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Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Duramax Fuel Mileage

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Comments

  • smartmpgsmartmpg Member Posts: 1
    Hey clongwell,

    At 55mph, you do conserve fuel. However, I think every person on this board laughed when they read your recommendation to drive that slow to save fuel. Conservation is one thing. Actually extending or increasing your MPG is even better!

    I now get an extra 120 miles average per 13 gallon tank of fuel. Before it would cost me and additional $12 - $14 dollars to drive an extra 120 miles. Now I simply treat each new tank of fuel with 1oz of EnviroMax Plus!

    You drive 55.....we'll still get their with more fuel in our tanks, a better running and performing vehicle, and a story to tell all the people who are not pleased when they pull their receipt off the gas pump after they get fuel!

    The smoke in your mirrors is because you are not using EnviroMax Plus. The product reduces emmissions by as much as 80%. And, if you could drive faster than 55 - the smoke your vehicle is putting out would not be able to be seen in your mirror!

    I have nearly 500 customers who order the product every month. Pretty strong testimony for a product that you say will not work.

    SmartMPG.com
  • westberryjwestberryj Member Posts: 1
    I recently purchased a 2001 silverado 2500HD 8.1 litre with an Allison. Pros cons, experiences?
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Since this discussion is specifically for Duramax fuel mileage questions, you probably want to ask over in Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra: Owber's hangout

