Old vs New: Can an Old Truck Be As Good As A New Truck? K10 Project Ep.15
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- ( www.TFLtruck.com ) Old vs New: Can an Old Truck Be As Good As A New Truck for the same $$$ ? We count all of the expenses we put into our Big Green project truck!
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Big GREEN all day, and this is coming from a FORD guy.
@Brennan Abdiel Wow your a bot, Amazing
@Kohen Curtis and so are you
I definitely like the look of older trucks like that
Yeah older cars were made to last.
Big Green. No Contest.
Hey Pepe! Q uite the avatar ;)
Big green no questions about it
Jonathan Drake same bro
That ungrateful he bitch. How dare he say a Colorado is better cuz of reliability. It got no style doe lol. Big green for the win 😎
Eduardo Morales Its a pickup truck not a luxury car I Guarantee that everyone that picked big green is not going to use it for work purposes anyways.
charger master I picked big green and I’d use it as a daily driver and to do farm work and haul cows and horses.
No doubt about it I would deffinatly choose big green I'm not a very big fan of newer cars but that is just me
Tyson Millard, same here. I’m not very fond of them either. Being that the older trucks have engines that are tougher, simpler and easier to work on. And can do the same as the new stuff and last way longer and still look like new. I can say this because I have family who have spent lots of $$$ on them and they don’t get better mpg than my 24yr old 7.3, of whom is just as good as the new ones.
The reason you don't see too many new Silverados on the road is because the old ones still work
I see new Silverados everywhere idk what u mean bro lol
No I think the reason is that Chevy is not what it used to be it's like the old 2000s Kia now
@@kevinmontoya7318 uhhhh,no
@@trillrifaxegrindor4411 ok buddy
Ayden O'Shaughnessy the old ones were solid tanks the new ones fall apart
I'll take Big Green, it's 4 WD. and you can work on it yourself. Even spending more to upgrade the suspension , it's more versatile and the bonus is cheaper registration and taxes.
John I agree 100%!! It's no contest, I'd take my old truck over my new 1 any day. My new truck is no doubt a dream to drive and waaaaaaaaaayyy better on fuel but my old 1 I could do all the work myself and it was surely built like a tank, it could take way more abuse! Not to mention that I didn't have a payment "every single month"...
Not to mention nostalgia, uniqueness and the love for old metal
Its Beautiful, I love it.
John Jurewicz totally agree
Yar Nunya also good point! My baby is much safer in my new truck compared to my '96...
I think a properly build older vehicle is better and stronger than newer model cars&trucks
Desert_storm76h03 yeah they have already proved they can last
Older trucks are better because they are made out of durable stuff. I have a 71 Ford and it will outlive me and go to my son.
Standing In The Rain it will outlive ya son too and go to ya grand kids 😂 and I’m a Chevy guy sayin that about a Ford 😂
@@robrides3216 That is funny. :-) Yeah, I hope I can keep it. I'm overseas and my truck is at a friend's home and was parked in the front of his house in the street. A drunk driver hit it in the front early in the morning and drove away. I don't know how he did drive away unless he was in another truck. Never caught the guy and he bashed in the front bumper, but hopefully I can find a good outfit to repair it. I don't want to have to junk it. Thanks for your comment. :-)
Amen
If you don't know how to turn your wrench you should stick with a newer truck. Labor costs add up fast if you have to hire out for everything.
ognaysayer its still cost way more to keep a old truck going then it is with a new truck doing the work yourself or having someone else doing the work for you.
@@Victoria3232-j7o how? My truck I've only put 4k in it at max and that's cuz of oil leaked alot cuz bolt got stripped when I tried doing the oil change and I paid 2k for it or I'd only have like 3k or less invested... payments alone are 500-700 a month along w insurance (200ish depending on what vehicle) so no. Newer vehicles are way over priced
@@Victoria3232-j7o you're CLEARLY out of your mind or can't fathom simple arithmetic.
Where do I start??
