3 days of normal daily commute & errands and thru a 1/4 tank and a couple hundred miles. DIC is showing 16.7mpg, so I expect hand calculated to be around 16. Commute is a combo of 60-62mph and 70-73mph roads, each about 1/2 of the 40 miles each way. This is going to be just slightly less than the duramax. At 77 on the turnpike it hangs at 15.8-16.0. This is going in the opposite direction of the Duramax and the mpg gap widens to around 2-3mpg.
I will say I am pleasantly surprised with this powerplant in an unloaded 7lb truck. It is definitely an improvement over the 6.0 in response from a dead stop and when flooring to pass. Even though it is 401hp/464 ft/lbs, the low end grunt/put ya in the seat just isn't there compared to the diesel.
Shift points and smooth shifting is on point. I expect she'll continue to learn and get even less noticeable.
Ride and steering is a definite change that is taking some time to get used to. I think most of it has to do with coming out of the Bilsteins & larger 18" wheel/tires but surprisingly, a lighter engine. The front end just doesn't feel as "planted" like the duramax. Overall ride is more plush but more porpoising at highway speeds and again the overall "connection" to the road is much less currently. If this doesn't go away in the next few months/spring time, I'll make a decision to either do tires or upgrade to Bilsteins early.
The plain steel wheels are killing me. I look at the truck and smile. I like the lines, I like new size of the panels and even the mirrors are growing on me. But, those damn steel wheels just look pathetic. I am thinking hard about painting or powdercoating black to make them "disappear". I will most likely remove the 4x4 sticker on the bed and I'm deciding if I want to remove the door badging. I enjoy the clean/uninterrupted look. It's just one of those decisions that it's easier to wait and make sure it's what you want before having to go thru the work of reattaching.
Overall, 7.5 out of 10 is where I'm at currently. A higher level trim creature comforts would take it to 8-8.5, but I think their use will fade with time as I become more familiar with the current layout.
Tonneau cover, bug guard and running boards are on order.