I have a 2016 5.3L with 8 speed and have to say it is very smooth. I recall maybe a clunk once or twice which seem to coincide with either stopping quickly or flooring it then letting off quickly which even my 05 Silverado with the 4 speed with clunk under those conditions. I came from a Ram 2500 Cummins daily driver to the 16 Sierra and I have to say it is one smooth vehicle!