I am looking @ buying a truck to tow my car here shortly. I am thinking about getting one of the cummings or a Dura Max. I think though that the D-Max is going to be out of my price range, so....... I would guess a few year old Cummings (not that its a bad thing).

Anyone have any comments?

thanks
Bob

I'll say this, I bought the Duramax and I can't tell you how pleased I am with it. The harder you run it, the better it runs. Pulls like a dream and I'm getting 17mpg in town so far. If you can stretch it, I know you won't be disappointed.

http://centexhotrods.com/clark/Truck.jpg

Shoot, if thats an auto & 2x4, its the truck im looking for (not much need for 4x4 here in Southern California, LOL). if you dont mind me asking what year is it & how much did you pay?

bob

Brother in law just got a new 2003 Ford with a 5.4. Paid $25,000 out the door. 4X4 and off road package included, he is getting about 17-18mpg. Basically a loaded truck. Drove it a couple of weeks ago on the hwy and back trails of the Ozarks in Missouri. Great power, super quiet, very comfortable, WAY WAY impressed. I must add I hate fords in general.

My best buddy has had two Duramax trucks, the first was lemoned. The new one is a 3/4 ton 4 door dually, $50,000 and change. His mileage is about 12. Pulls a 40 foot camper fairly well but I would not call it exactly quick or overly powerful. Ya pretty much floor it going up a hill pulling a big trailer on the Hwy. Much slower than the 1/2 ton Duramax was. His mileage on the first one was not that great either, 15ish. Prior to these two he had a 2001 1/2 ton extened cab, that was lemoned as well and also go terrible mileage.

Between the two trucks there is no doubt I would get a Ford right now. I thought that Ford drove much better, had way more power than even his old 2001 gas burner, sat much better and was MUCH quieter inside. With the 2004 Fords out right now I think the dealers really want to get the 03's off the lot. The 2003 PowerStroke's have WAY too many recalls on them to even consider right now.

As to the Dodge, they out and out suck. A big piece of sh*t, I think.

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70 SS 454 CI Dynoed 650+HP (with old cam) All Aluminium Fuel Injected Small Block 708HP (based on Engine Analyzer) with new cam, 908HP with 200 shot of Nitrous Express go juice. 1208 if I put the big jets in it and want to bust rings.

I use a 2000 Ford Excursion with a V-10 and have had no problems towing a 12,000# trailer around the country. I have put 134,000 miles on it in the past 3 years. I added a K&N filter on it @ 60,000 miles and it seemed to help gas mileage a bit. It get 14.1 MPG on the avarage and 10.9 MPG when towing. I had a 1999 Suburban with a 454 that was a POS. Got my money back and then some thanks to the lemon law...

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">
Much slower than the 1/2 ton Duramax was.

[/B]</font>

The Duramax isn't an option on the 1500, not even the HD. Only 2500HD and 3500.

Bobalos, it's a 2003 Duramax w/ the Allison 5 speed auto, 2x4. I got it out the door for 34,500. It's the SL package w/ bucket seats. I have a buddy with the same truck but crew cab. He just put the Edge chip in it and is getting 20mpg around town and still gets 16mpg pulling his 28ft. enclosed trailer. To each his own, but I love this thing to death.



[This message has been edited by Strkr383 (edited October 03, 2003).]

Rick, WOW, I gotta say you are the only person I have heard have a bad work for the Dura Max. I have a buddy with a loaded one ($45K or so) & he loves the heck out of it. When I was in TX, Bob R took me to dinner in his Furd (4x4, crew cab with chip & such) & I have to say I was VERY impressed with the power, but it was just WAY to noisy for me. I have a buddy with a 1 ton Dodge & its Much quieter. the thing is though I am comparing about 7 or 8 years of difference. Bob has MUCH more HP & a bit better mileage, but ........ Dunno

Slow, thanks amigo. I dont much care for Furds (bad taste in my mouth from years ago) but I might could get one of thier desiels. The kicker is that they are 30c/Gal cheaper on gas & they get on the whole a LOT better mileage.

thanks for your input gents, I appreciate it. I guess I have to go drive a few of them & see which makes me happiest (& I can afford). My motto has always been, "If I cant pay cash, I dont need it" so, I am on a VERY strict budget.

