Was The 5.3l Avaible For 3/4 Ton Pu In 2000 & 2001?

[h2ofwlr]

It seems the 6l engine is what I see, but not sure if the 5.3l was even an option for buyers in the 2500 chasis. I'd love to find 5.3 in a 2500 chasis, but ehaps it is not available?

[oldscsc]

Nope, standard 6.0 with optional Duramax or 8.1 (depending on year).

[h2ofwlr]

Thank you.

[L76PWRD]

Why would you want a 5.3l in 2500 for?

[h2ofwlr]

I have friends with the 6l--they do not like it one bit, and is more problematic than the 5.3. And it gets a lot poorer gas mileage, I asked around and it seems the 5.3l get a good 3 MPG better.

[2016 Sierra Owner]

I had an 01 2500HD with the 6L in it. Not one problem in 8 1/2 years or 76K miles. I bought the 2500 as it was rated at 300hp for that year. It was a real good truck.

[h2ofwlr]

So Matt, what kind of mileage did you get with the 6l? And which rear end ratio did you have? For me mileage is a very important part in the decision making process of getting a vehicle.

[oldscsc]

A 5.3 will get worse mileage in a 3/4 ton than the 6.0 would. It would be under a lot more load at all times than the 6.0 would, and would be screaming with a load in the bed or, God forbid, a heavy trailer in tow.

[h2ofwlr]

I just do not think 800lbs would make a 5.3l scream. The 1/2 t is a 1800lb toal payload rating and 3/4 ton a 2600lb rating. Currently I usually have around 1200lbs of payload with the 1/2 ton. Me, gas, and normal gear is 600lbs, and I usually have another 600lbs of tools, etc in the bed. Occasionally I have 1000lbs in the bed. My only concern is the rear suspension with that load-it is not heavy enough. What I need is an extra leaf spring.

 

I had a 92 S-10, the rear was a low rider--added a spring on each side and it rode level with 600lbs in its bed. Often I had small boat trailer, or small enclosed trailer, or work gear in the bed--made all the difference adding that leaf.

 

The funny thing is that my current 94 1/2T is not much beefier than that modified S-10 was. But the 94 has capt chairs and is Soooooooooo muich more comfortable to ride in.

[music]

A 5.3 will get worse mileage in a 3/4 ton than the 6.0 would. It would be under a lot more load at all times than the 6.0 would, and would be screaming with a load in the bed or, God forbid, a heavy trailer in tow.

 

I don't think that would be true. The 6.0HD only puts out ~10% more torque/power than the 5.3, and is less efficient. Even so, the 6.0 in the HD trucks is a different engine than the 6.0 in the 1500 and is more stout (heavy iron block, hardened parts) and built for "work" all day, every day (same for transmissions). The better question to ask is whether the OP really needs a 2500HD, if daily driving economy is a primary consideration.

 

Edit: OP replied as I was typing... looks like a pretty heavy load, but well within the ability of a 1500. Air bags, overload springs, or add-a-leaf sounds like the ticket.

[oldscsc]

Really? Hmm. I've ridden in a 2000 3/4 ton Sierra with the 6.0 (not sure if it has 3.73's or 4.10's) and it isn't any quicker than my 4.8 / 3.42 half ton. I could definitely be wrong, but there might be a method to GM's madness.

[2016 Sierra Owner]

I got 15-16 on the hwy and 11-12 city. I never towed anything with it. I also had the 4.10 rearend. I traded for an 09 1500 back in January and only get 14 city now with a 5.3 and 3.08 I believe.

[RaddHazzard]

I love the 6.0L engine. Work truck is a 99 2500 gasser and the thing has been abused since it came off the lot. No engine problems to speak of, and good power still at >125000 miles.

[[email protected]]

I have had no problems at all with my 6.0l, not even one! It's also pretty efficient, it gets 16 mpg with the tuner and about 14-15 without it. I've outrun every 5.3l I've raced and the 4.8l are SLOW. I love the 6.0l, it's the same engine as the 5.3l with a bigger bore. I don't know how you can justify problems with the 6.0l and not with the 5.3l since they're the same setup and same parts. The only thing I don't like about it are the 4.10s in the rear, I wish it had 3.73s for a little less rpms when cruising.

[FargoZ71]

I laugh at them saying a 5.3 wouldnt have the power to match a 3/4 ton.. Shit remember the 3500 cab / chassis that would get huge huge tool box beds and what not thrown on them? Or DUMP BOXES? The majority of those only had a 350 chevy, which if you compare the specs, is no contest.