January 17, 2004

I REALLY want to do a diesel conversion on my tahoe, but after talking to a few people, they say not to go with the 6.5, that my best bet will be to go with the new Duramax diesel and a 6spd manual...my question is this, why did Chevy turn to Isuzu to make the duramax?? Is it really as good as they say, how about the 6spd that backs it up???

Thanks!

January 17, 2004

Isuzu has been making Diesel products for quite some time and has a vast engineering team that has been successful as making a diesel with significant longevity that is also somewhat light in weight. Their track record is excellent. GM, as we all know, has had a dismal track record with light duty diesels ( can you say 6.2). Industry today has found great strength in networking and partnerships that combine areas of expertise. The D-Max has been a success. I have one and know a number of people that have had very few to no problems. It has been rated in the top 10 engines of the year for 2-3 years by Ward's- A respected automotive trade publication. The new Cummins won the award this year. I feel you will be most pleased with the package you are contemplating.

January 17, 2004

duramax is a good solid engine... i would totally purchase a diesel.. you can easily get 150hp from the engine.

January 17, 2004

onyx silverado,

My Dmax/alli is 300hp stock.




Kevin

January 18, 2004

Cost. It's far less expensive to use an engine design that's already in use, and bring the prodution equipment in for it, rather than starting from scratch and investing capital in engieering and tooling for your own design.

I'm sure the allison auto will not physically fit in your Tahoe, that's why the 6 speed is recommended. I've heard talk of a de-tuned DMAX for the 4L80E auto so it can be installed in the SUV's, but don't know if that's true.

January 18, 2004

GM has been building trucks with Isuzu for a long time and I think GM owns a large part of Isuzu.

January 18, 2004

GM owns a percentage in Isuzu and alot of other manufactuers too

January 18, 2004

Yes the Allison will not fit in the Tahoe frame. That is why the 2500HD's and the 3500's have such a thick frame.

I don't know about cost, since the 7.8 and the 6.6 Duramax's are new engines. They haven't been used in anything before. 'Duramax' is a company that Isuzu and Chevy own. They built the manufacturing plant in Morain, Ohio.