2001 6.0 Longevity ..... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ChiefRocka** · 12-23-2012, 09:47 AM

Hey guys ...

Just recently I sold my 2006 Turd Stupid Duty Diesel because of its lemon issues, which began from day one ! (long story, let me know if you wanna hear it

)

Anyway, I had $6000 to work with, so I was off to find a used Chevy.

I had basically two wants: it be at least a 3/4 ton, and a crewcab. 4x4 optional...

So, I found anything from a decent late 90's 3/4 crews to duallys.... 7.4's and respectable 150k average miles.

I hadn't driven a 454 in a long time, and when I test drove a '96 Vortec, with little over 100K, I wasn't impressed as I was when I onced owned an '88 TBI in the past as a kid. My thoughts were the Furd Diesel would kick the s#it out of this thing !! (when it ran, that is ...

)

Yesterday, a buddy and I set out to drive to Pacifica to look at a 98 2500 crew for $3k, but was discourage by a 'tranny fault' code, and a wouldn't shift gears, unless you released throttle.

Spent all day looking at more junk ... untill we found ... (and purchased) a SUPER CLEAN white, 2001 Crew Cab 2wd Dually.

The guy was asking $6500 obo, and I got it for $4700 !!

I was looking for an 8.1, but couldn't find one in time to put out the fire the money was burning in my pocket ....

The truck is immaculent, inside and out ... very well maintained.

Currently has 189,000 freeway mileage.

He just changed out the water-pump (first major thing)

Looks like the valley cover is starting to seep, and the batteries seem a little tired (or starter is weak, load testing soon)

What can I expect out of this engine ?? What is gonna go next, if anything ??

Everything seems to be in great shape.

It seems to pull really strong, and the 4l80 seems really tight.

My kids dig the fact that the PO installed a DVD player, surrond sound, and little TV's in the headrests....

The only bad is the PO also installed aftermarket "HALO" headlights, with LED's all over the place...not a big fan, and would trade someone for stock in a heart beat !!

I did notice the dome light only lights with the rear doors, minor I'm assuming.

Thoughts ??

D-CHEESE · 12-23-2012, 01:03 PM

This thread is useless without pics ....just sayin
Posted via Mobile Device

**truckdude239** · 12-23-2012, 07:54 PM

i serviced one a few weeks ago with 380k

esbstuff · 01-07-2013, 07:51 PM

You will love the early (99-02) 6.0. I had an 00, 6.0, nv4500, with a manual shift transfercase and 4.10 gears that I sold at 300K 3 years ago and it is still making the rounds in town. At 189K all of the 6.0 'problems' should have been fixed and you should have easy sailing...

My 2 cents would say the tranny is not long for the world, so be prepared. When it does go... have yours rebuilt to keep the steel cluster drum, instead of the later aluminum one. Other than that you will love the truck!

If you do some 'adds', first change the muffler and tailpipe if it hasn't been done already. The exhaust should be true duals to the muffler and then single from the muffler back. Have 2 mufflers installed and dual tailpipes as you see fit. You will love the sound and the like the extra MPG. Also I installed a hypertech programer (old school, not the fancy one) and keep it on the 1st stage... Keep the stock paper airfilter.. the mass air flow sensor does NOT like K&N air fliters so save your money. I did these mods to mine and got 20-21 mpg empty and 14-15 loaded heavy. My 14-15 MPG day I had a gross weight29,580K (truck, gooseneck trailer, scrap metal load) 58 miles on a fair/decent 2 lane road...

Mr. 250r · 01-09-2013, 12:07 AM

Someone will give me crap for those lol but i would've stayed away from the 8.1s, my friend just spun a bearing in his at 100k miles and finding the parts for them is laughable at best and there is almost no aftermarket for them the 6.0 on the other hand has a huge aftermarket

468BIGBLOCK · 01-18-2013, 06:45 PM

I have a 01 6.0 suburban with 260k on the clock, STILL GOING STRONG!!!!

Mayo · 01-22-2013, 10:23 PM

At work we have an 02 6.0 with 92K and has been beat to hell but its still running strong. We also have an 06 6.0 and I actually prefer the 02, it seems a bit quicker.

