So I just bought my first full size chevy truck. I picked up an '07 C2500HD LT with the LB7 Duramax/Allison Six Speed. The last truck I had was an '04 F-350 with the V-10 and auto tranny. Long story short, I liked the Ford, and the power was decent since I wasn't pulling anything. Although I was glad I didn't buy one of the 6 ltr Powerstokes in my '04 (wholly crappy design/quality Batman!!), I always secretely envied the diesels. So, this time, I bucked up and made it happen. After seeing what happened with Fords 6 ltr, I couldn't stomach a Ford diesel purchase, no matter what they told me. I don't smoke dope, and that's what it would take to buy a diesel Ford IMO... although I still am a sucker for their profile, interiors, etc.
First impressions with the '07 Duramax are, dang it pulls like a sonofagun! When you mash it - WATCHT OUT - it throws you back in your seat and doesn't let off. Any diesel that redlines at 5K is going to be impressive, but I had no idea! I can't believe the significant difference in the power between this rig and my '04 Ford V-10.
I also couldn't believe the smooth ride on this 2500. My Ford was a 1 Ton and I expected the 2500 would ride smoother, but wholly cow, the ride is significantly better than Dodge or Ford 3/4 ton rigs I've driven. This truck's ride is very close to being in a (1/2 ton) Tundra, and very quiet too.
Next thing, I learned a little more about diesels -- that is, how friggin' much maintenance costs on these engines. I bought an air filter at WalMart, thinking I was going to dupe the dealer and save some bucks. It was 70 bucks! It blew me away. I heard oil changes are going to cost much more, but I had no idea those increased costs were all around. BTW -- anyone recommend an after market cold intake/K and N/ etc. for the Duramax?
Next, I gotta tell you, I'm kinda pissed off from the get go with Chevy's design folks. The radio has some backlit buttons that are not lit or they're burned out. So, I figure, no problem, I'll just pick some LED's up at Shucks and pop em in. Well, I come to find out that the dealer has to replace the entire radio/CD player to fix these damn little LED's lights. Excuse my abbreviated French, but WTF??? That is insane and a major rip-off. I'm writing a letter to GM (maybe I should bypass the middlemen and send it directly to Obama, ha ha).
Overall, I'm glad I picked this rig up, and am sure I'll get alot of use out of it. The ride and power are awesome. I need to tweek some things here and there, and pick up some exterior badging that's messed up right now (any clues on good grills/chrome emblem websites?). I'll search the forum too.
Anway, thanks for reading my intro. I hope to learn alot, and me and the Old Lady and our Rotties come to love my chevy truck even more. Being a convert from Ford, I'm very entusiastic right now, aside from some minor issues that I've gotten off my chest above.
Rocky