1. Most people will finance that new Colorado truck. So you piss away interest to the bank.
2. Then you have higher taxes, and in many States, you pay property tax based on the "book value" every single year that you own that truck...This will add to the cost.
3. Then you will also be charged MUCH higher for insurance. Again, the used truck is hands down the winner on insurance total costs.
4. Finally, if you have great mechanical skills, it is far less expensive to maintain an old truck like this Chevy. Time equals money....The Easier a vehicle is to work on, the less book hours will be charged supposing you actually pay a mechanic. But the fact is, This old K-Series truck is SUPER EASY to work on.
If you shop carefully for replacement parts, many parts will have a lifetime warranties, which makes it even more economical over time, because if anything fails a couple years down the road, it can be replaced again for zero money... the only cost involved is the time allotted to tear it apart and put it back together again.
It is always a better decision to buy used than new. Let someone else pay for the depreciation.
And don't forget that the Colorado will also have expenses as soon as the warranties run out!!
I agree. my old toyota is all manual for the trans/transfercase. never had a single problem .
my escalade has gone through two front diff controlls and a transfer case solenoid in the same miles and no off roading.
old over new every day.
I know. They could have saved a lot more money by doing the labor themselves, which could thus be spent on making the truck that much nicer.
New trucks won't last like an old truck my 63 f350 still starts and goes daily. All the plastic parts and over engineering with electronics of today won't stand the test of time as my old Ford so I'll stick to my old school rig and enjoy not making a monthly truck payment for a vehicle that probably won't even last the life of the loan
Yup
Very true
Truth. Seem 2 work on my 2014 as much as I do my old 75 blazer these days. Bunch of lil shit but these newer parts r half lifed becuz of the electronic demands. Nvr annoying.
True I'm still driving my grandfather's 76 Highboy it was given to me when I turn 16 I'm 43 now it's had a few Motors and transmissions but drive it everyday and it was restored once when I was about 20
Let me say this I love old cars and trucks have a 84 c10 has 40k miles on it but no way is it gonna reach the miles I have in my 02 Silverados both with 300k miles. Last Father Time yeah but driven doubt it.
i have a lifted 1999 FORD RANGER XLT ...and yes its green!
i love my truck,..even thought its a 3.0. ....but its green!
1985 K10 shitty condition still better than a new one!
hell yes
It's always nice to see your patriotic Americans preserving the classic trucks of the past. I own a 50 year old four wheel drive truck. It's a 68 F-250 Ford. A friend of mine passed away it was his truck. I bought it from his family.
I am not fan of Chevy but you guys made me fall in love with Big Green. So yeah hands down Big Green all the way!!!
I own a 74 k10, i can’t go to a gas station without getting a compliment . yet nobody ever said you have a nice tacoma
I’ve got a 76 k20 and it’s the same way I’m always getting compliments at red lights or when I’m at a store
Lionel Esparza 😂lol
Yeah it was very cool! In 2013 I was restoring my Jeep Cherokee (XJ) 1993,I put $25,230!
I can confidently say that it's great! I drive it every day and another car i don't want!
My personal truck in a 1996 F250 HD, 4x4 extended cab XLT Lariat. Including the price I bought the truck brand new for in 1996 to date I have roughly 35k into it spread out over 28 years after upgrades to all suspension, all new LED lighting, rebuilding the 5.8L, custom interior trim/electronics upgrades, custom body off repainting in 2017 to look better than new, upgraded wheels and tire sizes and gearing upgrades.
Set next to my 2023 Ram 2500 4 door 4x4 work truck I'd choose the Ford easily. It's just a better truck, rides better, pulls better and looks a lot nicer. Anyone who goes out and buys a new $70k truck needs their head examined when you could build one better for 1/2 the price.
Why does he look like he's gonna drop a mix tape in the thumbnail
my 1995 7.5 f250 kicks major ass!
I love it when I read one of these, go back and look and litterly laugh out loud
_ghost dancer_ ok?..
😂😂
Jacob exactly what I was thinking lol
Big green. In a heart beat. My father had an '82 custom deluxe when I was in High school.