RWB-713 · 01-24-2013, 02:41 AM

Watch the rear main seal for leaking, notorious on all that gen LS motors. My dad has an 01 with 380K on it and it still runs strong, quiet & smooth. Changed the water pump twice,fuel pump twice, the oil pump once,the ignition switch, the rear main seal, and had to replace the Cat Converters at around 220k. Other than that everything has been basic maintanence, u-joints, ball joints, tie rods,.. etc. No tranny problems at all. I really feel all those 5.3/6.0 4L60/65/80 trucks are some of the longest lasting trucks on the road (Chevy commercial? what?) when taken care of and well maintained. For $4700, you couldn't have found a better truck, good job!

No ID · 01-25-2013, 01:04 PM

we've got an 02 with 265k and its had a bad knock and slap for a while now, i'm thinking its clogged cats and or the crank sensor.

**ChiefRocka** · 02-04-2013, 02:39 PM

Good to know guys .... Thanks for all the input !

It seem to run and pull strong.

One thing i'm concerned about....is the slight valve train noise.

I've heard this is a common issue with these LS truck engines.....

Thoughts ??
Posted via Mobile Device

esbstuff · 02-04-2013, 06:21 PM

Use a high grade motor oil (I use rotella) and just drive it. Theres not much you can tear up. Theres one around town with 250K plus and the kid drives it like he stole it all the time

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

Good to know guys .... Thanks for all the input !

It seem to run and pull strong.

One thing i'm concerned about....is the slight valve train noise.

I've heard this is a common issue with these LS truck engines.....

Thoughts ??
Posted via Mobile Device

OLDIRON69 · 02-12-2013, 11:02 AM

The water pump at 180-200k is about the norm. I just replaced mine at 205k. I have a minor oil leak somewhere up top but not enough to tear into it. I drive the crap out of mine pulling HEAVY loaded trailers and the transmission is the only thing that worries me. I don't see it going another 20-30K miles. I do work the piss out of it though. Damn fine truck and I gave $7400 for it 3 years ago with 135K miles. If true dual exhaust helps that much with MPG I may look into that next I need all the help in that area I can get. 8 mpg pulling my 24' enclosed and 9-10mpg pulling my 20' flatbed loaded. 15-16mpg on the hwy empty.

Vintage Windmills · 02-13-2013, 01:16 AM

What changed with the 03 motors? I see you can get some aftermarket parts that are not compatible with my beloved 01 lq4.

esbstuff · 02-13-2013, 10:02 AM

99-02 Engines still have a cable from the foot feed to the throttle body. In 03 GM went to fly-by-wire, so no cable, all electric. I had both an 00 and an 04 there were almost identical twins. Same engine, transmission and gears. The 00 was a reg cab long bed and 04 was extra cab short bed. The 00 would run circles around the 04 in just about anything, including gas mileage.

A true driver will get this: GM could not dupiclate the "feel" in the fly-by-wire that you have in the cable operated foot feed.

OLDIRON69 · 02-13-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

Good to know guys .... Thanks for all the input !

It seem to run and pull strong.

One thing i'm concerned about....is the slight valve train noise.

I've heard this is a common issue with these LS truck engines.....

Thoughts ??
Posted via Mobile Device

I have never experienced any valvetrain noise at start up or idle once warmed up. My 2000 model 5.3......Yes- major vale train rattle at start up

**AMERICAN PICK-UP** · 02-13-2013, 11:09 AM

my daily driver 01 2500 suburban has 265k on it and still going stong.

rob64n · 02-13-2013, 01:22 PM

only thing I've found after I bought my 04 crew cab 2500HD people said to watch out for exhaust manifold bolts start breaking on or after 200k and so far at 199k I had 5 bolts break. So yay me I get to tear down a perfect running engine to fix some bolts and I may as well put some stainless headers on it while I'm there.

richards72chevy · 06-14-2013, 06:08 PM

So is this vehicle still working out for you ChiefRocka?

