What engine do you guys think?

[Stoddard]

I'm leaning towards the 6.2. Like a lot have said they kinda regret not getting it and expesially as the 6.2's are getting better on mpg. The max tow option at $980 including the $230 integrated brake controller is a good price to pay in my eyes for the extra 1000lb capacity, bigger axle and springs plus I would probably use helper bags anyways but I think is worth it as the rear springs are so wimpy on half tons. No the 6.2 isn't for everyone and let's face it 60% of most new half tons never see much of a trailer anymore.

 

The e85 intrigues me still as up here its available and e85 is much less than 91. I'm curious if a conversion could be done down the road as I'm sure someone has the fuel requirements figured out because of the vettes. Its just a hassle converting a daily driver. I wish gm would a done flex fuel on these haha probably only thing holding me back on the 6.2. Regardless I'm used to my powerful diesel Ill drive some 5.3's and 6.2's this weekend and see for myself. I think the 5.3 will leave me wanting more.

 

It also seems some are not quite getting as much out of these like the gen3 & 4's on just a custom tune and I don't want to be thinking about voiding warranty on a 5.3 to get more HP down the road. Also going from 3.42 to 3.73 with a 6.2 shouldn't drop much mileage and make the most of all gears while towing expessially and plus I'd probably put a size larger tires on anyways and wouldnt loose much with the 3.73's.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. Much appreciated.

 

I'll update after the test drive and pit in my own 2 cents.

[towdog]

I think you are asking the wrong crowd. The average person in this site is biased because they are on here because they are a zealot -- not your average truck guy. These are the guys buying the top of the line packages, lifting them, buying new wheels, and getting all sorts of other mods. So of course they will recommend the biggest engine.

 

Look at the truck your dad drove back in the 90s or even just 10 years ago. The current V6 is more powerful than that. And guess what? Your dad pulled the same loads you are going to pull just fine. At some point this game of bigger and badder trucks has got to stop. While I love the top power as much as the next guy, I also know when enough is enough and when fuel economy and saving some money on ALREADY EXPENSIVE trucks is more important. The 5.3 is a perfectly capable engine.

[Spurshot]

If you're thinking about a 6.2, just get it. All the time I had a 6.0 Vmax I thought about a 5.3. I bought a 5.3 and it's about the same as my 6.0 in acceleration. I'm content.

[RyanbabZ71]

You really need to review the thread of people that regretted going with the 6.2L engine. Oh wait, that thread does not exist.

Need less power said no one ever

 

 

Ryan

[Daryl LBZ]

Need less power said no one ever

 

 

Ryan

Until they needed better fuel mileage. [emoji1]

[Archaic2021]

I think you are asking the wrong crowd. The average person in this site is biased because they are on here because they are a zealot -- not your average truck guy. These are the guys buying the top of the line packages, lifting them, buying new wheels, and getting all sorts of other mods. So of course they will recommend the biggest engine.

 

Look at the truck your dad drove back in the 90s or even just 10 years ago. The current V6 is more powerful than that. And guess what? Your dad pulled the same loads you are going to pull just fine. At some point this game of bigger and badder trucks has got to stop. While I love the top power as much as the next guy, I also know when enough is enough and when fuel economy and saving some money on ALREADY EXPENSIVE trucks is more important. The 5.3 is a perfectly capable engine.

 

This/100.

 

My truck is not a race truck so I went with the 5.3L. Perfect power, great gas mileage!

[gmissed]

It all comes down to budget and/or your needs. If you have the budget to buy it and want it then do so. If you have the need and of course the budget then so. Only you can answer the question. The 5.3 is a capable engine to tow most things with. If it were me and I needed a more capable engine than the 5.3 for towing then I would seriously consider a diesel. Heck (should I say it here) I would also look at the Ford EB for towing - but that's just me.

[Super 8]

You really need to review the thread of people that regretted going with the 6.2L engine. Oh wait, that thread does not exist.

Wish we could have this as an option in the 1/2 ton's.

 

7.0L V-8 (LS7)

Displacement (cu in / cc):

427 / 7008

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

4.125 x 4 / 104.8 x 101.6

Block material:

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

overhead valve, two valves per cylinder

Fuel delivery:

SFI (sequential fuel injection)

Compression ratio:

11.0:1

Horsepower

(hp 500)

Torque 470

Recommended fuel:

premium required

EPA-est. fuel economy

(city / hwy):

[Spurshot]

... Only you can answer the question. ...