    kcram - Pickups Host
  • spademanspademan Member Posts: 14
    Is anybody making biodiesel? If so, what does it do to your mileage, and how easy is it??
  • ssessionsssessions Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 Duramax, that I purchased in Dec. When I stop at lights or whatever, the motor will surge a little. Doesn't do it when driving. I know they will surge during warm-up from a start up. Any one have a solution for this problem?
  • break80break80 Member Posts: 1
    I have 78k miles on mine. consistently 16.5-18.5 mpg.
    Hmmm? maybe I should also check the psi on my tires.
  • beachinbeachin Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 GMC 2500HD 4x4 w/Duramax. I would like to know what brand of leveling kit you used on your truck, and did it alter the smooth original ride?
    Sincerely,
    AuctionMP
  • clow123clow123 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2005 chevy 2500 4X4 and I had a torsion bar key installed, it raised the front appox. 2.5" and did not appear to effect to original ride. It does allow for 285 75r16 tires without rubbing. There are a number of manufacturers you can choose from on ebay, cost about $100 with shipping. I had a tire place do mine, parts, install and front end alignment for $200.
  • clow123clow123 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2005 2500hd crew cab 4X4 duramax with 33,000 miles, 285 tires, K&N air filter, and Predator Downloader. I drive a lot of miles and use the economy mode on my downloader. I consistantly get 14.5 - 15.0 mpg in town and just recently got 19.2 mpg on a trip (full tank). I drove 75 mph most of the way and 30% 55-65mph. I have seen a considerable increase in fuel economy in the last 10,000 miles or so.
  • lmoore1lmoore1 Member Posts: 1
    I bought a 2006 Duramax in Oct 2005. 4X4 Reg Cab. I have 3000 miles on it. Best I can tell I am getting abt 17.5 MPG highway driving [1500 to 1600 RPM] and abt 14.0 MPG pulling a 4500# 5th wheel.
    My average for 3000 Miles is 14.7 MPG with abt 2/3's pulling the light trailer. Some say it will go up at 10000 miles. True or False???
    Best I can tell the milage hasnt changed since the first tank.
    Can anyone point me to a 2nd fuel filter kit??? Seems I recall one that will mount on the engine near the right battery. Any help appreciated.
  • spademanspademan Member Posts: 14
    Anybody have a really good place to buy a used/new duramx in or near eastern iowa?? Any help or suggestions would be great!
  • coadmancoadman Member Posts: 3
    I am looking at purchasing a 03 or newer 2500HD with the duramax. The heaviest thing that i will be pulling would be a cattle trailer loaded down would be around 12000# and other misc. trailers would be pulled(live on a farm/ranch). Would the standard tranny be alright for this or should i look for the trucks that have the allison?
  • spademanspademan Member Posts: 14
    if your going to buy a diesel HD why not get the HD tranny?? One thing for sure, you would never have to worry about it, can that be said for the standard tranny?
  • catamcatam Member Posts: 331
    The only auto tranny avail with the Dmax is the Alison.
    If you don't mind shifting the gears manually the six speed gearbox is considered very good, (both Ford and GM use the same manual tranny.)
    The real issue is that the NEWER (i believe post 2004?? anyone?), Dmax's with the Alison are rated with more HP and torque, the manual shifters get the detuned engine.
  • davet3davet3 Member Posts: 1
    I'm very seriously considering a 3500 dually duramax with the intention of putting a truck camper on it. Can I expect a dually will get worse mileage than on a 2500 or 3500 with single rear wheels? Anyone have some data on the dually with the newer Duramax?
  • coadmancoadman Member Posts: 3
    let me see if i get this straight you said the only transmission that comes with the duramax is the alison correct? I have been looking at some on ebay and have found some that say they are just a automatic 4 speed and then others have say they are alison automatic 5 speed. Are they both the same thing or different??
  • catamcatam Member Posts: 331
    To the best of my knowledge, all Dmax's sold in the US in the light duty trucks had only 2 tranny choices, the Allison auto (5 speed til 05, or 6 speed in 06), or the 6 speed manual. GM's 4L80e 4 speed auto tranny has never been available on the Dmax. It was not designed for >500 ft.lbs of torque.
    The 4L80e is available as an auto tranny option for the 8.1L gasser, as well as the Alison and the 6 speed manual.
    If someone tells you different, I would ask for some documented proof.
    Also, I personally wouldn't trust the 4L80e behind a Dmax. (It's a great tranny, I have one in my 96 Suburban, but its not designed for that kind of power.)
  • coadmancoadman Member Posts: 3
    This is what ive been looking at on ebay. Did the seller just make a mistake saying that it is a 4 speed?
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-Chevy-2500HD-Duramax-Diesel-4x4-Extended-Cab- -LS-CD_W0QQitemZ4608501601QQcategoryZ90969QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
  • spademanspademan Member Posts: 14
    I don't know if anybody comes in and reads these anymore or not, but I need some advice. I'm going to buy another truck for the farm, and I'm not sure which version of the duramax is the best. I have an 01 and love it, but should I get the LLY in stead??
  • frustrated9frustrated9 Member Posts: 1
    just bought 06 duramax,any problems with warranty with GM ,when doing own oil & filter changes your self ?
  • spademanspademan Member Posts: 14
    Has anyone added a ship to their truck??? If so, has it helped the mileage, and how much??
  • spademanspademan Member Posts: 14
    I think we all know i meant to type chip...has anyone added a chip to their truck.
  • red454red454 Member Posts: 3
    How are the superchips? Are they worth it. Can you tell a difference in feul economy and power? Pleas help
  • frankoduramaxfrankoduramax Member Posts: 4
    I see many posts. Here is my experience. I have a 2006(non 350 hp motor) with a Afe high flow filter and a BullyDog
    programmer. After adjusting for 265-75 16 tire upgrade, I am getting a 3 TANK AVERAGE of 16.5MPG combined...and I jump on it once in awhile, too:). I have it on the lowest power programmer, and it runs hard(347HP and 740 Torque)
    I have had ZERO problems, and pulling my 16ft Pace trailer with 3 ATV's and all gear(about 2000lbs trailer and 200lbs vehicles/gear/fuel), it gets 14.5 MPG @ 55 MPH. I am here in So Cal, and that might help. I do use a cetane booster..seems to almost have zero smoke and runs smoother. FHI Franko
  • fairc67fairc67 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know the part # on the Blistien 5100 shocks. I need it bad. My truck is beating me crazy since i put the torsion bar keys on it... Thanks
  • dalej1dalej1 Member Posts: 1
    would like input on duramax allison mpg, 2006 model-with rear axle gear ratios and what you are towing-hauling
  • 3105031050 Member Posts: 1
    I have 2004 extended cab I will be selling real soon. a few details-white, fully loaded, leather. K&N fuel&exhaust,86,000 highway miles,tubes,preditor chip,265 tires, no problems,everything runs and looks good,original tires approx.1/4" tread, don't know what its worth but expect to do something in the next couple of weeks
  • bigbillybigbilly Member Posts: 2
    I have the same thing w/ my 2001 DMax, I saw a post on a fuel pump issue but can find it again.......
  • spugspug Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a 2006 Silverado 2500HD. Maybe I am crazy but I have been hearing a howling noise from the drivetrain. The noise seems to vary depending on the RPM. Dealer has no idea. Any feedback is welcome.
  • goldenjgoldenj Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2005 2500HD Duramax, when it was purchased we were told to expect 18-20 mpg, but have never seen any thing close. Have taken it to the dealership they checked it and at first had a computer problem with it, after several weeks they got a fix for the problem, but did not fix the mileage problems. They told us after the engine got broke in it would get better all the time, but have not seen that happen either. The truck is a great one, the ride is wonderful, and the power is unbelievable. It now has 42000 on the engine, but the best I have seen is 17mpg and 8 mpg towing. I have considered getting a chip. A friend has one that he used (El Diablo) and was getting 23mpg on his 2004 truck. Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated!

