Really tough decision on new truck purchase

ktreece · November 20, 2013

the 5.3 is not underpowered even when compared to the 6.2, I think thats the wrong terminology. The 6.2 has more power and will be quicker and more torquie. But your still talking about an engine in a half ton application so regardless its a 1/2 ton truck and its capabilites as an actual truck are more hinged on its frame and size then engine. Now granted a certain engine package may not be for you and one package might offer more for what you need, but I dont think the 5.3 is underpowered, now I do think the case could be made for the 4.3 being underpowered in the half ton application. which would be like putting a 5.3 in a 3/4 ton, which sad to say but I think youll see it one day. Dont get me wrong the 6.2l is a great engine, but when you look at holistically in a half ton application are you really getting a night and day difference in performance of the truck, I would say probably not.

It all depends on what you want, some guys like a truck and might never put anything more than groceries in the back thats fine. For me its the truck is a tool and I use it for its designed purpose, if I didnt me personally I could find better ways to spend 40-50k on a vehicle. If I wanted a monster truck that could have all the power in the world it wouldnt be a 1/2ton with a gas engine regardless of what the engine was.

You're really right. It depends on what you want. I can say though that driving a 5.3 was a mehh feeling. Nothing that made me go "Wow" but when I drove that 6.2 denali the other day at my dealer it was a "Wow, this thing has some balls". There's quite a difference, but if you want gas savings go the 5.3 route. If you want power, go the 6.2. You know this. It really all boils down to the patience on waiting. If you feel like waiting, wait. If you want one now, go grab a 5.3.

For my travel car, I once thought I wanted a Lexus IS250 for mileage savings, price, etc. then, a few months later I was kicking myself because I just wanted the power feel of the 350 available to me. I finally traded it in for a 350.

TJay74 · November 20, 2013

I hate to still say it though, the 5.3 is still behind the time power wise. My buddies new Ram 1500 with the 5.7 and 395hp is really quick for a truck even being 4x4. He even got 20mpg at 70mph on a recent trip as well.

I will still lean towards the 6.2 in the end. As I said earlier I will never tow anything that needs it other than a couple bicycles and gear enroute to a race, but the grin you get from having the extra power under hood sure will be nice.

Until then the Vette is staying with us, heck I may not even do anything at all if I can convince the wife we should just keep both vehicles.

crushNchowda · November 20, 2013

Dude- you will soooooo regret getting rid of the Vette for a damn truck! I don't care if the truck has a jet engine!!

ktreece · November 21, 2013

I hate to still say it though, the 5.3 is still behind the time power wise. My buddies new Ram 1500 with the 5.7 and 395hp is really quick for a truck even being 4x4. He even got 20mpg at 70mph on a recent trip as well.

I will still lean towards the 6.2 in the end. As I said earlier I will never tow anything that needs it other than a couple bicycles and gear enroute to a race, but the grin you get from having the extra power under hood sure will be nice.

Until then the Vette is staying with us, heck I may not even do anything at all if I can convince the wife we should just keep both vehicles.

Two bikes, might need the 6.2 for a smoother pull. Those 29ers are getting heavy

TJay74 · November 21, 2013

Really don't have a choice on the Vette, once the kid comes along what good is it to have a car sit in the garage you can never drive and enjoy? Cat fit the wife, me and a child in a vette, so that basically takes away the chance of being able to go anywhere with the wife. So then I just have a car sitting in the garage that I am making payments on and paying insurance on and changing oil on that doesn't move. That is what sucks and is no fun.

The only reason I am looking at new truck is the wife agreed that if we are to sell the Vette that if I sell/trade the current truck and get a new truck the current truck payment will be a wash and we will save about $500+ each months between the payment and insurance and maintenance.

29'er are yesterday, we both ride the new Giant carbon fiber 27.5 bikes now...lol. But really I just want the 6.2 for the power, but I keep going back and forth. Saw a post tonight on a long trip a denali owner only got 19.5mpg at 70mpg on a 180 mile trip. That really makes me want the 5.3 since we will be doing some traveling this year for some of the mountain bike races.

Garrett Street · November 21, 2013

That poster only had 500 miles on his truck, Even if mileage only goes up 1mpg after break in it's still more fuel efficient than the HEMI/IForce and maybe the Ecoboost with ALOT more power. I'm beginning to think the 6.2 will be more fuel efficient than we think in the real world. If you've got the means to do it, I'd get a 6.2. When you decide to sell it, it'll be worth more too which will make what small amount of fuel savings you had before less significant. Just my two wheat pennies, though.

seamonster · November 21, 2013

Do a google search for a 2014 silverado owners manual.

It lists the fuel requirements.

nards444 · November 21, 2013

That poster only had 500 miles on his truck, Even if mileage only goes up 1mpg after break in it's still more fuel efficient than the HEMI/IForce and maybe the Ecoboost with ALOT more power. I'm beginning to think the 6.2 will be more fuel efficient than we think in the real world. If you've got the means to do it, I'd get a 6.2. When you decide to sell it, it'll be worth more too which will make what small amount of fuel savings you had before less significant. Just my two wheat pennies, though.

The ram is terrible on MPG, I have known quite a few guys ditching them because of the the MPG. On the 6.2 I dont see a huge climb in MPG like you think, will some guys beat the advertised MPG, sure, but in general your talking right at advertised or below. But really in the 6.2 vs the 5.3 your talking 2mpg on less, not a huge deal if you start running the math. But you should or have to run premium and at 30-40 cents a gallon.

