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Chevy Duramax Diesel

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Haas

04-18-2002 13:09:53

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I'm about to trade in my 99 Chevy 2500 with 6 liter gas engine for a new 2500 HD with the diesel. Anybody got experience (good or bad) with the new diesel? The gooseneck trailer with two tractors on it is just a little much for the 6.0 gas. No chevy bashing please!

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Glenn(WV)

04-21-2002 13:44:43

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

Haas, I know of two instances in which the Duramax blew the head gaskets and the "repair" was a new engine ... in both instances there was less than 5000 miles on each engine. I know I wouldn't like that if I had coughed up $42,000 for one! Both were early production models, so GM may have it fixed now. I know some diesel guys won't buy the Duramax because they feel the engine's aluminum cylinder heads won't last as long as cast-iron heads. The engine is made by Isuzu, from what I have been told.

On the other hand, I have not heard anything bad about the Allison automatics; to the contrary, I have heard many good things about them.

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Hugh MacKay

04-20-2002 14:05:11

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

I put 400,000 miles on a 6.2 Chevy. If they still made it I would buy another. I personally want a diesel pickup that I can put .5 to 1 ton on and get 30 mpg. If I wanted to do what most of you guys are talking about, I would get a light Navistar, Freightliner, etc. It wont cost anymore to buy, will give same milage, a lot less maintenance and you can put a set of air brakes on it so you can stop as well as go. You could put a 53 ft. trailer behind and haul four Farmall 450s.

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Ron

04-19-2002 19:38:02

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

I have a friend that bought a big block and traded it for a Duramax. Then have another friend that bought a Duramax and trade it for a big block, both had good reasons. The first said the big block wouldn't get but 13 mpg at it's best. The second had his Duramax come up with an interal fuel leak and dump fuel in crank case. GM had to put in a complete engine. I run two Cummins and love them, one has 115,000 miles on it and has been avageing 20 mpg.. I'm more a Chevy man but like the Cummins in the Dodge. Cummins not a racer but a puller on a trailer.

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Mark A

04-19-2002 07:56:47

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

What does this have to do with IH tractors???

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Richard C

04-19-2002 08:28:00

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Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Mark A, 04-19-2002 07:56:47

He hauls tractors with it man.

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Mark A

04-19-2002 09:14:02

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Re: Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Richard C, 04-19-2002 08:28:00

I always try to drive mine, but then again they always have a round bailer, rake, offset disc or something attached to them.

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Matt klein

04-19-2002 07:01:38

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

Haas,I have a neighbor who has a duramax with
the allison transmission,he really likes it
and has not had any trouble so far.I don't
know of anyone personally who has the
8100-big block,but it's spec. are impressive
340-hp./455-pounds torque
duramax diesel-300-hp./520-pounds torque
PS.My opinion could be bias though,I'm a
big fan of the chevy. Matt

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Todd Poor

04-19-2002 05:13:05

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

When looking at the engines. Look at the way they are made. I beleive that the new duramax has the alumin to cast combo again. Look at all the other desiels you will not see this combo. just my two-cents.

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Haas Thanks for all the comments!

04-19-2002 04:55:33

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

Thanks for all the comments. Still not decided what to do. I realize that it takes at least 100,000 miles to justify the diesel as compared to the 8.1 gas. But, I've heard the new 8.1 is having oil burning problems. I've always thought until the Duramax came along that Ford had the best diesel, but I don't like the solid front axle on the 4WD. Most of my running is on the highway. If I was on a construction site, it would be a Ford, no question. I've also heard the same thing about the Ford V10. It won't keep up with the diesel. Knew a guy who made them take a V10 back because it would not haul his cattle trailer over the mountains here in East Tenn. My 6 liter Chevy will haul my stuff, but you end up in third gear at 4000 rpm on any significant grade. Again, Thanks!

