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Chevy/GMC 6.0 L engine, any experiences?

131K views 29 replies 19 participants last post by  honda400ex2003  
#1 ·
I am considering a different truck and the one I am looking at has the 6.0 engine. What kind of honest mileage is anybody getting while not towing? Any common mechanical problems? I know this won't get the mileage of a 5.3 but I don't drive the truck enough for that to be a huge deal. Probably only need the towing power 3 - 4 times a year. I just really like the truck I found and that's the motor that's in it.
Thanks
 
#2 ·
We have one at work that has 280 some thousand on it. The flywheel cracked around 250,000 and we replaced it. Other then that it has been problem free. It's never left us stranded, they are good trucks. Of course we stay on top of service. That is key to the life of any vehicle. Gas mileage is nothing to brag about, its probably 14-17 mpg. It's a 3/4 ton truck so you really can't complain to much.
 
#4 ·
I have a 2012 Silverado 4x4 with the 6.0. I get 13-14 in the Summer and 11-12 in the winter. I put a Borla Cat Back exhaust system on it and gained 2 mpg. Didn't notice much difference in power.

When I tow my four place enclosed (loaded) the mileage drops to around 10mpg.

I guess the old saying is true--If you want to dance to music you have to pay the band.

Good luck on your purchase.
 
#6 ·
I have another option. I have a Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L in it. It's the all aluminum engine. 403 hp, 417 lb-ft. I tow my 8500 lb toyhauler with it. with that load, i get about 9.

But highway empty, i'm over 20mpg, and city driving is about 15, if you stay civil with the right foot.

And if you DO hit the go pedal, holy "edit for bad language", this thing is fast. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds i think?

Anyways, it runs well. the only thing it doesn't have is the fuel management that shuts down cylinders to save fuel.
 
#8 ·
my dad has a 2012 chevy 3500 crew cab single wheel, not the dually, with 3.73's in the rear end, with his driving style (i call it grandma driving) he gets about 16-17 steady driving out here in the country side
 
#10 ·
Original owner. 2000 2500 GMC Sierra 4x4 extended cab long box w/ 6L and 4:11 rear = 150K miles. 14-17 mpg empty or with topper. 8-10 towing 10K 5th wheel. No complaints. But, my next truck will be a duramax. Love the power.

Exhaust manifold on the 6.0L will warp, causing it to leak. However, it also occurs on some Ford models. No other issues so far. regular maintanence.
 
#11 ·
My dad has a 03 Chevy Express 3500 with the 6.0L. He has at least 1,000lbs of tools etc in the back at all times since he repairs Bridgeport Machines, Grinders, etc etc etc... He just rolled 190,000 recently. Hasn't had any engine/trans troubles. Like the guy above me said though, about the exhaust manifolds leaking, my dads started leaking like 30,000 miles ago but he has yet to repair it.
That 4L80E is a good trans imo. Where I work, we got an 03 Chevy Express 2500 with the poochy 4.8L but with 4L80E trans obviously. 243,000miles. This van has NOT seen even a "decent" maintenance schedule... That trans shifts sooo smooth still, smoother than my 02 Avalanche with 80,000miles..

So 6.0 with that 4L80E, darn good setup.
 
#12 ·
Thanks for all the input guys. From what I've read on here and elsewhere, I think I will stay away from the 6.0 only because of poor MPG. I was looking at a 2006 Yukon XL Denali. The XL is a 3/4 ton chassis and only comes with a 6.0, can't get a 5.3. In those early years they had a 4 speed tranny with 4:11 gears. I don't need an XL, just like the looks of the longer chassis, and the ride.
I've always been a Chevy guy but I'm keeping an open mind. Want to buy used because it's my everyday ride for work and my winter vehicle. Looking for 4 doors, either SUV or truck. My buddy works at a dealership and he just gave me info on a 2005 Tahoe LT. Absolutely loaded and he can get me an unbelievable price. I just don't like the color, Sandstone Metallic (Gold). Just not my thing. However, because of the deal, I may go look at it.
Thanks again,
Wink
 
#14 ·
I feel like if your gonna buy a truck, why worry about MPG? So what, you get a 5.3L so you'll save a couple MPGs. I guess it adds up over time... I dunno. All I can tell you is I currently have a 02 avvy with the 5.3l 3.73 gears. I wish I had a 6.0 with 4.10s everytime I tow. My next truck when i finish college will either be a diesel or the biggest gas engine with 4.10s.
 
#20 ·
The 6.0l has a stigma about it for being thirsty. Although most folks overlook the fact that its the 2500hd more so than the 6.0l engine. 4.10s are common, the truck has a heavier frame, heavier rear axle, heavier tires, full floating rear axle, bigger tranny, bigger t-case. The early silverado non HD 2500s were a little easier on fuel, with a smaller rear, lighter rear section of the frame, smaller rear axle, smaller T-case etc. Then chevy rebadged them as the 1500hd and they become strictly a crew cab short boxes.
 
#25 ·
Truth there. 4K isn't bad. Most people don't need a 3/4T, or the one time a year they do doesn't justify having one. I just wasn't impressed with the half ton at all as I got older and got more toys. I had a 29' steel open trailer (held 6 sleds easy, had 7 once)....that was too much for the ol' 1500. My mileage is only slightly worse empty with a 6.0 now and I can hook up to a large enclosed w/o issue. The 6.0 is pretty fun too vs the 5.3. I'm trying to get the wife to want a TDI so I can put a hitch on that and actually tow something. Her saturn doesn't cut it for 2 place towing duty. In the mean time I've got my LT1 shaggin' wagon for parts-pickin-up duty.
 
#26 ·
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Yea that big of a trailer is a lot of work for a half ton no doubt. I pull the our boat all the time, and now we even have a camper, but still, not enough to warrant a bigger truck yet....Someday though, hopefully!
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I do pull this a few times per year, but you can't go over 30mph, so its no big deal, its like a lead balloon though...

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I don't have any problems with the 6.0L, its a great engine, but you need to have work for it to make it earn its keep IMO. Steve gets like 11-12mpg, and I can't justify that for similar power, just beefier componants.
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#30 ·
ive had my 6.0l in my 2003 hummer h2 since memorial day and like it. i have a super chip 91 tune on it, full fipk k&n intake, full magnaflow, and ceramic headers on it and feel that it pulls the h2 very well with the 4.10s.




i would take the 6.0 over the 5.3 any day! our burb has the 5.3 and it is just gutless imo. i wouldnt buy another 5.3 if my life depended on it i dont think. it isnt bad with a tune on it but stock it is really a gutless vehicle.

nothing but good things to say about the 6.0 in my h2 and nothing bad to say about the 2500 i drove for work for a while.

steve