4.8l or 5.3l?

[bowtie454]

im looking to get a 03-07 2wd single cab short bed silverado and was curious what might you guys think is a more suitable motor for my conditions, the only really towing i do is carrying a 4x4 atv, and a little 16' skiff. i was just curious to everyone's opinion.

[Chris]

4.8 will do fine. everyone will say get the 5.3 but if thats what you find get it. either one. performance isnt that big of a difference. just get a 3.42 or 3.73 axle. i have towed a 10,000 pound trailer with my 4.8. regularly haul an 18 ft horse trailer with 6 pigs or 2 steers. and i have the 4.8 and a 3.42 gear

[bowtie454]

yea everyone is saying go big or go home i mean im kinda looking for gas mileage cause i do about 95% city miles

[Chris]

then do the 4.8 3.42 nice average. but the 2 engines are so close the mpg difference is by 2 mpg's

[bowtie454]

every mile counts it all adds up in the long run.

[Chris]

as long as youre not in california getting crappy gas you should see about 15-18 average

[nickvrebel]

I've had both.

the 4.8L will do what you describe with no problems I personally used to haul my Rancher 420 300 miles per weekend in my 2003 truck and I've hauled a friend's 16' skiff (he had not truck, but he had the boat!) many times to the landing, it did those jobs no sweat. Larger loads it can do, but you have to take your time and know your limitations.

 

but........

if fuel economy is your biggest factor, then you need to look again, the 4.8L in the real world gets no better economy than the 5.3L. do not let the motor (as long as it's a V8) be your biggest factor in your situation. There is way too many other factors (options, condition, mileage, etc.) when looking at used trucks that should have more precedence.

[bowtie454]

i mean ive heard the 4.8l gets 1-2mpg better and considering i dont need the 5.3l due to the fact i dont tow much weight i thought the 4.8l would be a better choice but correct me if im wrong.

[latreille89]

4.8 will do fine, heck I have a 4.3 and tow my atvs around, boats, anything I want to. The torque is there, a 4.8 will tow 6000-8000lb without an issue. Plus, no afm on the 4.8. Goodluck

[Chris]

he wants a gmt-800 so no afm either way

[latreille89]

he wants a gmt-800 so no afm either way

 

 

True.

[Jonjon]

You will get better mileage with a 5.3 IF it has the 6 speed transmission. I don't know about the 02-07, but newer come with a 4 speed transmission.

[crankman]

5.3 with the 3.73 IMO is the way to go, the son has one pulls and hauls well.

[Jonjon]

Newer 4.8 that is.

[Chris]

well either way he seems to be looking for a gmt-800 which they are all 4 speeds and wants the mileage. a 4.8 will do what he wants and the power between the 2 is close. gearing is what can kill mileage. a 3.73 or a 4.10 will suck the gas