Chevy 2004 6.0 vs. 2015 6.0

ktosv wrote:
I did state that it was my experience. But, you are comparing two trucks of the same generation and powertrain and there isn't going to be that big of a difference unless your 07 was a classic. Then I don't understand how you didn't see an improvement going from the 4 speed to the 6 speed. He is comparing a 2004 to a 2015. I certainly hope there is a huge difference.

...snip.......

My 07 was the old style Classic and was closer to being the same vehicle than your Suburban and Express which even have different rear axle ratios. I was slightly disappointed in the performance and fuel improvement that I expected in a six year upgrade. I did see an improvement, like you, but only in the unloaded operation. I like the newer truck and would trade again. Most of the advantage goes to the six speed.

kw/00 wrote:
...snip....... I lock out 6th and pull in OD 5th in florida all day long. Most hills here no problem with 5th. One in particular I run it in 4th but still keep 65 at 32-3500 rpm. I do have 3:73 gears so the 4:10 option would be better in other states. I have no issues pulling with the 6.0, I love the 6 speed....it keeps the engine in the right power band. When I leave it in 4th the on i75 it has very little speed lose on any hill here. ...snip...Kris

Isn't I-75 in Florida? One place you say you tow all over Florida in fifth, but then on I-75 you talk about leaving it in fourth. I tow all over the country and use fourth, even though it will often hold fifth. About the same performance as I had with my 07 Classic running in 3rd of 4 gears. Most of the advantage is due to the six speed.

The improved transmission will be beneficial the overall performance will improve. THe engine will find and maintain its sweet spot easier and for longer periods. But in crunch time the engine will still need to rev to generate maximum power.
In the end the engine will rev to get the job done. Nothing wrong with higher RPMS but it will not be a day vs. night improvement.

Well I can chime in, been there and have done it with no regrets. The newer gen 6.0 gives u VVTI, 6 speeds and more Usable TQ (360hp 380TQ). May not seem like much on paper but pulling wise I am much happier. My 02 had 300 hp with 360 TQ (00-07 models same), with 4 speeds, so pulling my current set up was in 3rd. Any hill and was in 2nd. In the new 6 speed both 5th and 6th are OD. I lock out 6th and pull in OD 5th in florida all day long. Most hills here no problem with 5th. One in particular I run it in 4th but still keep 65 at 32-3500 rpm. I do have 3:73 gears so the 4:10 option would be better in other states. I have no issues pulling with the 6.0, I love the 6 speed....it keeps the engine in the right power band. When I leave it in 4th the on i75 it has very little speed lose on any hill here. I get better mpgs not pulling compared to the older truck. I have pulled with gas and diesel and have preferred gas for personal reasons. Am I happy ? Yes.. I have no regrets going to the newer truck. I was in the same situation and pondered the same question that u had. I spoke to so many owners on both sides of the issue. I have constantly heard that the newer 6.0 is better in many ways from the owners, so I chose that route. U still need to give it some throttle at times... But it really moves easier then my old one has.hope this helps.
Kris

TomG2 wrote:
What are you disagreeing with? Both of mine were regular cab long bed work trucks, so my comparison is easy. I said don't expect a huge difference. Daily driving from 13 to 15 mpg is hardly huge and can be accounted for by many factors and you say your towing mileage stayed the same. Not huge in my book.

I did state that it was my experience. But, you are comparing two trucks of the same generation and powertrain and there isn't going to be that big of a difference unless your 07 was a classic. Then I don't understand how you didn't see an improvement going from the 4 speed to the 6 speed. He is comparing a 2004 to a 2015. I certainly hope there is a huge difference.

My 2004 with a 3.73 axle couldn't even maintain speed in OD. It would literally start loosing speed till it slowed so much that it had to downshift. My 2011 will tow the same trailer in 5th gear, and is able to hold that gear and accelerate. Considering my van has the 3.42 axle, I consider that a big improvement.

In regards to the gas mileage. We are seeing a 20% improvement in daily fuel economy. Considering that 80-90% of our miles are non-towing, that is a pretty big improvement to me.

OP, regardless if there is a huge improvement or not I hope you have the same experience that I do. My van is way more fun to drive because of the powertrain it has vs my 2004 Suburban.

Be sure to post updates after the first tow. I'm interested in this myself and have came up empty searching the web.

Too small a sample to be meaningful.

ktosv wrote:

TomG2 wrote:
I had a 2007 and now have a 2013 Silverado 6.0. Don't expect a huge improvement in power, or fuel mileage for that matter.

I have to disagree...but it might just by my experience. What is the weight of your trailer? I tow a trailer that is about 6200-6400 axle weight and 800-1000# tongue weight ready to camp.

We towed with a 2004 3/4 Ton Suburban with the 6.0L/4 speed and 3.73 axle. It couldn't maintain speed in 4th (OD) on level ground so I always used 3rd while towing. In daily driving my wife got 12mpg and we were lucky if she got 13mpg.

I now tow with a 2011 Express 1 ton, 6.0L/6 speed and 3.42 axle. I am able to tow in 5th gear on level ground and even overpasses and small grades. Larger grades it uses 4th gear. In daily driving my wife gets 15mpg. We do get about the same gas mileage towing.

I would think that you are going to have a nice improvement. Are you staying with the 4.10 or getting the 3.73? On steep grades are you going to have to let it rev? Yeah, but I love the combination I have.

What are you disagreeing with? Both of mine were regular cab long bed work trucks, so my comparison is easy. I said don't expect a huge difference. Daily driving from 13 to 15 mpg is hardly huge and can be accounted for by many factors and you say your towing mileage stayed the same. Not huge in my book.

I'm sticking with the 4.10.

Bruce

The new one is noticably quieter even at 5500 rpm.