Good reference point for sure!! As of 3-11-22 diesel in Erie, PA is ~ $5.45/gallon. 87 is $4.49. I’ll have to come back a year from now and see where we are on 3-11-23.
I have a 04 suburban 8.1 4L85 4 speed with 4.10 gears. I pull a 10,500 travel trailer around Pennsylvania all summer.. around 7 mpg towing . Small lift and 33 in tires, I love it, only 160,000 miles and run great
I recently found out the 8.1 existed, while looking for a truck. After researching them and test driving one, I had to have one. I just got an 01 sierra 3500 with the 8.1, and love it. I tow a 24' enclosed car trailer, and have been getting 8 mpg and 12 without the trailer
@@wildestcowboy2668 Probably because the Diesels are more expensive for maintenance and repairs. The 8.1 is a lot easier for you to maintain and repair yourself. The money saved in fuel with a diesel will be ate up in higher maintenance and repair costs.
Trip meter measured 55 miles, but that's calculated with a tire that's 245/75/R16, which is 662 revolutions per mile. But a tire that is 295/75/R16 covers the same mile with only 604 revolutions. This means that if the trip meter measured 55 miles, the true distance is 60.2 miles. By my math, that's an MPG of about 6.93, which isn't horrible for towing, but I wouldn't use it as a daily driver, unless you get sponsored by OPEC.
My truck is a 2004 GMC, Crew Cab, 77K miles, 8.1engine , 2wheel drive, stock size tires, 4:10 gears. Towing with an enclosed race car trailer loaded with car, tools, generator, pit bike, extra fuel jugs and 3 batteries. The MPG is about 7, some highway and 5 miles of steep hills. No trailer maybe 10.5 highway in town 8 MPG. Yes the gas consumption sucks, but I really like the truck. Could use another gear in the Allison to improve the mileage.
I have an 04 8.1 crew cab Allison combo. I have 4.56 gears 33 inch tire. And love it. I have 155k miles just replaced all belts hoses alternator coil packs plugs wires. Great truck. Will never sell it.
I've got a 2001 2500hd CC/SB with the 8.1L & Allison. I use mine for towing my big 26' Gooseneck flat deck trailer. I've had the Gross Weight of my 14K GVW trailer between 12-14,000 lbs average between round bales and hauling scrap metal and this truck hauls it no problem. I have zero complaints with this truck, mileage sucks but I bought it for towing and doing work. Even with 3.73 gears it still throws down for pulling no problem.
2003 Yukon XL 2500 8.1 270,000 miles 4L85. Towing 8500 lb boat and trailer from San Diego to Long Beach and back to San Diego, 55 mph 10 mpg. These are awesome trucks!
My 2004 Bounder RV(around 22k lbs) has the 8.1 with a 5 speed Allison, and its screams going up hills. The doghouse literally sits right next to you, but it gets the job done every time.
I'm a very happy owner of a 01 Chevy Silverado 2500hd 4x4 8.1 5spd with 4.10's 11.5 full floater rear end fully loaded to pull on a 6" lift on 35's I average around 10 mpg empty I dn't feel bad about knowing what it's capable of. The truck is a beast it's ready to do whatever. The most reliable truck I've ever owned period till this date. Don't be scared to own one yes mpg is not the best but till you own one then you'll realize it's not bad, plus you don't have heavy maintenance items to worry about like the diesels have injectors,glow plugs, turbos going out, filters all over the place ECT.
I agree, less worries with the gas engines , I have both gas and diesel. A 99 Chevy 2500 6.0 gas 212,00 miles ; 04 Chevy 3500 8.1 gas 262,000 miles ; 01 Chevy 2500HD 6.6 Duramax LB7 92,000 miles.
For comparison I have an 04 Duramax 2500 four-door short bed towing a 9,000 pound fifth wheel I got about 8 miles per gallon doing about 70 on the interstate my average around town and highway not towing is about 16... I am considering getting a truck with the 8.1
I had an 03 8.1l w/4.10s that I towed my skid steer with (about 12000lb total). I found it got about 1 mpg better when I locked it in 4th gear. 7.8mpg in OD, 8.8mpg in 4th gear. Since your truck is an 01-02 it didnt come with the OD lockout so you’ll have to install the retrofit kit. It might help you more than me because of your oversized tires.
I know this is an old video, but I've owned an 8.1 since new and have 285 75r16, my speedo is about 6% slow without correction. If the truck in the video is not corrected, the mileage is a little higher than shown. Anyway, 8.1 fan for 22 years and counting love the video.
Just picked up an 01 truck with the 8.1 and the Allison. Plan on dropping the whole thing in my 06 to replace the 6.0 and the 4speed. Great looking truck man!
I love your 8.1 truck ! Love seeing the old gal doing work .I think my big block gets a little better mpg than yours ... I do have the 3.73 ratio. I’ve never had anything I couldn’t pull with the 3.73 . I pull my loaded dump trailer all the time pulled it 6x in last 2 weeks . I used to get 7.5 towing my 34 ft sunnybrook camper and it was a sail. In fact I think my big block gets the same mpg towing as my ecoboost when towing heavy . The big block doesn’t quite have the pulling power of the 3.5 it’s close though. I lost 3 mpg going from my Ram Cummins to my 8.1 I used to get 10.5 with my ram . The 8.1 is bad on fuel empty and around town, mine gets 13 highway at any speed empty, even 80 mph it doesn’t matter . Around town empty is bad 8 -9 mpg . I’m due to change all my fluids like you did. .
I get 7mpg in my 87 crewcab pulling air. Lol I just bought a 2002 GMC Sierra with the 8.1 8100. Can’t wait to install my fifth wheel hitch and see how it handles a 8500 pound camper trailer.
The other RPO code thats important is Z85 firm ride... oil filled shocks makes it ride like a Cadillac. Handles like what every Z71 owner wishes they had 😳
I’ve got 2 of the same truck except one is a GMC. One 6.0 and one 6.6 Duramax. I’m like you in that I’ll never part with either. I’d love to have one with the 8.1 and will probably look for one soon.
I feel like I need to do a video about my 2001 Silverado 2500hd 8.1 with factory 4.10s. I pull my boat weighing about 6,000lbs and my travel trailer around 8,500lbs. Truck pulls great and never has let me down and I'm sitting at about 103,000 miles. Dont ever sell that truck!
