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Old 02-21-2014, 09:26 AM   #1
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GM 2500 specs vs real experience

I have the DW on board with a TV upgrade this spring but our choices are limited due to financial reasons. I've been looking at older Chevy 2500s (pre 2007.5) but the hp and torque specs don't look that far off from my current 1500. Based on a few searches, I found the 5.3 hp and torque is at 315/338 while a 2003 6.0 puts out 300/360. The increased difference in torque between the 5.3 and 6.0 seems marginal so what am am I missing here? I've read a lot of great feedback from 2500 owners and want a TV that can pull 6K lbs up grades without the effort my 5.3 put in.
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Old 02-21-2014, 09:35 AM   #2
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HP and TQ are only part of the equation. Look at the differential ratios and transmission gear ratios. Your final drive mated with the right rear ratio may prove to be more efficient. Also look at the torque curve of the two engines. Where is the peak torque on each?

I am on my phone, so it would be a pain to look this up- so let us know what you find. Being a blue oval/ mopar guy I have never researched the GM twins much, but I have been eyeballing an older 2500HD gasser.
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Old 02-21-2014, 09:43 AM   #3
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I own both, have towed my TT with both but have not climbed any mountains yet with either, but this thread may help:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...ght=chevy+2500
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Old 02-21-2014, 10:08 AM   #4
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Thanks for the link, Crabman. I also have a 2000 F350 with a 7.3 in mind that a relative is no longer driving. The DW is not a diesel fan and I'm hesitant to buy a diesel due to my lack of experience working on them and the cost of maintaing one. Either way, the 2500 or whatever I buy is going to be a daily driver but I only average about 8k miles a year.
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Old 02-21-2014, 02:09 PM   #5
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I second what was said about the gearing being important, along with the torque curve shape. Also, an increase in torque of 22 would be noticeable.
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Old 02-21-2014, 02:37 PM   #6
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That 7.3 shouldn't be ignored. The 7.3 is a great engine. Diesel is so much nicer to tow with, and the routine maintenance is marginally more expensive just because the fluid volumes are greater.

The only downside to to the 7.3 vs current Diesel engines is noise. IMO the extra noise well worth the lack of emission equipment required with new PSD, Duramax or CTD trucks.
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Old 02-21-2014, 02:42 PM   #7
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Power produced at high rpm is not much use in towing unless you like constant downshifts. The power curves are different, that's where the difference is between gas and diesel. Look at the numbers but also look at the rpm's beside the numbers. Gas engines tend to produce max output at very high rpms, good for racing, not so much for towing.
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Old 02-21-2014, 03:08 PM   #8
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They have different engines, transmissions, bigger rear axles, bigger tires, different front suspension, bigger brakes and larger payloads, different ride, down fall the 2500 will use a lot more gas, your only going to get 10-12 mpg on hwy and 6-8 towing
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Old 02-21-2014, 03:51 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Livinglife2 View Post
They have different engines, transmissions, bigger rear axles, bigger tires, different front suspension, bigger brakes and larger payloads, different ride, down fall the 2500 will use a lot more gas, your only going to get 10-12 mpg on hwy and 6-8 towing
correct on everything but the mileage... when I had my 2500 gasser I got 20 highway and 13 towing.. I get the same with the diesel but the RV is bigger..
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Old 02-21-2014, 03:58 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Livinglife2 View Post
They have different engines, transmissions, bigger rear axles, bigger tires, different front suspension, bigger brakes and larger payloads, different ride, down fall the 2500 will use a lot more gas, your only going to get 10-12 mpg on hwy and 6-8 towing
X2 on using more gas. We purchased a 2500HD in June. Every time I step on the gas i swear I can hear a loud sucking sound I new this before getting it though.
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Old 02-21-2014, 05:33 PM   #11
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I have towed with both Chevy gas and Chevy diesels. That being said, I don't think I would ever go back to a gas model. Seems like everything, including the braking is beefed up on the diesel. We had an 2003 Duramax diesel and put 140K on it. No problems with engine or drive train and only went through 1 set of brakes. Traded it because the new Pinnacle weighs more than the truck could tow. Currently, have a 3500HD Duramax and love it. I would give the diesels a little more consideration.

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Old 02-21-2014, 06:20 PM   #12
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I have never had a GM, a friend has a specialty repair shop rebuilding drive shafts and differentials. He stated one weakness with the newer ones is with their 4X4 front differential. The housing and bracket are aluminum and are built to light of weight. If you are using the truck hard they tend to break apart and the diff cannot be turned in for a deposit, adding to your repair cost.
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