OK....

My 2000 Chevy van with the 6.5l TD is great. Reliable...and being a member here has helped me navigate the common and not so common problems.

So now I have a tough question.

As much as I love my 6.5...I'm getting to the point where I need more power. I currently pull a 24' Pace Shadow loaded down. My 3/4 ton does it well...the bigger hills between PHX and Vegas slows me down to about 50mph...which is fine.

With as busy as I am at work....I'm looking at a 32' pace shadow and will be adding another 2000# of weight above and beyond what I currently carry.

Duramax vans all seem to be out of my price range ($7000 give or take). They would be my first choice though.

Does anyone have any experience with 99-03 powerstroke vans? Can a 1-ton running properly, and maybe some slight mods duplicate my pulling speed now? I drive freeway speeds...or slightly under them. I do not have a heavy foot...I often am more concerned with MPG than ETA at getting to work.

I know the 6.5 doesn't take performance mods well...could a chip possibly make up the difference? I love my van and would love to keep it

Any and all help would be appreciated.

The 7.3L POWERSTROKE vans are some good engines, but remember it is only about 225HP as the van is non intercooled whereas the trucks are and have 250HP. Also the lack of an intercooler limits the output that can be achieved with a chip, but the torque of them is pretty high. If your content with not being a rocket to speed but being able to hold your speed, go for it.