They stopped making it due to lack of demand. Now GM is thinking about bringing the big block back because some people need the torque of a diesel without the costs associated with it because Ford just got the 7.3 Godzilla.
@@atx-cvpi_99 the 8.1 cost way more in gas . It paid for my 05 diesel an oil changes. 220 miles max on the 8.1 tank of gas .. better have an extra $100 on u at all times
They stopped making it due to emissions certification. To keep installing in new vehicles it had to go back thru government process and gm did not want to pay to do that. They were profiting more on diesels. If diesels had the emissions at that time the big blocks would still exist.
I’ve got a similar truck I bought new. It’s a 2006 with 6.0 & 4 speed with 4.10 gears. It doesn’t do much better on fuel. I don’t drive it much. Just over 24,000 miles right now. It’s been very reliable and I don’t plan to sell it...even though people offer to buy it all the time!
Just curious, and if you mentioned I apologize, but did you recalibrate your speedometer / trip meter for the taller tires? if not the data collected is really meaningless. I had 2 of the 2001's one 4 door dually and one ext cab SRW. both get right at 8 mpg loaded with a gooseneck trailer with dozer or loader at about 14k. The ext cab is 4:10 and the dually is 3:73. I do not generally use the tow Haul mode unless running through the hills in KY or TN with the 42' Montana in tow. It has a GVWR of 14,500 and is a huge wind brake drops me to 6mpg and often less. Traded the SRW for a new Duramax and what a HUGE difference. But still love my 8.1 and that big block sound through the cats with no mufflers. thanks for sharing your video.
Melvin Spencer I did not recalibrate the truck for the larger tire...in reality my trip was closer to 60 miles considering my tires are 33.4” diameter vs. stock 30.5” tires. So I was off by about 5 miles. Even at that, the actual MPG is still under 7 MPG. Thanks for watching!
You can buy a crate 502 , for what that diesel would be in repairs, I own a 01 extended cab dually, 496, Allison, LOVE IT, always dependable, 95k, expensive fuel, but everything else is way cheaper than dirty diesel
Beautiful truck! Definitely is a gas pig. I don't mind my 350 tbi that gets 18mpg. Can't tow nearly as much as yours. Yours is a looker and a collector forsure.
I have a 2001 GMC 250O hd with 8.1 and Alison. I pull a 10000 boat. It is the best pulling truck I’ve owned. I just accept the fact mileage is going to be bad, 10-11 on the interstate with no load and probably 6 mpg while pulling the boat. Around town empty, I like to ask, “what’s an 8.1 get for gas mileage?”……. 8.1!
8,500 lb camper, over 1500 mile trip I got near 8 mpg. Only mod is duel exhaust. Not towing 800 mile trip I got near 14 mpg. I was feather on the gas and did not run over 65 mph.
I did not correct for the larger tire… Even so the mileage is not that impressive which I expected. Even with the correction it’s still under 7 miles per gallon.
If i couldve found a single cab 4x4 8.1 i wouldve definitely purchased one. Just went with the 6.0 6 speed auto. Get about 13mpg. Not much better for the cubic inch difference?
GM trucks come from the factory sitting to low to the ground with to small a tire size. I have an 03 2500HD SLT short bed crew, front cranked all the way up, 2" blocks in the rear with 285 Duratrac's. Have been eying an 8.1 out of a wrecked 06 HD with 75,000 miles on it to replace my 6.0.
Well i'm new to pickup's, i would tow my boat with my full size suv. I purchased 2020 GMC 2.7 turbo 4 cycl rides on 20's . Yup many hate it lol .. Yet i'm loving it so far. Not in farming instead I live in Miami, and use a pickup truck for different reasons. I drive clients in it, I tow a boat or an RV with it and carry house stuff time to time in the bed of the truck. Miami, is a dense city. i'm averaging 18-19 mpg's city thats when i'm busy otherwise i can avg 19-20 mpg's city and as for hwy @ speeds of 75-77 mph truck captures 23-24 mpg. The torque is smooth and aggressive. I hauled a rental RV 4200 lbs plus gear and passengers 5200 lbs from Miami, Fla to the Smoky mountains and had no issues no struggles and when i needed to pass 18 wheeler on an 5% to 7% grade truck passed with ease and fun.Towing at 65-68 mph i get 11-13 depends on winds.... But I'm showing overall avg. Love to hear & see folks like yourself bring us into your realm of life and how you use a truck and the pride that goes along with it. Truly appreciate your video and explaining. Never thought those trailers weighed so much.
Great looking truck. You may want to get a programmer to adjust for the larger tires. I had an issue on my 8.1 with the transmission shifting when towing my travel trailer. It would not want to shift into 5th unless I was going over 68 MPH. I miss that truck so I’m picking up an 8.1 Suburban next week.
I have 2004 3500 , 4:10 , 8.1 4x4 when hauling in tow mode a load mine doesn't want to shift into 5 gear over drive until it reaches about 62 to 63 mph on level or down hill grade. I was wondering if that was normal.?
@@donaldthomas5852 It’s been 10 years since I’ve had my truck. It was basically the same as yours, but a 2500. That sounds about right to me. I recall having to sometimes accelerate to over 65 to get it to upshift then I could slow down. The problem got worse when I added 285/75/16 tires. I purchased a programmer so I could adjust for the larger tire. That fixed the problem. In addition to the programmer, I added a K&N cold air intake and had a cat back dual exhaust. It gave me about 500 more RPM out of the motor before it would fall on it’s face.
I did not recalibrate the truck for the larger tire...in reality my trip was closer to 60 miles considering my tires are 33.4” diameter vs. stock 30.5” tires. So I was off by about 5 miles on the entire trip. Even at that, the actual MPG is still under 7 MPG. Nothing scientific about this video just to give you an idea of what these trucks consume when pulling a load. Thanks for wathcing!
Wow. ...I was impressed to see the 8.1 at around 1800rpms at 55mph. To me that looked like a 12k load. Very respectable for gasoline at any consumption level...
Correct...empty vs. empty the Anderson 14K GVWR weighs more than my 12K GVWR Moritz....so this time around I am pulling more weight vs. last time, especially with the ballast box on.
