Attention: TDR Forum Junkies A friend of mine stopped at a Chevrolet dealer in Denver yesterday to see if he could get any information or brochures on the new Duramax. The salesman informed him there would be one at that dealership today so my friend, Gary, called and asked if I'd like to go see it. The Chevrolet 2500 HD metallic green quad cab, equipped with a 6 speed manual transmission, was delivered in an 18 wheeler. A tag under the hood read "GM #7" and is apparantly the 7th Duramax to be built. The salesman asked if we wanted to take it for a test drive, drove it off the lot, and then Gary and I took turns driving it.
There was very little rattling from the engine and it was amazing how quietly the engine ran. It did not sound like the Cummins at all.
Gary drove first and had a hard time starting off because he kept killing the engine. When I drove it, I killed the engine several times, too. I had to rev it up just a little before I let out the clutch - otherwise it would die. I'm sure it was just because we were not used to the transmission (although I have never stalled my Cummins when I start off). The shift pattern is different than my 6 speed but was crisp and the gears were close, but easy to find. Acceleration was very good and the truck was fun to drive. On the freeway at 75 the tach read 2200 RPM.
Although the Duramax can be ordered, the salesman told us there would only be a total of 25 Duramax diesels coming to Colorado. That's hard to believe, but if it is true, it will make a lot of serious buyers very unhappy.
The truck was very nice inside and out - although I think the Dodge has a richer looking interior. If the Duramax does as well as they say, the truck will give Dodge and Ford some serious competition.
Areon
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Y2K, Cummins Diesel, 4X4, Garnet Red/Light Driftwood 2500 HD quad cab, SLT, 6 speed, 3. 54, LB, travel convenience group, keyless entry, security alarm, smart lock, camper & tow package, CD/tape player, power driver seat, fog lights, Line-X Bed Liner; Amsoil BMK-11 By-Pass Filter (BE-100); Bull Rings; 3M Scotchcal Paint Protection Film.
There was very little rattling from the engine and it was amazing how quietly the engine ran. It did not sound like the Cummins at all.
Gary drove first and had a hard time starting off because he kept killing the engine. When I drove it, I killed the engine several times, too. I had to rev it up just a little before I let out the clutch - otherwise it would die. I'm sure it was just because we were not used to the transmission (although I have never stalled my Cummins when I start off). The shift pattern is different than my 6 speed but was crisp and the gears were close, but easy to find. Acceleration was very good and the truck was fun to drive. On the freeway at 75 the tach read 2200 RPM.
Although the Duramax can be ordered, the salesman told us there would only be a total of 25 Duramax diesels coming to Colorado. That's hard to believe, but if it is true, it will make a lot of serious buyers very unhappy.
The truck was very nice inside and out - although I think the Dodge has a richer looking interior. If the Duramax does as well as they say, the truck will give Dodge and Ford some serious competition.
Areon
------------------
Y2K, Cummins Diesel, 4X4, Garnet Red/Light Driftwood 2500 HD quad cab, SLT, 6 speed, 3. 54, LB, travel convenience group, keyless entry, security alarm, smart lock, camper & tow package, CD/tape player, power driver seat, fog lights, Line-X Bed Liner; Amsoil BMK-11 By-Pass Filter (BE-100); Bull Rings; 3M Scotchcal Paint Protection Film.