    Love the truck hate the mpg :cry:
  • goldenjgoldenj Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2005 2500HD Duramax 4x4 with crew cab, when it was purchased we were told to expect 18-20 mpg, but have never seen any thing close. Have taken it to the dealership they checked it and at first had a computer problem with it, after several weeks they got a fix for the problem, but did not fix the mileage problems. They told us after the engine got broke in it would get better all the time, but have not seen that happen either. The truck is a great one, the ride is wonderful, and the power is unbelievable. It now has 42000 on the engine, but the best I have seen is 17mpg and 8 mpg towing. I have considered getting a chip. A friend has one that he used (El Diablo) and was getting 23mpg on his 2004 truck. Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated!

    Love the truck hate the mpg :cry:
  • fueledupfueledup Member Posts: 64
    I owned a 2003 2500 4x2 crew cab long bed duramax& allison, always got 15.5 city & 19.5 hwy, put 60,00 miles on it. traded it in june 05 employee discount too good to pass up. now own 2005 4x2 crew cab short bed duramax&allison, 14.5 city & 18 hwy, 15000 miles am disappointed in mpg reduction who the hell knows why .
  • spademanspademan Member Posts: 14
    I have been asking around about chips myself. A mechanic told me not to get the diablo because it makes the allison shift really hard, and is therefore hard on the tranny. He did say that you can expect from 2-5 mpg better!
  • spademanspademan Member Posts: 14
    I've also found that if you install an aftermarket air intake, and change the exhaust you'll see an increase in mileage also.
  • frankoduramaxfrankoduramax Member Posts: 4
    I have better throttle response and a bit more low end, but mileage is about the same. Pulled my 16ft Pace(low weight load,2k trailer wt plus 1 Quad) and got 15.1 MPG @ 60 MPH this past weekend.
    I have
    1)Bullydog Pup re-programmer
    2. Afe 7 stage high flow air filter
    3. 4 in stainless exhaust
    2006 4X4 2500HD Duramax,6 speed,Crew Cab, SB 265 tires 3:73
    22.5MPG @ 55MPH, 18MPG@ 75MPH Combined 16MPG last 3 tanks
    10K miles
  • spugspug Member Posts: 2
    Problem resolved. I contacted the dealership, who spoke to GM engineering in Detroit. Corporate advised of a kit to be placed on the exhaust system. Bottom line is the kit once installed stopped the howling noise.
  • chevyboy077chevyboy077 Member Posts: 1
    Some reasons why you don't get good mileage as other such as year,4-wheel drive or 2 wheel drive,tires,and the way you just drive. If getting bad mileage go take it in and get computer reprogrammed and it should help also. Another is chips too such as banks,edge,bully dog,ect but the edge and bullydog void warranty when you use them and can also screw up truck in long run. But i've never heard of gettin 8mpg cause we got 2002 2500hd duramax ext. 2wd gettin 17-18city/20hwy but newer ones might get little less cause of new 360hp and 650lbs torque but dodge cummins gets good cause inline 6 but not as much power n torque as new duramax.
  • hoosieridochoosieridoc Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 GMC K2500 HD SLT crew cab short bed w/ LLY DuraMax and Allison 5-spd. The only way you will ever get 24 mpg out of this combo is if you baby it. If I never go over 50-55 mph and always stay on flat highway and never get stuck at stop lights I MAY get 23-24 mpg. However, I commute 100 mi. round trip on southern Indiana highways (lots of hills and several small towns and stop lights) 4.5 days / week. I currently average 17-18 mpg cruising at 70 mph. I think that is GREAT for a truck that weighs over 6000 lbs. and has 310 hp and 590 ft./lbs. It is all about compromise. Do you want power or do you want fuel economy? You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Power takes fuel. Also, at speeds over 55 mph wind resistance becomes your greatest enemy. Your wind resistance increases as a square of your speed, which means that for a small increase in speed your wind resistance (or drag) increases dramatically. I have put 20,000 miles on my DuraMax / Allison in less than 9 months and I still love it. The biggest thing that they are doing w/ the GM trucks recently is that they have added an extra overdrive to the Allison. It is now a 6-spd. auto with 5th and 6th being overdriven. Now with the extra overdrive to drop the revs at 70 mph you may be able to squeak out 20+ mpg if you keep it around 70 mph and don't try to race too many Mustangs. Right now at 70 mph in my truck I'm hitting about 2100 rpm in 5th (OD). If they get that to drop to 1800-1900 then you will definitely gain some fuel mileage. Plans for the DuraMax in the near future also include twin turbos that will put it well over 400 hp and 700 ft./lbs. of torque! By the way, Mustangs go down easily in the stoplight wars. Some kid in a 03-04 GT 6-spd. was giving me the look and power braking it at a stoplight headed out of town on a 4-lane highway and when it turned green I let him have it and he was at least 2-2.5 truck lengths behind me when I let off at 75 mph. He had been stoplight racing all the other cars through a small town and I think he was a bit surprised to lose to a 6000 lb. truck that was almost twice as long as his car! Sorry for the rambling, but I love my DuraMax...can you tell?
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    Does anybody use synthetic oils? Are they even made for a diesel? :confuse:
  • burtvburtv Member Posts: 1
    I have a 04 Duramax LLY, crew cab short bed automatic, 6 inch lift 12.5 x 35 tires. My speedometer is off by about 8+ miles an hour in other words when it reads 70 mph I am actually going about 78 mph. My gauge says I am getting about 13.2 mpg. I try to drive sanely about 98% of the time. This gauge doesn't change very often like once every six months, if that often, is this normal. I took it to the dealer (under warranty and still under warranty) Alfred Matthews in Modesto (they did the lift and tires) and they said that there was something wrong with computer and the speedo could not be reset. I spoke to three other dealers and they told me Allison (and I confirmed this on the Allison website) locked out the ability for a dealer to change the tire size but could be done with an aftermaket computer. Anyone do this adjustment and if so what programmer did you use?
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    There are several synthetic oils approved for diesel use...

