J.P.: What’s wrong with the standard six-litre gas engine, comparatively speaking?
C.C.: There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 6.0 L gas engine (360 horsepower, 380 lb.-ft.) It is a choice dependent of several factors. Model to model, the highest available tow ratings are on diesel equipped trucks. Our 6.0L Vortec is a great choice for less extreme tow loads or less frequent towing. Due to its lighter weight, the available payload of a particular gas powered pickup model will be higher than if equipped with a diesel. It experiences lower regularly scheduled maintenance costs due to extended service intervals for oil and coolant.
The powertrain decision is a function of intended use. Over 1.3 million customers have chosen the Duramax/Allison as a stronger, more durable upgrade for their HD pickup tool. The 6.0 L gas with six-speed Hydramatic is an extremely capable, high payload offering when maximum towing capability is not required.
J.P.: Do diesel engines actually suffer a smaller mileage penalty when loaded up with gear or hauling a trailer compared to a gas engine?
C.C.: Due to the efficiency of the engine, lower RPMs, and the higher energy content of the fuel source, a diesel powertrain is significantly more fuel efficient than a gas powertrain when loaded near the vehicle limits. Case in point? Tractor trailers, trains and large watercraft are primarily diesel.
J.P.: In terms of cold-weather operation, are there any notable compromises associated with the diesel engine?
C.C.: Diesels have had a reputation for being difficult to start below -30C, but with today’s injection hardware and controls, improved glow plugs and peripheral heaters, these issues have been largely overcome. The Duramax has cold condition crank times on par with gasoline engines. And a benefit of diesel powertrains in cold weather can be the extremely low fuel consumption at idle when there is a need to keep the cab heater on.
J.P.: Is the Duramax engine / Allison transmission covered by the same powertrain warranty as the other GM models?
C.C.: Both are covered by a 5 year / 160 000 km powertrain warranty plus 24/7 Roadside assistance and Courtesy Transportation.
C.C.: There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 6.0 L gas engine (360 horsepower, 380 lb.-ft.) It is a choice dependent of several factors. Model to model, the highest available tow ratings are on diesel equipped trucks. Our 6.0L Vortec is a great choice for less extreme tow loads or less frequent towing. Due to its lighter weight, the available payload of a particular gas powered pickup model will be higher than if equipped with a diesel. It experiences lower regularly scheduled maintenance costs due to extended service intervals for oil and coolant.
The powertrain decision is a function of intended use. Over 1.3 million customers have chosen the Duramax/Allison as a stronger, more durable upgrade for their HD pickup tool. The 6.0 L gas with six-speed Hydramatic is an extremely capable, high payload offering when maximum towing capability is not required.
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| Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ 2011 (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
J.P.: Do diesel engines actually suffer a smaller mileage penalty when loaded up with gear or hauling a trailer compared to a gas engine?
C.C.: Due to the efficiency of the engine, lower RPMs, and the higher energy content of the fuel source, a diesel powertrain is significantly more fuel efficient than a gas powertrain when loaded near the vehicle limits. Case in point? Tractor trailers, trains and large watercraft are primarily diesel.
J.P.: In terms of cold-weather operation, are there any notable compromises associated with the diesel engine?
C.C.: Diesels have had a reputation for being difficult to start below -30C, but with today’s injection hardware and controls, improved glow plugs and peripheral heaters, these issues have been largely overcome. The Duramax has cold condition crank times on par with gasoline engines. And a benefit of diesel powertrains in cold weather can be the extremely low fuel consumption at idle when there is a need to keep the cab heater on.
J.P.: Is the Duramax engine / Allison transmission covered by the same powertrain warranty as the other GM models?
C.C.: Both are covered by a 5 year / 160 000 km powertrain warranty plus 24/7 Roadside assistance and Courtesy Transportation.