Big green older trucks are always better
The Chattahoochee Vaper OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amen brother.
The Chattahoochee Vaper You have no idea how An engine works if you think the new trucks are no good.
How come they don't make old engines then ? Surely cus they're worse.
I have a 93 Chevy Silverado xcab, lifted, with double chrome roll bar, running boards, lights...
Has new brakes, 31s, new head gasket, and very reliable @ 185,000!! Crossed the country towing 2 800 lb bikes on a 10 foot heavy duty trailer with a full bed...doing 80 mph up over the rockies!
She's getting a bit tired now...but I can intend to have her for 10 more years, or until this NH weather, salt, sand knocks her down for good!
Love my Chevy!!
I'd definitely go for Big Green. The older Chevys were a gem.
Doesn't matter how much u put into an old truck they r all worth it!they don't make them anymore so it's awesome to see guys running old trucks and using them like they were meant to be used!
No question. Big Green!
bernard_hossmoto Get ready for Big green to Eat your wallet when its constantly breaking and falling apart it makes owning a new truck cheaper.
You payed $5k and pulled the engine🙄
Why on earth would you over pay for a truck that runs great to pull out the main reason why the truck cost 5K????
In the end they wanna raise the cost and so they able to say ...see rebuilding same as buying new so buy a colorado .....its about advertising they getting free engine and maybe money from GM' so they have to lie about it ...he could also get a $2500 crate engine instead putting in $9000
The feedback carb and the emissions system make it HORRIBLE
And he put an old non efficient engine in it
@@kevinmontoya7318 they are bullshitter
They upgraded the truck which defeats the purpose of comparing it to a modern one.
$21000 for a brand new Colorado? LOL... yeah but after dealer mark up is closer to $27,000.
J M probably more likely over 50k because big green is closer to a stripper model now days because newer trucks have leather seats and satellite navigation etc. And have a gigantic mark up from the factory and the dealership that depreciates quickly after one year
And here in Australia that Chevy colorado or nissan titan would go for $130,000
Joshua Davis why? Are they exotic over there?
First thing's first, junk everything having to do with emissions.
The catylitic converter and O2 sensors might be needed though.
9 grand for a crate engine?jesus and its not even an LS motor, i got a 290 hp crate engine from GM with a 100,000 mile warrantee for my 85 Silverado for 1999.99 its more than enough grunt for driving around daily,this truck hauls ass, i totally restored this shortbed 2 wheel drive truck doing all the work myself including all new from the bare metal up base clear paint job and vintage aire for about 12 grand for the entire truck, i replaced everything,its better than new
I was thinking that too and not even FI. I think a lot of people would probably go your route and or get a junk yard take out long block engine and computer harness.
Heck, you could buy a Chevy crate motor 383 stroker or SP350 (350hp/400tq) for about 1/2 what they were given from GM. Same with the exhaust, a muffler shop could do it for less, or buy a DIY kit and even cheaper... so many things that they were given free that an average joe would have spent 1/2 what they "spent"
You cannot buy the type of work you do yourself. No matter how much you spend on labor it never has the love you put in yourself....
i mean hell a junk yard LS motor with everything attached to it to make it run including the fuel pump is what $1,000 if you get a 5.3 , even if you take it too a machine shop to have is gone through and lightly refreshed you might spend $2,000. now you have a basically new 5.3 that is good for 330 hp if you leave it absolutely bone stock and it will go 300,000 miles for 3 grand. Ya its safe to say he over paid.
He got it donated
My 84 ex military K30 is an absolute indistructable beast. The frame construction alone is superior to the junk sold today.
Why would you buy a pickup truck with only 2 wheel drive?
Makes me miss 'ol Booger ('79 GMC K10). I only got to enjoy it 5 weeks on the road when someone pulled out in front of me at an intersection. Rolled the truck. Totaled. I enjoyed the video. Square bodies are awesome! I pick old too!
Actually, the title is, can a new truck be as good as an old truck?
