GMC Savana 2.8L Duramax 4x4 Conversion: Test Drive (0-60mph)
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- Опубліковано 20 сер 2024
- We know you guys loved our GMC Savana 2.8L Duramax 4x4 Conversion build and would really like to see a test drive video of it, so we did just that.
This van was getting the works which includes a WeldTec Designs 4x4 conversion kit with coil-over suspension. We also threw on our new Stealth series front bumper with a Warn winch as well as two 6" Rigid LED pod lights behind the grill. We had to run some awesome wheels so we went with a rad set of black Method Race Wheels 301 Standard. Perfect shoes are a must for your van conversion so we added a set of 35x12.50x17 Toyo A/T 2 tires. Side protection is a must when taking your vehicle on trails or your favorite camping spot, rock sliders are great for those. Tube construction rock sliders help protect your van while also doubling as a step for easy access. No one wants to be stuck on the trail with no spare tire or shortage of fuel so we included not only a tire carrier, but also a gas can mount that can easily be unbolted to fit a storage box all on the rear bumper. To top it off we added our aluminum roof rack. This roof rack features a rolled top tube to give it a sleek look.
Over all we are very impressed with how the 2.8L Duramax drove. The new custom sway bar by WeldTec Designs really helps the van stick to the ground around turns and corners rather than swaying a bunch.
Thanks for watching and don't forget to leave a like and hit that SUBSCRIBE button!!
For more info on the products we use to make these awesome vans or social content check out:
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Thanks for providing the differential gearing. That is a HUGE piece of every tire/wheel puzzle.
Glad it was helpful!
I Have A 2006 GMC SAVANA With 6.0 Gas Engine, If I Was Buy New I Go With The Diesel Engine. This Is A Great Channel.
I have the same van. Runs amazing even after 250k miles.
2006 Chevy express 6.0. 3500. Runs like a champ.
El Cajon native. Glad to see local business making cool stuff. I guess I’ll keep an eye open for a diesel van!
I’ve just got one of these, stock tires and no 4x4 as of now. 23 mpg average, 25-27 highway and right around 21 in town.
Sounds like great gas milage! Let's put 4x4 and see if it changes. Thanks for the info.
One step at a time, camper build first and get some mileage on it. 4x4 if I end up needing it.
@@WeldtecDesigns moving back down to SD soon so maybe it can happen....
That is nearly unbelievable. You're not just pulling our leg? :)
I'm thinking about getting one too are you happy with his performance? Are you comfortable passing vehicles?
This is 2019 and YES, a smaller engine, especially a diesel can provide enough torque for many applications... I own a few 4 cylinder Isuzu and Nissan UD (Hino engine)all diesel plus a 2016, 2.7 gas Ford F150 and torque has never been an issue. Yes, I pull stumps with my ISUZU, no problem.
Finally! A test drive. :)
Lol at comment around 10:00 of newer EPA ruined diesel going a couple hundred thousand trouble free miles. Those reliable diesel days are long gone.
2:48 that F-150 is towing the Jeep
I have a jeep liberty with the 2.8 vm motouri, that's a big ask but not out of the question.
It reminds me of a van in GTA V
mccrackenphillip Rumpo Custom
I’m in search of a 2.8 Dmax for my 4x4 Chevy Astro. My Express 2500 has the 6.6LBZ Dmax with a tune and it moves pretty darn good ❤️
I have the express 3500 6.0 and wanted the 6.6 duramax for extra towing power. If I ever own one of those 6.6 I would never let it go.
Look to the Philippines for that motor. Been in use for 4 years already.
Dennis Mindock, yep, built in Thailand I believe.
I'd 2.8 D-Max my Astro if it wasn't such a DMV/EPA nightmare/impossibility 😒😒
Never knew gm took out the 6.6.
I can tell you from experience, those 2.8's need about 60-70% throttle, until it shifts into 2nd gear, then ease into the rest of the throttle and you'll get close to optimal acceleration time. If you put it to the floor from zero, it will bogg down until just before the shift to 2nd.
That almost sounds like an ECU software problem.
It's pretty much the same with the Ford Transit with the 3.5L Ecoboost. Don't floor it or you'll think it's broken. Gotta ease the pedal down as it accelerates.
I'd go with the new 6.6 gas. 401 hp and 464 lb ft of torque.