12-23-2012, 09:47 AM	#1
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,147	2001 6.0 Longevity ..... Hey guys ... Just recently I sold my 2006 Turd Stupid Duty Diesel because of its lemon issues, which began from day one ! (long story, let me know if you wanna hear it ) Anyway, I had $6000 to work with, so I was off to find a used Chevy. I had basically two wants: it be at least a 3/4 ton, and a crewcab. 4x4 optional... So, I found anything from a decent late 90's 3/4 crews to duallys.... 7.4's and respectable 150k average miles. I hadn't driven a 454 in a long time, and when I test drove a '96 Vortec, with little over 100K, I wasn't impressed as I was when I onced owned an '88 TBI in the past as a kid. My thoughts were the Furd Diesel would kick the s#it out of this thing !! (when it ran, that is ... ) Yesterday, a buddy and I set out to drive to Pacifica to look at a 98 2500 crew for $3k, but was discourage by a 'tranny fault' code, and a wouldn't shift gears, unless you released throttle. Spent all day looking at more junk ... untill we found ... (and purchased) a SUPER CLEAN white, 2001 Crew Cab 2wd Dually. The guy was asking $6500 obo, and I got it for $4700 !! I was looking for an 8.1, but couldn't find one in time to put out the fire the money was burning in my pocket .... The truck is immaculent, inside and out ... very well maintained. Currently has 189,000 freeway mileage. He just changed out the water-pump (first major thing) Looks like the valley cover is starting to seep, and the batteries seem a little tired (or starter is weak, load testing soon) What can I expect out of this engine ?? What is gonna go next, if anything ?? Everything seems to be in great shape. It seems to pull really strong, and the 4l80 seems really tight. My kids dig the fact that the PO installed a DVD player, surrond sound, and little TV's in the headrests.... The only bad is the PO also installed aftermarket "HALO" headlights, with LED's all over the place...not a big fan, and would trade someone for stock in a heart beat !! I did notice the dome light only lights with the rear doors, minor I'm assuming. Thoughts ?? __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!" Last edited by ChiefRocka; 12-23-2012 at 11:02 AM.

12-23-2012, 01:03 PM	#2
D-CHEESE Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SAN JO Posts: 11	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... This thread is useless without pics ....just sayin Posted via Mobile Device

12-23-2012, 07:54 PM	#3
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,221	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... i serviced one a few weeks ago with 380k __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

01-07-2013, 07:51 PM	#4
esbstuff Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: St Robert, Mo Posts: 730	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... You will love the early (99-02) 6.0. I had an 00, 6.0, nv4500, with a manual shift transfercase and 4.10 gears that I sold at 300K 3 years ago and it is still making the rounds in town. At 189K all of the 6.0 'problems' should have been fixed and you should have easy sailing... My 2 cents would say the tranny is not long for the world, so be prepared. When it does go... have yours rebuilt to keep the steel cluster drum, instead of the later aluminum one. Other than that you will love the truck! If you do some 'adds', first change the muffler and tailpipe if it hasn't been done already. The exhaust should be true duals to the muffler and then single from the muffler back. Have 2 mufflers installed and dual tailpipes as you see fit. You will love the sound and the like the extra MPG. Also I installed a hypertech programer (old school, not the fancy one) and keep it on the 1st stage... Keep the stock paper airfilter.. the mass air flow sensor does NOT like K&N air fliters so save your money. I did these mods to mine and got 20-21 mpg empty and 14-15 loaded heavy. My 14-15 MPG day I had a gross weight29,580K (truck, gooseneck trailer, scrap metal load) 58 miles on a fair/decent 2 lane road...

01-09-2013, 12:07 AM	#5
Mr. 250r Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: freeburg, illinois Posts: 885	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... Someone will give me crap for those lol but i would've stayed away from the 8.1s, my friend just spun a bearing in his at 100k miles and finding the parts for them is laughable at best and there is almost no aftermarket for them the 6.0 on the other hand has a huge aftermarket __________________ 1987 Chevy V30 - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=573854 1988 IROC-Z Camaro - 305/T5 T-Top 1989 GMC V35 - Marbolo Express http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596850 1991 V2500 Suburban Silverado - Sold 1991 V2500 Suburban Scottsdale - Big Nasty http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=497423 2001 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 EC DRW - Sold 2003 1500 Silverado 2004 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 CC DRW - Sold 2005 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/ZF6 CC LWB

01-18-2013, 06:45 PM	#6
468BIGBLOCK MEMBER OF THE JUNK MAN CLUB Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: paragould arkansas 72450 Posts: 425	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... I have a 01 6.0 suburban with 260k on the clock, STILL GOING STRONG!!!! __________________ I LIKE 67-72 CHEVYS, I HAVE OWNED OVER 150 OF THEM IN THE LAST 25 YEARS..