    - Shell Rotella T
    - Mobil Delvac-1/Mobil 1 Truck and SUV
    - Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme

    kcram - Pickups Host
  • igop71igop71 Member Posts: 3
    What about AMSOIL synthetics... are they not approved for diesel use? I've only changed the oil of my 05 Duramax once (with AMSOIL 15W-40) since I got it last year and is scheduled for one soon. My next question is how often are you supposed to be changing fuel filter? I don't drive that much and only have a little over 10000 miles on my truck since July last year.
  • nezzy711nezzy711 Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a used 2003 silverado 2500hd duramax and have three concerns. I am averaging 14mpg. Is this normal. Also on hard accelaration it blows black smoke out of the exhaust. What might this be. And it has an allison automatic transmission and in fourth gear at 2500rpm the engine sputters, backfires and misses. Please any advice is appreciated.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Yes, AMSOIL is indeed SAE certified, although the major diesel engine manufacturers have put their stamp of approval on the other brands I mentioned.

    As far as fuel filters, if you don't drive much, you should probably replace it annually. Algae and other deposits can form in diesel fuel when it sits for extended periods of time, and that needs to be cleaned up by a filter that's up to the job when you do need the truck.

    kcram - Pickups Host
  • outakashoutakash Member Posts: 2
    I was talking with a friend just yesterday about the tail gate in the down position and how Myth busters busted the myth about better fuel mileage with the gate down. Not true! fuel mileage decreased. Seems like the engineers have figured out that by keeping the tail gate up creates a sort of air bubble over the bed that the air on top passes over. Try taking the tonneau off and testing it again. I have a 2002 with a tonneau and generally get 18 but have gotten 19.3 (got a little over 57K miles on it).
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    I have a 2006 Sierra 2500HD and I've noticed a "howling noise" when I accelerate when the truck is still fairly cold. For some reason I think it's the air intake but I don't know that for a fact. The noise stops when the truck is warmed up. :)
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    I have a new Duramax with about 1000 miles on it and I'm getting 19 in mixed driving.
    I want to put a billet grill on my Sierra 2500.Will that effect the cooling capacity in any way?
    And I noticed that next to the fuel tank there appears to be a radiator. Why? :confuse:
  • rseeborseebo Member Posts: 12
    I have the 05 diesel and added the banks 6 gun tuner. I have just broken 40k in mileage and average about 21 - 22 MPG's on level 6. I drive 85 miles per day and up the Cajon Pass, which is about a 20 mile climb from Sea level to 4500 feet. I have had several issues with limping the tranny from getting on it to much and just having to pull over and shut er down and restart to reset. Now I am having an issue with an error stating low fuel rail pressure. Is this due to bad fuel filters? I get it whenever I have to move fast out of a situation.
  • ddf1ddf1 Member Posts: 18
    My guess is the low fuel pressure is due to the power upgrades. Did u install a lift pump? That could fix it. The duramax doesn't have a lift pump and when you add gobs of power the stock fuel system can't keep up. BTW I just added a BD Intimidator programmer set on 80 hp and 200 lb torque, 4" Corsa exhaust and got 21 mpg. I was getting about 15mpg with 285 tires.
  • rseeborseebo Member Posts: 12
    No I didn't. I am not sure if banks has that as part of their package. One would think that they would if the power gains were to much for the stock system to handle.

    I was told that the fuel filter needs to be changed at a recommended mileage of 15K. So I am going to try that tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks for the input though.
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