Hello all,





I've been lurking for a bit now and I thought I'd start out with my first newbie question. I'm looking into getting a Duramax Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab and I wanted to know which way to go.





Now that the LLY has been out a bit, should I consider it progress or a step backwards. I know time will bring more development on the LLY, but is the LB7 a better starting point with fewer restrictions.


I don't have to have the newist, but I know it won't stay stock.


Thanks,


Pete

Pete,


Unless you want something used, you won't be able to get a new LB7 any longer. Tough question to answer. If you don't want to deal with emissions and have more available options to upgrade, you are probably better off with an LB7 right now, but the LLY stuff is coming out now in droves.


Maybe Max Power will chime in here, since he's had both recently, I think he was a little disappointed at first with the LLY, but I don't want to speak for him. . .


I love my LLY, but I never owned an LB7 to compare it with, which is what I suspect you will think as well. If you have never owned a diesel, then you won't know the difference and you will be ecstatic with a new LLY.


Good Luck,
Dennis

Doubt you will be able to locate a LB7 in a new vehicle at this time. I bought in July and the LLY was it. So far a good experience. Buying used you run a good chance of inheriting someone elses problems. I plan to unload the one I just bought about 10,000 miles before the warranty is up, earlier if it developes problems. I enjoy this vehicle more than any other I've ever owned. Mine is going to remain a stocker and maybe will avoid all the problems aired in this forum. Like I've mentioned before, if you want to go fast get a Mercedes AMG. No aftermarket stuff needed on those babies.

Okay. I have the opportunity to buy a buddies "new" '04 GMC 2500HD CC/SB 4X4 LB7/A with 3,200 miles. He's getting shipped out to Iraq for the next year or so and doesn't want to keep making the payments or have to worry about storing it. Leaves in 2 weeks.


I was in the market anyway so I have the option. Since I have the choice, any insight? Any drawbacks?





-P.

If he's offering you a good deal I'd say go for it. The LB7 has proven itself already, plus you can save a whole lot of money probably. Its not a night and day difference between the two engines.

the amg cant tow worth a darnhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif I've had both LB7 and LLY, LB7 seemed a lot stronger of the line, got better fuel economy. LLY sounds quieter and smells a little better. Wish i had kept my LB7, but I trade in trucks almost every year.


More power options for LB7, lots on the way. You cant go wrong with the LB7 and I dont think the LLY was a big improvemnet, if any.





my $.02

Let's talk trucks first. The trucks are the same, the engines are not. LB7 or LLY, they both have issues. Some think the LLY gets worse fuel mileage, although those LLY owners that have cranked up some miles are getting pretty good mileage IMHO(19-20mpg), not bad for a "big ass truck!" Check out the D/A Silverado poll going on right now, 78% very favorable ratings for the LLY. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif Understandably there are more "gizmoes" for the LB7 since it has been out for several years.


Let's talk money! Sounds like your buddy just bought his truck, which means his out the door price included dealer prep, sales tax, title fees, etc., etc., etc. These are $40k+ trucks which means he is likely 3-4k upside down, less if he was lucky. If you pay him what he owes you still have to pay sales tax in most states, OOOOOOOUUUUUCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHH! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Pinch.gif


If you think he was upside down in that truck, hang onto your shorts! You could likely find a used LB7 at a dealer for far less than your buddy can sell his for, unless he put a ton of money down and is willing to part with it. 2004.5 LLY's had pretty hefty rebates on them, not sure if they are still available. Plus they are very hard to find.


Normally if the bottom line for a new LLY or a used LB7 are the same, normally I likes a new truck! However, if you can help your buddy out in a pinch and afford to absorb it, your a good buddy! Good luck! Our prayers are with your buddy! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif JJ

I just got an LLY and really really like it so far. I think it will depend on what you want to do with the truck.


Me, I keep one a long time so I wanted a brand new one. I also wanted the LLY so that if 10 years down the road I have injector problems that it will be a lot cheaper to fix.


Now if you trade every year or two and you want to able to add some major HP to it as soon as you get it then get that used LB7.


So basically if you are going to keep it a long time get the LLY and if not then get the LB7.


Course if your buddy offered you a steal on that truck then I'd consider it either way....





Either way you can't go wrong, IMO....

If you tow at all or travel in warmer hilly areas, by all means the LB7 is the better truck. I have had 3 LB7's and 2 LLY's and I shoot myself for getting rid of any LB7's. The 2 I got rid of had over 150,000 miles and were still better than the LB7's.