2004 LB7 or LLY

[Capt. Steve]

Hi guys,

Haven't been around for a while so this may have been asked before.

I am looking for a used work truck for the fleet and would like your opinions:

Truck 1 - 2004 Chevy 2500hd w/ LLY and Auto 29000 miles

Truck 2 - 2004 Chevy 2500hd w/ LB7 and Auto 56000 miles

Truck one is asking 2000.00 more.

Which engine is the better bet?

Thanks, Steve

[More Power]

Just my opinion... If you want a race truck, go with the LB7. For a driver, go with the LLY. Pros & cons could bounce back and forth covering several areas, but access to the injectors and a lack of a potential for fuel in oil are my reasons.:)

Jim

[Mark Rinker]

If you could get the LB7 for 3K less, I'd buy it, especially if your definition of 'work' involves regular towing.

You will save additional dollars ongoing in fuel savings with the cat-less, EGR-less LB7. (Assumes both trucks are Federal Emissions, non-Cali trucks.) The more you tow, the wider the fuel consumption gap between the LB7 and LLY will widen.

[Kennedy]

I have to say that I REALLY like the way my 05 LLY drives and tows. Stock it's not very good, but with a bit of tweaking, I actually prefer it for towing over the LB7 even in the MPG dept. In fairness my LB7 isn't getting the tow duty tweaking like the LLY (I did the tweaking for Mark Rinker though) so head to head may be closer than I let on. The LLY is not quite there in the Race dept as MP stated, but it runs so good, I can't see being without it. That is until I started driving the LBZ...

[tbrowne]

Injectors for the LB7 will cost you more down the road that the $2,000.00 difference now. Go for the LLY! And yes the injectors do have a 200,000 mile warranty, but that expires at the end of seven years. The chances that you will pay 4 to 5 grand out of your own pocket for injectors too great to risk.

[More Power]

I should add that the 2001 GMC 2500HD we have now (bought new 12/00) has been a superb truck. We're planning to keep it when the time comes to get another (wife will trade in her rig :D ). This truck has yet to visit the dealer for any service problem resulting from a defect. :)

Jim

[silverback]

I completely agree with Mr. Rinker. At first I had a little twinge of regret that I hadn't waited for the newer engine (ordered and took delivery in fall of 03) but not for long. Based on the posts I've read here I think the LLY wasn't sorted out until 05. The late 04 LB7 definitely was. I have a long way to go to 200K and I'm not worried about the injectors failing out of warranty.
-KL