okay, so I'm debating what I want my next truck to be, the 6.0l V8 Vortec, or the 6.6l V8 Duramax Diesel

obviously the diesel has more power, better durability, better fuel economy, but at a higher price, and harder to find in the combo I need
the gas is cheaper, and easier to find in the combo i need

I don't tow, just haul (will need to haul 1200-2000lb payloads). Hauling that much isn't an everyday thing, but it's becoming a pain in the ass to make multiple trips with my smaller trucks.

I've already got a 6.0l Vortec in my Chevy Express 3500 box truck, and it has been good to me so far (65k on it now).
It has been getting 8-9mpg for me (always loaded). Anyone have experience with the duramax? what kind of mileage does it get?

The question is, is the added hassle/price worth going diesel? Will I recoup the extra money in less repairs/less fuel?

Opinions? Thoughts?



edit:
I'm picky, and the truck must be this:

Green or White, Extended/Crew Cab, Long bed, 4x4, allison tranny (if diesel)
Non-reg cabs with long bed are pretty much impossible to find, especially in a specific color :-/

This post was edited by Buick on Aug 2 2010 05:26pm

is the 6.0 an LS base block?

LQ4

I'm not about speed, but reliability and longevity. Price also factors in there

This post was edited by Buick on Aug 2 2010 05:30pm

ok, i was just curios.

i dont have much experience with diesels, but some good friends of mine used to be in a band and the hauled all their gear atleast 1500 lbs worth with a van with a powerstroke. it didnt get that great of mileage fully loaded, if i recall 10-13 mpgs.

hmm....wheres our resident diesel mechanic when u need him (LSD).

win win either way, diesel is nice but is you aren't towing I'd say gas..

thanks for the replies guys, but this was pretty much addressed to LSD

from what I'm reading, its saying slightly older 6.6s get better mileage due to new emissions restrictions.
i'm not opposed to an older truck, i have a soft spot for a golden workhorse with a beater body
what years have had the least problems/best record?

It's looking like this so far:

2004~ Silverado 2500HD w/ 6.6 duramax + allison, 4wd, 100-160k miles = $20k
2004~ Silverado 2500HD w/ 6.0 vortec, 4wd, 75-100kmiles = $13k


I really like the reliability of the allison + diesel combo, but will it last long enough to be worth the extra dough?

This post was edited by Buick on Aug 2 2010 06:30pm

HookedOnLSD