Chevy 8.1 truck with low miles?

ksss wrote:
I agree, there is more to towing than the engine. I have an LBZ 3500 DRW. Has just over 100K. Love the motor and the truck, but I will likely sell it this year and get a new 3500 HD DRW. The new trucks just handle weight better, better brakes, better exhaust brake (my LBZ is tuned for an exhaust brake but it isnt as good as the L5P brake).

That's my story as well. My LBZ had 300K on it when I traded it in last year. I have no real complaints about the LBZ it was a great truck that served me well. However my current truck just does a much better job for the reasons mentioned above.
I also know the value of a dollar, yes I have a new very expensive truck that I plan to drive until it reaches 300K or more. MY LBZ was an expensive truck when I bought it. The 8.1 was an expensive truck in its day as well.
My point is the 8.1's , 7.3's and 4 speed transmissions were great in there day but there day has passed in terms of performance.
I'm not saying they aren't a good value or that you shouldn't own one if it meets your needs.
But I am saying compared to the modern trucks those old trucks are ... just not in the same league.
Sure 13 years later the LBZ maybe considered affordable and some 20 years later the 8.1 can be a bargain. But in there day these were not budget trucks..
We all have fond memories when those truck were king, however 20 years later those trucks are far from king.
Somehow we want to turn my comments into wallets and budgets which is another conversation. I'm speaking strictly in terms of towing performance.
What I remember as great performance at the time is really not as great, when compared to current trucks.

I can agree I do wish my L5P had the same price tag as my LBZ or a 8.1. But I do not wish it performed like either of those trucks.
Yes those older trucks were icons that have paved the way and been part of the learning curve that have allowed us to reach the current level of performance that the modern trucks deliver.

My old Sony Trinitron was a great TV in its day but boy is it outdated compared to today's flat screens. That's my point!

Grit dog wrote:
Lantley, while technology and power has gotten better since the 8.1, you are missing the point.

I wouldn't mind one bit finding a nice 8.1L 1-ton regular cab dully for my camper.

But, what I currently have works just fine.

That and I don't have an extra $80,000 laying around for a new truck. :B

Grit posted a good find for someone in the market.

Lot to be said for the old 8.1 gasser. May not compare to the new rigs in many ways but probably a good balance of remaining life, ability, entry cost, and opex. I'd be willing to guess that the old 8.1 has fewer computer chip/electronic parts to fail like happened on my 2009 2500HD with Duramax at about 120k....the iron is fine, but engine and tranny electronics all took a hike within about a 6-month period (8 - 12 different failures, one at -20 that convinced me to drop serious coin for a new rig).

Thank you Grit, spot on...add that there some of us who just won't (whether can or cannot afford) pay the kind of pricing for new/newer and are just fine with something older

Looking like around $10K, plus whatever the cost of the 'built' 7.4L will be.

Know many of the newer rigs has more HP, whop my 7.4L (just barely), but I'd rather spend less on something that fits me like an old shoe (yes, I do resole most of my shoes that can be)

Whatever makes 'you' happy...go for it ! I know what "I" want...




Click For Full-Size Image.

Lantley, while technology and power has gotten better since the 8.1, you are missing the point.
I simply made the post, because not everyone buys a $40-70k truck, or has the means to. And for a small fraction of that cost, there are a few of these “dinosaurs” around with low miles that are a good economical option for someone who needs the capability but doesn’t have the wallet to buy a new L5P like yourself.

twodownzero wrote:


You have more problems than power, as your camper weighs probably close to twice what your truck is rated to carry.

Like I was told one time in another forum, "Sorry but you don't know what you're talking about".

Power isn't a problem and neither is the weight.

specta wrote:


I'm content with what I have now.

I know a diesel has more power but this 6.0L does fine for me. I'm not in a race.

No new truck in the future. I tend to squeeze every mile out of my vehicles I can before I retire them.

You have more problems than power, as your camper weighs probably close to twice what your truck is rated to carry.

I'm content with what I have now.

I know a diesel has more power but this 6.0L does fine for me. I'm not in a race.

No new truck in the future. I tend to squeeze every mile out of my vehicles I can before I retire them.

I agree, there is more to towing than the engine. I have an LBZ 3500 DRW. Has just over 100K. Love the motor and the truck, but I will likely sell it this year and get a new 3500 HD DRW. The new trucks just handle weight better, better brakes, better exhaust brake (my LBZ is tuned for an exhaust brake but it isnt as good as the L5P brake).

2007 8.1 3500 dually regular cab. Towing this snowcat it averaged just under 5 mpg. The truck, trailer and snowcat weighed right close to 27,000 lbs. The truck was retired just last year with about 85,000 miles on it.

The trucks primary purpose what towing the snowcat. At least 80% of the miles were towing the cat.

Close to 65,000 miles the Hydramatic trans failed. Should have had the Allison.

This truck is what converted me from Fords to Chevys.




Three yeas ago I got a new snowcat and trailer and right at the end of the grooming season last year I got this 2009 F-450 6.4L diesel.

I hit a boulder that had rolled onto the road while towing the snowcat in a blizzard. That kind of ended the Chevy's life. ;)

This truck averages 5 mpg towing the snowcat and climbs the mountain roads at the same seed that '07 8.1 did.

The F-450 handles the trailer better and having a limited slip rear diff it is a lot more aggressive in poor conditions that the Chevy was.