@@kiddoxFPS you must not have actually driven the 6.6 gas
@@kiddoxFPS Diesel sucks, I'll never buy another Diesel again. To much maintenance, to much expense for the little bit you actually get if any. 6.6 gasser all day long for me. On a cold morning my gasser will start everytime, can't say that for a Diesel again going back to cost. Got to plug it in ,got to add additives to fuel .
I am wondering if the 2.8 would be a good option to put in my 98 suburban
I really love you videos I love what you do you guys are awesome
Just subscribed. LOVE what you provide and the vids. Keep it up!!
Thank you.....👍
You're going to need a Calendar for this one guys...😂😂😂
I would have to know what the mileage is for each the 2.8 Diesel and the 6.0 gas as well as towing capacity?
Towing what? We can make a video on it.
Boat
Giant enclosed
16' trailer.
Let us know.......
@@WeldtecDesigns what is irrelevant what is the capacity stamped on the door?
The mpg?
I think the towing capacity is only like 5k so the 6.0 is going to be better for towing. But having had a Colorado Duramax and towed a 23’ camper with it I was really impressed by that motor. It makes 370lb/ft of torque at 1500 so it feels pretty good. We also would get 35mpg on the highway with it. As a family adventure rig this is a pretty compelling setup and this is coming from a 4wd Sportsmobile 7.3 Powerstroke owner. The 7.3 is pretty well regarded but on 33’s I don’t think ours does any better than that acceleration-wise. What does that particular 4wd conversion run on the GM?
The music up high during the 0-60 did not help much drouned out the engine sound
I want exactly this vehicle.
Let's build you one! 👍
@ 3:59 I literally laughed out loud...😂
Faster than the 5.8 v8on my 95 e350😝 I would love to upgrade my van but it’s just to much money for me right now
Is it possible to mate a 2.8 liter colorado with your more stout van transmission and still have electronics/ sensors work with ECM/TCM?
I've been scouring the Internet for such a review (i.e., 0-60mph time, objective impressions of the baby Duramax in the vans). Thank you! I still don't know if I'd pick it over the 6.0L Vortec. Wonder if they'll put the 6.6L gas in it eventually? You guys should start doing 5.0L Cummins swaps!
Can somebody fill me in on what transmission is in this express the eight speed right? Because I have a GMC canyon and they only came with a six speed 6L50. And I wanna put the eight speed that comes in the express van for the 2.8 L Duramax
Just cruising around santee
The only place to roll... 👍
I'm curious what the mpg are on that?
I didn't catch you, did you really installed Duramax 6.6 diesel on there? It give tons of torque and power, that's why choice is obvious.
The 6.6 Duramax was an option untill 2016
@@WeldtecDesigns Why not for now?
I see that this is from 3 years ago but I just want to know why they have a 2.8 duramax and the 3.0 duramax. Why not just toss the 3.0 in the Savana
Get an upgrade Turbo kit like a compound put a chip and straight pipe exhaust it will cut the 0 to 60 time way down You can get almost 400hp and about 600fpt without having to change anything Internally
going to have to look into that, sounds sick though!
Curious how the new GM 6.6 gas engine would do.
Terrible MPG but the thing will fly
Runs like a beast, tows like a beast. if you're looking for MPG buy a Prius
Looks good but lotta road noise from those 35s.
Thank you!! The noise you are hearing is just the mic picking up all the wind and other sounds from outside the van, in person the tires don't make that noise hahaha
I use 2 vans for working doing hardwood floors. Both 2004's, both wrecked multiple times lol, both original trans / engine. One has the 5.3l one has the 6.0l. Both at roughly 300k miles right now and we drive 150-200 miles a day. Sure the front end might go out every 100k miles or so sure they're ugly and slow. But they last for basically ever. I was just looking at the new small diesel option because obviously these vans are getting near their life span, at least relatively because if it blows up tomorrow it's hard to make money when you can't go to work, but they might run another 100k miles who knows. But why is the fuel economy so crappy on the 2.8l? I just googled it and it said it's rated at 17 mpg highway? is that true? The 3.0l diesel in the halftons are rated at 30 MPG highway for 2 wheel drive trucks. If the vans could get close to that it would pay for itself pretty easy. Our vans get 15-mpg ish. over 300k miles at $2.50 a gallon that's $50,000 in fuel. If you could get 30 mpg at $3 a gallon over 300k miles in a diesel that's only 30k in fuel, almost enough savings to buy another van, definitely could buy a used one for 20k. Even if it only got 25 mpg, that's still only 36k in fuel costs. But I wouldn't take on the risk of EGR and def and emissions if you're only talking a couple mpg maybe 5 mpg difference from the gas to the diesel vans when we all know the gas one's will run for basically ever.
