I currently own a 2003 Yukon XL 1500 with 60K miles. It's been a great vehicle. I am looking at a 2003 2500 XL with an 8.1, to get better towing performance. We tow a 20' enclosed trailer around 5000+ pounds. Any input on the 2500 series? MPG, reliability, etc? Thanks in advance.
Make a switch from a 5.3 to an 8.1?
- Thread starter serpexc
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Yuke2K
Full Access Member
The 8.1s are beasts...I've heard alot of good things about them as far as towing abilities. About the best power you can get without going to a diesel rig. However...that comes at a significant drop in mileage. Good luck getting above 6-7mpg with one of those things when towing.
Personally, I'd just spend the extra loot on a Duramax, and get gobs more torque while maintaining a solid 14mpg while towing. Thats just me though...I've been hankerin' for a diesel for a long time now.
ETA: Welcome to the Tahoe Forum!
Personally, I'd just spend the extra loot on a Duramax, and get gobs more torque while maintaining a solid 14mpg while towing. Thats just me though...I've been hankerin' for a diesel for a long time now.
ETA: Welcome to the Tahoe Forum!
yep, diesels are great for towing, no question there. I've owned two Duramax pick ups over the years. Just sold my last one about 6 months ago. The 2002 was awesome. Great mileage at 20+ unloaded and it towed well. The 2005 was also a nice truck, but it got terrible fuel mileage for a diesel @ 14 mpg mixed driving unloaded and under 10 mpg towing. I'm no longer sold on diesels. They are untouchable for towing, but not really a bargain when you consider the extra maintenence costs, increased fuel costs, etc. Regardless, GMC never brought their Duramax platform to the Yukon, and I need a good puller and the space and seating of a Suburban. Is the 6.0 pretty strong? The mpg numbers I've heard aren't really any better than the 8.1, in the 2500 at least. I know the 6.0 Denalis and 1500 Max pick ups get okay mileage.
Yuke2K
Full Access Member
I've heard GREAT things about the new 6.0 Vortec. When I get my hands on a new Seirra, I'll probably plunk down the cash for the VortecMAX 6.0 package.
367hp and 375tq...those trucks are no slouches. The 8.1 was only rated around 340-350hp IIRC. But if thats the way you need to go, its not a bad option if you can afford the gas for one.
367hp and 375tq...those trucks are no slouches. The 8.1 was only rated around 340-350hp IIRC. But if thats the way you need to go, its not a bad option if you can afford the gas for one.
Yeah, the VortecMAX looks like a nice package, but I'm not in the market for a new pick up. I wonder how many hop up items are available for the 8.1? I'd imagine there's lots of power hiding in all that displacement. Our other option could be a Denali XL 6.0, but they don't have a much bigger tow rating than the 1500 with the 5.3, plus I'm not knocked out with the all wheel drive in the snow. Our standard 4x4 5.3 is much better in the snow than my brother's Denali.
Rollin Thunder
Full Access Member
the 8.1 has more power in the 01-03. 04 to 05 the 8.1 looses about 25-30 hp:cool2:
I wonder why? Did it pick up any torque?
hoezaycuervo
New Member
It bet it actually didn't loose HP, just the SAE approved method for calculating horsepower changed, but I could be wrong.
Could be................I don't have a better theory. I was reading in another thread about someone swapping a 6.0 liter into a 5.3 vehicle. Is this a reasonable swap, or some frankenstein stuff?
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boostaholic
Full Access Member
Easy swap, only need a new tune for the 6.0 but the 5.3 tune would even run a stock 6.0. I'd honestly look at buying a 6.0 2500hd or 2500 suburban, the axles and frame are what you need if you're always towing. Personally I'd take a modded 6.0 over an 8.1, I'm curious to see how my denali would pull with a magnacharger.
Rivieraracing
Full Access Member
My '02 yukon XL denali 6.0 does great for a tow rig, I pull a 23 ft toy hauler and even on the hills it does alright, if doing alot of towing I would go to a diesel though, the 6.0 does strain a bit much for that big of a trailer but does pretty good!!
I think I'll just look for a couple year newer Denali and be done with it. The 6.0 should be enough if I have a couple mods done to it. We tow a fairly often, but the thought of a 2500 as a daily driver for my wife doesn't make her happy.
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