Any more input?

thanks again
Bob

Also, I have found a couple of truck Forums, but not many, anyone frequent some of them?

Bob

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Strkr383:
The Duramax isn't an option on the 1500, not even the HD. Only 2500HD and 3500.

Yeah, that's right. Ya see how much I follow the truck thing. The dually next to a standard 2500 makes the 2500 look like a 1/2 ton toy.

We must drive my buddies duramax alot harder than some of you other folks though. I've had to fill that baby up on trips and my wallet says and the trip computer thought they sucked for mileage. Now both his are 4X4 and setup for heavy duty hauling, so that is a factor. Dunno what he has for gears.

[This message has been edited by Strkr383 (edited October 03, 2003).]</font>



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70 SS 454 CI Dynoed 650+HP (with old cam) All Aluminium Fuel Injected Small Block 708HP (based on Engine Analyzer) with new cam, 908HP with 200 shot of Nitrous Express go juice. 1208 if I put the big jets in it and want to bust rings.

90 Silverado C-1500 350 / 5.7L ,700 r4 auto / 3.42 gears
160,000 miles on it. Put 10,000 gallons through it. Still has all original gaskets.
Pulls fine in the Ozarks.

2004 freightliner M2 toterhome with a 53' drop deck 3 axle trailer.that's what we use to haul our dirt car around.has 175 gal. fuel capacity and gets decent fuel milage,right around 9.5 mpg.not bad power for a mercedes 900d motor also 245 hp 825ft lbs. torque.

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1972 chevy camaro ss 406 sbc 460 hp/382 @ the wheels,350 trans,373 gears,daily driver with restification in progress
future plans- turning it into a baldwin motion clone

I'd rather be Cummin then Strokin

Sorry, saw it on the back of a Dodge at the races.
Whatever you get I'd check into BullyDog products for it. I watched them get some serious gains out of a chip, exhaust, propane injection and NOS on a Duramax on Trucks a week or 2 back.
I'm not a Fo-d person but I rode in a 4 door F350 w/ a powerstroke and it had no problem getting out of its own way. You might be able to find one used with a banks kit so you don't get stuck throwing more $$ at it.

79 K20.
454/TH350/NP203.
10" lift, 36" tires.
14 Bolt/Dana 44 with 4.10 gears.
270,000 miles and still going strong.

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Mike N.
1981 Camaro
10.30's@130mph
Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

Im not a Ford person either. I bought a Chevy every year for 10 years sraight. But after buying a 1998 ex. cab 2500 that was a POS. Broke 3 axles in 7,000 miles. I traded it in and ordered a 1999 Suburban that was a bigger POS. It had a blown converter from the factory. They rebuilt it and the tranny went after 50 miles. Yes 50 miles showed on the odometer. Then the brakes went 8 times in 13,000 miles. Truck stalled from a bad O2 6 times. Truck pulled to the left hard all the time. Went back for that problem 6 times (never fixed it). Blew head gasket at 7,000 miles. Ditributor gasket leaked 4 qt. of oil on the freeway @ 6,000 miles. It spent a total of 48 days @ the dealership in 9 months. Got a layer and they towed my truck do to a locked brake caliper @ 13,000 miles. Got my money back then some. GM said it was the way I was driving my truck. Funny how I jumped the fence and my Excursion went 60,000 miles before the first brake job. Never went back to the dealership for anything during the warranty. Replaced the upper and lower ball joints @ 98,000 miles and still driving the piss out of it. Again, Im not a huge Ford fan but its hard to see why Im not...

Hey Monte, we're yankin Buddman's 32 foot trailer around with a 2000 Chevy 1 ton van (with 323,000 miles on it). Tows better than the dually 'Burban weve got, and gets better gas mileage to boot.

Wish I woulda had a little more time to hang out and shoot the $hit in Columbus, but I wasnt feeling all that well that weekend, and losing #2 in the 'Vette didnt help either. I'll try and catch up with you at a few races next year.

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Mike N.
1981 Camaro
10.30's@130mph
Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

[This message has been edited by 10second81 (edited October 05, 2003).]

