Duramax vs. Cummins- Need some feedback

james schaechter · 12-20-2008, 08:11 AM

I have a 2002 GMC Duramax 6 speed manual 4 x4 crew cab 2500hd. I have 192k on it. The injectors were all replaced under warranty and the dual mass flywheel was replaced a couple of times under warranty. I love the truck. In the summer, I get up to 24 hwy empty with 3.73 gears and always over 20. In the winter about 2 less mpg avg. Towing I can count on 15 with a 24 ft tag going 75. No mods or programmers.

The only complaint is with the flywheel. GM screwed that deal up and added a healthy dose of CYA when I found out the new improved flywheel was the same junk and would not hold up. There is a fix and it works great. A single mass flywheel. I did that at 110k and have had no issues with that. If you look for a GM stick Duramax, if it still has a dual mass flywheel. Figure in 1200. for the southbend kit if youinstall it yourself and you will be good to go.

Other than that, I plan on going to 300k before I think of getting a newer one. By the way, I would stay away from any of the diesels with the DPF. I think that is 2008 and newer. MPG suffers and I just don't think that is the best way to control the emmissions.

12-20-2008, 08:11 AM	#22
james schaechter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cumming GA Posts: 1,994 Likes: 1,299 Liked 1,440 Times in 301 Posts	Re: Duramax vs. Cummins- Need some feedback I have a 2002 GMC Duramax 6 speed manual 4 x4 crew cab 2500hd. I have 192k on it. The injectors were all replaced under warranty and the dual mass flywheel was replaced a couple of times under warranty. I love the truck. In the summer, I get up to 24 hwy empty with 3.73 gears and always over 20. In the winter about 2 less mpg avg. Towing I can count on 15 with a 24 ft tag going 75. No mods or programmers. The only complaint is with the flywheel. GM screwed that deal up and added a healthy dose of CYA when I found out the new improved flywheel was the same junk and would not hold up. There is a fix and it works great. A single mass flywheel. I did that at 110k and have had no issues with that. If you look for a GM stick Duramax, if it still has a dual mass flywheel. Figure in 1200. for the southbend kit if youinstall it yourself and you will be good to go. Other than that, I plan on going to 300k before I think of getting a newer one. By the way, I would stay away from any of the diesels with the DPF. I think that is 2008 and newer. MPG suffers and I just don't think that is the best way to control the emmissions. __________________ James Schaechter 3163 STK