Need A Little Real World Advise

[rednblack]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a new GMC 1500 but I'm undecided between the 5.3 and the 6.2 engine. Those of you hat have the 5.3, have you ever regretted not going to the 6.2? The up front cost is not what I'm concerned about as much as the fuel usage over the life of the truck. I plan on the 3:42 rear end.

 

Any input is appreciated - Thanks!

[RyanbabZ71]

I could never go back to a 5.3.

 

People assume that since it is a larger engine fuel milage is going to be so much worse. Like I tell everyone I get the same MPG in my 2010 6.2 that I got in my 2000 5.3 and I am thrilled with this.

[ChevyTech77]

I have driven multiple 5.3l trucks and am happier everyday when I drive my '11 6.2l. I get 13-15 city and 15-18 highway so I don't feel that is too bad considering that I can't keep my foot out of it because everytime I stomp on it, I giggle like a little 6 year old.

[SparkySparks]

If I had it to do all over again I would rather have the 6.2L over the 5.3L I have now but I'm a fan of more power.

[BlackZ71Silverado]

When purchasing my 2010 5.3L, I was really considering going for the 6.2L. The thing that turned me off was the rising price of fuel. It's expensive enough running 87octane let alone filling up with premium for the 6.2. My dad has a 6.0 V-Max and it is far above and beyond my 5.3 (wish I would have gotten a new truck sooner so I could have that engine). If you really need the extra towing power, I would say get the larger engine, if not the 5.3 will serve you well. It comes down to what you NEED more. I opted for cheaper fuel prices, my 5.3 tows whatever I need it to without any problems. Only downfall is the stupid AFM, I had mine turned off the day I brought my truck home.

[Nick The Great]

MY 5.3 suits me just fine. But if I had the opportunity, I'd get the 6.2. My understanding is the mileage isn't much worse.

[old-chevy-dude]

I can ADVISE you that my ADVICE is that I cannot give ADVISE, as it is impossible to do so..

 

 

oh and get the 6.2L I wish it came in the Avalanche..

[MaverickZ71]

I have a 5.3L 6-spd Silverado crew cab with 3.42 gears, bought off the dealer's lot at year-end special pricing. Power is acceptable, but not anything more than that, due to the 5300+ lb curb weight. (And I will admit that do I like vehicles with more than enough power to 'get out of their own way') Most of my driving is in town and I average 12-14 mpg when driving in town. Hindsight is always 20-20, but now I kinda wish that I'd ordered a NHT (max trailer tow) Sierra with the 6.2L and 3.73 gears. I figure the big motor would get a couple mpg's less than the 5.3, but then I wouldn't be worried about AFM and the grins during acceleration would be worth it!

[ChevyTech77]

I have a 5.3L 6-spd Silverado crew cab with 3.42 gears, bought off the dealer's lot at year-end special pricing. Power is acceptable, but not anything more than that, due to the 5300+ lb curb weight. (And I will admit that do I like vehicles with more than enough power to 'get out of their own way') Most of my driving is in town and I average 12-14 mpg when driving in town. Hindsight is always 20-20, but now I kinda wish that I'd ordered a NHT (max trailer tow) Sierra with the 6.2L and 3.73 gears. I figure the big motor would get a couple mpg's less than the 5.3, but then I wouldn't be worried about AFM and the grins during acceleration would be worth it!

 

Considering that mileage is about what I get with my 6.2, I'd say you should have got the 6.2!

[441G]

i went from a 07 5.3 to a 2011 6.2 - everday mileage on the 07 was 17, with the 2011 its about 15.5. keep in mind that the 6.2 suggest 91 octane fuel which is about .20 more a gallon. all in all i like the 6.2 because i tow almost every weekend to the track - plus no afm to worry about.

[Wires]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a new GMC 1500 but I'm undecided between the 5.3 and the 6.2 engine. Those of you hat have the 5.3, have you ever regretted not going to the 6.2? The up front cost is not what I'm concerned about as much as the fuel usage over the life of the truck. I plan on the 3:42 rear end.

 

Any input is appreciated - Thanks!

 

 

Personally, I'd do the 6.2L. I have a 6.2/6speed/3.42 and before a 5.3/4speed/4.10. The 5.3 is an awesome engine, strong, great on fuel, quiet, but the 6.2L with a tune will pin you to the seat when you hammer the petal at 50MPH!

 

As for fuel, doing 70MPH, I get 18.5MPG with the 6.2L, and I got 16.5MPG with the 5.3 with the 4.10 gears. The 6.0L is a different beast. That thing was a pig on fuel.

 

So my new giant brick gets better mileage than my old giant brick, with a ton more power.

[GPSilverado]

I didn't think I really needed the 6.2, and truthfully I don't NEED a larger engine. I went with a 5.3, simply because no one had any 6.2 engines when I was looking. I found out that I WANTED a bigger engine once I started really using my truck. I tow 6500 - 7500 fairly regularly, and I wasn't entirely satisfied with the 5.3. I ended up changing rear gears to a 4.10 and now I am a little more satisfied, but with me getting 18mpg at best now on the highway, I feel like I could have went with a 6.2 and not sacrificed much on fuel cost.

My next truck will be a 6.2 if possible.

[Rymanh24]

I got the 5.3 and for me its more then enough. I use mine for a daily driver and weekend hauler though. I have not towed with it yet but my future brother in law tows with his every weekend. He has a 7000 lb travel trailer and he takes it in the hills of Pennsylvania and says that his 5.3 is more then enough.

 

I guess if you tow a lot and have a heavy trailer get the 6.2, but if your just getting it as a daily driver the 5.3. I never quite understood getting a bigger engine in a truck just for shits and giggles. I guess if you have the money to blow, blow it.

 

I try to be more reasonable in my purchases.

[RyanbabZ71]

I never quite understood getting a bigger engine in a truck just for shits and giggles

 

You must have not driven the 6.2 then. I giggle and smile every time I hit the gas pedal.

[Matt_]

I never quite understood getting a bigger engine in a truck just for shits and giggles

 

You must have not driven the 6.2 then. I giggle and shit every time I hit the gas pedal.

 

 

 

 

I've owned both. If/when i get another GM truck, the only reason i'd get the 5.3L again would be due to lack of availability of the 6.2L.

 

There really isn't that big of a difference in price difference unless you're looking at a much lesser optioned 5.3L. Usually the 6.2L trucks have a few more bells & whistles which make it seem like the 6.2L is some huge expense.