And the answer is no.
+Taylor F. You forgot No....it can be better. ;-)
Until GM, Ford, or anyone can produce a truck that has a strong frame, strong pulling (could be a small engine with good gearing), and easy-of-service, with very little gimmicky items that can go wrong, there wont be a comparison. Some new vehicles can meet some of those, but they insist on no work room, assinine designs, proprietary items, etc. But if they can do that, they will have my support.
I beg to differ...alot of new vehicles have issues at a certain millage....so then it costs so much to take in somewhere because the average person cant work on a new vehicle due to all the electric stuff....old vehicles can be worked on in a drive way an on a old vehicle money goes further....now that being said i have a 94 k2500 gmc suburban with a 350 with 318,000 miles...not scared to drive it anywhere and guess what??? If it breaks down i can fix it for almost nothing....i can have the motor out in 2 hours...if you take the motor out of a new truck.... By yourself??? You might just want to go by a beater.... It would take forever an even if you did an put it back in it Proably wouldnt run right.... Ill never own a new truck/car/suv it will alway be something old and new vehicles cost way to much! And id rather have big green! Little whimpy Colorado wont pull my trailer!
tows more weight , has more ground clearance , is 4wd , won't depreciate in value , has the same features as a base model colorado which is what they compared it to , cheaper insurance and registration , can be maintained with a small set of tools. Id actually say yes it is better.
Nicholas Posey Amen brother I have a 96 Ford F150 with a 5.0L (302) Windsor V8 with 206,925 miles on it and still going strong. The only thing I replaced on my truck was the starter but other than that mostly was just simple maintenance, took out the transmission fluid just to get rid of the shuttering it was making and it hasn't had a problem ever since. These modern car lovers can call me a Red neck or a hillbilly but my truck will outlast everything you see on the road today and plus it looks better than everything you see on the road today as well.
Thing is, when comparing to the new colorado, there was nothing wrong with that 305. It would have ran just fine for years. That cuts the price in half.
But, I'd put a new motor in it too if I could afford it, lol.
Big green! In a world full of the same I love to stand out!
Still got my dad's 1984 GMC 4X4 1500 He bought new in 1984....still running great.👍
Big green, without a doubt
Clinton Roque Me to man me to.
The K5/K10s are some of the most beautiful vehicles ever made. K10 Blazer? Good lord they're pretty.
Let's see lifted badass 4x4 v8 truck or an exaggerated prius with a bed. Hmm..
Well said sir
Hahaha prius nice one lol
True story. Have a small business that uses a truck purely for hauling trailer loads. Had a 83 Chev 4x4 3/4 ton for several years. Got tired of of working on it and spending lots of $ for repairs/upgrades, mostly for aftermarket Chinee parts that was taking truck to "made in CH". Never could get comfortable with truck pulling the heavier loads on winding roads and in heavy traffic. Breakdowns with loaded trailers in heavy traffic got expensive. Sold '83 for $5k, purchased a 2000 4x4 SD for $4k, no more white knuckles when pulling heavy trailers. Actually quite happy with a modern truck.
Big Green is more of a hobby vehicle than a commuter vehicle. If I have the know how and resource, I would love to have Big Green.
The AC guy @3:31 sounds like a robot . “We have serviced your AC. We replaced many lines and other assorted components. Oh my God. It feels so good.”
New trucks cost too much even though I could afford new I'm going to rebuild my 96 GMC
Very wise
Upgrade it to the max
I don’t believe you
You don’t have enough for a new truck
@@jequelamaquez7794 lol ok
2005 Chevy silverado 2500 work truck with over 250,000 miles still can tow caterpillar skid steer. I'd never use big green for work or daily driver, but it is a badass truck for sure
What a great project truck. Thanks for this one guys!
I agree with you. I just bought a 2001 dodge cummins 3500. Rust free, needs a new front suspension and a paint job. Some accessories don't work yet. All in, purchase price and restoration will be 30k Canadian.
