2500 or 1500?

[00ChevyScott]

1500 sounds like it will more than meet my needs.

Next question... V6 or V8? I'm guessing there is a decent amount of bolt on stuff that can boost the performance of a V6?

Without a doubt, 100%, don't even think about it, do the V8. GM small blocks in trucks after 1999 (LS motors) are outstanding. I can go into detail about it, but I think I'd be wasting my time lol. Just get the V8. A V6 in a full size is a horrible option (other than maybe the Ford Eco-boost V6, but it's had some problems. I'd say to also pass on the 4.8L V8 option if you can avoid it.

 

[gadgetgeek]

the 5.7 is a well proven platform, lots of tweaks over the years and a large aftermarket base. you'll spend more time with it at a lower capacity than a 4.3 that will revving balls out all day. I learned to drive in chevy safari and astro vans which are largely just 1500s with 4.3 V6s. while not bad, and reasonable on fuel, we never towed with them, and passing had to be planned.

 

[00ChevyScott]

the 5.7 is a well proven platform, lots of tweaks over the years and a large aftermarket base. you'll spend more time with it at a lower capacity than a 4.3 that will revving balls out all day. I learned to drive in chevy safari and astro vans which are largely just 1500s with 4.3 V6s. while not bad, and reasonable on fuel, we never towed with them, and passing had to be planned.

The 5.7 has been gone for a long time buddy.

 

[Bob W]

Next question... V6 or V8? I'm guessing there is a decent amount of bolt on stuff that can boost the performance of a V6?

That depends entirely on your personal needs and local driving conditions. With the steep climbs, high speed limits, and high elevation here, as well as the occasional need to tow and haul, I'd only consider the V8.

 

[stevewest]

I drive a 1500 for work. I generally put 110,000 to 125,000 miles a year on the odometer and run it until around 300,000 miles before I turn them in. I really do beat the crap out of the poor things. I am in sales and typically leave the office with the back end full or towing a trailer - alot of times with 4,000 lbs on the trailer and 1,000 lbs in the back of the truck - and this is not a 5th wheel trailer either. I run synthetic. I typically do not have any mechanical problems. Out of the 9-10 trucks I have had over the years, I can recall a front wheel bearing that went out, an alternator, and a thermostat. I finally changed the brakes out on the one I am driving at around 130,000. They are typically comfortable to drive. I have a customer that always gives me trouble about not driving a Ford - funny, but his truck is in the shop much more than mine - probably because mine is not in the shop at all. Had a Dodge back in 2000 - could not even begin to list all the problems I had with that thing. Anyway, 1500's are great - knock on wood, hope I haven't jinxed myself.

 

[RobKevlar]

I have 200K+ on my 2005 Sierra 2500HD Its not as easy on the wallet as I would like but its got all the power I want when I need it. Plus if I want to throw a load in or towa trailer I can. I haul a lot of wood during the spring, summer and fall. itsnice to have a solid truck under you whenyou load it down.

 

[Sid Post]

A V-8 will get better milage if you drive it reasonably. My BIG V-8 lopes along where similar V-6's are working hard and burning more fuel.

 

[Bo T]

1500 sounds like it will more than meet my needs.

Next question... V6 or V8? I'm guessing there is a decent amount of bolt on stuff that can boost the performance of a V6?

I'm guessing but I think a v6 will suit you fine. Unless you are towing, even at GVWR, a v6 will suit you fine. In town with the new transmissions the v6 will offer plenty of get up and go. But, a v8 sounds great if you put the after market pipes on it.

 

[00ChevyScott]

I'm guessing but I think a v6 will suit you fine. Unless you are towing, even at GVWR, a v6 will suit you fine. In town with the new transmissions the v6 will offer plenty of get up and go. But, a v8 sounds great if you put the after market pipes on it.

Speaking from experience, having driven pretty much the same truck with a V6 and a V8, the V6 will not have plenty of get up and go. Even in a regular cab short bed, the V6 will struggle while the V8 will easily get up and go. There's not any benefit by going with the V6, so I'm not sure why it's being suggested. The 4.3L V6 isn't known for spectacular gas mileage, it's older technology compared to the LS small block V8s, has much less power, sounds horrible, and has none of the characteristics one would want in a full size pickup.

If we were talking about 3-4,000 dollars in cost, it'd be a more important decision. Looking at Chevrolet.com, going from the 4.3L V6 to the 5.3L V8 is ~$1000. This is a no brainer, and the used market will be even less of a difference (if not the same cost) for either engine.

 

[Bo T]

Speaking from experience, having driven pretty much the same truck with a V6 and a V8, the V6 will not have plenty of get up and go. Even in a regular cab short bed, the V6 will struggle while the V8 will easily get up and go. There's not any benefit by going with the V6, so I'm not sure why it's being suggested. The 4.3L V6 isn't known for spectacular gas mileage, it's older technology compared to the LS small block V8s, has much less power, sounds horrible, and has none of the characteristics one would want in a full size pickup.

If we were talking about 3-4,000 dollars in cost, it'd be a more important decision. Looking at Chevrolet.com, going from the 4.3L V6 to the 5.3L V8 is ~$1000. This is a no brainer, and the used market will be even less of a difference (if not the same cost) for either engine.

For the stated purpose, over the life of the vehicle, there will be thousands in savings. At 100,000 miles about $4000. In City driving the 4.3 gets 12% better fuel economy than the 5.3. Plenty of get up and go, again for city driving.