I have a 2004 3500 8.1 4:10 I get about the same mileage as what you got . My 24ft gooseneck trailer weighs 5,250 lbs. it has the large I beams and two single wheel axles,
Thanks for watching and commenting! I still need to weigh my new gooseneck… I’m curious what it weighs with my toolboxes full, the winch, winch battery... it’s a 22’ + 5’ dovetail.
The owners manual in my 01 Silverado 8100 calls for 5w30/10w30. I have heard guys running 5w40 synthetic oil (not sure if it is diesel or gas engine oil). What oil do you use in you truck?
@@truckguyjoe good to know , when I got my 8.1 it had 285 . Speedo was off by 5mph at 65+ . Allison seems way happier now that it’s corrected . But I have a question for you . When your towing do you lock out 5th ? Mine seems to want to hold 5th and then finally down shifts pretty hard . Is that normal ? This is the first auto I’ve had in 20 years . My other autos were slush box dodges so I’ve always hated automatics after that experience
I love the truck! great test I sure wish gm would produce good trucks like this again. Big block with an Alison. I do just have one question did you recalibrate the speedo for the larger tires? Larger tires will slow the speedo down. So if that is the case you may have driven more miles
Just a question. But how do you think this would handle with a 12K trailer with 11.5K loaded on it. I know thats exceeding what a 12K trailer is rated for but I have never had an issue. I just want to know if this truck is gonna be doing 25-35 pulling a hill or is it gonna be able maintain 55?
What rear end gears does it have? I have an 02 yukon xl 8.1 4 spd od with 4.10s and pulling an enclosed 27 foot race trailer and snowmobiles (bout 7k lbs guessing) i am getting 9 mpg. Truck is stock 200k. I guess less wind resistance maybe? Seems like i get 10 mpg towing, not towing, being easy on it, beating on it, etc lol...
With those larger (taller) tires you would have driven further than the odometer said. You probably drove closer to 60 miles so your mileage would be higher than what you calculated.
"Victor Yankee Umbrella..." Really? LOL "Uniform" maybe? LOL 🤣. I also laughed at "it's getting older springs are getting tighter..." I think you'd be the only one that has that problem. LOL Otherwise, great video!! I really needed a real world fuel estimate.
My personal experiences. I’ve daily driven a 8.1 and an lly duramax. When pulling the 8.1 got about 7 and no trailer 10. The duramax got about 14 pulling and 16 no trailer. Not trying to start anything just comparing.
Both great trucks but the injectors and diesel expenses are tough comparison unless you are making money with truck. I have had both and got rid of diesel due to those costs. My 8.1 is a gas hog but for the 15000 $ difference at purchase I am still way ahead. The 8.1 will run just as long or longer than any diesel they put in 2500/3500 class trucks and cheaper to maintain. Since the def and government changes. Diesel are great til they need fixing . I am a freak for service and replace stuff before it goes out if possible. But love them both. Wish they still had diesels getting 20 to 30 mpg like the 90s. Those made since to own.
I just came to bragg... my little girl has 350,000 miles haven't had a car payment since 2007 put about 5 grand in her since 2002...I haul a trailer half the time and she still purrs like a kitten...I drove diesel rigs and know big engines can go 650,000 miles with no rebuild,when the salesman opened the hood and said it had an 8.1 the old Cadillac motor I just closed it and said yes this is my forever truck ,knew it was practically a diesel rig... I paid $35,000 for it with only a 3-year warranty because I didn't care I knew I was getting a truck that would Outlast three others and it's exceeded my expectations, that day I bought two trucks the salesman came out and try to do the application thing with me and I just said I got $20,000 to put down on these two trucks here's my social security number and license you fill out the application and if I'm here for more than 2 hours I'm going to leave I was only there for an hour... her name is Betsy and she's made me a fuck ton of money, it's 2023 now and I'm 62 so I think this is going to be my last Betsy , going to try to ride her out to the finish line say a prayer for this cowboy and quick life hack just write off the MPG they're giving you 50 + cents a mile
Overall, the 6.6 gas does have more horsepower and torque. It’s a very responsive engine and it does like to rev. The 8.1 makes a ton of torque down low, and I like the gearing of the Allison transmission. Overall the new 6.6 would outpull the big block.
@@truckguyjoe thanks for the reply. I just bought a 21 gmc 2500hd with the 6.6 gas. I have owned diesels since 1997. We’ll see how it goes. So far I like it a lot
What's a take off exhaust?I assume thats factory.....whyy would ya?Im guessing this cat is Hank Hill with maintenane and parts and his shit is straight right and proper.Happy motoring Hank.
When I ran the lower grade fuels… I could definitely hear detonation… Pinging if you will… When lugging while pulling loads with torque converter locked… When I switched to premium the pinging went away.
Why use premium gas? That motor is so low compression it’s not necessary and will only cause loss of mpg and more stress on the motor because the fuel won’t ignite as efficiently
Often times under a load I would hear it detonate when I use 87 octane. Pinging if you will… When I switched to the premium no more detonating. It was most pronounced when the torque converter is locked and you were laying on the throttle to try to maintain speed while pulling something.
@@truckguyjoe yep, #FACTSMATTER Higher Octane Fuel Burns Cleaner and More Efficiently and Cooler Temperatures. Cooler Running Engine Is A Longer Lasting Engine! Some People Just Don't Understand The Facts&Real World Testing&Use of Combustible Engines. 😁 Some People Just Be Like 🤔 Great Videos, Sincerely: Stephens Motorsports I have a several chevy trucks&love them all!! 84 6.2l diesel 588,xxx 94 5.7l 468,xxx 97 5.7l 318,xxx 99 5.3 298,xxx 00 5.3l 283,xxx 00gmc 5.3l 67,xxx 02 Avalanche 5.3l 292,xxx 03 5.3 318,xxx 03 1500HD 6.0l 99,xxx 05 Colorado 217,xxx 11 6.6D 3500 32,xxx 19 6.6D 3500 High Country Edition 7,xxx 17 5.3l 64,xxx 18 Equinox 38,xxx I bought these new and still have them. Not counting others I bought new but sold or traded in on these. I still have a few others that I didn't buy new as well. I also have a 11 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Edition 198,xxx All these vehicles still have 100% original engines&transmissions. Knock on Wood. Lol, as you can tell I love GM but then again I like them all. All these vehicles listed are 4x4 or AWD, I'm a GEARHEAD and a car guy and I'm in the Motorsports and Powersports Business and Build,Buy, Sell,Trade. Especially in Hot Rods, Show Cars, Muscle Cars&Used Vehicles,Atvs, Utvs,Motorcycles. Parts,Repairs,Sales, Service. I am also a Franchised New Dealer in Oreion Motors LLC REEPER and DURUXX Street Legal Utv's Just Wanted to Say Thank You For The Videos And Keep Up The Great Work! Sincerely: Stephens Motorsports
I was just watching your videos LOL.Yours is badass. I don’t even know why I’m watching vids on the 8.1. I’m rebuilding a 6.0 for my K5 Blazer. I guess it’s because I’m bored at work.
