View Full Version : 2001 Chevy Tahoe
I'm in the process of trading off my 1998 Chevy Tahoe for a 2001 Tahoe. How does the smaller block engine (5.3) compared to the (5.7)in performance, gas mileage, etc. Also, what should a guy have to pay for diff.?
Thanks,
RR
The new 5.3L engine is so much better than the old 5.7L (in every department) that it will astound you!
Much smoother torque curve, more power, better mileage -- in my book it's the best pushrod V8 ever built. Coupled with the new "tow/haul" transmission management, it is pure sweetness when towing.
Hans
Paul Dickson
05-07-2001, 08:29 AM
Ditto Hans comments. I had a 94 Chevy Pickup 350 extended Cab. I got a new GMC Sierra Ext. Cab last year with the 5.3L V8 and it clearly has more power (it should with about 75 extra HP over the 350) and gets better mileage than the 350. With the new pickup I get about 10% better mileage than with the 350. I pull a 1775 ProV Lund and can hardly tell it's back there.
do you have 4 wheel drive? what kind of mileage do you get (towing and not towing)? thinking of getting one soon. thanks
I have a 2001 Silverado 2WD LT, 5.3L, automatic, 3.73 locker and traction assist.
Highway mileage with the bare truck runs in the 17-19MPG range.
Towing the boat (probably around 1,800# gross wt) the mileage runs in the 15-17MPG range.
Buying a 4WD seems the "thing to do" these days, but with a locking rear and electronic traction assistance, the expense of 4WD is a lot less attractive. Except for really muddy spring fields, or heavily drifted roads, my new truck does just fine, and the life-cycle costs are a *lot* less. Never yet even slipped a wheel on the slimiest green boat ramps I could find last fall!
Hans
Gunga Din
05-07-2001, 12:09 PM
Do you have the Allison tranny on yours?
Chris K
05-07-2001, 12:50 PM
The Alison Tranny is only available on the 8.1 liter big block and the 6.6 litre Duramax. I have a 3/4 ton crew cab with a 6 liter engine and it pulls the boat extremely well. Last year I pulled with a 99 Chev (5.3) and the gas mileage was a bit better with the half ton, but it had to work a bit harder. I wanted a Tahoe in the worst way, but I could not give up the box, so a crew cab worked out nicely. Chris K.
Gunga Din
05-07-2001, 01:08 PM
I just test drove the Duramax with the Alison tranny, and it was one sweet transmission. I knew it was also on a gas model, but wasn't sure of the engine size. Thanks.
Nope, that only comes on the 2500HD/3500 models with the mongo engines (diesel and 8.1L). You could tow the Queen Mary with those!
Hans
Thanks for all the replies.
RR
Jim O
05-08-2001, 06:24 AM
I agree, good power and performance. 4wd gets 10-12 while towi ng. (Champion 190) and strong 17 hiway setting cruise at 72ish when not towing.
Jim Ordway
Paul Dickson
05-08-2001, 06:57 AM
Re: Mileage
Local around town in the 14 - 15 range.
Highway best was 18 - 19 on a trip south.
Towing in the 13's - 14s I think.
Paul