If you cruise control at 50-55mpg the mpg will go way beyond the sticker. Also will take lot less fuel idling and in the city. If you hold the RPM at 2K while accelerating then you'll get good mpg, and don't brake until 20mph city/45 hwy. If you cant do this then you're driving off of instinct. 370lb-ft you should be able to accel slow enough even at 2K rpm
If I'm going out with a couple hundred thousand miles in a vehicle is not going to be with a tiny little diesel like that it will be the 6.6 L diesel or the 6.6 liter gas engine. Kind of leaning more towards the gas engines as diesels are near impossible to find.
Started out well, then cue in obnoxious music, went downhill quick. Music over rides the narrator. Plus, it's too loud and (like stated before) obnoxious.
Sorry. 🙄
terrible music, little to no actual tech content, specs, or anything. just a bunch of jibber jabber
I am looking for one of these babies (not diesel though) are you guys are a good source to find one or buy one? New here but loving the videos.
We recommend checking out van forums, but vans have exploded in popularity so be prepared to have to do your homework. We hope you can get one soon!
Thanks for the video... that's what I've been waiting for. And I've had the same debate over motors... I think I am leaning toward the diesel (not just because I already have an E350 7.3 PSD), because of the fuel mileage. I think I'd be willing to take a hit on power if I could go farther between fill-ups. Also, there are rear aux tanks out there still but they only support diesel... And even though I haven't yet found one for the Express van, at least a custom retrofit option is there, whereas it would not be for gas.
Speaking of which, have you guys ever considered the idea of adding a second tank to a van like this? Titan tanks makes a rear tank for the Chevy trucks with the D-max, but not for the vans. Can't imagine it would be that hard to adapt one...
Thanks again for the info, I have a feeling I'll be down your way one day...
Not to mention, I'm also waiting for learn if Chevy will offer the new 3.0 I-6 D-max in vans, which is new for 1/2 ton trucks in 2019... that would be even better.
@Matt Nunes...I don't get the whole diesel vs gas debate...diesel costs 20 some cents per gallon more than gas in my area, plus the diesel option on Ford trucks is like $8000+ to get a handful of mpg's better than gas? If you do the math, considering the extra cost to play diesel, higher maintenance costs and the higher fuel cost, you would have to drive several hundred thousand miles to get to break even, and who wants to keep a truck that long?...$8000+ will buy a lot of gas! Unless you are towing a 20,000+ lb rig, I don't get it.
@@David-rx2to I dont believe this diesel will pull 20,000 pounds. Not at highway speeds anyway. I just looked at one of these vans from Quigley offroad. With the diesel engine its only about 3,000 more. That being said I would want to be able to tow at least ten thousand pounds. So if we get one it will have to be a gas engine.
@Edward Cullen...I didn't make it clear but, I was ranting about diesels vs gas engines in general and not this particular diesel. I'm surprised GM only upcharges $3000 for this diesel...Ford charges much more for a V8 diesel in their pickups. I didn't think this little diesel would pull 20,000+ lbs, but I know the new big V8 diesels with up to 1000 lb ft of torque will pull loads like that and more. I was suggesting that a diesel only makes (financial) sense (to me anyway) if you have to pull a Cat bulldozer around for work or some crazy big 5th wheel. I'm waiting to pull the trigger on a pickup with Ford's new 7.3 gas engine hooked to the 10 speed trans once I read some reviews. Talked to Ford and they said it will be in dealerships by November. Specs haven't been disclosed yet but I'm guessing 425-450 HP and close to 500 lb ft of torque, which will be more than plenty to pull me and a slide in camper around.
@@David-rx2to yes sir, I understood what u were saying. What I was saying is that little diesel isnt enough engine for what I want in the van. I am also excited about the new 7.3 I have always been a ford guy but I dont like the looks of their new vans. Plus u can't get that in a v8 either.
I'm looking for one that will will pull 10k trailer, can you help?
Elias Holguin the one with a 6.0 v8 gas or 7.3 diesel ford van.
What's the mpg now with 35s?
Can you list off all the upgrades you've done to this ? I think it was a good job
I will add up grades to the description. Thanks for watching.