If do duel fuel ammonia conversion its doesn't matter if the 8.1l gets poor fuel compared to a diesel. The 8.1l is far supperior to any diesel put in pickup trucks. It needs very little and just keeps going unlike money pit diesels. Look up ammoina as fuel and save yourself thousands .
@@truckguyjoe Thanks... I'm building a EARTH ROAMER (Google) out of 2004 LD 2500 LT Silverado with 4.10s gears... My 2004 1500 SLT GM has 3.73s gears... So I wasn't sure if it was a 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton gear set up...
I did not recalibrate the truck for the larger tire...in reality my trip was closer to 60 miles considering my tires are 33.4” diameter vs. stock 30.5” tires. So I was off by about 5 miles on the entire trip. Even at that, the actual MPG is still under 7 MPG. Nothing scientific about this video just to give you an idea of what these trucks consume when pulling a load.
I have Silverado 2007 classic model with the 6.0 gas engine, and is a piece of shit to tow 20 ft enclosed trailer, to many troubles and the engine has 140k miles only ...!
@@mattleonard5268 When I towed with 87… I noticed pinging or detonation under part throttle with the torque converter locked… The higher octane fuel eliminated that.
Actually, your calculations aren't 100% accurate because you actually traveled further than 55 miles. I don't think you factored in the difference in diameter of your oversized tires. It may not make a big difference in your fuel economy but it will make some.
$2.69 for 93? Wowwww. The future didn’t hold up well for us…
Around this time in KY, the price of 87 was $1.34
Good reference point for sure!!
As of 3-11-22 diesel in Erie, PA is ~ $5.45/gallon. 87 is $4.49.
I’ll have to come back a year from now and see where we are on 3-11-23.
And diesel is now highest ever and $1.25 more per gallon than regular octane gasoline
Thanks JOe Biden and BUikd Back Better
@@mrrj7004 no kidding
I have a 04 suburban 8.1 4L85 4 speed with 4.10 gears. I pull a 10,500 travel trailer around Pennsylvania all summer.. around 7 mpg towing . Small lift and 33 in tires, I love it, only 160,000 miles and run great
I recently found out the 8.1 existed, while looking for a truck. After researching them and test driving one, I had to have one.
I just got an 01 sierra 3500 with the 8.1, and love it. I tow a 24' enclosed car trailer, and have been getting 8 mpg and 12 without the trailer
@gravelbomb why did you not get a diesel? We're they too expensive bubba?
@@wildestcowboy2668
Probably because the Diesels are more expensive for maintenance and repairs. The 8.1 is a lot easier for you to maintain and repair yourself. The money saved in fuel with a diesel will be ate up in higher maintenance and repair costs.
@@12yearssober that makes sense to me
@@12yearssober Hell, just a set of injectors for the diesel will cost as much as a used 8.1 engine. *assuming the electronically controlled injectors
@@Ka_Gg
So true!!!
Trip meter measured 55 miles, but that's calculated with a tire that's 245/75/R16, which is 662 revolutions per mile. But a tire that is 295/75/R16 covers the same mile with only 604 revolutions. This means that if the trip meter measured 55 miles, the true distance is 60.2 miles. By my math, that's an MPG of about 6.93, which isn't horrible for towing, but I wouldn't use it as a daily driver, unless you get sponsored by OPEC.
No problem Joe, glad to see the exhaust found a good home and is put back into use! Keep the videos coming!
Thanks Danny!
Bought an 02 gmc 2500 with 8.1 new . Sold it with 309k.. my 8.1 was super quiet always ran full synthetic oil
My gasoline engines are happy just under 2,000 rpm. For me, it seems to be a sweet spot.
My truck is a 2004 GMC, Crew Cab, 77K miles, 8.1engine , 2wheel drive, stock size tires, 4:10 gears.
Towing with an enclosed race car trailer loaded with car, tools, generator, pit bike, extra fuel jugs and 3 batteries. The MPG is about 7, some highway and 5 miles of steep hills. No trailer maybe 10.5 highway in town 8 MPG. Yes the gas consumption sucks, but I really like the truck. Could use another gear in the Allison to improve the mileage.
There is a 6th unlock for the 5 speed Allison to get that .61 sixth gear. It’s about $2000 from calibrated power solutions
I have an 04 8.1 crew cab Allison combo. I have 4.56 gears 33 inch tire. And love it. I have 155k miles just replaced all belts hoses alternator coil packs plugs wires. Great truck. Will never sell it.
I've got a 2001 2500hd CC/SB with the 8.1L & Allison. I use mine for towing my big 26' Gooseneck flat deck trailer. I've had the Gross Weight of my 14K GVW trailer between 12-14,000 lbs average between round bales and hauling scrap metal and this truck hauls it no problem. I have zero complaints with this truck, mileage sucks but I bought it for towing and doing work. Even with 3.73 gears it still throws down for pulling no problem.
2003 Yukon XL 2500 8.1 270,000 miles 4L85. Towing 8500 lb boat and trailer from San Diego to Long Beach and back to San Diego, 55 mph 10 mpg.
These are awesome trucks!
My 2004 Bounder RV(around 22k lbs) has the 8.1 with a 5 speed Allison, and its screams going up hills. The doghouse literally sits right next to you, but it gets the job done every time.
