[mitchntx]

I've been shopping for several months, trying to figure out where I'm headed now that racing junky itch is finally gone. It was fun while it lasted, but nothing lasts forever.

After paying $4/gallon for water at a Love's Truck Stop and subsequently $3K for injectors and a lot fuel delivery components, I'm done with diesels.

Tomorrow I trade for a 2013 GMC SLT 1500 CC 6.2L 4x4. Has the trailering package, so its equipped with coolers, HD rear diff and springs and 3.73 gearing. Maybe I'll buy an Airstream and join the good SAM club ...

I was serious about a Hemi Laramie, but just couldn't justify the cost. I found a couple which had wheels, tires, lift and custom leather seats and the price was jacked $16K. Better be some nice damn wheels.

And a 6.2L motor in a F150 was near $60K

So its home ...

12.4L ...

(IMG:http://lawmotorsports.net/mw/2012Sierra/VandSierra1.jpg)

[CrashTestDummy]

Agreed on the 'diesel is great until something breaks'. We've been extremely lucky with our D/A 3500HD. Even at only 77K miles, I think I'd trade it or sell it as-is if an injector went out or something more serious happened. I'm not sure I'd replace it with another, but I have certainly been impressed with this truck. It gets great mileage, runs well, and in spite of it's heft, will still press you back in the seat when you mash the pedal, so I'm not sure.

With all the silly crap they have to run on these things these days (cat, diesel exhaust fluid (WTF?!?)) that are wear items, I'll be definitely testing a gasser when the time comes.

But yeah, I'm thinking a crate engine is just the best idea. It's tested, and backed up by a warranty. I'm always reading forums where someone's describing this odd knock his craigslist engine is making now that he got it in the car and running. I'd be pi$$ed if that happened with a diesel, and if the PO hasn't really cared for the diesel, which is common these days, that's more than likely to happen. That, and you usually have to negotiate the maze that is shipping a 1000# lump of metal to and from your place, so there's a lot of value in convenience and a warranty.