Just came home from truck and equip show in Atlanta.I got to talk to the engineer that designed the 6.6 dmax.It is kinda sounding like the 4.5 is going to take the place of the 6.6 sooner or later.From what i was told Gm and Isuzu kinda are gittin along so well they are no longer at the GM plant.They figure that they are saving $600.per engine by not having exhaust manifolds,bolts,nuts,washers,labor,ect.He said it is pretty impressive to see how it works.The engine works backwords from a standard engine in that it reverses the airflow in through the exhaust valve and exits through the intake valve and out the top of engine to the exhaust pipe.He said that it can be capable of 310 to 600 hp.And will be available in more vehicles including the suburban.He couldn't tell me everything but it sure sounds like a pretty radical design.

If the 600hp wasn't a typo that's supposed to read 600 lb-ft, then, :drool: :drool: :drool:

No he said that it is capable of up to 600 hp they are planning on using them in a pretty wide range of trucks.But u never know that might be what he was trying to say.:confuzeld

Be nice if they could get that kind of horsepower (600HP) out of a 4.5 but I don't see them (GM) doing it from the factory. I know there are guys on here that will tweak it for more power.

I am sure 600 hp is possible with enough fuel and boost but it won't ever come from the factory that way.
I also wonder about the 4.5 ever replacing the 6.6. The 4.5 is a much smaller package, and as such the internal components including rods and bearing surfaces will not be able to handle the same loads (power and towing) the 6.6 is capable of dealing with.
The 4.5 hasn't even made it in the light duty segment let alone talk about putting it in the HD's already. That kind of thinking is what got GM their terrible diesel reputation in the 70's and 80's. A heavy duty vehicle needs a heavy duty engine.

Any news on when you will be able to get a Suburban with the 4.5? I have seen both 2010 and 2012 on various posts. I have 67K on my 04 DenaliXL and I want to replace it with a new 2500 Suburban with the 4.5. I can wait until 2010 but 2012 might be pushing it. I know Ford has indicated that they will have their new 4.4 Diesel in the Expedition EL for 2010. I would rather have a Suburban, unless a lot of the look from the 09 F150 makes it to the 2010 Expedition, as I think the front clip of the current Expedition is kind of stupid looking.

the 4.5 will never replace the 6.6! The 4.5 is for 1500 platforms and the 6.6 is for the 2500! end of story!

the 4.5 will never replace the 6.6! The 4.5 is for 1500 platforms and the 6.6 is for the 2500! end of story!
AMEN.

They could not replace the 6.6 with a smaller motor. They would immediately lose market share to the other 3, I know I said 3 we will have to include Toyota because they will have a Diesel sooner than later.

They could not replace the 6.6 with a smaller motor. They would immediately lose market share to the other 3, I know I said 3 we will have to include Toyota because they will have a Diesel sooner than later.

Already launched Down Under: http://www.toyota.com.au/landcruiser-70-series

19.7 mpg's / 202 hp / 317 lbs ft is not impressive.
The truck is ugly and 1980's looking but it is more than we have available to us right now.
Toyota is rumored to be coming out with both light duty and heavy duty diesels within the next couple of years. Nissan also.

From what I have been told is that the 4.5 will go in the heavy half and the 6.6 will get redesigned to be like the 4.5 but will still be a 6.6

I thought the 4.5 would be to small also thats why i was shocked when he said they would use it in the Hd,s.I guess we'll have to wait and see.He did say that they were good until 2013 for the 6.6 with emissions im guessing.Its all just heresay until there able to be ordered.

"From what I have been told is that the 4.5 will go in the heavy half and the 6.6 will get redesigned to be like the 4.5 but will still be a 6.6".

So do we know for a fact that a 1500HD is coming? In articles I've read, they talked about the 4.5L going vehicles under 8600lbs GVWR. A current silverado 1500 is rated at 7000lbs, and a 2500HD starts at 9000lbs, so it seems like GM would drop something to fill that up to 8600lb spot. If they do, I hope it's available in a Crew cab short-box, (the real 5'8" short box), cuz I don't think a CC standard box(6.5' box) will fit in my garage.