[Jon A]

Wish we could have this as an option in the 1/2 ton's.

 

7.0L V-8 (LS7)

Displacement (cu in / cc):

427 / 7008

....

 

Yeah, that's a fantastic engine. I've been lusting over that one for a long time.

 

Amazingly though, from idle to about 4000 RPM (where a truck engine spends almost all its time) the 6.2 has a virtually identical torque curve to the LS7 (within about 10 lb-ft). Quite an amazing feat for an engine with 51 fewer cubes. After 4000 RPM it gets blow away of course.

[crushNchowda]

 

This/100.

 

My truck is not a race truck so I went with the 5.3L. Perfect power, great gas mileage!

Yeah I agree with the same. If you really want power and capability you're barking up the wrong tree with ANY 1500 and should opt for a diesel HD. The difference between a max tow 5.3 w/ 3.73 and the 6.2 is minmal, because theyr'e still basically the same truck. The difference between an HD diesel and ANY 1500 is the same difference (or more actually in terms of capability - literally double+ towing capacity) as a Ford Rangers vs. F150.

 

Last time I replied with this answer the mods blocked it for some reason, I guess they're worried about all the sensitive souls on this forum.

[Spurshot]

 

Yeah, that's a fantastic engine. I've been lusting over that one for a long time.

 

Amazingly though, from idle to about 4000 RPM (where a truck engine spends almost all its time) the 6.2 has a virtually identical torque curve to the LS7 (within about 10 lb-ft). Quite an amazing feat for an engine with 51 fewer cubes. After 4000 RPM it gets blow away of course.

That also says something about the LS7 cam and induction tuning.

[Stoddard]

Im interested I a max tow truck either way as im looking to get the larger axle and cooling capabilities. Cmon a 5.3 max tow is the same as a 6.2??? 355hp 383tq vs 420hp 460tq? even burning corn the 5.3 is only at 380hp. I could go settle for a cheap older used truck with a 6.2 if I wanted that but my budget is already set on a 45k + truck I think 2K isn't much more to get what I want so its not a big deal there.

 

I think the main thing holding me up is just that the 6.2 doesn't burn corn haha. gm probably didn't want it to be as powerful as the vette so they restricted it down and didn't let er burn corn. Honestly the 6.2 gets good mileage now and im sure with all that hp on tap its a little easier to v4 it and keep decent mileage.

 

Dude what is wrong with the ecoboost comment. they only got like 365hp and 420 tq. my neighbor friend has one and im just not fully impressed. haven't driven it yet or know the gears his has but its still just a 3.5 v6. sure its got turbos and I know they are fun but nothing beats good old natural aspirated torque and I think the 6.2 will satisfy that. not to mention he said his mileage is around 16-17 and if hey babys it with a tail wind he can get up to 22. hell could probably baby the 6.2 in v4 and get that.

[gmissed]

Dude what is wrong with the ecoboost comment. they only got like 365hp and 420 tq. my neighbor friend has one and im just not fully impressed. haven't driven it yet or know the gears his has but its still just a 3.5 v6. sure its got turbos and I know they are fun but nothing beats good old natural aspirated torque and I think the 6.2 will satisfy that. not to mention he said his mileage is around 16-17 and if hey babys it with a tail wind he can get up to 22. hell could probably baby the 6.2 in v4 and get that.

My mileage experience in the EB vs the 5.3 is totally different. I was getting about 25 MPG US mixed driving in the EB vs almost 20 MPG mixed in the 5.3 I wouldn't hesitate to buy an EB again if I were in the market for a new truck. In my opinion...the EB would tow anything just as well as the 6.2 or 5.3. In the end it would come down to price and features.

[KARNUT]

My mileage experience in the EB vs the 5.3 is totally different. I was getting about 25 MPG US mixed driving in the EB vs almost 20 MPG mixed in the 5.3 I wouldn't hesitate to buy an EB again if I were in the market for a new truck. In my opinion...the EB would tow anything just as well as the 6.2 or 5.3. In the end it would come down to price and features.

Im just curious Ive seen a few post from you stating how happy you were with the EB power and all that. Did they cure the old heat problems that come with gas blown cars and trucks? Even if you start out with a little more power with the turbo when it gets hot the numbers dive. Ive notice even with diesels power dropping as the temps go up.