Shiner,
We keep talking past one another. I agree, the 3.0 Eco is better optimized for lighter loads, no disagreement there. There is a 7 mpg difference between a V-6 and V-8 Camaro too. Same chassis, different engine that is designed to provide a different driving experience. Hook 14K up to the Eco diesel and you've just become a public nuisance and a danger to others on the road and mileage will be nearly equal to a 6.7. Getting 30 mpg out of a 6.7 is going to be tough unless you can de-activate a few cylinders and yes, I've seen the article where they lowered the cD to the point where it could eek out 30 mpg. Not practical for most of us, but you'll always get better mpg by reducing the amount of air a vehicle has to move through.
If an Eco does what you need a truck to do, then that is the tool for you. Bottom line is that a 3.0 Eco that puts out 900 ft lbs and backed up a factory warranty is not likely any time soon.
Is big hp doable out of a 3.0L engine? Look at what the Mercedes guys are doing with M606 engines. 500hp is doable with a few mods, so it can be done, but I'm not sure if the Eco 3.0 could be taken to the same levels and survive for long.
And, the there still a weight and cD difference in the comparison between the 1500 and 2500 so it's still not exactly apples to apples. Not necessarily a bad comparison, but I'll gladly give up a few mpg for a far more capable truck.
Adam