@@WeldtecDesigns
The 2.8L diesel powertrain is/was not designed for serious off-roading and/or for heavy towing. Stick with the bigger 6.6L powertrain for those duties.
I wish I had the money to convert my van I have a 2006 GMC it has a 5-3 engine in it $345,000 MI on it I'm trying something new I'm converting to Van into a camper to live in it I'm disabled what would it cost mine is a 1500 series heavy half 6 lug
Wait, so did he say what the actual mpg was?
CW Rodriguez I think I heard him say 42 mpg couldn’t really hear with all that jibber jabber from him
@@alyssal.6513 jibber jabber indeed. he was definitely bumping his gums way too much for not a lot of info. appreciate the recapitulation.
Would it have a recall issues with dead pedal like the Colorado 2.8 diesel?
I would build it with the 2.8 liter engine. GITCHUSUM!!!
Hola puenas cuando vale
How about off-road test
Check out our videos of TDS with our Chevrolet Express.
Do you guys make suspension for the 2500hd trucks? The vans setup is mint.
What year?
Weldtec Designs 2006 current torsion bar setup and it rides like i have bricks for suspension.
Give us a call. We might be able to do something however we would need the truck
This van available?
Stoked on that swaybar option! Not worried about the spline jumping? Wonder how much it limits articulation ?
Probably no more than the ifs is already considering the long links it has
Didn't see any towing tests.
Also, what kinda' mileage were you getting???
My 2014 GMC 2500 cargo van with Toyo open country tires hits 60 in 11 sec what the hell is wrong with that van?? I've been driving these Van's for my entire life my business is carpet so that's all we use something is definitely wrong
You prob have a 6.0 gas engine in your van? is it on 35" tires? The 2.8 is no rocket ship for sure.
@@WeldtecDesigns 33's 4.8 I've had all the engine choices the 6.0 is the fastest but it trashes transmission's. I just can't believe the 2.8 is that sluggish, I know what I won't be buying next. Do you guys do conversations like boulder??
@@killintimeracing1368 conversions ? or conversations? Because we definitely do conversions and can always have a conversation !!
What can this tow ? Compared to a Chevy express 6.0 3500 rated for 10,000 pounds towing.
mike private probably 6,000 pounds maximum.
It’s a tiny motor
what mpg are you getting with the diesel and 35's?
we were not allowed to put enough miles on it to see. SORRY
Same thing I was wondering
Can you ask the customer what mpgs they are getting? And if it changes with a 1 to 1/2 ton load in it?
before and after mpg?
It's all about smiles per gallon! I have heard 18..... With this engine.
@@WeldtecDesigns , you've had the chance to confirm the MPG number which is beyond elusive to us out here in the rest of the world. It would help make a decision for sure because there are lots of these European style van things running around slinging real MPG numbers. Can you help a guy out and test it?
@@Mattthewanderer This answer is straight from the current owner: "The info system has me at 16.7mpg as of this week. I’ve put almost 8,500 miles on it since late June. I’d guess 60-70% of those are around town miles and the rest are highway miles"
There's your answer :)
@@WeldtecDesigns, excellent! Finding any kind of numbers for this drivetrain has been impossible until now. Thank you!
@@WeldtecDesigns That is exactly the same as I get with my 2010 Chevy 3500 4WD pickup with the 6.6 L Duramax engine!
Why you would get the 2.8 over the optional 6.6 Duramax is beyond me.
The 6.6 diesel was phased out in 2016, so if you want a new diesel this is the only option .
It's $5/gallon 😂
-You said gas mileage ua-cam.com/video/84Xg1cHcgNY/v-deo.html
-35" tires, 4.10 gear, and 75mph are all bad for mpg
181hp and 369tq? It might move 35"s but that would take everything that little engine could muster. Anything with a DPF is a no go for me.
While I agree with you on the scourge of DPF's and DEF, 181hp and 369lb/ft of torque is plenty for 35's. It's not a matter of power, but proper gearing. I've driven stone stock engined Broncos non-HO 5 liters(under 200hp and 300lb/ft of torque) on 35's or even larger. With proper gearing they had zero issues driving and even had plenty of juice left to spin the tires in mud to clear out the treads. Guys run 35's on Jeeps with 4.0HO's and Toyota's with 22RE's. There are Mitsubishi Fuso's with less power than the 2.8 Duramax pulling far more weight than that Savana. Again gearing is king and, combined with a proper rear gear ratio, the 2.8 Express/Savana has the advantage of an 8 speed trans.
