Chevy 2004 6.0 vs. 2015 6.0

[nomad297]

Tomorrow, I am buying a 2015 3500HD with the 6.0 engine. While towing, should I expect any difference between it and the 6.0 in my current 2004 2500HD?

Will I still be huffing and puffing up the long grades?

Bruce

[Brisk]

PAThwacker wrote:

CampingN.C. wrote:
DANG....I'm I the last one still rocking the OBS 6.0 gasser on here? I guess I need to start shopping.

I'm on here with the same specs rocking a 4 seater suburban.

I am still reppin' my '02 with nearly 180k on it!!

[PAThwacker]

CampingN.C. wrote:
DANG....I'm I the last one still rocking the OBS 6.0 gasser on here? I guess I need to start shopping.

I'm on here with the same specs rocking a 4 seater suburban.

[Need-A-Vacation]

nomad297 wrote:
I like it. Faster off the line. Close to 800 RPM less at 65mph. Both trucks have/had the 4.10 rear.

Bruce

SWEET! Sounds like you have a new tow beast! Congrats!

Don't forget to update your signature!

[ksss]

I started towing with my '15 3500 6.0. I was happy with the way the '12 pulled with 3.73's even with running larger tires. The 4.10 with the larger tires, seems to be much closer to ideal. I can see why they removed the 3.73's from the option list (perhaps you could special order them but it not listed as an option). I appear to get the same MPG with this as I did with the '12, but it pulls even stronger, especially from a stop with heavy loads.

[CampingN_C_]

DANG....I'm I the last one still rocking the OBS 6.0 gasser on here? I guess I need to start shopping.

[kw_00]

Did u buy the truck? Just wondering how it turned out.

[APT]

Those short gears will really pay off when towing too. Enjoy! I love mine.

[nomad297]

I like it. Faster off the line. Close to 800 RPM less at 65mph. Both trucks have/had the 4.10 rear.

Bruce

[nomad297]

Thank you, everybody. I now have a very good idea of what to expect.

Bruce

[kw_00]

Sorry got ahead of myself... Was in 4th due to slower traffic from the holidays...that caused me to hit 4th on the hill and keep it there for a while since traffic was so heavy. Usually u can keep it in 5th, but then u always get somebody goin 65 or slower Infront of u and u goto drop when the hill hits to keep that speed. On my older 02 model I had to run the hills a lot.... This newer model is easier to keep up and have power to spare to pass.

[TomG2]

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.

[TomG2]

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.

[Lantley]

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.

[kw_00]

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