I want to buy a new Chev 3/4 ton PU and the standard engine is the 6.0 liter with " Variable Valve Timing ". What is it and, More importantly, what is the general opinions of the members of this forum? Is it a good engine or should I go for the diesel? I need a 3/4 ton for a small cab over camper.

Thanks in advance,
Andy

 

variable valve timing is from what i understand it to be as when your cruzin down the highway at 70 it shuts off a few cylinders to help save gas
if yoru towing alot all valves stay open
my opinion is i think your gonna be towing alot as your looking at a 3500
so go with the deisel
but this is jsut my understanding of it i could be wrong and maybe wrong as i am not up to tech on anything newer then 99 chevys
i also no alot about tthe 05 p71 interceptor

 

The variable valve timing does not turn off any cylinders. What cubpak89 is thinking off is variable displacement. Variable valve timing or VVT is where the cam's are slightly controled by cam phasers that either advance or retard the timing for the cams to keeps the valve open or closed longer depending on the driving conditions. I personally own a 2011 2500hd with the 6.0 ltr and it is a great truck. with diesel around the same price per liter it isn't much of a difference. The diesel with pull a lot more weight if you will need it. I pull a 10,000lb dump trailer with my truck slightly over loaded so around 12,000 lbs and it does very well. How much does the trailer weigh?. I can tell you that working at a GM dealership and hearing about how poor economy the diesels are getting that the gas would probably be a better buy if you only tow once in a while. the extra $12-13,000 just for the diesel will take way to long to recoup.
Oh and the 6.0ltr engine is a power house. I never see any issues with them. And the new 6L90 tranny that is matted up to it has been doing very well too.

 

thats why i put from what i understand and i didnt mean it as to be what i said but thats how i interpereted it
but hey thanks i learned something new today so know i really know what it is and how to explain it better to people

 

H1guy hit the nail on the head with his explanation. Keep in mind Variable Valve Timing is Not something new. It has been around for a while. You won't even notice it.

I drive a 2500HD Duramax I won't knock the 6.0L cause I've never owned one. But I love my 395 hp and close to 700 ft lbs torque Up here, my wife is paying $0.10 more for gas then I am for diesel