Howdy,
This is my first post here, great site. I just sold a 2003 Fird 6.0 powerchoked after the last straw, turbo went out at only 18K miles. I'm looking at the LBZ now, but need some persuasion. What are your predictions for the reliability of this beast? I've owned several GMs (wish I never sold the '68 Firebird) butI'm not too familiar with recent Chevy HD truck record.

Thanks,
Doug

I would! The Duramax has proven itself with time and the LBZ is should be the best Duramax yet. I wouldn't hesitate if I were you.

Driving one will sell you.

I love mine i think you will be impressed with the ride quality and the powerhouse under the hood

I wouldn't you'll make a lot of first generation LB7's envious. Than again with just over 50k on my 03 I don't see a reason for the upgrade. It's got some great features that weren't available just a few short years ago, but only a test ride will really sway you one way or the other.

I wouldn't you'll make a lot of first generation LB7's envious.

Well thats all I needed to hear! My '03 will belong to somebody else real soon. Been a Great truck! :exactly:

Some differences you will notice right away in your test drive.

The GM handles a lot better than the ford, no wandering etc

The ford has much more room inside the cab

The ford has what feels like much more power in 1st gear, not sure if that is because the GM tunes 1st gear down, or the ford just feels faster because of that wierd lag off the bottom followed by full boost. It is noticeable though.

The GM doesn't have any wierd low end lag, in fact the power curve seems very linear compared to the ford

That's all off the top of my head.

Bill

I have driven both LLY and LBZ, I had the same impressions. I always liked the ride of my buddy's Chevy over the Ford, night and day. The Ford cab is definitely roomier (at least it seems like it) and their tow mirrors are nicer. Chevy has locker diff, IFS, plenty of other stuff to make me want to buy the LBZ.
How about reliability? I don't expect perfection, but do you think the 2006 DMax & Allison improvements will address any issues that might have been there before?

I'm GM person, so I might sound a little biased. I selected the Dmax/Allison combo because I was getting a high quality diesel with a bulletproof tranny. :ro)

I've listened to the PSD and found it to be noisy. Everything in it sounds loose and sloppy and doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feelings about it's durability. The Cummins is quieter and I would consider it but unfortunately, it's bolted to a Dodge. Ford and Dodge interior trim sets also look cheap. Also the trannies for both the Dodge and Ford are not as robust as the Allison. I'll probably get flamed for my comments about the Dodge and Ford, but that's the way I see it.

Its been confirmed to me that the 06 LLY is in fact the same motor as the LBZ. It is just detuned to LLY power levels. I think it probably was GM's way of getting the motor out there in the field to see how it performed.

I agree with hamops, and well everyone else for that matter. The LBZ should have corrected any of the prior problems and should be the best one yet. If my dad's LB7 wasn't just getting broke in good, he'ld have boughten one a month a go. But he has to drive it until it dies. IF HE WOULD HAVE BOUGHT A 6.0h then he could be driving an LBZ now.

he says he will waite till this one dies, but i think once the new body style comes out, I think he will have to upgrade. To the LBZ - 6 Speed Allison- and the New Body Style.

If I were a betting man, I would bet my life that the LBZ will be 10 times better than you 6.0 powerchoke.

Yeah the LBZ is supposed to be a great motor. I have an 03' LB7, unfortunatly for me my financial position will not allow the upgrade.
I love my 03' LB7, it tows great and i can sure whip it around even though i have 285s on stock rims. Its sure the fastest, best handeling, best towing 7000 lb pickup ive ever driven.

Duramaximizer,
I'll just send you some money and save time vs. the formalities of betting because the 6.0 was the second worst vehicle I've owned (first place goes to the pitiful Triumph TR-7). The PSD had a leaking rear main seal, turbo outlet hose popped a few times, they removed pilot injection and it got real noisy, then the turbo went bye bye at 18K miles. Enough.
Thanks everyone for the inputs. Doug

Hi Doug,

I have a 2003 Chevy, LT LB7, 85,000 KM. I love the looks, power, ride, how much quieter it is from the old 97 rattler and the fuel economy. Had a few minor repair under warranty but she's been a great rig. I pull a 33' 5th wheel RV and witout any upgrades, (yet) the truck handles it like a dream. The only thing I don't like is that Diesel prices are going up. I have two co-workers with the LLY and they love theirs too. Haven't heard any bad reports yet

P.S. I still have my 68 Firebird 350 coupe. I can't imagine parting with her.

Brent
StAlbert,Alberta,Canada

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/brntblock/100-0001_IMG.jpg

Let me know when you get tired of that 'bird, Brent. Yep diesel is 70 cents/gallon more than gas here, but even still there can be a bigger differential and the diesel still saves me over a gasser that could do the towing I need.