4.8 vs. 5.3

[jamestaylor47]

I'm on the market for a new truck I've currently got an 07 ECRB with the 5.3 and honestly I really like the power to gas consumption but I really don't need the big v8 I've never even drove the 4.8 how's the power? Would it actually save that much or should I just stick with the 5.3? I found one on CL a 2008 with lots less miles 4.8 crew cab LT2 that I'm wanting to check out. But what do ya think? I'm averaging about 14.5 mpg in mine right now

 

 

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[Carder09]

Barely a difference, stay with the 5.3, or get the 6.2 and call it a day

[jamestaylor47]

How are the 6.0s?

 

 

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[Chris]

I love my 6.0.

 

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[jamestaylor47]

Haha -_- I'm already busting out $20 a day. I mean witch isn't too bad considering how much I drove. It's just I did have a ol' 03 Do*ge QC for a while and it had the 4.7L in it and by god it actually had a ton of power and still averaged 18 a gall. But of coarse it was 2wd

 

 

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[zach1990]

My 4.8 has been reliable and with all these miles it will still roast my tires from a stand still. But having drivin both the 4.8 and 5.3 I'm constantly thirsty for more. On paper its like a 10 hp difference but it feels night and day to me anyway

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[Gurrzt]

I had a 4.8 in my 2004 Chevy Tahoe, coupled to 3.42:1 rear-end gears, and my gas mileage was 23 highway, 20 in town.

 

A very reliable engine (no problems 108k), however I felt it was under powered, it could not get out of its own way.

 

I did not tow with this vehicle.

[jdelrizzle]

I'd much rather have a 4.8 with 3.73s than a 5.3 with 3.08s.

 

What all do you intend to use your truck for? If it's only going to be a daily driver with the occasional truck duties (like mine), I doubt you'll be able to tell the difference as far as power goes, but if your going to be towing/hauling, working the truck thats when you'll know you lack power if you go with the 4.8. I've had both in the nnbs, a 2011 and now a 2013, and before that a 2009 with the 4spd, and of course the year your looking at only offered the 4spd in both the 4.8 and 5.3. If you do get the 4.8 make sure it has a towing package, that way you get the auxiliary tranny cooler.

[ohenryx]

Three comments here:

To the Original Poster: There isn't that much difference, either in horsepower or gas mileage. Referring specifically to the 2008 model that you mentioned,

4.8L 295 HP 305 lb-ft
5.3L 315 HP 338 lb-ft

You will notice the torque more than the horsepower, and unless you’re keeping records (and driving a LOT), you probably won’t notice the difference in gas mileage. Let’s face it, anyone that worried about fuel economy has no business driving a full-size half ton pickup.

Secondly, to the gentleman who claimed “23 highway, 20 in town” with a 2004 Tahoe, I have to call BS on that claim. I don’t believe anyone in the history of the known universe has achieved those kinds of numbers with a Tahoe.

And last, in response to this: “I'd much rather have a 4.8 with 3.73s than a 5.3 with 3.08s.” I agree, 100%. But of course the best combination would be the 5.3L with the 3.73 gears!

[GMCDriver1]

GM should have discontinued the 4.3L V6 back in 99 and replaced it with the 4.8L it got better performance all around than the V6 did, including MPG.

[jdelrizzle]

Three comments here:

To the Original Poster: There isn't that much difference, either in horsepower or gas mileage. Referring specifically to the 2008 model that you mentioned,

4.8L 295 HP 305 lb-ft

5.3L 315 HP 338 lb-ft

You will notice the torque more than the horsepower, and unless you’re keeping records (and driving a LOT), you probably won’t notice the difference in gas mileage. Let’s face it, anyone that worried about fuel economy has no business driving a full-size half ton pickup.

Secondly, to the gentleman who claimed “23 highway, 20 in town” with a 2004 Tahoe, I have to call BS on that claim. I don’t believe anyone in the history of the known universe has achieved those kinds of numbers with a Tahoe.

And last, in response to this: “I'd much rather have a 4.8 with 3.73s than a 5.3 with 3.08s.” I agree, 100%. But of course the best combination would be the 5.3L with the 3.73 gears!

 

In 07/09 in the nnbs you could have a 5.3 4spd with 3.73s, so that might be an opt for the op, but that's not what he's asking about, I only suggested it.

[jamestaylor47]

Lol yeah I just do the basics. Maybe pulling a buddy out every now and then. Pulling trailers ect. Nothing heavy duty. And I believe everyone no matter what u drive is concerned about gas mileage or they wouldn't even make the 5.3 there'd be 6.0Ls everywhere!

[MikeNH]

Lol yeah I just do the basics. Maybe pulling a buddy out every now and then. Pulling trailers ect. Nothing heavy duty. And I believe everyone no matter what u drive is concerned about gas mileage or they wouldn't even make the 5.3 there'd be 6.0Ls everywhere!

 

 

I'm not concerned with fuel mileage. GM and every other automaker has to be because of stupid govt mandates. And if GM didn't see fit to charge nearly $3k to get a 6.2 I'd have one but that would've required me to spend more than I wanted to or sacrifice options. Neither was going to happen.

[Gurrzt]

Three comments here:

 

To the Original Poster: There isn't that much difference, either in horsepower or gas mileage. Referring specifically to the 2008 model that you mentioned,

 

4.8L 295 HP 305 lb-ft

5.3L 315 HP 338 lb-ft

You realize that these numbers are rated @ the crank, on an engine dyno, if you are talking about rear wheel horsepower, there is a 20% parasitic loss through the drive train.

[MikeNH]

You realize that these numbers are rated @ the crank, on an engine dyno, if you are talking about rear wheel horsepower, there is a 20% parasitic loss through the drive train.

 

Yes but everyone quotes engine HP/tq since WHP is not consistent by any means.