4.8 vs. 5.3

[Gurrzt]

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

Agreed.

[Volucris]

I have a 4.8 with 3.73:1 gears in a GMT800 LS 4WD crew cab. It works fine. I pull a 2K trailer occasionally, 4WD occasionally, and haul toys and other stuff. It's a pretty good truck for the money. .

 

The 4.8 is good enough.

 

The 5.3 is better, and you can tell the difference, mostly because of the improved torque. In a truck, torque is what you want.

 

But the 4.8 was in the truck I wanted at a great price, so I went with that.

[Chris]

I got my 4.8 with 3.42's for a decent price. Now it has the 6.0 and I cant go back to a 4.8

[GuyGene]

I got my 4.8 with 3.42's for a decent price. Now it has the 6.0 and I cant go back to a 4.8

chaw, you put the 6.0 in the truck that had a 4.8?

[Chris]

chaw, you put the 6.0 in the truck that had a 4.8?

Yep

[GuyGene]

Now, chaw, that's the ticket my main man, that'll work!

[Chris]

With about 3 mpg less going to Utah than the 4.8.

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

[white1500]

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!

 

 

The claim about the 23 highway on a Tahoe is not something I'm knowledgeable about, but my dad's truck with the 4.8 is capable of roughly 25mpg highway. It has to be considered that he does have a very highway friend rear diff ratio (not sure which one but it doesn't accelerate worth crap).

 

And I have the 5.3 with a 3.73 rear end and I love it, it's the best combination for a normal truck that does a little of everything.

 

 

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

Sent from my SGH-I927 using Tapatalk 2

My dad's truck can barely get out of its own way, much less chirp the tires. lol

 

And when I drive both back to back it's a night and day difference. But since he does a lot of highway driving the mpg advantage benefits him more than it would me. And the relaxed highway experience is very calming, something that can't be said in mine.

 

But I just can't imagine having such a weak set up on a full size truck.

 

 

So for the OP, it all depends on what you plan to use the truck for and what you want out of it. If you want a truck that drives like a car, get a 4.8 and you'll be set. If you want a truck that can work, have fun, and/or accelerate properly with plenty of torque get the 5.3.

[Porter_]

ignoring other variables (trans, gear ratio, etc.), the comments about the 4.8 not being able to 'get out of its own way' are laughable. people get tunnel vision and see everything as black or white; anything a tier below you instantly becomes shit. have a 5.3? 4.8 is shit. have a 6.2? 6.0 and 5.3 are shit. i've owned a 4.8, driven a 5.3, and currently own a 5.7. they're all great motors in their own right and perfectly capable for half-ton duty. they're also slow in comparison to any generic off-the-shelf V6 sedan. which is why i find it funny when people talk as if the 4.8 is just terribly slow and the 5.3 somehow bumps you into oh-my-god-rocket-ship land.

 

OP: depending on your usage, the 4.8 is a decent motor. i wouldn't let it dissuade you from a purchase. drive them all and see for yourself.

[Gurrzt]

ignoring other variables (trans, gear ratio, etc.), the comments about the 4.8 not being able to 'get out of its own way' are laughable. people get tunnel vision and see everything as black or white; anything a tier below you instantly becomes shit. have a 5.3? 4.8 is shit. have a 6.2? 6.0 and 5.3 are shit. i've owned a 4.8, driven a 5.3, and currently own a 5.7. they're all great motors in their own right and perfectly capable for half-ton duty. they're also slow in comparison to any generic off-the-shelf V6 sedan. which is why i find it funny when people talk as if the 4.8 is just terribly slow and the 5.3 somehow bumps you into oh-my-god-rocket-ship land.

 

OP: depending on your usage, the 4.8 is a decent motor. i wouldn't let it dissuade you from a purchase. drive them all and see for yourself.

 

My comments relating to the 4.8L engine was based on my driving the vehicle for 7 1/2 years, 108k original miles.

 

The entire power train when properly maintained gives outstanding reliability.

 

My 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe with a 4.8L engine coupled to 3.42:1 rear axle gears, COULD NOT GET OUT OF ITS OWN WAY.

 

It was underpowered to obtain a decent on ramp speed to maneuver onto the freeway, if I had to pass a vehicle on the freeway, I literally had to "floor it" to kick it down a gear in order to pass, then I would barely make it.

 

It isn't a matter of "anything a tier below you instantly becomes shit" it is a matter of the vehicles performance.

[Porter_]

My 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe with a 4.8L engine coupled to 3.42:1 rear axle gears, COULD NOT GET OUT OF ITS OWN WAY.

 

It was underpowered to obtain a decent on ramp speed to maneuver onto the freeway, if I had to pass a vehicle on the freeway, I literally had to "floor it" to kick it down a gear in order to pass, then I would barely make it.

 

if the 4.8L couldn't obtain decent on-ramp speed and passing speed for you, a 5.3L wouldn't have either. we're talking fractions of a second. that's my point.

[Gurrzt]

if the 4.8L couldn't obtain decent on-ramp speed and passing speed for you, a 5.3L wouldn't have either. we're talking fractions of a second. that's my point.

 

Point well taken, my new Yukon Denali's 6.2L coupled to the 3.42:1 rear end gears, gives me all options when it comes to putting the rubber to the road.

[jrrod2004]

I agree with all of the above comments with respect. I have the 4.8 with 3.23s out back. It is a very respectable motor as it is part of the LS family. Is it underpowered under some applications? YES. Is it just right for most: YES. Is there a difference in mileage: YES ---> depending on whether you are in the city vs highway. Would I take the 4.8 again in a new truck? YES (but this is my opinion). It is in some respects stronger than the 5.3 or 6.0.

 

Did GM need to kill it off? Probably not but they did.

 

I will happily take a 4.8 and do this to it all day (I still like reading it from time to time):

 

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/hrdp_1109_stock_gm_ls_engine_big_bang_theory/

 

 

Is somebody going to disagree with me or shoot out some reservations? Probably. Its up you what you want to buy (if you have not already).