Until recently, I had a stock 2002 crew can dually 4x4, with the LB7 Duramax engine with auto (Allison) transmission (which I had purchased new 9 long years ago). I loved that truck almost beyond reason. Not only did it have a tremendous amount of power for pulling our 6 horse trailer fully loaded, but it was ALSO very, very quick off the line (both empty and, to a lesser degree, loaded), from a dead stop. If I wanted to "tromp on it" a little bit, my 2002 was "almost" as quick as a gas engine, off the line. Although it didn't have that big "surge of power" feeling that a gas engine gives you when you floor it; the actual quickness, 0 to 60 or 70 miles per hour "in a heartbeat" speed that my diesel truck gave me was freaking amazing (for a diesel). I had never driven a diesel that came even close to its "off the line" responsiveness. I didn't feel any turbo lag; it just quietly "got on down the road" when I put the pedal to the metal. Sadly, due to some temporary financial difficulties, I had to sell my 2002 truck for some quick cash. Now I am looking for a replacement. After much research, I have decided to buy a 2006 or 2007 LBZ, since I can't afford to buy new right now, and the LBZ seems to have the least trouble, and the most power of any of the newer used Duramaxes available. *I am due to test drive a*LBZ 2007 Sierra on Saturday. Although it has taken me a long time to get to my question--here it is: *I know 2007 has more emissions*
stuff than my 2002 did. *But, I also know the 2006-2007 LBZ has quite a bit more horsepower in the stock LBZ engine than my 2002 LB7 did. *So, should the 2007 (unloaded) feel similarly quick off the line as my 2002 did? *I'm travelling quite a distance to try it, and I don't want to turn my nose up at it -- if it is not quite as quick as my 2002--if that is normal behavoir for the 2007's. *The reason I want opinions is because I tried a stock 2006 LBZ the other day and wad very disappointed. *It felt pretty doggy and non-powerful off the line. *It didn't come within a country mile of the responsiveness off the line of my 2002. I turned my nose up at the 2006; thinking the engine had been abused. *Was I right-- or will all 2006-7 LBZs feel doggy to me, compared to my pre-emissions 2002? *I've tried to compare 0-60 data; 1/4 *mile data etc. for stock LB7/LBZ trucks. *By the numbers, the two trucks ought to be very close in both quick responsiveness and power to pull a big load easily. *If that's true, then the 2006 I tried was just used up or ill-tuned or ??
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Rather than relying on "data" about the two engines, I would love to hear real world experience from those of you who have had*experience owning / driving the STOCK 2001 or 2002 LB7, then later bought a STOCK LBZ, and ran it that way (stock)--at least for awhile. *If there are any of you out there, give me your thoughts on how the two trucks were in quickness off the line, and in pulling a load. *If you don't have heavy pulling information; that's okay, too. I'm fairly confident that the 2007 truck will be strong enough with my trailer--I would still like your opinion about off the line quickness between the two.*
When I go to test drive the 2007 on Saturday, I don't want to expect more out of it then it is going to give me; and then falsely think that the engine is bad just because it doesn't feel "quite"*as good as my beloved 2002 did. Thoughts, anyone? PS I know proper tuning is key; but assume a 2002 and 2007 are equally well tuned, for this comparison. *Thanks!!*