Short Bus Face off... please help

[KoolKeith]

Hello skoolies..... new guy here with a "one that got away" bad taste in my mouth. Long story short: had my sights set on 2003 Chevy Express 6.0 and was scheduled to purchase her first thing this morning.....BUT. Somebody swooped in last night (literally at 10pm) and took it out from under me.

So, with the wife heart broken I'm back on the trail this morning w a vengence. Here's my new options, which feels like a toss up to me so I'm hoping you Vets can steer me in the best direction. Of these two, which way would you go?
A- 2001 Chevy e350 w only 52k. Or
B - 2003 Chevy express 3500 w 108k

Both look clean & nice. $ about even.

Want to make my move tonight/tomorrow so any advice would be appreciated.

[Rovobay]

Are they both gas or diesel? If diesel they are both the lbz duramax. are they equal in length (# of windows)? less miles would be a good option. What about engine hours? Tires tires tires that would also be something to consider.

[weboughtabus]

Originally Posted by KoolKeith

A- 2001 Chevy e350 w only 52k. Or
B - 2003 Chevy express 3500 w 108k

Should A have been 2001 Ford e350? Just clarifying

[KoolKeith]

Originally Posted by Rovobay

Are they both gas or diesel? If diesel they are both the lbz duramax. are they equal in length (# of windows)? less miles would be a good option. What about engine hours? Tires tires tires that would also be something to consider.

Both gas and all else equal (5 windows). Not sure about engine hours but will put it on my list to find out. Thanks!

[KoolKeith]

Originally Posted by weboughtabus

Should A have been 2001 Ford e350? Just clarifying

WeBought.... A = Chevy 5.7 L
B = Chevy 6.0 L
I should have included that..... need more coffee

[KoolKeith]

Best I can tell is the 5.7 might get about 10mpg, where as the 6.0 might get me 13mpg.... and I'm assuming some more umpgh for hills & highways

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by KoolKeith

WeBought.... A = Chevy 5.7 L
B = Chevy 6.0 L
I should have included that..... need more coffee

Both are good engines. Pick whatever bus is in better shape.
THe 6.0 is powerful and reliable. The 350 is less powerful bus easier to work on. I'd take either and those are my top picks for van engines.

[PNW_Steve]

I have an '04 Chevy pickup with the 6.0. A fair bit lighter and more aerodynamic than a cutway. On a good day I can manage 12mpg.

The diesel cutaway that I had got about the same.

[dazdconfsd]

Originally Posted by KoolKeith

Best I can tell is the 5.7 might get about 10mpg, where as the 6.0 might get me 13mpg.... and I'm assuming some more umpgh for hills & highways

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

I have an '04 Chevy pickup with the 6.0. A fair bit lighter and more aerodynamic than a cutway. On a good day I can manage 12mpg.

The diesel cutaway that I had got about the same.

I got ~10mpg out of my 2003 6 window Collins at about 65. My 2006 5 window Collins with a Duramax gets 12.4 at the same speed, but my dad has reported keeping it under 55 bumps it up to ~14-16mpg

I'd go for the 2003 for all the upgrades that come with it chassis wise.

[Shelby987]

Option B, iirc, 2001 will still be a 5.7 vortec, the 2003 should be into the LS generation, the 6.0l is easier to maintain, proper mpfi (8 actual injectors and coil on plug ignition).
Only issue you might have will be intake gaskets and knock sensors. Do both at the sametime (use felpro gaskets) and be good to go for the next 100k.

My 1500hd with 3.73 gears and a 6.0l got 19mpg on the highway and 15mpg in the city.

Pass on the 01 if it is a 5.7l!

[KoolKeith]

Thank you so much for the replies .... great info, definitely helped me feel more secure in my approach. Ended passing on both. Disappointed but live to buy another day. The 6.0L is my target moving forward, mostly because of the information gleaned on this site... thanks again. Let you know when I score.