None of that is to say that a larger engine, be it a 6.0 gasser or even the old 6.5 Detroit turbo diesel, wouldn't have an easier time. Obviously a bigger/more powerful engine will do everything the little Duramax does and more. The down side is fuel mileage. Stock 2.8 Duramax van owners are claiming mid 20MPG's on the highway. That's noticably better than even the 6.6L Duramax. And really, how fast do you want to go in a jacked up van?
@@jamesgill5511 If and when the 10L8e is available, it might be a worthy engine. Tow capacity at this point is nil.
The performance is similar to the old 6.2 diesels
@@mattfoster5934 It's actually quite a bit better. The 2.8 beats the early 6.2's by 50HP and 130lb/ft of torque. It even beats the later 6.2's(the highest output) by 20HP and 85lb/ft of torque. 20HP might not seem like much, but a diesel is all about torque anyway. That additional 85lb/ft, combined with the wider available gearing of the 6 speed auto, would run circles around the 6.2 backed by a 700R4 or 4L60E.
How capable were those anemic 6.2 liters??? They had zero problem running highway speeds or climbing hills in any of the 17K lb GVWR Bluebird Minibird buses one of my former employers had in the fleet. Those were wearing 265/70-R19.5's if I remember correctly. That's a VERY heavy 34" tall tire.
Like I said earlier, it's all about the gearing.
Its isuzu 2.8 liter aka duramax
So I have a 79 DODGE Brougham Class B camper in the middle of a rebuild
First most of you have never even seen or herd of these
Second try to find one
Third if you do then try to make it a 4x4 I am in this process and will be loading up some vids this week
My question is do you have any shit I can have that will make this build cool????
On a short body with standard wheels, this engine could work, but for this use, it is severely underpowered.
😂 It's $6/gallon
19 sec 0-60...empty...no just no.
No rocket ship but might make it to Mars! 🙃
I agree. Put 1000lbs in it and it probably won't even hit 60mph...
I'm sure you can do minor engine upgrades to get more pep lol
You don’t get a 2.8 for speed.
Get a big diesel like a 7.3 or Cummins
Diesels weren't designed to be speed demons, they were designed to be workhorses. I would rather get 20-30mpg than to get somewhere a few mins faster besides most people that pass me doing 5-10 mph faster than me don't get past the next light before I get there
"The pickup is nice" - 20 seconds to 60, lol
Initial pickup is nice as being responsive. Then it just lags getting up to speed. Remember it's a van that weighs 8k+.
.
More than enough, all the airport vans in my country have a 2.8 or 3.0 diesel and they use those things all day long, your big engine idea is totally absurd
😃
I would hire a writer so that you have a script and don't repeat yourself so much. Sway bar, yeah, we heard you the first 4 times. And are those tie rod ends legal?
Chevy trucks
Seems like it has nothing on a sprinter van....my 2500 with 2.7 mercedes diesel would scoot and get well over 20 mpg
How many pounds of rust are on your sprinter?
It wasnt to bad lots of surface rust my chevy vans just as bad living in michigan dealing w road salt
@@simpleman4811 every single one of those I see is covered in rust, much worse than the Fords or Chevys. They have good motors though.
Not only are the parts for sprinters astronomically priced but the engines are ticking time bombs. We had at least 3 sprinter engine jobs per month for the entire year I was working at a Chrysler dealership
All about maintenance i used mobil 1 european formula.... I could hall over 3k lbs and average over 20 mpg. Had 485000 miles... Changed harmonic balancer a few times....my 3/4 ton sprinter ran circles around my 3500 chevy van and fordvans which got 10mpg
Even a beat civic has a better 0-60, jesus christ that's weak as fuck...6.6 for the win
You completely lost me why would anyone care what 0 to 60 is in a van like this. You could pretty much have lunch before it reaches 60 miles per hour. Also if you had to Swerve to avoid hitting a cow in the road could you do it without it flipping over. I doubt it seems like a lot of money for a vehicle that doesn't really deliver.
Hey you're not wrong, we could have lunch before it hits 60 hahahaha
2.8 ugh sounds like junk to me + made in China boycott Chevy amarica
What's made in China?
@castlevaniax1 No wonder grub hub takes so long to deliver!
@castlevaniax1 Hopefully the "Junk" that Kenneth is talking about doesn't taste like orange or chicken.