Popular Mechanics Tow America Tour

[Steve St.Laurent]

Check out this article: http://popularmechanics.com/popmech/auto3/0103AUNCCM.html#

A test that was set up very fair, unforetunately there's no Dodge in the test and it was supposed to test the 3 BIG gassers. Because Dodge didn't send a truck they put a Duramax into it. These guys would be a great one to do a real test of the real pulling trucks out there - the diesels. Here's the part that I LOVED reading:

The GMC diesel is getting 11 to 13 mpg. It’s not only the most efficient, but it is the quickest with this load.

Don Brochide is at the pump next to us. His early ’90s Dodge Cummins has a “Powered by Banks” sticker across the top of the windshield. He wants to talk torque. We proudly announce the Duramax makes 520 ft. -lb. He tells us with the larger turbo and new propane injection, his Cummins is making close to 800. We leave Love’s Truck Stop feeling slightly inadequate.

#ad
Gotta love it! They'd probably just pass out if they started talking power numbers with some of us!

EDIT: Just got to this at the bottom of the page too:

To be fair, a Dodge Cummins or Ford Powerstroke probably would give the Duramax a real run for its money. But neither of them comes with the Allison transmission.

------------------
-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes TDR
'98 QC LB (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, TST Powermax3, 275hp RV injectors, Joe Donnelly modifed Sachs Clutch, SS ladder bars, SW fuel pressure gauge, BD exhaust brake, Isspro turbo temp monitor, front Draw-Tite receiver, rear Draw-Tite class V receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's, (all the common stuff clipped)

[This message has been edited by Steve St. Laurent (edited 05-02-2001). ]

 

[danandamy]

#ad
"All hail the Allison transmition. " Sorry, but I'm starting to get tired of hearing that one in all the reviews. Lest we forget, this is NOT the same transmission that is in F700's and such. It is a first year transmission. A NEW design transmission and yes (GASP) an UNPROVEN transmission. Everybody just loves that automatic downshift when you take your foot off the throttle. How much electronic wizidry does it take to make that happen? Handy when towing? Yes, but I can do the same thing by (really straining here) #ad
ummff, there got it, reached up with my right hand and pushed the O/D "off" button. Shew, that was tough. Oh, no, I'm slowing down somemore, don't know if I'll have the strength to pull the gear shift selector down into 2nd... . #ad
#ad

How much will it cost me to get my transmission rebuilt when it shells? A bit because I'll definitly go with Bill K. 's work. How much will that big honkin' Allison cost when it shells? And yes, everything, even the mighty Allsion will wear out at some point.

Daniel


------------------
Wife's truck:
95 2500 SLT Laramie 3. 54 automatic JVC cd out of factory infinity system, southwest grill gaurd (a favorite amongst the deer population), K&N chunked, AFC adjusted, "gutless" cat, Geno's dual EGT/boost gauge, TST #6 plate slid all the way forward, AFC housing slid all the way forward, silencer ring removed

My truck:
95 2500 SLT Laramie 4x4 automatic, Geno's dual EGT/Boost gauge, Dodge cat test pipe (I'm still testing hehe), Geno's muffler eliminator pipe, AFC star wheel adjusted for smoke show, TST #6 plate slid all the way forward, AFC Housing slid all the way forward... let the fun begin!

"Only thing better than having a Cummins is having TWO Cummins"

 

[mongoose]

Steve, you always find the best articles!!! I love it!

------------------
Daniel McKeehan

1999 2500 QC/Short Bed/4X4 5 speed. Camper Package and of course a Cummins

 

[MCummings]

I'll tell you from personal experiance,, The Duramax's are strong.
It acts Like a gasser with alot of torque.

The 5-Speed allison is nice too.
It shifts Firm, doesn't get hot.
My Dad has had his ALlison downshift to 2,500RPMS when He was on the brakes really hard one time.

MerrickNJr

 

[raw]

Stopped by the chevy dealer Sunday. I looked up under a Dura max to check out the Allison.
New truck mind you. Hanging off the bottom of the trans were a couple of drops of red transmission fluid. "Thats not good. "
--------------------------------------
99,2500,qc,4x4,auto

 

[Dr.Evil]

That's just the transmission's way of showing it's Detroit Diesel/ Allison heritage, dribbling drueling things that they are... .
DENNY... ... ... .....