I guess it depends on what you want it for: if it's gonna be a Toy Truck, Big Green Is OK, but if it's gonna be your everyday ride, better go for the Colorado.
Martin HRK hit the nail on the head.
Big green !! By far
No doubt about it. BIG GREEN
I bought my 2000 Chevrolet Silverado in 2015 with over 363k miles. However I knew I could/did fix anything/everything this is/would break. 4 years & 62k miles later, it was totally worth while vs buying new/newer truck, have monthly payments AND still have maintenance costs to pay.
You drastically overpaid for that
Charles that guy welcome to the c/k market.
I'm almost done putting mine back together for about 1/4 that amount.
I dont think they paid for the stuff. I think they have been given all the stuff for the video
They didn't do all the work there self and did an engine swap for 2k and other over priced stuff that's brand new, get it used in good condition ur good
Yea. They overpaid for nearly everything. Picked up my C20 long bed for $1,500. 6.0 LS and 4L70 swap from donor truck with less than 100k miles on it for $2k. $1k in motor upgrades to have 450hp at the crank. Pulled A.C. and nice seat from donor truck. $300 worth of sheet metal and weather stripping to fix my rust. $300 to paint it myself. And damn do I love it. $2k for engine labor is insane. Motor swaps are super easy. I paid that much for LS motor, trans, A.C., interior, and sold what was left for $500. I am into my truck for under $5k and have a better motor and trans.
I drove a 75 model, pulling a 33' horse trailer loaded with tools. All the way from Louisiana line to the yukon in Alaska. I wouldn't have dared it in anything after 1979. Bought the truck at a junk yard and checked it over ànd left out.
Man for $11K you could have got a new LS3 from Jegs and had it installed with new fuel injection ! Then you would have had a very special truck, much more desirable than any colorado 4 cyl.
Jim Malone I was thinking the same thing with the fuel tanks episode just use 87 and up because it all ready has Electric fuel pumps installed or just buy a wallbo fuel pumps and make it fit in the tanks . I think they did it the hard way and I guess if you’re in them hard core use a 12 valve 6-BT cummins engine it fits nicely and I have considered that one for my 86 chevy too
You can do this for a lot less money. Ls is the best way and getting you hands on the task. You can find motor mounts for Ls conversion into almost any vehicle. I got one on a 1985 jeep cj7.
Smiles per gallon > miles per gallon
I really enjoyed watching Big Green come along. It would have been nice to see it run the Ike with the new engine, and fuel injection to see how that impacted its performance, it also would have been cool to see it run another off road test with the new set up to see how it compared to the original 305 2Brl.
When it comes to buying a truck like Big Green, or that F250 Highboy you had, you need to be prepared to replace all the fluids, and belts. Having some budget available to upgrade the brakes, and possible an engine swap. When its all done, its a great errand truck! Going to the wood yard for some sheets of plywood, or a load of fire wood, Big Green is the machine. Need a truck load of garden soil, perfect. Towing some dirt bikes/quads out for a day of ridding, Big Green All day. Going to do some hunting, fishing, camping back in the woods, again, Big Green. That is what the truck was built for.
As for a serious heavy hauler, or something that you are going to really pound miles on, a newer truck might be the better choice in terms of overall comfort, safety, and some reliability. (assuming you have worked all the gremlins out of your old truck.)
When taking on a project like this, you have to be prepared to swap out old parts, and make good upgrades that make the truck more capable, safe, and reliable. It might not be the best choice if you are on a tight budget, or, this is your only vehicle because as Big Green, and Highboy taught us, things come up.
Great series, hope you take on another project truck like Big Green, or the Highboy.
nether one for me...i always buy used but i balance age and mileage with age being more important... i dont want a twenty year old vehicle with low miles or a three year old with really high miles...and the reason i do that is because i hate working on cars and want good fuel efficiency
There was a guy in my local area (Seattle) that listed a 1985 ranger with about 17k miles. Said it was "like new". Yea right, I'll take my 106k "high mileage" 2005 Tacoma instead.