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BEH

04-19-2002 13:03:47

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Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas Thanks for all the comments!, 04-19-2002 04:55:33

Ford is also having trouble with front part of the V10 crank snapping off. A friend of mine who owns only Fords traded in his V10 and got the 5.4. He says the 5.4 has more power.

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Red Rider

04-18-2002 21:48:50

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

I have to agree with most of the posts that the diesel option is not worth the money. I have a 1984 GMC flat bed 4X4, 4.10 gears, four speed with a Ranger spliter and a 454 engine. I've had this truck since new and it primary use is towing a 24' goose neck trailer hauling two tractors most of the time. Total gross combined weight is usually 26 to 27,000. I change the oil every 2000 miles and never tach it over 3500 rpm. This truck is 18 years old, dosen't use any oil and has never had the heads off. I have no problem cruising along at freeway speed.

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heavy hauler

04-18-2002 19:26:22

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

i have been looking into the duramax also but have come to the conclusion that it will not pay for it self. i have a 99 crewcab chev with the vortec 454. i have put the hyperchip 75 in an the put freeflow aircleaner an run straitpipes. i am getting around 10 weighing 25000 goin down the road at any speed i want. an with out the trailer i get around 14. if you dont intend to wear it out, then the deisels will not pay for them selves. with all the extras i have done to my vortec i can keep up with no problem the deisels, an it didnt cost me an extra 5000
just my 2 cents worth

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Bill Ramsey

04-18-2002 19:09:15

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

Drove chevies for years can't knock them ,but this new engine is becoming a nightmare in central Texas., a good friend I run with bought the max almost 44,000 pulling a 16 ft stock trailer gets 10 mpg. Since my last chevie I have owned 2 dodge cummins I now drive 01 with 6 speed get 20 empty and pulling 30ft grossing over 30,00 I get 12-13. If I bought another chevie it would be 6.0 or the bigger 8.0 From a guy that hauls a bunch good luck what ever you decide
Bill

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Dan Erni

04-18-2002 18:18:27

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

Well, I'm like a few others in the fact that I don't own a Duramax and never have. But, I am driving a Ford V10 and have previously owned a Powerstroke. After having pulled different sized trailers with both, I can honestly say that the V10 is no substitute for the diesel. As with most gas engines, they make their power in the mid to upper RPM ranges. With a diesel, you have the "grunt" you need at lower RPMs. My comment the other day was that the V10 had plenty of passing power, but by the time you got it wound up it was screaming along and not really useful power. Sure, it will smoke the tires, but it would sure be nice to be able to lug on something at a comfortable and less chaotic 2,000 RPMs with a diesel. I'm far from rich and don't pull nearly as heavy loads as many people, but I can assure you my next personal truck will be a diesel of some sort. Considering how my 2000 Ford F250 is holding up compared to my co-employee's 2002 Chevy 2500 and 1999 Dodge 3/4 ton, I won't buy anything but a Ford. My two cents, for what it's worth.

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Salvage Man

04-18-2002 22:14:10

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Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Dan Erni, 04-18-2002 18:18:27

Ford is having a lot of trouble with the newer power strokes. go to Link and look at all the post's about the problems. Idle knock, crackle, poor mileage, brake problems, steering problems, clutch problems. If I were to go buy a diesel I would get a Dodge because of the Cummins. Last week I went and got a 656 with a 99 Dodge with a 24 valve Cummins and I don't know why any one would ever want any thing else.

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Serviceman

04-18-2002 18:16:29

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

I bought one in december and I pull 11,000 pounds with it and so far its not been back for anything.A 450 with weights on it and a 20 foot flatbed is a pretty good load.On the interstate I have to be carefull or I speed.You will really be impressed with its towing power when the tow haul switch is on.

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Mike (WA)

04-18-2002 17:24:32

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

My wife puts a lot of miles on our '95 Powerstroke pulling multiple horses up into the mountains- and it works fine. She drove a new Duramax the other day, and said its much smoother, quieter, more powerful, better transmission, etc. Its an Isuzu engine, and they're already a proven unit, as far as I'm concerned. Since we always buy used (if it ain't got 100K you don't know if its any good yet), she's already seeing a Chevy in her future when the Powerstroke gives up the ghost.

