2003-2007 silverado

steveo2155 · March 13, 2014

I may look for a extended cab Silverado older body style 2003-2007 extended cab or crew cab half ton Silverado 4x4. I don't want to spend a ton of money on the truck so when I buy it I have some extra money to put some aggressive tires on, possibly aftermarket rims, bed rails, etc etc. Anyways, I know that some of these trucks have the 4.8 liter vortec in them and others the 5.3 vortec. Also, some have the 4 wheel drive shifter on the floor and others as the push button with auto. I was just wondering what the pros and cons of the 4.8 liter are? Are these considered just as reliable as the 5.3 and is there really that much different in gas mileage, power, etc. And as far as the 4wd differences with the electric push button vs the manual floor shifter, what are the pros and cons of these? Just wondering so I know what to look for because sometimes I see a truck I really like that has the 4.8 and want to make sure this would still be a good truck. Thanks

mike94silverado · March 13, 2014

the 4.8 isn't a bad motor and can be had cheaper. same with the lower trims that have the floor shift 4x4.... guess it's all about how many options you want....

kstruckcountry · March 13, 2014

4.8 and 5.3 are basically the same motor. You won't see much of a difference in fuel mileage between the two. Yeah the 4.8 has less power but it is by no means a bad motor.

As far as the 4x4, the push button has an automatic mode, downside of the push button is that the motor on the transfer case can go bad. The floor shift doesn't have an auto mode.

Chris · March 13, 2014

The 5.3 doesn't have much more power than the 4.8. They are the same motor. Thw only difference is the 4.8 has flat top pistons and the 5.3 has a longer stroke. Same heads, block, accessories. I had a 4.8 and it was a great engine. I.wanted to upgrade because I get bored easy so when I blew a head gasket, I took that as my opportunity

KMGZ400 · March 13, 2014

Don't get a 4.8.. Get a 5.3. I had a 4.8 and 5.3 gmt800. I hated the 4.8

woodm · March 15, 2014

This is very much a matter of personal preference and choosing one or the other should be based on one's needs truckwise.

If you are often going to be hauling heavier loads or pulling larger trailers you probably would not be content with the 4.8. I have owned both and have found them to be quite reliable and reasonably economical. The 5.3 has the additional power that can sometimes make a difference in hauling capabilities and maintaining cruising speeds.

My most recent purchase is a 2000 GMC 4x4 1500 extended cab short box with the 4.8 coupled to a 5 speed manual transmission and floor-mounted transfer case controls and very few options. I searched a long time to find a truck with this configuration but I am very satisfied with same to date...so much so that I plan to do a complete rebuild as finances permit.

karlde · March 16, 2014

First truck I bought, well not the first but first in a long time was a 2000 regular cab with a 4.8 and a 5 speed manual. I liked it very much and traded it in 2003 for the same thing but with options I wanted. I had to order both to get the 5 speed manual and would probably have that 2003 truck today if a cab hadn't t-boned me at an intersection. I picked a 2006 off the lot and then traded it for a 2012 with the 5.3 extended cab to allow my grandaughter to put her seat in back. I have had good luck with both the 4.8 and 5.3 and no problems.