I just dont see the 6.2 thats in my camaro where I avg 17 able to do much better than 13-15mpg in a truck that weighs twice the amount almost and is the shape of a brick. Be nice to see if they can make it happen as historically these bigger displacement engines in trucks have always been gas hogs.

I was impressed with my ecoboost, I got 12.4 one way and 13mpg towing a boat 1200miles round trip in 100 degree weather, boat and trailer weighed 9500lbs. I was impressed, cruise was set at 68mph doing it. Do that with the 5.3 and 6.2 your probably below 10mpg. But well see what these new engines can do and not do.

But its impressive as well to see a modern day big block(well not quite a big block in traditional terms) get the MPG it is getting 14/20. Although hook 3.73s to it and I still think your looking 12-13 city and 16-17HWY

TJay74 · November 22, 2013

The stars must be in alignment today. Showed up at dealer to get my trades appraised (even though really crappy weather) and they had a 2wd SLT Texas edition with the 6.2l that got dropped off last night. Took it for a test drive and that was all it took. I was hooked, that truck flat out moves and gets after it.

Found a 2014 Sierra Crew Cab All Terrain with the AT plus package, nav, 6.2l motor in Iridium Metallic at another dealer. Dealer agreed to trade the truck I test drove. Right now waiting on the new truck to hit the dealer and the trade to happen.

Hopefully by Thanksgiving I will be in the new truck, already got new tires lined up and to get the front windows tinted. Then to see if I can get my tonneau cover to transfer over and I will be set for now.

crushNchowda · November 22, 2013

That poster only had 500 miles on his truck, Even if mileage only goes up 1mpg after break in it's still more fuel efficient than the HEMI/IForce and maybe the Ecoboost with ALOT more power. I'm beginning to think the 6.2 will be more fuel efficient than we think in the real world. If you've got the means to do it, I'd get a 6.2. When you decide to sell it, it'll be worth more too which will make what small amount of fuel savings you had before less significant. Just my two wheat pennies, though.

"The means to do it"? It's freakin 2 grand on a $50,000 vehicle! I probably would have gotten one if they were out when I bought but I'm more interested in getting another muscle car vs a "fast" truck. It won't be worth more I don't think in the general public/trade though- V8 is V8 I would think but I may be wrong.

Willc11 · November 23, 2013

Tjay,

Hold out or order the 6.2. I have never heard a truck owner say I have too much power. Especially if you are HP junkie as you say. Congrats on expecting your 1st child.

Will

TJay74 · November 28, 2013

Well so far no new truck, told possibly Monday.

Seems the dealer that my dealer is trading with has not got the truck. Sucks as it is in the city at the railyard, just waiting on the transport company to get the truck delivered so the dealers can trade and then I can finish the deal.

Told the dealer I am buying from if I lose the $3500 in rebates by not taking possession by end of day 12/2 the deal will be off. They swear they will make it work, just have to play the waiting game now.

Blue2500CC · November 28, 2013

the 5.3 is not underpowered even when compared to the 6.2, I think thats the wrong terminology. The 6.2 has more power and will be quicker and more torquie. But your still talking about an engine in a half ton application so regardless its a 1/2 ton truck and its capabilites as an actual truck are more hinged on its frame and size then engine. Now granted a certain engine package may not be for you and one package might offer more for what you need, but I dont think the 5.3 is underpowered, now I do think the case could be made for the 4.3 being underpowered in the half ton application. which would be like putting a 5.3 in a 3/4 ton, which sad to say but I think youll see it one day. Dont get me wrong the 6.2l is a great engine, but when you look at holistically in a half ton application are you really getting a night and day difference in performance of the truck, I would say probably not.

Our '10-1500 CCSB 4x4 5.3/6spd/3.42 did pretty darn well pulling our ~7500lb travel trailer. I really never felt I "needed" more power traveling to Northern Mi. Maybe I am crazy for thinking this, but I think if the 5.3 was put in the 2500 (call it a non "HD" maybe) with the 6spd hooked to a 4.10 it would do just fine. This would give a very nice payload rating for the bed items and trailers with heavy tongue weights though. Though I am happy with the 6.0 so far!!!

Well so far no new truck, told possibly Monday.

Seems the dealer that my dealer is trading with has not got the truck. Sucks as it is in the city at the railyard, just waiting on the transport company to get the truck delivered so the dealers can trade and then I can finish the deal.

Told the dealer I am buying from if I lose the $3500 in rebates by not taking possession by end of day 12/2 the deal will be off. They swear they will make it work, just have to play the waiting game now.

Hope all goes well!!!! Post some pics when you get the beast!!!!

Chris

BringTheRain403 · November 28, 2013

They can "deliver" the truck before they actually receive it.

Sent from my SCH-I535

CorvetteOJ · November 28, 2013

They can "deliver" the truck before they actually receive it.

Sent from my SCH-I535

Yes they can! I did my deal, paperwork and all, including going to Vehicle Registration and getting my paper tag, and to my insurance office. I had my Denali bought, registered and insured one week before the truck arrived at the dealer. That may seem scary to some folks, but I usually live on the edge with car deals...it someitmes helps with the lack of patience thing, which I know some of you can relate to.