2004 3500HD 8.1 L

[mbrule]

I am looking at purchasing an '04 GMC 3500HD, Reg cab, 4x4, SRW truck, 8.1 Liter / 5 speed Allison. Has 33000 miles on it and is in decent condition. At around $15k now, still talking.

Anybody have opinions, experience, or anything to offer on these trucks / drive trains. opinions on it's value?

Thanks!!!!

 

[lostcause]

these are a fairly rare breed compared to the 6.0 gas and 6.6 diesel, and i can give you absolutely zero quantitative factual information on them, but i did go for a test drive in one on a dealer's lot back in the early 2000's. all i can say is that it sure is a lot of fun when you put your foot down hard. the one i tried was a 2500 extended cab shortbed.

 

[Highbeam]

People seemed to love that big 496. It did have some sort of PCV issue that caused oil consumption.

It was the last big block gas engine in a chev.

 

[om21braz]

Not much experience here, but I can tell you it's the only gas pickup I've driven that does'nt drop out of overdrive at every hill. Considering the price of diesel fuel and diesel trucks these days - for many folks the 8.1 would be a good choice. And given the price of any kind of fuel now, I would expect it to be very negotiable price-wise.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Biggest issue I have had with 8.1L engines is oil consumption. Many report 1 qt of oil being used every 500 to 1000 miles. Other than that its a power house, just like the Ford V-10 was. Yes, they drink gas but you should already know that. Plan on 10mpg.

I have owned well over 30 vehicles and 20 boats and the only two motors that I have had use oil were GM 1.9L engines in Saturns and 8.1L motors in GM based boat motors.

Chris

 

[slowzuki]

Friend had an 8.1, used oil like everyone says, tows very well. Towing big loads doesn't use much more gas than the smaller motor. Empty it sure does.

 

[ol'oilburner]

Very sturdy & popular engine in the marine industry

 

[mbrule]

Thanks guys!

I am going to drive it again tomorrow, with my brother along to help me look it over. Already pretty much agreed on a price assuming that it looks good.

Any and all input is appreciated.

I expect poor gas mileage, and am used to it. My '86 3/4 ton, 350, TH400, 4:10s, gets 10 MPG BEST CASE. So this truck should be similar, except it should tow MUCH better. I am aware of the oil consumption and can live with it, if it is bad, I can only hope that it is not, truck doesn't smoke or anything....

Keep the comments and opinions coming, the more input I have before I pull the trigger, the better!!!

Matt

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks guys!

I am going to drive it again tomorrow, with my brother along to help me look it over. Already pretty much agreed on a price assuming that it looks good.

Any and all input is appreciated.

I expect poor gas mileage, and am used to it. My '86 3/4 ton, 350, TH400, 4:10s, gets 10 MPG BEST CASE. So this truck should be similar, except it should tow MUCH better. I am aware of the oil consumption and can live with it, if it is bad, I can only hope that it is not, truck doesn't smoke or anything....

Keep the comments and opinions coming, the more input I have before I pull the trigger, the better!!!

Matt

They will not smoke. I am not sure how they do it but they use oil with none of the normal signs.:confused2:

I know its low miles but how does the book value show? $15K seems like a lot to me for a 8 year old gas truck.

Chris

 

[CLinton_in_FL]

Sounds like a decent deal. I looked at 8.1s before I purchase the V10. they are hard to find. Used car/truck prices are not like they were a few years ago. You would think a 8 year old vehicle would be cheaper, but no a days, they are not.