I'm a very happy owner of a 01 Chevy Silverado 2500hd 4x4 8.1 5spd with 4.10's 11.5 full floater rear end fully loaded to pull on a 6" lift on 35's I average around 10 mpg empty I dn't feel bad about knowing what it's capable of. The truck is a beast it's ready to do whatever. The most reliable truck I've ever owned period till this date. Don't be scared to own one yes mpg is not the best but till you own one then you'll realize it's not bad, plus you don't have heavy maintenance items to worry about like the diesels have injectors,glow plugs, turbos going out, filters all over the place ECT.
I agree, less worries with the gas engines , I have both gas and diesel. A 99 Chevy 2500 6.0 gas 212,00 miles ; 04 Chevy 3500 8.1 gas 262,000 miles ; 01 Chevy 2500HD 6.6 Duramax LB7 92,000 miles.
For comparison I have an 04 Duramax 2500 four-door short bed towing a 9,000 pound fifth wheel I got about 8 miles per gallon doing about 70 on the interstate my average around town and highway not towing is about 16... I am considering getting a truck with the 8.1
I had an 03 8.1l w/4.10s that I towed my skid steer with (about 12000lb total). I found it got about 1 mpg better when I locked it in 4th gear. 7.8mpg in OD, 8.8mpg in 4th gear. Since your truck is an 01-02 it didnt come with the OD lockout so you’ll have to install the retrofit kit. It might help you more than me because of your oversized tires.
I know this is an old video, but I've owned an 8.1 since new and have 285 75r16, my speedo is about 6% slow without correction. If the truck in the video is not corrected, the mileage is a little higher than shown. Anyway, 8.1 fan for 22 years and counting love the video.
Realistically mpg’s were closer to 6.9 based on my 34” tires. Thanks for watching!
Just picked up an 01 truck with the 8.1 and the Allison. Plan on dropping the whole thing in my 06 to replace the 6.0 and the 4speed. Great looking truck man!
how did the swap go? I been looking at trying to find a donor truck with 8.1 and allison to drop into my 09
I love your 8.1 truck ! Love seeing the old gal doing work .I think my big block gets a little better mpg than yours ... I do have the 3.73 ratio. I’ve never had anything I couldn’t pull with the 3.73 . I pull my loaded dump trailer all the time pulled it 6x in last 2 weeks . I used to get 7.5 towing my 34 ft sunnybrook camper and it was a sail. In fact I think my big block gets the same mpg towing as my ecoboost when towing heavy . The big block doesn’t quite have the pulling power of the 3.5 it’s close though. I lost 3 mpg going from my Ram Cummins to my 8.1 I used to get 10.5 with my ram . The 8.1 is bad on fuel empty and around town, mine gets 13 highway at any speed empty, even 80 mph it doesn’t matter . Around town empty is bad 8 -9 mpg . I’m due to change all my fluids like you did. .
Always appreciate your feedback John!
I get 7mpg in my 87 crewcab pulling air. Lol
I just bought a 2002 GMC Sierra with the 8.1 8100. Can’t wait to install my fifth wheel hitch and see how it handles a 8500 pound camper trailer.
The other RPO code thats important is Z85 firm ride... oil filled shocks makes it ride like a Cadillac. Handles like what every Z71 owner wishes they had 😳
I’ve got 2 of the same truck except one is a GMC. One 6.0 and one 6.6 Duramax. I’m like you in that I’ll never part with either. I’d love to have one with the 8.1 and will probably look for one soon.
I feel like I need to do a video about my 2001 Silverado 2500hd 8.1 with factory 4.10s. I pull my boat weighing about 6,000lbs and my travel trailer around 8,500lbs. Truck pulls great and never has let me down and I'm sitting at about 103,000 miles. Dont ever sell that truck!
Robert Roland absolutely you should make a video!!
I personally love the 8.1 engines. I currently have a nice 2001 and I'm looking at another one for my wife.
That a great engine thats why gm had to stop making it. The 8.1 was bullet proof America 🇺🇸
They stopped making it due to lack of demand. Now GM is thinking about bringing the big block back because some people need the torque of a diesel without the costs associated with it because Ford just got the 7.3 Godzilla.
@@atx-cvpi_99 the 8.1 cost way more in gas . It paid for my 05 diesel an oil changes. 220 miles max on the 8.1 tank of gas .. better have an extra $100 on u at all times
They stopped making it due to emissions certification. To keep installing in new vehicles it had to go back thru government process and gm did not want to pay to do that. They were profiting more on diesels. If diesels had the emissions at that time the big blocks would still exist.
I’ve got a similar truck I bought new. It’s a 2006 with 6.0 & 4 speed with 4.10 gears. It doesn’t do much better on fuel. I don’t drive it much. Just over 24,000 miles right now. It’s been very reliable and I don’t plan to sell it...even though people offer to buy it all the time!
Not sure if you mentioned it but has the speedometer been recalibrated for the larger than stock tire?
It has not been recalibrated...good question! I would say in reality at 55 MPH I'm probably doing closer to 59-60 MPH.
@@truckguyjoe so your mpg is better than 6.3 mpg!
Came here to say just that
C Mike C probably closer to 6.9
My 8.1 gets normally 9-10 MPG empty or loaded. Usually doesn't matter. Once got 12 while towing a car through KC in the rain.
Just curious, and if you mentioned I apologize, but did you recalibrate your speedometer / trip meter for the taller tires? if not the data collected is really meaningless. I had 2 of the 2001's one 4 door dually and one ext cab SRW. both get right at 8 mpg loaded with a gooseneck trailer with dozer or loader at about 14k. The ext cab is 4:10 and the dually is 3:73. I do not generally use the tow Haul mode unless running through the hills in KY or TN with the 42' Montana in tow. It has a GVWR of 14,500 and is a huge wind brake drops me to 6mpg and often less. Traded the SRW for a new Duramax and what a HUGE difference. But still love my 8.1 and that big block sound through the cats with no mufflers. thanks for sharing your video.
Melvin Spencer I did not recalibrate the truck for the larger tire...in reality my trip was closer to 60 miles considering my tires are 33.4” diameter vs. stock 30.5” tires. So I was off by about 5 miles. Even at that, the actual MPG is still under 7 MPG. Thanks for watching!