GM still makes a 2500 (not 2500HD) which is less than 8600 GVWR.

I just checked the GM website and I don't find the 2500 on it. Maybe it has been dropped also.

They do? I thought they discontinued that in 2001.

I know that I had seen some since then but not sure what year models. I thought I had seen some new ones recently but maybe my eyes deceived me. I did check the GM website and none were listed.

When I was looking for my new truck, I stumbled on a couple 2500, not 2500HD's. I forget what years they were, might have been around 03, 04. I believe they were only availible in 2wd, but I could be wrong. Are they the ones with the 2500 sticker decal instead of the 2500HD plastic, raised decal??

2500 non-HD and 1500HD are the same truck. GVWR 8600. They played around with cab and bed configurations to make a difference between the two.

2500 were made through '04 and I think as a CCSB only in '05. The badge is the same plastic as 2500HD, just no "HD"

i've seen both a 2500 and a 1500HD driving around here so :wtf:

19.7 mpg's / 202 hp / 317 lbs ft is not impressive.
The truck is ugly and 1980's looking but it is more than we have available to us right now.
Toyota is rumored to be coming out with both light duty and heavy duty diesels within the next couple of years. Nissan also.


Toyota in the HD market will make for better all around trucks from the Big 3. I personally wouldn't buy one, but it will be nice to see the final product!

I wouldn’t replace my 6.5 for a smaller diesel my next will be a 6.6. The Toyota diesel is a straight six 8L 300 hp 500trq monster but only in 1 tons for the first year that was from the East coast Tundra rep I met. If they put that in a Sequoia I might jump ship. Not one guy will comfirm that the new diesel will go in the Suburban, they say it wont because lack of demand.

I don't believe a diesel Suburban will lack demand for one minute. Whether it be a 4.5L or 6.6L equipped version.

GM needs to read this website if they think there won't be a demand for a diesel powered Suburban. Just think how many would buy one that doesn't know about this website.

Do your homework GM!!!!!!!!!!!

The reason i believe they didnt use the 6.6 in the suburban was because of the allison the seats and the hump in the floor was not big enough to fit the ally.Does anyone have an idea what trans will be in the 4.5.

I speculate that it will be the 6L90E. I don't have any insider information or anything like that but it makes economic sense for GM. The 6L90E appears to be plenty strong, is much cheaper and more compact than the Allison.

I speculate that it will be the 6L90E. I don't have any insider information or anything like that but it makes economic sense for GM. The 6L90E appears to be plenty strong, is much cheaper and more compact than the Allison.
That's what I've been hearing will be used.

As far as the 4.5 in the HD trucks, it's been said that it will be offered as a base engine for the truck. Like choosing the 5.3 or the 6.0 in the 1500. But like all, this is what I hear from talk at the dealership. I know that what they would hope for. Rumors...time will tell. They say they're looking at good numbers on hp and torque for the 4.5, even if it is in a 2500. And a little less on the cost of the engine in the truck. More money to do wheel and lift mods. It's got my curiosity. This is why I hesitated on the diesel for now. Now it may be a decision of what engine to pick for the truck. Choices I tell ya.

I heard that Dodge will do this as well, offer 2 diesel engine choices in their HD trucks.

Dodge needs to offer choices of trucks...Chev or GMC!!!!!!:D:eek:

From what I have been told is that the 4.5 will go in the heavy half and the 6.6 will get redesigned to be like the 4.5 but will still be a 6.6

I don't think this has anything to do with there being a 1500HD or not. Since GM has developed the 4.5 in house they have realized some better design features which are currently not available on the 6.6. Soon, once the 4.5 is proven, the 6.6 might be built with the same design features (manifold, etc.) as the 4.5.

I'm just having a hard time seeing the 1/2 ton diesels making it with the way things are going. DO NOT get me wrong, I'd LOVE to get the wife a burb with it, but FIRST you have to pony up for the diesel option, THEN ON TOP OF THAT the cost of Diesel is skyrocketing....

