Hi, I just bought a 2003 chevrolet avalanche 2500 4x4, with the 8.1 vortec. From what I can find it seems like a pretty reliable drive train, but because the 2500 is so rare, I can't find much info about it. Anything you can tell me. Also I'm loving the midgate on it
it's going to be a gas guzzler
Hard to say, you didn't mention the mileage or how much you spent on it. Is this also a daily driver or a weekend vehicle?
See here at Wikipedia on the engine:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_big-block_engine#L18
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Since nothing is perfect (especially with GM) see below for issues:
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/chevy-8-1-engine-reliability-and-brute-force
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Otherwise, the rest of vehicle is typical GM and beware of some electrical gremlins. But back then, they were building them better than today’s GM junk, although that thing is now 20 years old and rubbers, belts, bushings, plastic will need replacing.
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https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Avalanche/2003/