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William

04-18-2002 17:22:53

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

Hey, I think the duramax is most likley a good engine, but unless you do a lot of pulling like more than just once a week i dont think you can justify buying a diesel. The duramax option is about $5000 more than the 8.1 liter. You do the math, but you would have to drive over a hundred thousand miles to break even. With the diesel you get the headaches of a high maintainence diesel. you have glow plugs, and injectors that will constantly give problems as it ges older. I just think you would be happier with the gas burner. It offers a few more horsepower, and not much less torque, with much less headache. The 8.1 is just a BEAST Just my thoughts, william

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KURT

04-18-2002 17:37:38

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Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to William, 04-18-2002 17:22:53

What is the gas milage of the 8 liter, probably real bad. Maybe 12MPG. THat is a lot of money every week being gulped down the intake. a guy I work with has the 454 chevy and he can barely afford to drive it when gas is above $1.60 a gallon.

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Honkey

04-18-2002 19:01:55

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Re: Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to KURT, 04-18-2002 17:37:38

$5000 will buy alot of gas. The last time I looked diesel fuel isn't exactly cheap, not to mention the fact that a diesel engine will take more oil every time you service it. The diesel option is way over-rated, IMHO.

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Paul Shuler

04-18-2002 17:22:11

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

I have a good friend who is a dealer and buys and sells mostly 3/4 ton or bigger trucks.He likes the new Chevy but said he has seen a few come through the KC auto aution that have had cracks in the heads. Father in law drives a one ton Chevy gas 4x4 with the 454 and gets around 7 mpg empty or loaded. He has already ordered his Duramax. Hope this helps some.

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Paul Shuler

04-18-2002 17:22:04

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

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Poppin' Johnny

04-18-2002 15:48:02

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

Chevy? Quieter? Who'd ever want to buy a quiet diesel?

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BTD

04-19-2002 12:30:51

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Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Poppin' Johnny, 04-18-2002 15:48:02

You think like I do! I've got a 2001 Ram 2500 with the mighty Cummins and am thinking of helping the muffler fall off. Better EGT's that way to!

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Ron

04-20-2002 05:48:25

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Re: Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to BTD, 04-19-2002 12:30:51

What will taking the muffler off help? If you have 5 straight through muffler you don't have any back pressure but it will be quite. So why sound like a tin can exhaust. Why is it the guys with straight pipes don't run the exhaust through the cab where they can hear it and leave the plubic alone. Tractor puller with straight pipes will have the curved pipe turned it to the people and not the drive seat. GET THE POINT THEY REALLY DON'T LIKE THE NOISE THEY JUST LIKE TO ---- WITH PEOPLE HEARING.

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John A.

04-18-2002 15:17:28

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

Hass, See a lot around here in central Texas!
But most are town trucks, not worked hard, from their looks.
The Allison is a proven tranny, been around for years in different applications.
The Duramax , MY opinion, to new, hasn't been in the market long enough. Why be a guinea pig?
I know of a local construction co. that runs 50 to 75 pickups 95% are Ford Powerstrokes. They have run Dodges and a few Chevys, to date there are no HD chevys in their fleet.
In time I think it will prove to be a good rig
but not just now. My $.02 .
Good Luck with your Decision!
John A.

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JD Humm

04-18-2002 14:45:34

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

I was looking at those myself. What I did not like was the Chevy was a LOT higher than the Ford/Powerstroke, $42000 compared to $36000 for comparably equipped trucks. (List of course). I don't really know how the two would compare otherwise though.

