So I am making minor tweaks and changes to the truck to get it "the way I want it."
First was to replace the tall wire antenna with a flexible stub antenna.
Second was to add colored lettering to the tailgate ... CHEVROLET now is in a pretty, deep blue color (truck is white). Colored the chevy symbol on the front grill to a blue. Planning on adding a blue "stripe" to the center of the hood, probably a 3M tape.
Third, bought (and had installed) roof running lights.
Fourth, I have LED headlights on their way (possibly delivered tonight) to replace the halogen bulbs.
After that possible running boards. Been looking at them but haven't found a set that appeals to me yet.
The truck itself is averaging (well, with MY driving it is averaging) around 19 miles per gallon, mixed city and highway driving. I know it can do better, I am not being particularly careful in my driving and can be somewhat of a lead foot.
Transmission shifting is great, motor itself is pretty awesome, love the sounds it makes (V8 lovers probably need not apply).
The ride is surprisingly good, though not as nimble as the Colorado was. It is very roomy, even being a double cab, and even easier sliding in and out of the drivers seat... easier than the Colorado I mean.
Love the center console that flips up... I leave it down mostly so that Heidi (my dog) can stand with her front legs on it as I drive... she likes to see what's going on. She is generally relegated to the back seat, which I cover with a towel due to her water and mud proclivities.
The acceleration, not that THAT should be a reason to choose one engine over another, is actually pretty darn good! It really PULLS like a V8 with maybe a very very minor ramp up for about a half second after you let go of the break. Turbo has to spool just a wee bit first, but once it does... zoom! Almost max torque at just 1500 RPMs!
Passing on the highway, which IS something I do a lot of, is easy as pie... never strains, never a worry, she just gets up and goes.
One of my favorite things to do though is to roll down my windows when I am driving through my neighborhood so I can hear the turbo spooling. I've owned several turbocharged cars (mini, honda, saab) and none of them sound like this beast of a turbo... my truck kind of sounds like a diesel city bus driving down the street. :) I enjoy it. Does not rumble deep and low like a V8, it is a different kind of sound, but as I said, I appreciate it.