You can buy a crate 502 , for what that diesel would be in repairs, I own a 01 extended cab dually, 496, Allison, LOVE IT, always dependable, 95k, expensive fuel, but everything else is way cheaper than dirty diesel
Beautiful truck! Definitely is a gas pig. I don't mind my 350 tbi that gets 18mpg. Can't tow nearly as much as yours. Yours is a looker and a collector forsure.
I have a 2001 GMC 250O hd with 8.1 and Alison. I pull a 10000 boat. It is the best pulling truck I’ve owned. I just accept the fact mileage is going to be bad, 10-11 on the interstate with no load and probably 6 mpg while pulling the boat. Around town empty, I like to ask, “what’s an 8.1 get for gas mileage?”……. 8.1!
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Mine has 236000 on it runs like new!
8,500 lb camper, over 1500 mile trip I got near 8 mpg. Only mod is duel exhaust. Not towing 800 mile trip I got near 14 mpg. I was feather on the gas and did not run over 65 mph.
Did you correct for the large tires? That size will throw your odometer off 9.7%
I did not correct for the larger tire… Even so the mileage is not that impressive which I expected. Even with the correction it’s still under 7 miles per gallon.
If i couldve found a single cab 4x4 8.1 i wouldve definitely purchased one. Just went with the 6.0 6 speed auto. Get about 13mpg. Not much better for the cubic inch difference?
GM trucks come from the factory sitting to low to the ground with to small a tire size. I have an 03 2500HD SLT short bed crew, front cranked all the way up, 2" blocks in the rear with 285 Duratrac's. Have been eying an 8.1 out of a wrecked 06 HD with 75,000 miles on it to replace my 6.0.
They sure do… Can’t believe they only put 245s on them
The g80 is good in the 14 bolt. Most issues were in the 10 bolt. That's why they got the nickname gov bomb.
Lots of hours on mine engaged from all the years of plowing snow.
What would of been interesting is if you went back out and set the cruise @ 60 or 65 and see how much it dropped.
I did a little of everything to get an average...some city driving stop and go (35 MPH) up to 70 MPH on the interstate. Thanks for watching!
Well i'm new to pickup's, i would tow my boat with my full size suv. I purchased 2020 GMC 2.7 turbo 4 cycl rides on 20's . Yup many hate it lol .. Yet i'm loving it so far. Not in farming instead I live in Miami, and use a pickup truck for different reasons. I drive clients in it, I tow a boat or an RV with it and carry house stuff time to time in the bed of the truck. Miami, is a dense city. i'm averaging 18-19 mpg's city thats when i'm busy otherwise i can avg 19-20 mpg's city and as for hwy @ speeds of 75-77 mph truck captures 23-24 mpg. The torque is smooth and aggressive. I hauled a rental RV 4200 lbs plus gear and passengers 5200 lbs from Miami, Fla to the Smoky mountains and had no issues no struggles and when i needed to pass 18 wheeler on an 5% to 7% grade truck passed with ease and fun.Towing at 65-68 mph i get 11-13 depends on winds.... But I'm showing overall avg. Love to hear & see folks like yourself bring us into your realm of life and how you use a truck and the pride that goes along with it. Truly appreciate your video and explaining. Never thought those trailers weighed so much.
Thank you for watching!
Great looking truck. You may want to get a programmer to adjust for the larger tires. I had an issue on my 8.1 with the transmission shifting when towing my travel trailer. It would not want to shift into 5th unless I was going over 68 MPH. I miss that truck so I’m picking up an 8.1 Suburban next week.
Thanks for watching Craig!
I have 2004 3500 , 4:10 , 8.1 4x4 when hauling in tow mode a load mine doesn't want to shift into 5 gear over drive until it reaches about 62 to 63 mph on level or down hill grade. I was wondering if that was normal.?
@@donaldthomas5852 It’s been 10 years since I’ve had my truck. It was basically the same as yours, but a 2500. That sounds about right to me. I recall having to sometimes accelerate to over 65 to get it to upshift then I could slow down. The problem got worse when I added 285/75/16 tires. I purchased a programmer so I could adjust for the larger tire. That fixed the problem.
In addition to the programmer, I added a K&N cold air intake and had a cat back dual exhaust. It gave me about 500 more RPM out of the motor before it would fall on it’s face.
@@donaldthomas5852 yes that’s normal tow haul holds gears longer to keep rpm power band under load.
I also love my 2002 Silverado 4 door with the 8.1. Yes mileage sucks but it is quite and lots of power.
Thank you for watching Bob!
309 k I had abt 6 fuel pumps 1 crank sensor an 2 alternators . 6 sets of tires. 2 brake jobs. 1 set of plugs
Don't forget to add 10% to your miles and fuel economy to compensate for the tires unless the computer was corrected.
I did not recalibrate the truck for the larger tire...in reality my trip was closer to 60 miles considering my tires are 33.4” diameter vs. stock 30.5” tires. So I was off by about 5 miles on the entire trip. Even at that, the actual MPG is still under 7 MPG. Nothing scientific about this video just to give you an idea of what these trucks consume when pulling a load. Thanks for wathcing!
why wouldn’t you use the same trailer as last time and no added weight. you just soiled the results of your whole video. good stuff man
Here is the link to the original video from June 2017: ua-cam.com/video/6aGZx05al78/v-deo.html
I’m a ford man but I love the 8.1 gas I’m not a diesel fan
Thanks for the content Joe.. off the top of your head what would you say the L5P would do fuel mileage same trailer same trip.?
TC I feel the L5P would have done ~ 13-14 mpg given the weight of the tractor & trailer...same route
Wow. ...I was impressed to see the 8.1 at around 1800rpms at 55mph. To me that looked like a 12k load. Very respectable for gasoline at any consumption level...
Might have to swap one of these in my '92 burb
Just to be clear. The weight of the trailer isn't 14k lbs. That's just what it's rated at to haul.
Correct...empty vs. empty the Anderson 14K GVWR weighs more than my 12K GVWR Moritz....so this time around I am pulling more weight vs. last time, especially with the ballast box on.
Today I bought a truck just like yours and I need to know what type of gasoline you put in it
What are you putting in it
I have a 2004 3500 8.1 4:10 I get about the same mileage as what you got . My 24ft gooseneck trailer weighs 5,250 lbs. it has the large I beams and two single wheel axles,
Thanks for watching and commenting! I still need to weigh my new gooseneck… I’m curious what it weighs with my toolboxes full, the winch, winch battery... it’s a 22’ + 5’ dovetail.
