Duramax H2

[Steve R]

Seth,

Diesel gas typically costs less per gallon then gasoline. Long ago it cost a lot less...today it's about the same, sometimes higher, but usually about 10 - 15% lower. So it's cheaper to buy by the gallon.

The big plus is the mpg: diesel often gets nearly twice the miles per gallon...well almost, depends on the application. My company runs some large trucks, the gas models (with big V8's) got about 7-8 mpg, whereas our International intercooled turbo-diesels enjoy nearly 14 mpg!!! BUT these are large trucks with heavy weight. Diesel engines do great with producing lots of torque to pull heavy loads, so they are ideal for heavy vehicles.

The other benefit is longevity: the same International trucks have a rating such that 90% of the engines are expected to run 480,000 miles before needing an overhaul. The gasoline engine may only run about 200,000.

So there you BASICALLY have it; fuel economy & longevity. The downside is the higher costs to aquire, difficulty in finding the fuel readily available (not all stations have diesel) and when you do work on a diesel, it typically costs more then a gas engine.

The diesel has smooth low-end torque and that's nice for offroading slowly. It also sounds really powerful and some like the fragrance.

Course, when I smell diesel it always takes me back to the stern of a boat where a tuna, yellowtail or dorado are about to meet their demise...

[DURAMAX TIM]

Well since it's supercharged maybe they put a detroit in it.

[PARAGON]

We have great fishing out in the Gulf a few hours from here, you can also do some great billfishing off the coast.

But I never fished the Pacific, I'll be sure to hold you to your invite the next time I'm out that way.

[Camper Bob]

Spinning tires=good.

[timgco]

Since I am very wise to most of the shops in SLC and am somewhat familiar withthe Layton area. I would like to find out what shop did this. I doubt it! But I guess anything's possible... with proof!

[Camper Bob]

Diesel engines certainly have amazing low end torque, increased durability, etc., that would make it a great choice if you do a lot of towing or haul lots of heavy stuff. However, the mileage difference alone will take eons to recoup the increased cost to buy one...

Also, while the LPE beast sounds like tons of fun, one has to wonder about the distinct possibility of throwing driveline bits as far the eye can see upon romping on the GO pedal..

[Steve R]

Hmmmm....for $20 I can get you a looping CD of diesel-sounds you can play really loud on your radio and for an additional $10 I'll throw in a "diesel fuel only" sticker for your fuel cap!

And if you act now we'll include a set of fragrance scents which will fill your cab with the scent of buring diesel fuel. Refills available!

Other accessories include a CD of assorted mechanical failure sounds; you'll get "snapped tie-rod (courtesy of some video circulating world-wide), burning tire rubber for lack of traction, "pop goes the diff", "clunk goes the under-frame" and my favorite "blam goes the skid-plate".

[Black 05]

Will there be any Duramax H2 at SEMA this year?