I'm not a Chevy guy but I do have a buddy who is die hard and I read up on the Chevs quite a bit. From what I've read, avoid the 2004.4 to 2006 models which are the LLY engines. They tend to overheat and it's hard to find the cause. The 2001- 2004.5 LB7 had a few injector issues but I believe that got cleared up and the 2006.5 to 2007.5 LBZ are pretty good. LBZ's have the 6 speed auto vs. the 5. If it was me buying a chev on a tight budget, I would go with the 01-04.5 LB7. As for the tranny, I think the Allison is overrated. The Ford Torqshift holds up to way more power as the Allison will start to slip or go to limp mode with a decent tune. Again, I'm a little bias though.
Hopefully some Chevy guys will chime in as more and more people get their names back and start posting again.
i have 450+ posts since the hack, and still have my original name:thumbsup had 1800 post before the hack:thumbdown
to original poster,
If your budget isn't great i would really look into a 01-04 lb7, they are just a reliable, proven, strong motor, they dont have any emissions controls and are much simpler than the lly and lbz:thumbsup
01-04 LB7 have injector issues, but are still a great engine.
04-06 LLY Have had overheating issues, but there are some great fixes out there now!
06-07.5 LBZ Strong motor with the six speed auto.
All of the auto's will at some point need modded if you add more power to the engine in the form of tuners. The LB7 and LLY are both 5spd auto's but can be modded to a 6spd with a kit from Suncoast Converters.
Start looking thru AutoTrader for trucks near you.
If you can afford it, look for a 2006 LBZ first. Great overall package.
If your budget is tight, go with 03-04 LB7, for two reasons. 1) injector warranty still has time, 2) the vehicle electronics were updated.
Choose a 01-02 LB7 if you dont have any worries about doing injectors yourself.
04.5-05 LLY would be a good compromise. The overheat issues do not affect every Duramax, but for the ones that do have the issue, its been fixed with killerbee's and TxChristopher's modifications.
Ebay you might find something. When i was looking there was alot on ebay that was from up in the North area.
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