Big Green all day everyday!!!
chevys don't die there just reborn
Sticker on my 2015 SLT Z71 was $47,850. Give me back my 1979 Stepside with full time 4wd and 40k to blow on it and I will blow your mind. Yes, it was rusty. Yes it was primer red. Yes it kicked ass.
Big green all day! Can't beat square bodies
Brandon Bouchez Aerodynamics on new trucks mean better Fuel Economy.
If you change your mind, I'll take BIG GREEN!! Actually have an 86 k 10, just bought it as a one owner. Now the journey begins ,lol.
Old trucks are better than new trucks. New trucks are plastic pieces of shit. I'm never going to sell my old truck. My 1995 ford f150 is sweet. I can work on it myself and no plastic engine parts.
kyle stivers I got a 95 gov and the radiator is plastic.
My radiator is made out of brass.
Keep going old school my friend. It also sets you apart from everyone else. I got a 2004 f150 and I love it. Its my baby and I got it for under 2000$ needed a few repairs but it runs great.
Well said
First mistake was adding a computer then they went ham when they could make plastic snaps for parts and raise the price bc you couldn't weld a new piece
I would take big green in a heartbeat classic trucks like this are when trucks where not made to break after a few thousand miles after warranty
Big green, though it would be easier to purchase something like the Colorado with a loan. I can't really drop 9k on an engine lol
cod1196 with a loan you'd have to drop the price to 13k to be comparable. 6 year loan you'd pay 6-7k in interest on average. So to really compare you'd need to buy both cash.
Joshua Webb that's some interest! I've never paid more than 5%.
cod1196 my dad's challenger was around 6%
Big Green in spirit. For a DD truck Id use an S10 though. I actually DO use an S10 for a DD. Its still easy to work on but has a computer. Its a 97 so it doesnt take a lot of know how to fix it - just a code reader and some basic knowledge. Its a 4cyl so it has plenty of room to work on most things and isnt stuffed with plastic covers. A few bolt ons and it is fast enough to keep up with modern commuter traffic. Some suspension work (complete rebuild) makes it fun to drive too. Best part is if I keep my foot light I can squeeze 29-32mpg out of it.
New trucks 2019 is okay till the warranty finishes then start having issues with electrical components
Not a chance that a 2wd is gonna end up in the driveway, Big Green is the way to go!
If I didn't work hard for my money or I won the lottery it would be BIG GREEN. However, that day hasn't come yet so I would certainly choose the practicality of the colorado lol
Hassan Mortada the Colorado truck isn’t a fair fight because it’s smaller in o most every way especially if you were trying to tow with it. I mean look at it the I4 vs V8 how is that fare and it’s probably not a diesel so that has to lower the pulling capacity a better comparison is a 5.7 ls Silverado half-ton
I'm chevy silverado 92 still running good 210.000 miles
..big green for sure
$9000 350 wtf? LS swap for $1000
mike coacks exactly lol
Pick your part 338 dollers with taxes
heck can get a nice aluminum block LS with a tr6060 for.. well.. not too much if you pull it from a wrecked maro.
The zz4 is a zero mile engine. Can't compare a Junkyard motor to a best Gen II SBC ever put out by GM...
All of the prices he quoted were ridiculously high, I could build a better truck for less than 10k
The square, of course! There is a reason my pickup is an 83 Chevy :D
give me Big Green every day
AMJD8 Get ready for Big green to Eat your wallet at the pump and when its always falling apart this makes owning a new truck cheaper.
We mounted a suburban gas tank in the rear of our 82. 35 gallons was awesome
Big green hands down.
2wd trucks are useless in the Canadian winters
Not so great in Colorado winters either.
I get around in our saskatchewan winters just find with 2wd. I dont get why people jerk so hard about 4wd so much when 90% of the time the acerage person doesnt need it
If you are just staying on the streets and highways I dont think a person ever needs to use 4wd. The streets are always plowed, unless you live on the grids you really can do fine with 2wd.
