Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
What's the overall life expectancy on a 8.1? I have had 5.7 and 7.4 go well over 200K when taken care of. I have seen many over 300K. Is the 8.1 just as stout of a creation?
So what are the real world mpg numbers with a 6.0 towing a 7K lb travel trailer? I learned that they are no better than the 7.4 when you bump up the speed to 85-90 mph.
To the OP. I think you are always ahead if you don't have to buy another vehicle, but in this case, I think the TBI is really limiting you. If it were me, and I chose to upgrade vehicles, I don't think I would just go a year or two newer for a Vortec. I don't feel like there would be significant enough gains to warrant the change. I would go as big as I could afford and find an 8.1 or a Duramax. If I weren't looking at the big 5th wheel that I am, I would be happy to go a bit slower down the road and stick with my 7.4 Suburban. Sightseeing is better at a little slower pace anyway!
No doubt tire failure is a conundrum. This is where the sway control and weight distribution hitch are worth the money.Regardless of towing capacity or mpg's, towing a trailer at that speed presents a significant risk of tire failure on the trailer. Most ST (trailer service) tires are rated at 65mph max speed. Some larger trailer tires may be upgraded to LT (light truck) by the owner, but I don't think they ever come that way from the factory. An RV tire blowout at high speeds is no picnic... I've experienced it!
I can't disagree with any of that really. As much as I'm tempted to put some money into my '95 TBI (or purchase of a 96-99, which I may not find in such good condition as my '95) and hope it would make a big difference... there's probably only so much I can realistically expect from that engine pulling 9k# or more.
Back to what I said about the Vortec 7.4 2500 Suburbans...here's a pretty sharp one that has really been cared for. They want a bit for it but it's also likely to stay theirs at that price...
https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/spring-1997-chevrolet-suburban-c2500/6949256544.html
Richard
Oh, crap. I was looking at them on my phone (at work at the time) and mixed it up with some 4X4 2500 'Burbs that were 7.4's. My bad!Thats a nice ride but its not a big block equipped burb....