The owners manual in my 01 Silverado 8100 calls for 5w30/10w30. I have heard guys running 5w40 synthetic oil (not sure if it is diesel or gas engine oil). What oil do you use in you truck?
I typically run 5W30 high mileage blend
So are the suspension parts all the same as the Duramax? Looking to put kryptonite control arms on mine.
@@bradymeredith3528 yup! Put Kryptonite on this truck
@@truckguyjoe thank you for a quick response!! Badass man! The package I want to purchase is outta stock right now unfortunately
@@bradymeredith3528 I bought mine through Dmax Store: dmaxstore.com/
Now the real question , is the speedometer calibrated for the larger tires ?
Still under 7 miles per gallon if you do the correction
@@truckguyjoe good to know , when I got my 8.1 it had 285 . Speedo was off by 5mph at 65+ . Allison seems way happier now that it’s corrected . But I have a question for you . When your towing do you lock out 5th ? Mine seems to want to hold 5th and then finally down shifts pretty hard . Is that normal ? This is the first auto I’ve had in 20 years . My other autos were slush box dodges so I’ve always hated automatics after that experience
I borrowed my friends a while back and oml that thing had powerrrr
I love the truck! great test I sure wish gm would produce good trucks like this again. Big block with an Alison. I do just have one question did you recalibrate the speedo for the larger tires? Larger tires will slow the speedo down. So if that is the case you may have driven more miles
Thanks for watching and commenting. I did not re-calibrate… Realistically my mileage was probably closer to 6.9
@@truckguyjoe very cool Thank you for the reply it was driving me crazy! That is actually quite a difference as well. That 8.1 sure is a great engine!
not enough miles to get an very accurate mileage reading but awesome video.
What mileage do you average for normal driving from tank to tank?
On average I see 12 MPG around town empty. 15 highway empty.
@@truckguyjoe thanks, that’s not that bad really
Just a question. But how do you think this would handle with a 12K trailer with 11.5K loaded on it. I know thats exceeding what a 12K trailer is rated for but I have never had an issue. I just want to know if this truck is gonna be doing 25-35 pulling a hill or is it gonna be able maintain 55?
Should be able to maintain 55...I've pulled some serious weight with this particular truck.
What rear end gears does it have? I have an 02 yukon xl 8.1 4 spd od with 4.10s and pulling an enclosed 27 foot race trailer and snowmobiles (bout 7k lbs guessing) i am getting 9 mpg. Truck is stock 200k. I guess less wind resistance maybe? Seems like i get 10 mpg towing, not towing, being easy on it, beating on it, etc lol...
I’ve got 4.10s. Thanks for watching!
With those larger (taller) tires you would have driven further than the odometer said. You probably drove closer to 60 miles so your mileage would be higher than what you calculated.
Correct… My mileage is closer to 6.9
rule of thumb gas v-8 motors mileage cuts in half when towing
"Victor Yankee Umbrella..." Really? LOL "Uniform" maybe? LOL 🤣. I also laughed at "it's getting older springs are getting tighter..." I think you'd be the only one that has that problem. LOL
Otherwise, great video!! I really needed a real world fuel estimate.
I gotta try 3.73 gear in my 03 6.0 2500hd 2wd I’m screaming at 2350 rpm at 65 mph
Do you have any rubbing issues with the 295/75 tires?
I trimmed the lower valence at the edges of the bumper…that’s it!
The appropriate answer is WHO CARES…
These are awesome trucks that last forever and haul way more than the mail!
You use super for fuel. Burns hotter... and usually more, right?
Truck runs better and my fuel economy is better when I use premium versus regular. Seems the truck runs more efficiently with a better igniting fuel.
My personal experiences. I’ve daily driven a 8.1 and an lly duramax. When pulling the 8.1 got about 7 and no trailer 10. The duramax got about 14 pulling and 16 no trailer. Not trying to start anything just comparing.
Both great trucks but the injectors and diesel expenses are tough comparison unless you are making money with truck. I have had both and got rid of diesel due to those costs. My 8.1 is a gas hog but for the 15000 $ difference at purchase I am still way ahead. The 8.1 will run just as long or longer than any diesel they put in 2500/3500 class trucks and cheaper to maintain. Since the def and government changes. Diesel are great til they need fixing . I am a freak for service and replace stuff before it goes out if possible. But love them both. Wish they still had diesels getting 20 to 30 mpg like the 90s. Those made since to own.
Maybe you don't want to put to much money into the truck but maybe try adding a cold air intake and a tuner that might help you 🤔
What tires are you running?
LT295/75R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA/KO
I see a YJ!! Nice Jeep 🙂
Rust free out of the state of Washington! Not sure what my plans are yet.
Thanks
Wow ..91 octane 100% gas here in South east Kansas is $1.99
PA tax on fuel is pretty outrageous!
Pfft me laughing in ComieFornia
No way!
15w40 hd engine oil and 180* thermostat help
What kind of tires you got on that truck.
BFG All Terrains
295/75/16
I just came to bragg... my little girl has 350,000 miles haven't had a car payment since 2007 put about 5 grand in her since 2002...I haul a trailer half the time and she still purrs like a kitten...I drove diesel rigs and know big engines can go 650,000 miles with no rebuild,when the salesman opened the hood and said it had an 8.1 the old Cadillac motor I just closed it and said yes this is my forever truck ,knew it was practically a diesel rig... I paid $35,000 for it with only a 3-year warranty because I didn't care I knew I was getting a truck that would Outlast three others and it's exceeded my expectations, that day I bought two trucks the salesman came out and try to do the application thing with me and I just said I got $20,000 to put down on these two trucks here's my social security number and license you fill out the application and if I'm here for more than 2 hours I'm going to leave I was only there for an hour... her name is Betsy and she's made me a fuck ton of money, it's 2023 now and I'm 62 so I think this is going to be my last Betsy , going to try to ride her out to the finish line say a prayer for this cowboy and quick life hack just write off the MPG they're giving you 50 + cents a mile
With the bigger tires the circumference is about 9% bigger, so you really drove about 59 miles and got 6.8 mpg.