Agreed. We just got dumped with snow and thank goodess my 95 k1500 has 4x4
Bargain Boondocker your truck might limited slip which makes a huge difference
I'd rather have my truck. A 1997 K1500 suburban. 316k miles and the 350 motor and drive train is very good. Clean body - no rust. A few dings but it's an actual work truck. I have done around $4k in repairs over the last few years. Still a solid foundation.
There is no way you could ever sell Big green for what you put into it. I think better off buying a 2-3 year old truck. Of course you got a lot of parts for free for no harm done. But if I were to buy an old truck to fix up I'd prefer 1950's model.
Frank Mahavolich ☺☺ Your comment has one MAJOR error, in my opinion.
Frank Mahavolich ☺☺ Your comment has one MAJOR error, in my opinion. (MOST) gearheads put big money into a truck to Keep it, NOT sell it !!
You can't think about a vehicle as an investment, period. All depreciate.
If you are fixing up an old vehicle, it's for /you/ to drive, not to sell, unless you happen to have a real classic that you know can be sold to a rich SOB.
Personally, I drive old(diesel) trucks. I have enough parts and rigs to keep me running down the road for years, and have spent, total, less than half of what even a cheap new truck(like the Colorado) would cost. And, more importantly, I don't have to worry about 'depreciation value', or 'monthly payments'... on top of insurance being much cheaper(No need for comprehensive, not when the cost of comprehensive pays for the truck in 2-3 years).
In my case, even if I could *afford* a 2-3 year old truck, it would be a lot more stressful - knowing that something bad could happen, and I'm out $$$$. Vs if something goes wrong on one of my current rigs, not only do I have a spare, but the cost would be in the $$-$$$ range for *anything* going wrong.
(And that's not even mentioning the... fragileness... of newer diesels if I went that route. A little water in the fuel? Oh, there's $5k+. My old '93? Eh... drain it, re-prime with good fuel and keep on trucking. Been there, done that.)
MacRobb Simpson I’ve never had any Diesel trucks but what is your favourite one? 3/4 ton and up.
I have had more than one person trying to talk me into a diesel engine swap but I’m not sure if that’s a good idea on my 86 1/2 ton chevy truck $$ wise
Here's the thing: If you can weld and have some experience fabricating/doing things yourself, you can do a swap affordably. If not, it's totally not worth doing. Buy the truck that has the motor you want and make do, because it's far far cheaper.
Diesel trucks/engines:
1. Chevy 6.2/6.5s(mechanical). These are the older Chevy/Detroit V8 diesels. They are indirect-injected(need glow plugs, slightly less fuel economy than direct injected, quieter). Power wise, they are 'meh', but will get the job done. Downsides are that the crankshaft can actually break if the harmonic balancer fails. It's also a "light duty" diesel engine(meaning it never got put in commercial applications). The 6.5s can have a turbo, which is good for power.
2. Ford 6.9/7.3 IDIs. These are the first Ford diesel put in earlier 3/4 & 1-ton trucks; They run basically forever, are hard to kill, but don't make a ton of power due to being naturally aspirated(Note: there are a *lot* of turbo kits out there that were put on these engines for this reason. It can basically double the HP). Upsides are they are really cheap(few hundred $ for a runner), widely available(lots produced), mechanical(1 wire to run). Downsides are a relative lack of power. These are a 'medium duty' engine produced by Navistar/International, and put in school busses and such.
3. Cummins 5.9L(12-valve) I6. These are, arguably, the 'best' engine put in 3/4-1ton trucks, are direct injected, all of them had a turbo, and will get slightly better fuel economy than other V8s. Depending on year, they first had a mechanical rotary pump, then a mechanical inline pump. They are also a 'medium duty' motor.
After the first set of engines, we have:
Ford - the 7.3 PSD in 94 - direct injected V8, computer controlled. Very long life(500K-1M miles) if properly maintained. Downsides are the computer and all the sensors, which is the weak point.
