GM 6.2L Gas Engine for pulling?

I have a ‘17 LTZ w/ a 6.2l 8 speed. I specifically sought this combo pull our 7200lbs 25ft TT, and also 6000lb 10x12 enclosed Scout trailer. Very happy with the setup. Plenty of power at all speeds but especially off the line at the hard stop. The only time you feel the 8 speed is in the first 3 gears. 1&2 are low, especially 1st and if you are not pulling it shifts to #2 pretty quick. After 3rd I never know what gear I’m in as the shifting is smooth and no hunting. When towing I turn on tow haul set it to M6 to lock out the 2 overdrives and it does great.

Best part is non-towing highway gas is 22 city around 13 even in the dead of MN winter with occasional Auto 4wd. Worst part is we so much power it’s literally worthless in RWD with even the tiniest amount of snow or moisture. Traction control kick and the fun ends ??

Hi,
Yes sure, I have an 09 with the 6.0 in a 3/4 ton. If u would purchase a 1 ton dually with the same engine but using NG you get 301HP instead of 360HP in the 3/4 ton truck. Manufacturers can change an engines output ratings simply with computer tuning. There is a few companies out there that change the parameters of the engine and reducing TQ management. I use Blackbear EFI live tune and with that I bump both HP and TQ numbers up. Granted I don't run the truck hard, it gets babied more then anything. But there is a difference in towing especially when I run the full 91 tune. You can also use them for the 2015 truck that you have. Look up Blackbear performance, they specialize in GM trucks. Worth the money to me, and I can tell u that there is a difference when you run the tune. Hope this helps.

kw/00 wrote:

Samsonsworld wrote:

kw/00 wrote:
Even though some want the 6.0 dumped, it's a great engine. Just got off the phone with my friend who hauls trailers and sheds all over Florida. He's got the first gen 6.0 with 300 hp... he now has 360k on it. That's 360k hard pulling miles, not a grocery getting by any means, he really works trucks. He likes it so much he's looking at another 6.0 truck to replace it with. Not because of any engine issues mind you... just needs a transmission cause he's got no reverse now. I'm sure he will keep the old one around for a secondary truck... So if GM does replace that engine, it has to live up to the 6.0... my thought only but they will probably keep the 6.0 and add direct injection and other mods to bump the power around 400 horse. It's actually pretty easy with this engine...

But would it be as reliable with gdi?

Good question, I've have read some vehicles have excess carbon buildup due to GDI, so I watched a few videos on YouTube explaining the mechanics behind it. It's hard to say what GM will do, given there history in keeping the tried and true 350 around with occasional changes makes me think the 6.0 will stay longer. It's been a solid engine, power on paper is not as high as the others, but with a tune it really changes. I have always said that these engines are detuned from the factory. I'm sure it's keeping the engine to meet the long duty cycles that it will endure. Time will tell I guess, I'm happy with mine.

Can you explain what you mean when you say "Detuned" from the factory, and "Tuned" ... and does this relate to a 2015 GM 6.0L HD...

Samsonsworld wrote:

kw/00 wrote:
Even though some want the 6.0 dumped, it's a great engine. Just got off the phone with my friend who hauls trailers and sheds all over Florida. He's got the first gen 6.0 with 300 hp... he now has 360k on it. That's 360k hard pulling miles, not a grocery getting by any means, he really works trucks. He likes it so much he's looking at another 6.0 truck to replace it with. Not because of any engine issues mind you... just needs a transmission cause he's got no reverse now. I'm sure he will keep the old one around for a secondary truck... So if GM does replace that engine, it has to live up to the 6.0... my thought only but they will probably keep the 6.0 and add direct injection and other mods to bump the power around 400 horse. It's actually pretty easy with this engine...

But would it be as reliable with gdi?

Good question, I've have read some vehicles have excess carbon buildup due to GDI, so I watched a few videos on YouTube explaining the mechanics behind it. It's hard to say what GM will do, given there history in keeping the tried and true 350 around with occasional changes makes me think the 6.0 will stay longer. It's been a solid engine, power on paper is not as high as the others, but with a tune it really changes. I have always said that these engines are detuned from the factory. I'm sure it's keeping the engine to meet the long duty cycles that it will endure. Time will tell I guess, I'm happy with mine.

kw/00 wrote:
Even though some want the 6.0 dumped, it's a great engine. Just got off the phone with my friend who hauls trailers and sheds all over Florida. He's got the first gen 6.0 with 300 hp... he now has 360k on it. That's 360k hard pulling miles, not a grocery getting by any means, he really works trucks. He likes it so much he's looking at another 6.0 truck to replace it with. Not because of any engine issues mind you... just needs a transmission cause he's got no reverse now. I'm sure he will keep the old one around for a secondary truck... So if GM does replace that engine, it has to live up to the 6.0... my thought only but they will probably keep the 6.0 and add direct injection and other mods to bump the power around 400 horse. It's actually pretty easy with this engine...

