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HeepH8erTy
10-23-2012, 12:39 PM
I've been looking at trucks lately and am really starting to consider a chevy with a 6.0. Either a 2500 or more preferably a 1500HD. Anyone have any opinions on the 1500HD's with a 6.0? I wanna go with something a few years old (04-10) with not a shit-ton of miles on it.

I wanted to buy a diesel in the worst way and hot rod it, but they are just out of my price range at the time being. I started looking into hot rodding a 6.0 and was pretty happy with what I found. Super chevy did a budget build using mainly GM parts to get 480hp at the crank... not too shabby. Id love to do that and eventually toss a super charger on it... mmmmmmhmmmmmm!

anyways, opinions? considerations when looking at them?

joe_and_jeep
10-23-2012, 01:00 PM
Why 1500HD? 2500 would be 9200 GVW and emission exempt.

HeepH8erTy
10-23-2012, 02:15 PM
Really? I thought insurance/registration/inspection/emissions were all more expensive for a 3/4 ton than for a 1/2 or heavy half ton.

I dont really need the additional towing power. All I had planned to tow with it is a Samurai or whatever project car me and my dad are working on. I would probably be fine with a regular 1/2 ton for towing, I just want that 6.0 motor

MemorEsto
10-23-2012, 02:22 PM
If you get the 1500, you'll have wished you had gotten the 2500. Believe me. If you get the 2500 6.0, you'll have wished you had just gotten a diesel. Believe me

Super Scout
10-23-2012, 02:47 PM
Correct if I am wrong but this is what I think I know.
The 1500hd is the same as a 2500LD. What you get is a 6.0, and 4L70 Transmission (which is a beefed up 4L80), and a semi float 14 bolt. Now if you plan on building that engine the 4L70 wont handle it, they don't really handle the 6.0 in general. The 2500HD you would get a much heavier truck. 4l80, full float rear end, and a much heavier frame. I would avoid a 1500hd personally. And I would also avoid buying anything with a diesel, but opinions are like assholes so you know how that goes lol.

XJchris98
10-23-2012, 03:00 PM
If you get the 1500, you'll have wished you had gotten the 2500. Believe me. If you get the 2500 6.0, you'll have wished you had just gotten a diesel. Believe me

^^Agreed.


Starting out with a 2500 diesel, I have zero regrets. If you want something to hod-rod around in, why not get an actual 'hot-rod'?

PatF10
10-23-2012, 03:09 PM
I went the F150 route well see if i regret not going 25/2500 diesel once i hook the jeep to the back

2002wranglerX
10-23-2012, 05:36 PM
We have 2 2500 6.0s here at work. They seem decent. The 05 more than the 08. But that being said. They're a little under impressive for the hype that motor gets.

2002wranglerX
10-23-2012, 05:38 PM
I went the F150 route well see if i regret not going 25/2500 diesel once i hook the jeep to the back

We are looking at replacing our 08 2500 with an ecoboost.

Ragnorox
10-23-2012, 06:40 PM
All I can say is that my Yukon has a 6.0 and it goes like a raped ape! ....and I am a Dodge guy!

joe_and_jeep
10-23-2012, 06:44 PM
Really? I thought insurance/registration/inspection/emissions were all more expensive for a 3/4 ton than for a 1/2 or heavy half ton.

I dont really need the additional towing power. All I had planned to tow with it is a Samurai or whatever project car me and my dad are working on. I would probably be fine with a regular 1/2 ton for towing, I just want that 6.0 motor

You can register it any weight you want, but when it comes to emissions they go by the door sticker. So you can register you 9200 GVW truck at 9000lbs and get the $40 cheaper registration but still get the 9001lb emission exemption.