Chevy - the Duramax in '01. From '01 on up, they are all common-rail, computer controlled. Having driven an '03, they are honestly a really powerful motor, and get excellent fuel economy due to the high atomization and computer control of the timing.
Dodge - the 24V in 1998.5. Same 5.9 motor, with computer controlled rotary pump. Torque is great, HP(stock at least) is pretty 'meh'.
More modern motors are out there, but those are the early/main ones to mess with.
Personally, I did my research and like the Ford 7.3 IDI platform. Well designed overall(No timing belt or chain to fail, injectors and fuel system are easy to replace, runs with 1 wire, valve train is self-adjusting and works, and the motor is tough).
I don't like the N/A power, which is why I've added a turbo to all my driver IDI rigs(well, most of them actually came with a turbo, though not stock).
With proper tuning and a turbo, it's not hard to nearly double the stock HP - 200-220 RWHP(~260-280 crank). Put a bigger pump on it, and you can hit 250 RWHP(~320 crank). Spend money on a bigger turbo and headstuds, and, well, we know that the N/A-spec connecting rods break at like 450 RWHP...
The Colorado is a 2wd that wont go anywhere once snow flies where the K10 will. That hassle alone has me sold. Add in the cool factor, the fact the K10 has a brand new motor, along with many other components....big green all the way. I choose durability and capability over modern creature comforts any day.
Big Green
Big Green! I'd like to see a comparison of rehabilitating a regular 4x4 road truck vs. a new one. Big Green is awesome, but you could get by on a lot less on a less extreme truck.
Big Green is WAY cooler, but only worth it if you can work on it yourself. Unfortunately for me, God made me a great accountant, but gave me all thumbs, so fixing stuff, especially vehicles, isn't happening here. Hence, I drive a modern truck.
practice and friends with patience you could do it. trade some accounting for some knowledge from somebody that loves old trucks there is a bunch of us.
More reliable my ass. I got a 98 k1500 Silverado and have no issues. She runs fine. Obvious old age maintenance but I'd choose an old one over the new plastic covered computers that try and pass as cars and trucks.
Big Green! no question!
Big Green ..!! Love the squares 😎
BIG green anytime! God, I love that truck!
Damn I love old trucks I have a 1989 gmc short box absolutely love it
You see trucks with racks on the back, chains hanging from front bumper, hi lift jacks on the side, roof racks, all owners on a mind Trip.😂😂😂
BIG GREEN any frickin day, I love old trucks man
Little green truck awesome and has characterised hell yeah.
Big green!I miss my old chevys..never let me down.😊
The old truck has stories the new one doesn't have. Plus, lots of them now are beaters. You can do anything you want with them!
The 'both sides' fuel tank wasn't an issue for me with my '74. I'd run one down to nearly empty, switch, then I'd fill up the empty tank at the first opportunity. Never ran out of gas. :) Also... I wouldn't include consumables in the price, unless willing to do the same for the new truck... cuz it uses 'em too.
Buy a truck like that and rebuild it my way. Worth more than the new truck and do more.
Beautiful job. Big green wins!
Green machine all day! Does yours have the grannie 1st gear trans? We had one of those growing up. Awesome truck and awesome content Roman!!!
Big Green > Chevy Colorado plus 4wd is a must here in the winter in the Boulder Foothills!
Big green because I had a 1973 292 4 speed Stepside si dual fuel tank 73 Chevy C10 when I was in high school
You fellas should have found a 75 ford highboy with overloads on the springs, filled with wood stacked 6ft high from bed floor up with racks, including the tailgate lowered. That's what a real work truck could carry back in the day without any squatting. Old fred used one for packin the Mrs. in, the old gal was always a heavy load.....
Excellent project and summary , thank you,... I have one, 1980's truck(s) small block 350, cool is there in every way... appreciate the perspective for the next move, ....!!!
Big Green all the way!!!
Big Green . But , I am one of those people that have been driving the same rig for 23 years . I have rebuilt engine, trany, front end , back axle , transfer case and much more .
Definitely big green. That is one bad ass truck.