We’re loaded and ready to roll to Bowling Green, Kentucky, with our Project Ultimate Corvette for the Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials Nationals Powered by Hagerty.
But we've got a surprise hauling the C5.
Usually, we load it up behind our 2010 Toyota Tundra, but a recent conversation with Chevrolet went like this:
"Have any needs to test tow-capable trucks …
26mpg is crazy. Impressive!
3.0 inline 6 diesel? Thats intriguing. I wonder it it would fit in my XJ.
Day 1 update. 360-ish miles, 18mpg towing the Corvette. I'm impressed.
Wow. That's seriously impressive; I figured you'd be down in the mid-teens.
So are you buying one? Because the last tow vehicle you borrowed and enjoyed was that Tundra....
That mileage is very compelling.
This weekend I also towed my new-to-me Corvette with my Suburban, but your are both much nicer and get 2x the towing mileage.
Impressive mileage to say the least!
I like inline 6's. I like diesels. You can tell Chevy I had no idea they made a babymax. I rented a Tahoe last year, and it was really nice, and scooted for its weight.
That 3.0 LM2 is a fantastic engine! The driveability, response, and fuel economy blow away even recent diesels. I've driven a few, and now the 3.0 diesel in our cayenne feels downright slow and laggy in comparison! It really is that much of an improvement. Perfect engine for highway cruising, not as great for solely city driving since you won't be getting any regens.
It's also a great fit for the trucks. Unfortunately it's not available in the at4 or z71 packages on the SUVs, that would be a fantastic package!
I reaaalllllly would like to trade in our 6.2 Escalade ESV on a new one with the Duramax 6 in it, but I'll have to settle for someone's old and busted one in a few years.
Our old diesel Suburbans fit our needs perfectly. I'm really glad GM is doing it again.
So what are our thoughts on the wet belt-driven oil pump? They have a 150k inspection interval, and you have to pull the transmission to do that.
Toyman01 + Sized and said:So what are our thoughts on the wet belt-driven oil pump? They have a 150k inspection interval, and you have to pull the transmission to do that.
It is not easy to access, same procedure needed for the timing chain drive. If chain stretch or tensioner wear becomes a concern, hopefully that occurs while still under warranty! You can see both the timing drive and oil pump drive here:
However, even it if was on the front of the engine, it still wouldn't be an easy job. That is the drawback of inline 6s, even in the massive trucks packaging is an issue:
The timing chain locations are unfortunate. Too bad they aren't gear driven. How is the exhaust fluid usage?
In reply to engiekev :
If it was a chain I wouldn't worry about it. I'm reading that it's a rubber belt and a rubber belt running in oil is a bit more concerning.
Toyman01 + Sized and said:In reply to engiekev :
If it was a chain I wouldn't worry about it. I'm reading that it's a rubber belt and a rubber belt running in oil is a bit more concerning.
Yes, see the pics, it is a oil bath driven belt. Many manufacturers have gone this way, but I'm not sure on the reliability front. Chains aren't perfect either, they stretch and wear, but its curious why they didn't use a gear driven oil pump, likely for NVH.
Since I'm the guy that buys these things at 150k+, reliability will be worth keeping an eye on.
I had planned on driving my 2015 Expedition for about 10 years then get a used diesel Escalade.
But, if Ford makes an EV version of the Expedition, then I might go that way.
Too many awesome options. Gotta find a diesel Burb to test drive now.
VR6 guy here checking in to chuckle about future timing chain service GOOD LUCK!! 
You'll need to log in to post.