oldschoolyotaguy
10-23-2012, 11:43 PM
Just keep in mind the 6.0 is a horsepower motor, not a torque motor and they like to rev. Tons and tons of aftermarket for it. A cam makes a huge difference in them. None of the series of 6.0's break 400ft-lbs, so when you tow, it will have to spin, the torque curve of them sucks. If you're going to tow all the time, buy a diesel, if not, save yourself the headache and money and buy a gasser. I wanted a diesel in the worst way, still kind of do, but they're the EXACT SAME TRUCK as the gas versions from the top 3, but they cost $5-10,000 more, no thanks. Price injectors, lift pumps, HEUI pump, glow plugs, DPF bullshit....

highlandercj-7
10-24-2012, 05:03 AM
If you are buying a gas truck, the 6.0L is the vehicle of choice. If not then go Diesel. I hate my 5.3L it's gutless. I wanted a 6.0L when I bought it and couldn't wait, big mistake. The 6.0L has a flat torque curve and gets the job done, yet still pulls decent fuel milage. My next truck will be a 6.0L or a Duramax or a Cummins. The maintenance costs and fuel costs are sheaper for a gas truck, so I been asking my self do I really need a Diesel or is it a want.

Super Scout
10-24-2012, 07:07 AM
My girlfriends family had a rental business in Greensburg. Their work truck was a 2002 Chevy 2500 6.0 with a 5 speed. They loved that truck when it got up in mileage they traded it in on a Ford 6.0 diesel. Ask her which truck had more balls. The gasser chevy hands down.
And Highlander maybe your 5.3 needs a tune up or something, mine drags my 7000 pound trailer pretty easily. Maintained 65 the entire turnpike never really struggled.
I would 80% of people who own a diesel its a want....I know very few people who actually need them. Actually a lot of people who need them are switching to gas. A lot of contractors are, I just read that UPS in converting their trucks to natural gas Chevy 6.0...

atvboo
10-24-2012, 07:16 AM
We found if you want to tow with a 6.0 get the 4:10 gears not the 3:73

2002wranglerX
10-24-2012, 07:24 AM
I kinda think the older 6.0s run better. Because that 08 we have can't get out of its own way. But the 05 feels like a rocket ship.

That said I'd take my old tundra over either for towing.

DMG
10-24-2012, 08:42 AM
The newer 6.0s/6.2s come with a 6 speed auto that makes better use of the power and may make 3.73s liveable.

My 2500hd has the NV4500 and 3.73s. Even with an exhaust and a tune the gaps between gears seem too wide with a trailer on the back, 4.10s would fix that. Otherwise it is a great motor that you can abuse and tune easily. Plan to put some oil in it if you run it hard, the Gen3 motors drink a little oil.

Sloth_Fratelli
10-24-2012, 08:41 PM
I kinda think the older 6.0s run better. Because that 08 we have can't get out of its own way. But the 05 feels like a rocket ship.

That said I'd take my old tundra over either for towing.

the early early ones -99 to i think 01 were gutless. i drove some later ones and liked the power but ended up going budget route and buying a 93 mega cheap.

and as far as emissions goes- i have never heard of any exemption for 3/4 tons. i know all diesels are exempt but i dont believe 3/4 tons are. then again i dont do many emissions on trucks in my shop

ridgerunner97
10-24-2012, 09:39 PM
We have a 01 8.1/Allison combo 2500hd at work. Has 4.10's and is an absolute ANIMAL. It has 160k miles on it and uses some oil, but like was mentioned these motors have an appetite for oil when used hard. I love the 8.1L 496cid motor. Runs circles around 6.0 powerchokes and flat out out runs a stock dmax hands down. Pulls like a freight train to about 4k rpm with a torque curve that is as flat as the great plains. After 4k it keeps pulling but is tailing off and the piston skirts have a tendency to break off over 4k in the 8.1 vortec supposedly we haven't found that weakness yet LOL

2002wranglerX
10-24-2012, 09:53 PM
the early early ones -99 to i think 01 were gutless. i drove some later ones and liked the power but ended up going budget route and buying a 93 mega cheap.

and as far as emissions goes- i have never heard of any exemption for 3/4 tons. i know all diesels are exempt but i dont believe 3/4 tons are. then again i dont do many emissions on trucks in my shop

Yup. Once you get to a certain weight you're exempt.

ridgerunner97
10-24-2012, 10:24 PM
^ Yup I think it is 9k lbs *** It is 9k it was brought up earlier in this thread. Our HD is exempt as its GVW is 9200.

