8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (descalera) — Sat, 16 May 2009 17:31:19 GMT

everyone is talking bout cold starts...what about if you live where there is no cold starts needed, but your truck will be running up and down (hopefully) in 100+ degree heat ? which do you think would hold up better ?

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (jake edmunds) — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:19:29 GMT

we have a gmc c5500 w the 8.1with a jerr dann flatbed 21 ft 102 in. handles good haven't had much trouble with it one oil cooler line other then that no problem have about 42,000 miles on it get about 8 miles to the gal. no problem with power i haul 1ton trucks with it and a trailer behind that to a times. and does good on recovery work also.

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (buggage) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:50:48 GMT

We have an 03 and an 04 with Dynamic 701's and the 8.1. Both trucks have over 300K with NO major problems. I'm sold on the 8.1's.

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (LivinOnTheEdge) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:20:46 GMT

I agree on the gas. Quick cold starting is the reason for me. We are having an 8.1 gas/automatic built in the next few weeks. Its getting a Chevron renegade auto-load. 9k winches and a little heavier duty wheel lift. 84 inch Stainless body and tunnel tool box. The only thing left to decide is if the 4x4 option is worth the extra money. I drove one already built a couple of weeks ago. It pulled a one ton pickup with no problem. The only problem is that the automatic takes a little time to...

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Vt Tech) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:02:18 GMT

Which body is on your gas wrecker and how does it handle weight(power ?)

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (IowaTower) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:26:02 GMT

We've got an '03 4500 wrecker w/ the 8.1 & Allison tranny - 238k miles, oil change every 3k, haven't had a single problem with it. 3 starters & 2 alternators, maybe.

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Vt Tech) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:24:14 GMT

Thanks for breaking it all down and the positive input. This all confirms that the 8.1 would be a wise choice in my application.

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Super Craig Towing) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:11:55 GMT

well i got 5500 rollback 4x4 with a duramax it only gets around 8.5 to 9 miles to the gallon i also have two 3500's one with a duramax an one with a 8.1 gas they all have allison trans i will have to honsetly say there is nothing wrong with either one no problems period with any of mine the big differance is the 3500's duramax gets around 11.5 12 mpg and the gas on average will get around9-10 mpg thats in a 3500 so if i had to geussi would say a gas in the 5500 would get around 7-8...

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Nussbaum Sales) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:04:31 GMT

In Stock & Ready to go.

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Chevywreckers) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:08:24 GMT

We Have sold alot of gas units. They are great units and you'll save a bundle.

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Muskegontowguy) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:24:59 GMT

If you don't need Massive Torque for pulling Hills or Running Double loaded on a carrier all the time then Gas is the way to Go. Fuel economy is really close and the cost of maintenace is much less expensive. they seem to last as long (For the Chevy's) if not Longer (For the Power Jokes) than their Diesel counterparts. and if you do own one that "Expires" they are about 1/2 as much to replace. (Yes Loyd I am Giving the Gassers their Due)

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Vt Tech) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:24:21 GMT

We had a V10 gas carrier last winter- never a worry about cold starts and had adequate power. Our older 1 ton wrecker is gas also/mechanical 480 Holmes- the only truck that works when temps are -20 to -30.

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (LSChicago) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:59:46 GMT

Welcome to the diesel turned gas club. I'm trading in my diesel in 2 weeks for a V10. Much cheaper to operate now.

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Vt Tech) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:49:17 GMT

Thanks for the positive reply. This engine is close to $10k cheaper than a duramax and with all the emission issues it just makes sense to me, thanks for confirming. Which body is on the 5500 wrecker and vehicles you would typically haul? I'm torn between a 4x4 flatbed w/ a sidepuller and a 12 ton 4x4 wrecker. Thanks,Brad

Re: 8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (lantz70) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:16:07 GMT

i have an 8.1 in a 2001 gmc 3500 rollback i use for around town work.primarily the spare truck now.182,000 miles the only engine work done was a water pump and fan clutch.turns up quick.cheaper to maintain.. cheaper fuel..more power.milage 11 per gallon. i also have an 2008 gmc5500 wrecker with the 8.1.12,000 miles no problems other than allison trans pan wants to leak.incredible power with the allison behind it.as long as your not running two cars longdistance all the time you can not go wrong.

8.1 gas 5500 chevy-good idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Vt Tech) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:37:28 GMT

I'm thinking about a new 5500 W/ the 8.1 gas engine. Has anyone worked this engine before? I only work a 20 mile radius and have to cold start a lot due to location and weather. The upfront savings is huge- is it worth it? How's the power when loaded?