I'm just seeing the whole diesel segment comming to a GRINDING HALT (with some exceptions) if things do not change soon. Now if the big three had brought out the 1/2 tons about 3-5 years ago, that could have been a HIT, but now.... I'm not too sure. I'm just having a hard time seeing joe 6 pack even considering one now.

I'm just having a hard time seeing the 1/2 ton diesels making it with the way things are going. DO NOT get me wrong, I'd LOVE to get the wife a burb with it, but FIRST you have to pony up for the diesel option, THEN ON TOP OF THAT the cost of Diesel is skyrocketing....

I'm just seeing the whole diesel segment comming to a GRINDING HALT (with some exceptions) if things do not change soon. Now if the big three had brought out the 1/2 tons about 3-5 years ago, that could have been a HIT, but now.... I'm not too sure. I'm just having a hard time seeing joe 6 pack even considering one now.


I agree. If they can't keep the 1/2 ton diesel option at a resonable price I just don't see them moving very many of them. The 6.5 offered in the old 1500's was a decent deal because it offered 20+ mpg's and didn't cost $8K

I'm just having a hard time seeing the 1/2 ton diesels making it with the way things are going. DO NOT get me wrong, I'd LOVE to get the wife a burb with it, but FIRST you have to pony up for the diesel option, THEN ON TOP OF THAT the cost of Diesel is skyrocketing....

I'm just seeing the whole diesel segment comming to a GRINDING HALT (with some exceptions) if things do not change soon. Now if the big three had brought out the 1/2 tons about 3-5 years ago, that could have been a HIT, but now.... I'm not too sure. I'm just having a hard time seeing joe 6 pack even considering one now.

:agreed:

They will sell, but I think they'll take a loss on 'em if the cost of diesel stays so much higher than gas. They'll sell like crazy to some of us fanatics, then sales will slowly fall off till they are selling them too cheap for the huge profit margin they like.

If diesel stays where it is you may not even see the 4.5L........

If diesel stays where it is you may not even see the 4.5L........

Couldn't disagree more..... yes the cost of diesel is skyrocketing....... but so is the cost of GASOLINE. Locally from what I've seen is the gap between gas and diesel prices has remained more or less consistent. this makes the case for diesel pretty much the same if not slightly better.

To my way of thinking the higher the cost of fuel, the more likely the 1/2 ton diesel will be a sucess. just my 2cents

AT 50 cents difference between regular gas and diesel, becomes a smaller percentage at the price goes up. The diesel engine still beats that percentage difference.

It comes down to miles driven and maintainence costs.

It would also be nice if GM would allow B20 from ASTM speced B100 to be run in the trucks.

Also keep in mind, at least here in California, all these people running their BMW's, Audi's, Mercedes are mainly running premium fuel. The difference is not so much when you compare and these people would buy, say the new CTS with a Diesel in it(like the one they are selling in Europe).

Diesels are far from being dead.

AT 50 cents difference between regular gas and diesel, becomes a smaller percentage at the price goes up. The diesel engine still beats that percentage difference.

It comes down to miles driven and maintainence costs.

It would also be nice if GM would allow B20 from ASTM speced B100 to be run in the trucks.

Also keep in mind, at least here in California, all these people running their BMW's, Audi's, Mercedes are mainly running premium fuel. The difference is not so much when you compare and these people would buy, say the new CTS with a Diesel in it(like the one they are selling in Europe).

Diesels are far from being dead.


At a $.50 price spread a diesel engine has to get five mpg's more than a gas engine to break even on a per mile cost basis. If you include the cost of the engine, which I haven't because generally a diesel will command a higher resale value, that mpg spread become greater.
I don't think the diesel engine, including the 4.5, is dead but if GM gets too greedy or the feds get too hyper on new emmissions regulations the diesel engine will continue to command a very small market share due to initial cost alone. The people in California you mention driving BMW's, Audi's and Mercedes running premium fuel couldn't care less about a 4.5L truck engine or the price of diesel fuel compared to premium. Unless of course that new BMW, Audi or Merecedes has a diesel under the hood. The mpg spread for premium selling at $.30 less than diesel can return 3 mpg less than a diesel and still cost less per mile to operate.
Who here is buying a diesel because it costs less to operate?
I would guess not many. People here are buying diesels either because they need it to pull their toys or simply because they want the power to play with.

wide open,

The topic is 4.5l diesel engine but I used the euro sedan users here as an example that if GM brought their CTS with a 2.9l diesel being sold in Europe right now there would be a strong argument for it. I believe many people here who drive the euro cars do care about what they spend on fuel but they are ignorant about diesels.

Whether it be through the introduction of diesels in the half ton market with the 4.5l or the through the high end market and the CTS 2.9l this will be a huge step forward in terms of slowly educating the public about the benefits of diesels.

Whether it be through the introduction of diesels in the half ton market with the 4.5l or the through the high end market and the CTS 2.9l this will be a huge step forward in terms of slowly educating the public about the benefits of diesels.

Well, I can't argue with that. BMW, Audi and Mercedes are hinting they will bring more diesels to market with the next year. The twin-turbo BMW inline six looks particularly interesting. Now that I think about it the 5.0 V12 in the R8 looks even better. Of course mainstream cars need to have diesels that are compare favorably to their gasoline counterparts. Performance and economically.

At a $.50 price spread a diesel engine has to get five mpg's more than a gas engine to break even on a per mile cost basis. If you include the cost of the engine, which I haven't because generally a diesel will command a higher resale value, that mpg spread become greater.
I don't think the diesel engine, including the 4.5, is dead but if GM gets too greedy or the feds get too hyper on new emmissions regulations the diesel engine will continue to command a very small market share due to initial cost alone. The people in California you mention driving BMW's, Audi's and Mercedes running premium fuel couldn't care less about a 4.5L truck engine or the price of diesel fuel compared to premium. Unless of course that new BMW, Audi or Merecedes has a diesel under the hood. The mpg spread for premium selling at $.30 less than diesel can return 3 mpg less than a diesel and still cost less per mile to operate.
Who here is buying a diesel because it costs less to operate?
I would guess not many. People here are buying diesels either because they need it to pull their toys or simply because they want the power to play with.
well I'm looking at one because i DO want a HUGE truck that gets decent to good milage, and has MORE power than I need.
My old Grand Cherokee with the 4.0 had a hard time getting out of it's way

Our Burb with the 5.3.... well it will get up and go, but as soon as you put a trailer on it (not often just to PCS and tow my Jeep) talk about BAD MPG!!!

and I think the BIG problem for the 4.5 is the psycological factor. you are paying MORE up front AND MORE at the pump.... and not all but alot of peole will not look past that. NOW if there were REALLY good MPG gains, and hell even a tax credit or something for them... they would sell like hot cakes. but again all of this is speculation till they get here. but I STILL WANT ONE IN A BURB for the wife...

I am someone who is primarily interested in the 4.5 for the economy. I'm a horsepower freak and I want something that's powerful AND economic. I could have put a kenne bell twin screw on my 1500HD years ago but I'm not willing to continually get 11-12 mpg for 550+hp.

The hybrid if very appealing with 20mpg in town, that's substantial economy, but it only tows 5900lbs. I need a truck that can hook up to 10-11k and get it done for me a couple times a year. I love that this truck will offer low 20's in town and high 20's on the highway. It will tow anything I want and most importantly clean emissions.

In my opinion, over the next five years any high milage vehicle will be a small displacement diesel with one or two power adders (turbos, roots charger, twin screw, centrifuge) I'm very excited, a year from today we'll be reading about a world of new engines that are going to be out soon or in vehicles already.

I agree yurs78, in Europe MB offers a 2.2 turbodiesel for the C class that gets over 40 MPG. They are bringing that engine over here this year in a small SUV. I'll bet it will get close to 30 and it will be interesting to see how it sells.

I have to say it would be funny to see some well to do woman/man, with their nice cloths and expensive sun glasses pull into a truck stop for a fill up with that huge nozzle the diesel pumps have. Pretty good visual there.
No doubt there are a lot of good diesel vehicles in use on the other side of the pond that I'd like to see here.

The guy that designed the 6.6L DMAX eh? Was he Japanese? Isuzu originally designed the DMAX and GM bought it from them. They have since ended the agreement and now Isuzu has no input to GM. DMAX is solely owned by GM.

I have to say it would be funny to see some well to do woman/man, with their nice cloths and expensive sun glasses pull into a truck stop for a fill up with that huge nozzle the diesel pumps have. Pretty good visual there.

Done that already when I fill up my Suburban after work. I'm in a full suit and tie at the diesel pump standing in spilled fuel sludge. It's pretty weird looking I'm sure. I've had the station attendant yell at me saying "that's diesel!! that's diesel!!" (like someone in a suit couldn't possibly own a diesel vehicle). To which I reply, "I know!!!" :)

The guy that designed the 6.6L DMAX eh? Was he Japanese? Isuzu originally designed the DMAX and GM bought it from them. They have since ended the agreement and now Isuzu has no input to GM. DMAX is solely owned by GM.

Sorry man, but you're wrong with just about everything you wrote. The 6.6L Duramax was JOINTLY developed by GM and Isuzu. DMAX was, and still is a JOINT VENTURE. GM owns 60% of DMAX, and 40% by Isuzu.

Sorry man, but you're wrong with just about everything you wrote. The 6.6L Duramax was JOINTLY developed by GM and Isuzu. DMAX was, and still is a JOINT VENTURE. GM owns 60% of DMAX, and 40% by Isuzu.

from wikipedia which pretty much has it right:

The Duramax is General Motors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_Corporation)' diesel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel) engine family for large trucks, designed by Isuzu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu). It is produced by DMAX (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMAX_%28engines%29), a joint venture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_venture) between GM and Isuzu in Moraine, Ohio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moraine%2C_Ohio). The line largely replaced the earlier 6.2 and 6.5 L (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Diesel_V8_engine) Detroit Diesel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Diesel) V8 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V8) engines. In 2006, production at Moraine was reportedly limited to approximately 200,000 engines per year.[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duramax_V8_engine#_note-millionth-duramax) On May 9 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_9), 2007 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007), DMAX announced the production of the 1,000,000th Duramax V-8 Diesel Engine at its Moraine facility.[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duramax_V8_engine#_note-millionth-duramax)

Further:

January 30, 2008 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008) - Isuzu announces complete withdrawal from the US market[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu#_note-1). It will continue to provide support and parts . The decision is mainly affected by extremely low sales, and Isuzu's discontinuation of the Trailblazer/i-series exchange program. GM, for the first time in over 35 years, finds itself with the lack of an Isuzu pickup to re-badge as a GM product. As such, GM is currently attempting to design their own small pickup for the future, no longer relying on Isuzu for engines and design. Isuzu had been experiencing a slow decline since the late 1990s. In less than 10 years, Isuzu went from selling a complete line of cars, trucks, and SUVs, into being a specialized SUV-only manufacturer, and eventually only a memory. [3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu#_note-2) They will continue to sell commercial vehicles in the U.S.

Another link:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/01/business/AS-FIN-COM-Japan-Isuzu-GM.php

It wasn't highly publicized, but trust me when I say there is no more Isuzu-GM. DMAX still exists though, still owned by GM, but no more Isuzu.

Duramax is a badge owned by Izuzu.There are many engines that Izuzu builds that are called Duramax. So did GM buy the name?

That link says trucks NOT engines.

Done that already when I fill up my Suburban after work. I'm in a full suit and tie at the diesel pump standing in spilled fuel sludge. It's pretty weird looking I'm sure. I've had the station attendant yell at me saying "that's diesel!! that's diesel!!" (like someone in a suit couldn't possibly own a diesel vehicle). To which I reply, "I know!!!" :)

"That's diesel!, That's diesel!" LOL!! very funny stuff.

"That's diesel!, That's diesel!" LOL!! very funny stuff.

I got a kick outta that too!

Done that already when I fill up my Suburban after work. I'm in a full suit and tie at the diesel pump standing in spilled fuel sludge. It's pretty weird looking I'm sure. I've had the station attendant yell at me saying "that's diesel!! that's diesel!!" (like someone in a suit couldn't possibly own a diesel vehicle). To which I reply, "I know!!!" :)

I have a friend that had a mid ninties diesel sub that when he got that question he'd respond.

Ya I heard diesel gets better mileage so I thought I'd give it whirl :p:

It wasn't highly publicized, but trust me when I say there is no more Isuzu-GM. DMAX still exists though, still owned by GM, but no more Isuzu.

I'm aware of Isuzu's withdrawl from the U.S. market for their own branded vehicles, and Isuzu's relationship with GM is diwndling with co-developed product such as the compact pickups, etc.

But as far as DMAX goes, it remains a joint venture with 40% ownership by Isuzu, 60% by GM. I know - I finance them.

GM owns the DMAX and Duramax brand names, which is why they can use the Duramax name on the upcoming 4.5L even though Isuzu had nothing to do with this engine. Isuzu can use the name on their trucks under license.

Isuzu can use the name on their trucks under license.

I wonder if GM will offer the same courtesy to Toyota? :muahaha:

if the 4.5 is not design by Isuzu rest asure it will be like the 6.2l gm diesel like a crap! i'll be sticking with the 6.6

if the 4.5 is not design by Isuzu rest asure it will be like the 6.2l gm diesel like a crap! i'll be sticking with the 6.6

Stop and think for a second?? Do you think that they designed the new 4.5L without learning anything from the design and numerous updates of the 6.6L? I am sure you said the exact same thing when the DMAX was released!!

But as far as DMAX goes, it remains a joint venture with 40% ownership by Isuzu, 60% by GM. I know - I finance them.

Ok, I misunderstood what you were saying. I was saying that Isuzu no longer has any input into DMAX or GM on the engineer/development/etc side. Isuzu just still owns a part of DMAX.

if the 4.5 is not design by Isuzu rest asure it will be like the 6.2l gm diesel like a crap! i'll be sticking with the 6.6

There was nothing wrong with the 6.2L, other than it didn't have much power without a turbo. They generally lasted a long time though - certainly the longest lasting of the 6.2/6.5 family. The 6.2/6.5 was a Detroit Diesel design anyway - GM had minimal design influence on that engine.

It is kinda sounding like the 4.5 is going to take the place of the 6.6 sooner or later.

I question that; the 6.6L will meet 2010 standards:

"The 2010 model year 6.6-liter V-8 Duramax diesel will use a selective catalytic reduction NOx after-treatment system with a diesel particulate filter to help achieve the 2010 Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV 2 emissions standards, and it will be compliant in all 50 states."

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=589&docid=43083

As fewer 6.6L trucks are sold GM will switch to the 4.5L as the big seller and customers will be tankful (pun intended). GM will probably build even smaller displacement truck diesels as fuel prices climb and sales falter.

As fewer 6.6L trucks are sold GM will switch to the 4.5L as the big seller and customers will be tankful (pun intended). GM will probably build even smaller displacement truck diesels as fuel prices climb and sales falter.
Hopefully they'll have the sense to start putting them in their cars too.

It'll be interesting to see trucks with the 4.5 DMAX.
Is it just me or does this seem like the 70's when they began putting diesels in cars and 1/2tons (good 'ol 5.7 diesel) Maybe this is repeating the 70's again (except hopefully the 4.5 doesnt have the problems the 5.7 had) Whatever it is, I like it:)

I am not sure about this 4.5 in light trucks. With the cost of diesel being $0.60 higher than gas. The engine probably going to cost more like the Duramax does now and for a few more miles per gallon. Back when GM put diesels in cars one of the complaints was when fueling up the pumps were so dirty. Us guys don't mind it much but women !!! I just carry some gloves. I can't see it in 2500 or 2500 trucks carring a 12000 to 15000 load. At 24,000 on my Duramax I am going to have it a long time.

We have all talked about what these engines will be able to do for Highway economy. I think the general concensus is saying around 28mpg or better stock is realistic. But what do you think you'll get in the city. This to me is where the road meets the rubber.

If you're driving 12k - 15k miles per year and lets say that you're at a 50/50 split for city to highway driving. What do you think this motor will give back to you for a combined economy. I know there are thousands of variables but lets assume a small town for city driving(a traffic jamb to me is when you don't make it through the lights when it turns green, and there are only 4 sets of lights all on the same road in my town) so no stop and go traffic. Towing is less than 10 times per year and once or twice I'll tow more than 9k. So all in all I could use a car for 40% of my driving but 50% is for the regular truck stuff and the last 10% on the more extreme end. (Heavy pay load, towing 11k....)
.....sorry for the tangent. I was hoping that under these conditions, and heavy use will only account for 2k-3k miles I would average 23-24mpg. I just wanted to know how out of line this was. It sounds high to me, but if you look at the spread the 6.6 has in the economy range (city 15-16 & hwy 19-20) and apply that to a truck with smaller displacement, better technology (hopefully), much lighter weight.....I would think that I'm not too out of line based on the 28 mpg highway figure.

I believe the initial estimate are ~18 city and ~28 highway. Not sure if a combined average has been posted yet. The mileage certainly should be better than the 6.6 and the gas motors. Some of the economy will certainly depend how much heavy the 4.5 trucks are compared to their gas brethen.

But I want to know what kind of tow capacity it will have.

Hopefully they'll have the sense to start putting them in their cars too.

...and lop two cylinders off the block and put it in Trail Blazer size suv's

I've been saying that since 2001 when the Dmax first came out. You'd get a ton of common parts (siimilar to what GM did to create the 4.3 V6 off the 350/5.7) and tuning would be sweet but the top brass at Gm "ain't the sharpest tools in the shed..."

...and lop two cylinders off the block and put it in Trail Blazer size suv's

diesel is $.82 higher than unleaded reg here.
Now, Diesel is easier to make- right?
So if the auto manufacturers make more diesels and they start getting a larger market share, shouldn't the refineries start producing less gas and more diesel?
Would this eventually lower diesel fuel prices or not?

diesel is $.82 higher than unleaded reg here.
Now, Diesel is easier to make- right?
So if the auto manufacturers make more diesels and they start getting a larger market share, shouldn't the refineries start producing less gas and more diesel?
Would this eventually lower diesel fuel prices or not?

Never thought of it from that angle. Good question.

Sounds good in theory but the oil companies will undoubtedly find some excuse to keep diesel costs high. Like having to refine the diesel to the ULSD standards.

Most of the refineries have already converted to the ULSD, remember it had to be at the pump in Jan. 07. Those that haven't are selling the high sulfur to the railroad and for farm use. They might not want to gear up for the ULSD if they can sell all they make of high sulfur.

Diesel is $1.00 more per gallon here in Vermont.

$.98 cents more for diesel, when will the madness stop?
Censored:Wedgie::rippedhan

anybody got an answer to my ? on the previous page?
If the answer is cheaper diesel then I'm all for the 4.5 duramax and any other diesels(in cars,etc.) but if the answer is demand will go up more and the price will keep rising then....:eek:

diesel is $.82 higher than unleaded reg here.
Now, Diesel is easier to make- right?
So if the auto manufacturers make more diesels and they start getting a larger market share, shouldn't the refineries start producing less gas and more diesel?
Would this eventually lower diesel fuel prices or not?

I don't believe that ULSD is "easier" to make than gasoline first of all. Years ago when diesel didn't have so many requirements it was easier to make for sure but there wasn't as much demand.
Oil companies can create more diesel fuel from a barrel of oil but at the expense of gasoline production.
Now people are making excuses that diesel is only more expense than gas because of the demand for heating oil. They also speculate that diesel prices will drop in the summer which I seriously doubt. I doubt the price of diesel will drop but the price of gasoline certainly will go up this summer.
If the demand for heating oil drives diesel prices up a $1.00 a gallon then what do you think increased demand from more diesels being on the road will do? The only way diesel prices are possibly going to come down is if alternative fuels are blended with petroleum diesel. Even then who knows if that drop will be significant.

I am not in the oil industry but I have unfortunately been buying oil based fuel for long enough to know the oil company trends.