DMG
10-24-2012, 10:26 PM
9000 and up is emissions exempt. My 2500hd is 9200. It is for sale, btw.

Mykal
10-24-2012, 10:26 PM
Our Yukon Denali XL has the 6.0L. Tows just fine through the mountains of WV.
Its fun to mess with most of kids around town as well. Itll hang with a LS1 Trans Am from 50 to 110, then you hit the governor.
Give them a cam and a tune and they really wake up from what I understand. You can also raise the limiter with a tune.

HeepH8erTy
10-25-2012, 08:07 AM
^^Agreed.


Starting out with a 2500 diesel, I have zero regrets. If you want something to hod-rod around in, why not get an actual 'hot-rod'?

Im starting to think the 2500 is going to be a better choice than a 1500HD for the added strength.... they're easier to find too. And cause I want something practical to be daily driven, can use it to haul crap, and still have a blast driving it all day (even if i'll be going through gas like no one's business)


Just keep in mind the 6.0 is a horsepower motor, not a torque motor and they like to rev. Tons and tons of aftermarket for it. A cam makes a huge difference in them. None of the series of 6.0's break 400ft-lbs, so when you tow, it will have to spin, the torque curve of them sucks. If you're going to tow all the time, buy a diesel, if not, save yourself the headache and money and buy a gasser. I wanted a diesel in the worst way, still kind of do, but they're the EXACT SAME TRUCK as the gas versions from the top 3, but they cost $5-10,000 more, no thanks. Price injectors, lift pumps, HEUI pump, glow plugs, DPF bullshit....

The samurai will be the heaviest thing i tow... the XJ could prob handle it haha should have more than enough power to handle that. And yea, I know about the how much everything is. I never realized that till Furry got into the details and told me like it was with how expensive crap is for those... one of these days... I will have one lol


9000 and up is emissions exempt. My 2500hd is 9200. It is for sale, btw.

What's going on with it? Details? Is it a long bed?

highlandercj-7
10-25-2012, 05:35 PM
DMG's truck is a 01' 6.0L 5 SPEED 4 dr crew cab short bed. I was looking at it. IMHO it's the perfect configuration.

DMG
10-25-2012, 07:16 PM
DMG's truck is a 01' 6.0L 5 SPEED 4 dr crew cab short bed. I was looking at it. IMHO it's the perfect configuration.

It would be better with 4.10s, though. It is a little rusty.

Ty, it is the red crew cab Paul used to pull his chevy on 42s up to Ohiopyle for the Memorial Day trip.

Sloth_Fratelli
10-25-2012, 07:19 PM
9000 and up is emissions exempt. My 2500hd is 9200. It is for sale, btw.

is it on CL or anything?

highlandercj-7
10-25-2012, 09:43 PM
It's not so much with 410's as it is would be better with a NV5600. The 5600 closes the gap a little bit. Our Cummins trucks are NV4500's too. The 3-4 gap is too far appart in a NV4500. Most folks don't notice it cause they don't haul that heavy. When you put some weight on it and add some mountains, you know it big time. You got to let the RPM drop too far in 4th to hit 3rd.

dan58
10-28-2012, 08:13 AM
I'm running an LQ9 6.0 in the racecar. They're absolutely fantastic motors. A cam, heads, and a good tune will net you 500+ at the crank. That said, mine is also 11.27:1 compression, so she drinks 93.

64pete
10-28-2012, 02:48 PM
I have an '04 2500HD, 6.0, 4.10's, auto, regular cab long bed w/ 110k on it. It's done everything I have ever needed it to do without complaint. Pulls my 7000k open car trailer with ease. Gets about 13-14 mpg country driving, almost hits 15 on a long hiway trip running 65-70. I tuned it up last year, cost about $80. Only mods are a K&N intake pipe and filter, and a Bully Dog programmer set on the tow setting. The diesel's just aren't worth the extra $$$.

dan58
10-28-2012, 09:18 PM
The diesel's just aren't worth the extra $$$.