01-22-2013, 10:23 PM	#7
Mayo Cool Truck Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bowie,MD Posts: 1,869	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... At work we have an 02 6.0 with 92K and has been beat to hell but its still running strong. We also have an 06 6.0 and I actually prefer the 02, it seems a bit quicker. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C20 Longhorn "Cool Truck" 1937 Chevrolet Pickup - Project Looking for a patina'd 68 50th Anniversary longbed

01-24-2013, 02:41 AM	#8
RWB-713 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Aztec,NM Posts: 178	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... Watch the rear main seal for leaking, notorious on all that gen LS motors. My dad has an 01 with 380K on it and it still runs strong, quiet & smooth. Changed the water pump twice,fuel pump twice, the oil pump once,the ignition switch, the rear main seal, and had to replace the Cat Converters at around 220k. Other than that everything has been basic maintanence, u-joints, ball joints, tie rods,.. etc. No tranny problems at all. I really feel all those 5.3/6.0 4L60/65/80 trucks are some of the longest lasting trucks on the road (Chevy commercial? what?) when taken care of and well maintained. For $4700, you couldn't have found a better truck, good job! __________________ *" I strive for a level of perfection that I do not possess the skillset to achieve. "* Ariel <> '67 C10 Shorty Stepside * Build On Hold * First Ride <> '81 C10 Long Fleet * Current Project *

01-25-2013, 01:04 PM	#9
No ID Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: 704 NC Posts: 35	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... we've got an 02 with 265k and its had a bad knock and slap for a while now, i'm thinking its clogged cats and or the crank sensor.

02-04-2013, 02:39 PM	#10
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,147	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... Good to know guys .... Thanks for all the input ! It seem to run and pull strong. One thing i'm concerned about....is the slight valve train noise. I've heard this is a common issue with these LS truck engines..... Thoughts ?? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

02-12-2013, 11:02 AM	#12
OLDIRON69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ben Wheeler,Texas Posts: 992	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... The water pump at 180-200k is about the norm. I just replaced mine at 205k. I have a minor oil leak somewhere up top but not enough to tear into it. I drive the crap out of mine pulling HEAVY loaded trailers and the transmission is the only thing that worries me. I don't see it going another 20-30K miles. I do work the piss out of it though. Damn fine truck and I gave $7400 for it 3 years ago with 135K miles. If true dual exhaust helps that much with MPG I may look into that next I need all the help in that area I can get. 8 mpg pulling my 24' enclosed and 9-10mpg pulling my 20' flatbed loaded. 15-16mpg on the hwy empty. __________________ 05 2500HD 6.0 excab 69 LWB-Gone but not forgotten! 68 Dodge Charger 383/727 69 Dodge Charger-440/4spd

02-13-2013, 01:16 AM	#13
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... What changed with the 03 motors? I see you can get some aftermarket parts that are not compatible with my beloved 01 lq4. __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

02-13-2013, 10:02 AM	#14
esbstuff Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: St Robert, Mo Posts: 730	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... 99-02 Engines still have a cable from the foot feed to the throttle body. In 03 GM went to fly-by-wire, so no cable, all electric. I had both an 00 and an 04 there were almost identical twins. Same engine, transmission and gears. The 00 was a reg cab long bed and 04 was extra cab short bed. The 00 would run circles around the 04 in just about anything, including gas mileage. A true driver will get this: GM could not dupiclate the "feel" in the fly-by-wire that you have in the cable operated foot feed.

02-13-2013, 11:09 AM	#16
AMERICAN PICK-UP Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: paragould,arkansas Posts: 856	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... my daily driver 01 2500 suburban has 265k on it and still going stong.

02-13-2013, 01:22 PM	#17
rob64n Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Franklin, In Posts: 7	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... only thing I've found after I bought my 04 crew cab 2500HD people said to watch out for exhaust manifold bolts start breaking on or after 200k and so far at 199k I had 5 bolts break. So yay me I get to tear down a perfect running engine to fix some bolts and I may as well put some stainless headers on it while I'm there.



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06-14-2013, 06:08 PM	#18
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,648	Re: 2001 6.0 Longevity ..... So is this vehicle still working out for you ChiefRocka?

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