I've been a dyed in the wool Chevy guy since birth but I just got a F-250 truck with a 5.4 gas engine and I'm happy with it.
However, if you want to tow and work the truck, check out the Powerstroke Diesel. It can be enhanced by over 100lbs./ft/ torque with a $400 programmer and they get about 17 MPG in the city. Not bad. The Chevy looks cool enough but the Ford (Still a four letter word) is a tried and true product and you can beat them for about 200,000 miles.

the powerstroke is a bad design from the start. they've a poorly designed oiling system that causes lower end failure "bearing failure" and seizing wrist-pins.i'm a diesel mechanic and i see lot of dead powerstrokes especially the newest design that are in our F-650 and F750 trucks.another thing i hate is the "wait to start feature" for the glow plugs on fords http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/frown.gif

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1972 chevy camaro ss 406 sbc 460 hp/382 @ the wheels,350 trans,373 gears,daily driver with restification in progress
future plans- turning it into a baldwin motion clone

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Pmgracer:
Bobalos, I bought a 2003 Ram with the HO Diesel 2 mons ago. Love that truck! Been getting 16 mpg. Won't get 17-18 until she gets broken in at around 10,000 miles.

Everyone I have known whose had a Dodge with any of the Diesel's have nothing but praise for them. Not many other Diesels will run for 500,000 miles. The new Cummins are very quiet, very powerful and the truck itself is light years ahead of its predecessors. The Duramax's are good, but the new Powerstrokes have been having problems with the heads I've heard.

If you are towing, a Diesel is the only way to go. They spin at half the RPM's, make tons of torque and will live twice as long as a gas motor. Also, gasoline purity and octane rating are not the same all around the country. Diesel fuel, however, is more consistant. Talked to several people at work who haul big RV's, boats, and race car trailers who have had problems with bad gas once they left Mich. Once they switched to Diesel the problems went away.

One other note, Western Diesel makes piggyback ecm's for Dodge, GM and Ford Diesels. The box will add an additional 80-110 hp and 150-250 ft lbs of torque to any of those motors. The additional power is nice to have if you are hauling a 28 ft enclosed trailer and need to pass somebody. I think you'll be happy with any one of the 3 brands. Just depends on your preference and pocket book.

</font>

I've got your back on that one!!

Have a 99' Dodge Ram with the Cummins diesel. Get's 21 on the highway... sometimes 22... in the winter months about 18. Get's 12-13 pulling.

Even better is that it runs 14.80's in the quarter in 4 WHEEL DRIVE!!!

Chris, What did you do to it?! 14.80's is awesome! My buddies 03' with the Western Diesel RPM II and a straight thru muffler went 15.20. Somebody here posted a link to a video of a guy with a 94-2002 body dually going 12.18. I love how these trucks run! Glad I finally bought one.

Also, congrats on winning the Championship! I haven't been following the heads up racing this year, are you still racing PRO Fastest Street Car or NMCA? Been toying with the idea of going heads up with my car. New motor of course. Already have the ladder bar. Going to be starting on adding the rest of the bars to the cage. Been thinking of building a small cubic inch BBC.

[This message has been edited by Pmgracer (edited October 06, 2003).]

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Pmgracer:
Chris, What did you do to it?! 14.80's is awesome! My buddies 03' with the Western Diesel RPM II and a straight thru muffler went 15.20. Somebody here posted a link to a video of a guy with a 94-2002 body dually going 12.18. I love how these trucks run! Glad I finally bought one.

Also, congrats on winning the Championship! I haven't been following the heads up racing this year, are you still racing PRO Fastest Street Car or NMCA? Been toying with the idea of going heads up with my car. New motor of course. Already have the ladder bar. Going to be starting on adding the rest of the bars to the cage. Been thinking of building a small cubic inch BBC.

[This message has been edited by Pmgracer (edited October 06, 2003).]</font>

Thanks PMG!

The truck has Injectors, an Edge fueling box with a HOT 3rd setting(60-80-120 horse), has straight through exhaust, was mufflerless for a while, has BHAF air filter, and most importantly a good triple disk torque converter to handle the power. I killed the original one. Has all the gauges, Fuel pressure, EGT's, Boost, and Trans.

I have a lot of fun with the diesel... surprises quite a few people. Only problems is tires... they don't seem to be lasting long...

