heavy load. It should get better mileage (over 12) and have more parts available for it. If you want it to pull and not get more than 180 miles on a tank of gas... get the 8.1. Otherwise... get the 6.0.

 

[bigdog9191999]

as you can see in my sig and profile pic I have a few of these. I do not have a 6.0 2500 but do have a 6.0 Denali and an 8.1 2500, as well as 5.3 trucks.

in my experience there is less than 5mpg between them all ( for me in my use of them) I have had 8k ish behind them all and they each have their place for sure. the 6.0 did a fine job, but isn't the brute that the 8.1 is.

I would recommend for your use you have listed the 6.0 is plenty, the heavier chassis and brakes of the 2500 alone will make a huge difference. and parts are much more common for the 6.0 and with proper driving should get reasonable mileage ( for a heavy truck)

 

[Farmer Rob]

Glad you posted this discussion. I too am looking for a 2500 suburban. I am following this post closely.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Farmer Rob]

Speaking of fuel economy and traveling distance on a tank of fuel, do you guys have any info on the available fuel tank sizes for these trucks? I know that for my 1989 square body ‘burb diesel there were several available tank sizes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk