I am in the market for a second truck, and looking at several used 2001-2003 Chevy/GMC's with 6.0 litre motors, all with high mileage. (120-170K)

Does anyone have any experience, good or bad with these motors and this kind of mileage? With this kind of mileage, are these motors reliable or have any known issues to look for?

Thanks in advance

I sold my 03 with 89,000 miles on it and other than exhaust manifold bolts twice, the engine was solid. A friend of mine has one with 163k and he's done the intake manifold gasket twice, exhaust manifolds three times, with new manifolds the third time. When I was looking for my duramax I saw several at mom and pop dealers with over 200k. I even saw one in the Uncle Henry with 316k on it!! I'm sure mine would of lasted a long time, but I haul 12,000 all summer and the fuel mileage was killing me. If you can get past those damn manifold bolts breaking it should be a good engine.

The 01 and 02's were pistion slappers. I don't think it actually hurts anything, just that it sounds like shaking marbles in a can for 10 seconds or so every time you start it cold.

I work on a couple of 6.0 engines that have over 200k, they still run and sound great. Love the gm small blocks!

Thanks guys for the input

I've had 3, an 01 with 230k that i sold because the transmission was going out, an 03 that i sold with 160k, and now an 05 with 135k. I've never done any engine work on any of them, all i notice is that when i change the oil the piston slap is louder. I've just let them warm up and it cleans up quite a bit. Mileage is pretty good if you stick with 245's.

Should be fine. When looking at gas trucks, I look for no 5th wheel or gooseneck. Should be fine with those miles, just take care or it and it will take care of you!!

Friend bought his with 162k on drove it for 3 years had 227 on it when he traded for the dmax towed around 10k pounds plus drove it everywhere and anywhere with 285's and 18 inch rims

2001

120-170k on that engine is basically nothing the 6.0 and 8.1 are considered the 200k engine by GM so theyll easily run 200k or more with proper maintence

I have 273,000 kms on mine and it hasn't missed a beat. Hauls cattle and bales at the farm, cold starts very well, and if you stay off the throttle there is mileage in it, although most would argue that one with me. I have a broken exhaust manifolt bolt, but other than that its been great. I keep the maintenance up, and have had no issues at all with it. Highly recomend if you need more grunt than a 1/2 ton, but don't need/can't afford the duramax.

Have 206000 on mine. the manifold bolts are a common issue with mine, normal wear and tear, water pump etc, but thing has great oil pressure, low oil consumption and has hauled most of its life and still runs strong.

Jon

My shop has one that just clicked over 200K, it has manifold bolt issues, leaks like a sieve but it runs everyday and doesn't get taken care of. It is being beaten to death but doesn't want to die. Great motors, the legend of the SBC is well deserved and these damn motors are the best to date.