[jensend]

Looks like we'll be trying to find a used late model (2006- on) truck in order to be able to take my '02 Z28 off the road and make it a dedicated track car. The truck would need to be able to tow the car and an open trailer safely at highway speeds. Would prefer a club or crew cab for the extra space an longer wheelbase. Right now I'm thinking gas as opposed to diesel since the truck will get limited use other than for track events and few camping trips annually. It will also be available to my two grown sons as needed. Want the space of an 8' bed so I can carry plywood, etc., when needed. Durarbility and reliability are major requirement. Capable of doing most maintenance and repairs on my own on a gas powered vehicle, but I'd like to have something that was practical to use and maintain. Looking for recommendations on what to buy/avoid, average real world mpg figures, etc.. Thanks in advance for your input.

[Spruill242]

^ Why are you changing your oil every 5K ??? Get a bypass oil filter kit, run a high quality synthetic (which I'm sure you are already) and enjoy 20K mile change intervals. I'm not bullshitting either. Blackstone labs does my oil checks and they're telling me everything is good to go. You really don't need to change oil every 5K. Get an oil analysis and see what's going on.

And I'm really tired of spending more on a product that costs less to produce than gas. I'm with you on that one.

[1qwikbird]

^ Why are you changing your oil every 5K ??? Get a bypass oil filter kit, run a high quality synthetic (which I'm sure you are already) and enjoy 20K mile change intervals. I'm not bullshitting either. Blackstone labs does my oil checks and they're telling me everything is good to go. You really don't need to change oil every 5K. Get an oil analysis and see what's going on.

And I'm really tired of spending more on a product that costs less to produce than gas. I'm with you on that one.

I'll second that. I too was changing oil (3 gallons) every 5k when I first bought my truck and that routine became old real quick. Run a quality synthetic with a quality filter and have some samples analyzed at 5k, 10k and see what your truck likes. I go a full year without a bypass system and I sample at the 6 month/10k mile mark with out any issues. With a bypass filter I could easily go 25k miles I am sure. As far as fuel goes, I buy only where there is heavy interstate truck traffic because those stations don't have fuel that sits months on end.

A gasser keeps you in the comfort zone, because you are familiar with its workings, but diesels aren't nearly as complicated and every bit more powerful/efficient. As long as you don't turn your diesel truck into a hotrod, it should last a good long time with only basic maintenance needed.

Here's a buyers guide for the Dodge/Cummins platform if you stumble across one that peaks your interest:

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/magazin...yersguide.phtml

Good Luck