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John in Maryland

04-18-2002 13:52:53

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Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Haas, 04-18-2002 13:09:53

I know you asked for experience w/them, and I ain't owned one, so I guess I really don't answer your question, but anyhow...those duramax's are alot quieter than the powerstrokes and the cummins, that's pretty nice. I have heard rumors about them having heads developing cracks, but don't know if that is true or not, just heard that, but haven't seen it documented. Have you considered the 8 or 8.1 litre (whatever it is) gas w/the Allison tranny? A good friend of mine has one w/the 6 litre and he says it's a good truck, but a little under powered from what he thought it would be, as he tows alot of stuff as well. He has been looking at trading up to the 8 litre, but is unsure of how much the fuel economy is going to suffer and if it's worth it.

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Haas

04-18-2002 17:26:29

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Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to John in Maryland, 04-18-2002 13:52:53

I was actually looking for the 8.1 liter and found them few and far between. Found more of the diesels. However, the dealer I am working with is claiming that they are having trouble with the 8.1 liter being and oil user. Even has one customer wanting to turn his back in. I've heard the rumors about the head cracks on the diesel too. Mine will work hard only about 10-15 percent of the time, but when it is working, it will be hauling 6 tons or more.

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Jman

04-18-2002 14:49:22

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Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to John in Maryland, 04-18-2002 13:52:53

A little more info. on the 8.1L gas, A friend has a 2001 one ton 4 door 4x4 4.11 gears with the allison. He claims 12mpg empty and only 1 to 1 1/2 less loaded. He pulls a 35 ft 5th wheel camper(not sure or the weight)I thought that is pretty food for a gasser.

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John in Maryland

04-18-2002 15:14:46

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Re: Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Jman, 04-18-2002 14:49:22

That ain't bad at all. My '95 F150 w/a 300 straight six don't get much more than that. That's really good.

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Greaseman

04-18-2002 15:46:11

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to John in Maryland, 04-18-2002 15:14:46

I like them, I looked at one at the New York farm show. I put a bottle of "pepsi" on the air claener canister, barely even showed movement at idle.

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BEH

04-18-2002 18:42:12

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Greaseman, 04-18-2002 15:46:11

If you aren't going to be hauling heavy and long there is no point in buying a diesel. That is my opinion. The International in the Fords, the Cummins in the Dodges and the Izuzu/Chevy Duramax in the Chevy/GMC's are all expensive options and a lot of gas can be bought for the upcharge to diesel. The Chevys are getting very good gas mileage with lots of power. The best of both worlds. An interesting side note: a late 60's early 70's Cadillac 500 cid gas engine in stock form has more horsepower and torque than the Cummins or the International Powerstroke.( I read this about four years ago. I don't know if the diesels have upped their power ratings since) If I remember correctly it produced 535 ft. lbs. of torque @ 2200 rpms. :)

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Farmall Gray

04-20-2002 11:34:59

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to BEH, 04-18-2002 18:42:12

In the 60s and early 70s they were rated by Gross
horsepower and torque, and now they are rated by Net horsepower and torque. I know when they changed the rating system, a 440 chrysler went from 375 gross down to about 300 net.

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Ron in Az

04-18-2002 21:44:51

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to BEH, 04-18-2002 18:42:12

have had chevy diesels and always had problems. althe way to the 6.5's I knew the duramax was comming but after years of chevy problems I jumped ship and went to Ford I have powerstroke f250 super duty 4x4 and the tract has been outstanding. Pulled H from NW PA to AZ no problems no power issues ran 70-75 all the way got average of 12 MPG. Friends got durmax and have went through a couple heads so I was a good motor till chevy got a hold of it, good trany wonder how it is going to stand up. For the price you have to pay for these trucks I will keep mine till the wheel keep falling off and can't be put back on. just my opinion. Don't be a beta tester for a chevy experiment. They haven't done well in the past, ie the 5.7L diesel. Red power stroke ( motor by international ) long live Red Power

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Haas

04-19-2002 04:58:54

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chevy Duramax Diesel in reply to Ron in Az, 04-18-2002 21:44:51

Would not even consider the Duramax if it were not for the 100,000 mile warranty! I had one of the Olds 5.7 diesels. It lasted 26,000 miles, but that was 25 years ago.

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