But would it be as reliable with gdi?

All the 1/2 ton mfg’ers have stepped up their game to provide suitable towing rigs for those that don’t want to deal with 3/4 ton or diesel. They are hitting the sweet spot for the growing number of TT customers that want the capabilities And the creature comforts without the big size that comes with 3/4 and 1 ton.

Good point and one that 1/2 ton truck makers know and most folks understand.
My wifes 2016 1500 chevy 4wd crew cab sits much lower/easier ride than my sons 2015 2500 chevy 4wd crew cab. To some folks (like my wife) sitting up high is intimidating. She won't drive my 2500 Dodge Cummins because it sits so high and have too climb up into it.
Before she bought the 2016 she was looking at the new 2500 Ram 4wd crew cab 6.4 hemi. After driving a couple at the dealer she back out. Rough ride and a much taller bigger truck feeling wasn't for her. In fact one color Ram she liked so well had no tube steps and at 75 year old and 5'2" tall she couldn't get in the damezd thing. So yeah.... "too" big is important to some folks.

JMO but the 6.0 gm engine is like other good GM LDT engines in the past (5.7/7.4/8.1). Its reached a point where more hp/torque could be had but not as efficent as a new gen engine. Plus there is the marketing thing about the age of the engine and it not up to specs with the other brands.

IdaD wrote:
... Taller is the only dimension that could come into play in a low parking garage situation...

Bingo, when used as a daily driver, parking garages and my garage at home are a big issue for me. And besides that, you can't get the 3.5 ecoboost w/10 speed transmission in a F250.

Even though some want the 6.0 dumped, it's a great engine. Just got off the phone with my friend who hauls trailers and sheds all over Florida. He's got the first gen 6.0 with 300 hp... he now has 360k on it. That's 360k hard pulling miles, not a grocery getting by any means, he really works trucks. He likes it so much he's looking at another 6.0 truck to replace it with. Not because of any engine issues mind you... just needs a transmission cause he's got no reverse now. I'm sure he will keep the old one around for a secondary truck... So if GM does replace that engine, it has to live up to the 6.0... my thought only but they will probably keep the 6.0 and add direct injection and other mods to bump the power around 400 horse. It's actually pretty easy with this engine...

BenK wrote:
Toni...have you measured a Sub vs your Sierra's length? Looks like you have the short bed and that is about the same as a Sub of that year. Look at where the rear passenger door edge is to the bumper vs my Sub pictured below...about the same

Remember, a half ton and 3/4 ton Sub are the exact same length. Just taller for the 3/4 ton because of the higher rated stuff below the body sheetmetal...

Fleet service has a 3500 Suburban and they are hitting the used market now

My K3500 Suburban (tongue n cheek...cuz the 6K RGAWR is the exact same axle as the dually of that year {upgraded the MC & cylinders to the 1 ton dually}...and AAM rates it at 10,000 GAWR...ordered the F60 option, which begets the snow plow prep and 1 ton front springs)



Click For Full-Size Image
mysub mysuburban

BenK, thanks for the info. Not sure what the new Burbs will be if they go 3/4 or 1 ton. While I like the aspect of a SUV, especially my experience with my Yukon Denali, I now find myself hooked on the utility of a pick-up. Don’t need the 3rd seat as I usually had them removed on my Denali. The 6.2 is a real beast. Wondering what GM might offer as a gasser option in a new 3/4 ton? The 6.0 has a good rep, but they probably have another option developing. BTW, nice ride you have there.

Toni...have you measured a Sub vs your Sierra's length? Looks like you have the short bed and that is about the same as a Sub of that year. Look at where the rear passenger door edge is to the bumper vs my Sub pictured below...about the same

Remember, a half ton and 3/4 ton Sub are the exact same length. Just taller for the 3/4 ton because of the higher rated stuff below the body sheetmetal...

Fleet service has a 3500 Suburban and they are hitting the used market now

My K3500 Suburban (tongue n cheek...cuz the 6K RGAWR is the exact same axle as the dually of that year {upgraded the MC & cylinders to the 1 ton dually}...and AAM rates it at 10,000 GAWR...ordered the F60 option, which begets the snow plow prep and 1 ton front springs)



Click For Full-Size Image
mysub mysuburban