I'll politely disagree. I'd hate to see a gasser drag around my enclosed.

DMG
10-29-2012, 09:14 AM
Depends how heavy and far you pull. I just bought a diesel Ford to tow my junk around. So far, just towing 5k and hauling stuff I like the 6.0 Chevy truck. I bet towing 7-12k with another 2k in the bed going up the mountain I like the diesel.

HeepH8erTy
10-29-2012, 10:57 AM
I agree with Dave, It depends on what you are pulling. I've pulled a skid steer with an F250 once and it sucked. I definitely prefer a diesel for pulling equipment or heavy stuff. But, seeing as the heaviest thing that I will be towing is a Samurai or a car... gasser is good for me.

P.S. Dave, answer my PM lol

DMG
10-29-2012, 11:06 AM
Your pm box is full, Ty. I emailed you

dan58
10-29-2012, 02:21 PM
Depends how heavy and far you pull. I just bought a diesel Ford to tow my junk around. So far, just towing 5k and hauling stuff I like the 6.0 Chevy truck. I bet towing 7-12k with another 2k in the bed going up the mountain I like the diesel.

Every place I tow is in the mountains (RC, Line Mountain, etc). The new trailer is an extra 15" height and 24' long. I'm at 9K pounds with the Jeep in it. Add new work benches, etc, and I'm glad I have 14K worth of axles. And this whole mess is going to SoCal in Feb.

2002wranglerX
10-29-2012, 02:41 PM
for an enclosed i'd rather have a diesel. hell i can tell the difference with my jeep when the windshield is up or down!

DMG
10-29-2012, 03:03 PM
Every place I tow is in the mountains (RC, Line Mountain, etc). The new trailer is an extra 15" height and 24' long. I'm at 9K pounds with the Jeep in it. Add new work benches, etc, and I'm glad I have 14K worth of axles. And this whole mess is going to SoCal in Feb.

Yeah, I include you in the people that need a diesel. Need any crew for KOH, btw?

bustabizz
10-29-2012, 03:05 PM
Ive towed a lot of stuff all over the country with my 6.0L Chevy. Its been a good truck no complaints.

highlandercj-7
10-29-2012, 11:14 PM
There's no compairison when towing heavy between a Diesel and Gas. The 6.0L is awesome for a Gas job and NORMAL folks towing. If you are pulling 10-15-20k you NEED a Diesel. A jeep on a 16' trailer, you don't.

Super Scout
10-30-2012, 07:01 AM
There's no compairison when towing heavy between a Diesel and Gas. The 6.0L is awesome for a Gas job and NORMAL folks towing. If you are pulling 10-15-20k you NEED a Diesel. A jeep on a 16' trailer, you don't.

^This

dan58
10-31-2012, 11:08 AM
Yeah, I include you in the people that need a diesel. Need any crew for KOH, btw?

Always. We probably have an extra spot in one of the RVs too. Interested in driving at all? We're trying to split driving duties.


for an enclosed i'd rather have a diesel. hell i can tell the difference with my jeep when the windshield is up or down!

With my car trailer, I can tell a difference when I have my roller tires on versus the 39s. It's just enough to tuck the grill down under the height of my cap.

DMG
10-31-2012, 01:30 PM
Always. We probably have an extra spot in one of the RVs too. Interested in driving at all? We're trying to split driving duties.

Yes, that would be great.

Leady
12-14-2012, 02:55 AM
I had a newer 6.0 with 3.73's and 37" tires and besides the gas mileage and hunting gears it was awesome. I know it's nothing crazy but I towed my buddies heavy ass trailer with 4 quads and a Dirtbike with a bunch of camping gear and whatnot to power line And I didn't notice any difference from normal.

If you get one with the pus button shift it makes running hills nice.