18 LT to 18 Denali

[K2 Kaiju]

I got an offer I couldn't refuse on my 18 LT Suburban, and ended up with an 18 Denali for right at even money (+25K miles). Long story short - was going to downsize, then wife liked the new ride (MDX Aspec), so I went looking again and found The Raven. 1st black vehicle in 20 years. Between the 5.3 and the 6.2 - its no contest; I'm sure its also losing a couple feet of body weight, but this thing is a rocket sled compared to the long body. All the "best" MPGs are better on the 6.2 as well. Can this be tuned with a diablo tuner? I just want throttle response and afm dialed out.

I can feel the weight of the 22s though, and I understand why the Magnaride doesn't last long taming these big metal chunks. Really considering lighter wheels like 20s or even 18s when these tires go kaput. I know its time to redo the struts - I don't think I have heard the compressor fire yet either - but it will be some quality time with my son, and with cooler weather, it shouldn't be too much of a beating.

Besides that, I dig the seats, HU display, roof, shorter length (if only to get around it in my garage), and digital DIC. Still familiar, but different - like boning your girlfriend's sister

 

[tooleyondeck]

That's currently where I am with getting another vehicle. I've considered a smaller SUV, namely the XT6 Sport, for my wife. However, with the price of the K2s coming down recently a 16-20 Denali seems like the much better long-term investment. I'll probably never sell my 03, but I would like to be able to daily it and keep the Camaro garaged.

 

[K2 Kaiju]

That's currently where I am with getting another vehicle. I've considered a smaller SUV, namely the XT6 Sport, for my wife. However, with the price of the K2s coming down recently a 16-20 Denali seems like the much better long-term investment. I'll probably never sell my 03, but I would like to be able to daily it and keep the Camaro garaged.

I do think the 18-20 is the sweet spot - my previous 18 never had a single issue in 4 years, not 1. I dont trust anything made during or after pandemic/chip shortage as you never know what was not installed, and the new designs have too many tech failures...

 

[jets]

What I LOVE about my 2016 is the red dash accent lighting and speedo gauges. Sounds nuts but prefer it much more than the blue tealish of the 17+

 

[Miami-Dade]

I do think the 18-20 is the sweet spot - my previous 18 never had a single issue in 4 years, not 1. I dont trust anything made during or after pandemic/chip shortage as you never know what was not installed, and the new designs have too many tech failures...

The 18-20 is DEFINITELY the sweet spot.

 

[Seamus]

18-20 gets you the 10 speed in the Denali. BIG upgrade. The 6.2 is not only faster it gets better fuel mileage. Big win, great decision. Yes the L86 can be tuned. There are also guys out there where you can send in your computer and the will delete AFM. Its cheap. Pedal commander will get you the throttle you want. 2020 and the L86 is the last for this. Thats why 2021 and up with the lifter issue there is no pemanent fix. Just repair and wait for round two!! Which is why we bought a 2018 Escalade recently. I love the interior of the new 2021 but will never sign onto that lifter issue. When that can be tuned and deleted I'd consider. Good luck with the new ride!

 

[K2 Kaiju]

I finally got the compressor to fire today after standing on the back bumper with both my teenage kids, and it still took 5-10 seconds before turning on. My 13 Avy would fire every time I started the engine, so I guess thats not the standard with the K2s - probably better for longevity...

 

[Thrust]

Agreed. Mine will come on if I jack one side and then start the SUV, but it doesn't come on every start.