Roadhouse66
Sanford, MI
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Joined: 03/01/2008
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That is a heck of a price for a 8100 Suburban. I can't find one around here for less than $15k. I'm trying to find something for $8k or less. I have found some V10 X's for $11k...but that is more than I want to spend.
'07 Hornet 30BHS TT-family cabin
'94 Suburban 2500 tow rig w/454ci, 4.10 gears, Prodigy controller
'95 Jeep Grand Cherokee-8"lift, 37" tires-play toy
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Oldtymeflyr
Littleton, CO
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Joined: 04/18/2004
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"The 8.1 from tests I have seen, seems to be less mpg's than the V454, along with a bit more pull power, ie 3-5 mph more on a given 3-5% grade with the same trailer. So not a lot of difference their either."
I have owned both and the 8.1 is significantly more powerful and has at least 10 percent better mileage if not 20 percent better mileage.
Between the old TBI and the Vortec, go with the Vortec.
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Lance Noob
Minneapolis, Minn
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Joined: 05/29/2007
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Agree, get the vortec.
I have a low milage 1995 Chev 454 Dually with the 454 TBI engine and not much you can do to these motors for power. You can add intake, exhaust, headers, but that about it. The heads are the problem. I was told that my motor would be the best choice of the two for milage, but for power, the Vortec has way more capability.
I am looking at Gear Vendors to maximize power and milage. I figure that is a cheaper route to take with my truck.
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xfire82
kannapolis nc
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Joined: 12/20/2005
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Just made first trip with n2me 2000 2500 v454 3:73 and mpg was 8 towing 26ft tt approx same weight as yours. Towing same camper with expy 5.4 3:55 got me 6mpg.
If you check kelly blue book retail shud not be more than $8500 for a 2000 c2500 reg cab long bed 454. Local chevy dealer could not sell this truck at that price. I got it from local small wholesale lot for $6k. Took alot of looking but these trucks are out there at reasonable prices.
good luck and get the v454.
"Retirement Home" 2004 Coachman Cascade DLX 26RBS
2001 Expeditions EB
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Roadhouse66
Sanford, MI
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Thanks for the advice folks.....I wanted a Vortec, but found a good deal on a '94.
Its from California so its rust free, compared to anything newer found in MI. Got it for $5k, and have my '99 up for sale right now for $6k. So hopefully come out of this deal okay.
I need new rims for it, looking for '01 and newer GM 8lug chrome wheels. Also plan on installing a dual Flowmaster exhaust.
Owner took his Prodigy brake control, but left the mounting bracket and wiring hardware. So I need to pick one up off ebay and plug it in.
My '99 is far more loaded on the interior, but oh well, this 3/4 ton will handle the weight of the trailer better.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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TOWMASTER CHIP Chevy Truck 454 7.4 7.4L TBI 94,95
I have not yet ordered mine from Brian but do plan to this summer. Others on the forum speak highly of Brian's chips. In emails with Brian I have found he knows his 454's and owns a 454 truck. He estimates about 10% increase in torque and HP and still runs on regular gas so you may want to email him for more info.
By the way that looks like a nice TV you got.
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Roadhouse66
Sanford, MI
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Gale Hawkins wrote:TOWMASTER CHIP Chevy Truck 454 7.4 7.4L TBI 94,95
I have not yet ordered mine from Brian but do plan to this summer. Others on the forum speak highly of Brian's chips. In emails with Brian I have found he knows his 454's and owns a 454 truck. He estimates about 10% increase in torque and HP and still runs on regular gas so you may want to email him for more info.
By the way that looks like a nice TV you got.
Thanks for the info...I will contact Brian, that is some cheap hp/tq upgrade. Even if minimal gains, still probably worth it.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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It think the TC will stay locked up better with Brian's chip so it does less "hunting" in the hills but you will need to ask about that. The best I remember some stated they got lower transmission temps with the chip which would make sense.
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dgreen1069
Bristow, VA
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Joined: 08/14/2002
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I used one of Brian's chips in my 1995 K2500 Pickup 454 TBI. I thought his prices were reasonable and I was happy with the chip. I changed my thermostat so I would need premium gas.
2003 Excursion Limited
6.0 PSD/5sp Torqshift/3.73 Limited Slip
2003 Potomac 30 EBS
Hensley Arrow
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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dgreen1069 I take it from your post that is is OK to drop to like a 180 degree thermostat if we are willing to run premium gas or this there more issues at stake in the process?
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