Very true.
how does the 8.1 pull compared to the new 6.6?
Overall, the 6.6 gas does have more horsepower and torque. It’s a very responsive engine and it does like to rev. The 8.1 makes a ton of torque down low, and I like the gearing of the Allison transmission. Overall the new 6.6 would outpull the big block.
@@truckguyjoe thanks for the reply. I just bought a 21 gmc 2500hd with the 6.6 gas. I have owned diesels since 1997. We’ll see how it goes. So far I like it a lot
It wasn’t even squatting that crazy at all. You should upgrade the leaf springs to 4500.
How does it do without a trailer
It gets about 10
How much were you towing altogether
Trailer + tractor is approx. 10,500 lbs. + truck with me is another 6800 lbs. = gross combination of 17,300
What's a take off exhaust?I assume thats factory.....whyy would ya?Im guessing this cat is Hank Hill with maintenane and parts and his shit is straight right and proper.Happy motoring Hank.
To each their own… I like having original equipment on my vehicles… I did not want a loud aftermarket exhaust. I like the stock look.
Why 93 octane? So you have an aftermarket tune? If not you could be hurting your mpg performance.
When I ran the lower grade fuels… I could definitely hear detonation… Pinging if you will… When lugging while pulling loads with torque converter locked… When I switched to premium the pinging went away.
@@truckguyjoe gotcha.
You didn’t account for the taller tires which would make the Speedo and miles way off
Factoring in the height of the tire… The mpg is still under 7mph.
@@truckguyjoe have you ever tried faster? That seems way low on rpm I bet it’s really lugging
Gmt400s lug caps (1988-98)?
eBay!
Why use premium gas? That motor is so low compression it’s not necessary and will only cause loss of mpg and more stress on the motor because the fuel won’t ignite as efficiently
Often times under a load I would hear it detonate when I use 87 octane. Pinging if you will… When I switched to the premium no more detonating. It was most pronounced when the torque converter is locked and you were laying on the throttle to try to maintain speed while pulling something.
@@truckguyjoe yep, #FACTSMATTER Higher Octane Fuel Burns Cleaner and More Efficiently and Cooler Temperatures. Cooler Running Engine Is A Longer Lasting Engine! Some People Just Don't Understand The Facts&Real World Testing&Use of Combustible Engines. 😁
Some People Just Be Like 🤔
Great Videos, Sincerely: Stephens Motorsports
I have a several chevy trucks&love them all!! 84 6.2l diesel 588,xxx 94 5.7l 468,xxx 97 5.7l 318,xxx 99 5.3 298,xxx 00 5.3l 283,xxx 00gmc 5.3l 67,xxx 02 Avalanche 5.3l 292,xxx 03 5.3 318,xxx 03 1500HD 6.0l 99,xxx 05 Colorado 217,xxx 11 6.6D 3500 32,xxx 19 6.6D 3500 High Country Edition 7,xxx 17 5.3l 64,xxx 18 Equinox 38,xxx I bought these new and still have them. Not counting others I bought new but sold or traded in on these. I still have a few others that I didn't buy new as well. I also have a 11 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Edition 198,xxx
All these vehicles still have 100% original engines&transmissions. Knock on Wood. Lol, as you can tell I love GM but then again I like them all. All these vehicles listed are 4x4 or AWD, I'm a GEARHEAD and a car guy and I'm in the Motorsports and Powersports Business and Build,Buy, Sell,Trade. Especially in Hot Rods, Show Cars, Muscle Cars&Used Vehicles,Atvs, Utvs,Motorcycles. Parts,Repairs,Sales, Service. I am also a Franchised New Dealer in Oreion Motors LLC REEPER and DURUXX Street Legal Utv's
Just Wanted to Say Thank You For The Videos And Keep Up The Great Work!
Sincerely: Stephens Motorsports
You would enjoy my 8.1
I was just watching your videos LOL.Yours is badass. I don’t even know why I’m watching vids on the 8.1. I’m rebuilding a 6.0 for my K5 Blazer. I guess it’s because I’m bored at work.
@@deegan727 lol
6.92mpg if your speedometer isn’t corrected for the larger tires…
Correct… between six and seven is typically where I land
Hello i need you help.!
If do duel fuel ammonia conversion its doesn't matter if the 8.1l gets poor fuel compared to a diesel.
The 8.1l is far supperior to any diesel put in pickup trucks. It needs very little and just keeps going unlike money pit diesels.
Look up ammoina as fuel and save yourself thousands .
Plus the quart of oil the 8.1 used too!
True
If it was regular gasoline or supreme.
93 octane
410.... What common Gear Ratio in a 8.1
The majority of the 6.0 & 8.1 trucks were 3.73s
@@truckguyjoe Thanks... I'm building a EARTH ROAMER (Google) out of 2004 LD 2500 LT Silverado with 4.10s gears... My 2004 1500 SLT GM has 3.73s gears... So I wasn't sure if it was a 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton gear set up...
Good old truck....
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State inspection it taxation without representation
And gas has doubled, or more, since this video...... Oooof......
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Unless your speedo and odo are compensated for the tire size change, ALL your data is flawed...
I did not recalibrate the truck for the larger tire...in reality my trip was closer to 60 miles considering my tires are 33.4” diameter vs. stock 30.5” tires. So I was off by about 5 miles on the entire trip. Even at that, the actual MPG is still under 7 MPG. Nothing scientific about this video just to give you an idea of what these trucks consume when pulling a load.
Simple answer (7)!
I have Silverado 2007 classic model with the 6.0 gas engine, and is a piece of shit to tow 20 ft enclosed trailer, to many troubles and the engine has 140k miles only ...!
There is nothing in the stock 8.1 that requires premium gas
@@mattleonard5268 When I towed with 87… I noticed pinging or detonation under part throttle with the torque converter locked… The higher octane fuel eliminated that.
Actually, your calculations aren't 100% accurate because you actually traveled further than 55 miles. I don't think you factored in the difference in diameter of your oversized tires. It may not make a big difference in your fuel economy but it will make some.
Mileage is probably closer to 6.9 based on 33.5” tires
@@truckguyjoe Right on! Thanks for your reply!
If ya gotta ask that question , you can't afford to drive a 8.1 !
Number one question I’ve received ever since buying this truck 21 years ago