I didn't have any problems until I ABUSED it!

The original engine failed after I used the truck to move from California to Washington...four round trips, each time towing and having the GCVW over the GCVWR. Did I mention there are about 300 miles of mountain passes between California and Washington.

The second engine failed due to me overheating the exhaust on the dyno.

As well, I really drove it too hard all the time...I mean really hard.

If you drive like a person with a normal IQ you shouldn't have the same problems that I did.

Drewfusss: As far as the AFR's go I mever checked with a wideband O2. Through the stock computer it was always able to keep it within spec's enough to keep the SES off, and not excessively ping. The only scanner I had at the time was too slow on refresh rate to get a good real time measure of AFR's. The interesting side note on pinging is that on the original engine it would ping if you went over 7psi under 3000rpm. With the replacement engine that problem never arose. It was too bad that I killed it before seeing how it would run in the long term without so much boost. I really feel that the pinging issue on the original engine, which got excasserbated by towing heavy (5000Lb) caused its early demise.

FWIW the VQ40 in the new truck just turned 60K and I tow more weight and longer distances than I did with the VG33ER powered truck...no problems whatsoever and better towing fuel economy.

The only thing I liked about the VG33ER truck was the abount of torque avaialable instantly off idle...however I am sure again that really helped the longevity of the engine