In a recent issue of Truck Trend Magazine, it says the Powerstroke is the current power champ. I don't have any experience driving new diesel pickups. I've driven my uncles 95 Chevy 3500 with the diesel engine and 5 spd. I was impressed with how well it pulled with 150000 miles, I guess I'd really be surprised driving a new one. BTW I drive an International 24ft straight truck every day with the 4200 series engine, so I do drive diesels, just not in a pickup.

Well I finally found something I like. Its a 99, 2x4, Auto with the Cummings TD. this is a GREAT truck, Im glad I went with the Desiel. thanks for the input guys.

Now if the brand new race track isent burned to the ground Im on my way http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/frown.gif

http://r71camaro.homestead.com/XtrmTorq.html

http://r71camaro.homestead.com/files/Dodge_Truck_front_Side_1.jpg

& here is a shot of the motor:
http://r71camaro.homestead.com/files/Dodge_Truck_Engine_1.jpg

thanks again for all the input guys I appreciate it.

Bob


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www.XtrmBowties.com (http://www.XtrmBowties.com)
r71chevy@earthlink.net
&lt;&gt;&lt;

[This message has been edited by Bobalos (edited October 29, 2003).]

Bob,

Now you need to join the Turbo Diesel Registery. It's a support group of thousands of guys online for the Dodge Cummins trucks.... awesome site!!!!! That's like my second home.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com

There is a yearly fee to join the club, and that gets you a bi-monthly magazine, and post privelages for the forums. You can read the forums without being a member. I think it's 30 bucks. But, it's been the best thing I could have done in joining. WEALTH of information from this group....

There are guys making 1400 lb/ft torque and 600 horse with STOCK ENGINES. These things will do it... and can handle every bit of it.... these engines are the strongest diesels made in passenger trucks... bar none.

You won't reget your purchase. I've become a diesel junky, in just one short year and a half.

Chris

Right on Chris,

I have been to thier site & have searched thier board. seems to be a TON of great stuff there. I was a bit annoyed that I could not use the board or search the board w/o having to join, but no big deal, i will get over it. LOL

thanks amigo
Bob

Ok Bob, I want to see it tonight. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif


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//Fred

Im planning on it. be sure to call @ about 5:00 or so, my wife might have to go out to help out her girlfriend, so we might have to make it Thursday http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/frown.gif we will be drinking beers this week, for sure http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif

bob

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Bobalos:
we will be drinking beers this week, for sure http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif

bob

</font>
Ashy beers, prolly.....

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by rscamaro73:
Originally posted by Bobalos:
we will be drinking beers this week, for sure http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif

bob

</font>
Ashy beers, prolly.....


Huh? whad-i-miss?

The word is FIRE!!!

LOL, I suppose it was just TOO subtle for me. I get it now. I was thinking. Hmmmmm maybe its a drink? maybe its what they say in PA when you want to get hammered. Maybe there is some inside joke that I missed. Or maybe Im just a dumb a-- & that one just went RIGHT over my head, LOL.


Bob

WhooHoo!!!!

Just picked up a new 04' 2500 4 door HO Cummins Ram last night!! What a sweet truck... more room, more powerfull and quieter engine... Chrysler outdid themselves on this baby... And I ain't a chrysler fan!!!!

Its all that prize money for being the Big Dog!! LOL. whatcha gonna do to this one?

Bob

did you get my email about Data loggers? I went by memory on the emial address so............. If not no biggie, maybe I will post it here, It ought to be a good topic for discussion.

Bob

------------------
Dark Side Master in training
www.XtrmBowties.com (http://www.XtrmBowties.com)
r71chevy@earthlink.net
&lt;&gt;&lt;

Did you use a different e-mail addy for that message you sent? I didn't recognize the address or the name... Unless someone else sent me a note about the same thing.

No it was Prostock 358 @ something.com I dunno. No matter I suppose. the quesion was about Data loggers & I just figured I would post it up here & get everyones input.

Here is a link to the post. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/Forum23/HTML/001539.html

I would guess that if you are doing data logging your doing it with your FAST system now, did you have another one besides that? I did not recall seeing one in KY or not.

thanks
bob