2015 5.3/342s vs the 6.2/323s

[BAD_GMC]

I currently have the a 2015 SLT 5.3L with 342s. I was pondering trading in for the 6.2L All Terrain, but wasn't aware it only has 323s (the max trailer package isn't available to me). My question is, which set up would be best for a truck with a 6inch lift on 35s? Is the 6.2L with 323s and 35s going to turn in to a dog? My preference would be 373s, but I have no interest in getting the gears swapped. Any help is much appreciated.

[robvas]

Don't forget the 6.2 is going to have the 8 speed which has lower gear ratios. So a 8 speed with 3.23's behaves more like a 6 speed with 3.73's

 

[SILVER SLED]

The 6.2 with the 8 spd and 3.23's will have alot more power than the 5.3 with 3.42's. And if you get the max trailer pkg with the 6.2, it has 3.42 gears.

[Omar1]

What about the 6.2 w/8 spd and 3.42? Is it gonna be more powerful and faster than the 3.23s? I mean of course in acceleration and torque sides

[BAD_GMC]

I would prefer the Max Trailer Package, but on this particular unit. I'm only looking at a $4k difference with my trade in. If they have to do a locate, I'm sure it'll go up from there.

[George C]

Go with the 6.2 and 8 speed.

[fondupot]

6.2 w/ 8 speed and 3.23s will blow the doors off a 5.3 w/ 6 speed and 3.42s

[crushNchowda]

Keep in mind that you may be able to find a 5.3/3.42 truck that is E85 capable which will give you a bump in power equivalent to 90% of what the stock 6.2 puts out, and a member here posted his results after tuning and the 5.3 truck running E85 put out MORE power & torque than a 6.2 on 93

 

If you find a great deal on a 5.3, 6 speed, max tow w/ 3.73's that is E85 capable it may be worth a 2nd look depending on the price delta on a similarly equipped 6.2 8 speed 3.23

 

Edit - and BTW - I've owned a '14 5.3 3.08 early production, a '14 5.3/3.42 All Terrain, and now have a '15 6.2 8 speed 3.23 and have put a total of 55,000 miles between the 3 (majority on the 5.3/3.42 truck which I did run E85 in occasionally and can attest for the power bump) so I am speaking from experience.

[redwngr]

What about the 6.2 w/8 spd and 3.42? Is it gonna be more powerful and faster than the 3.23s? I mean of course in acceleration and torque sides

Yes, since it is geared lower it would accelerate faster. The snag is that max trailer (which is the only way to get the 6.2/8sp/3.42) is not available on an All Terrain.

 

(max trailer is not available on a z71 truck and not available on a mag ride truck)

 

For 2016's the higher trimmed 5.3 max tows also come with the 8 speed and 3.42's.

[sk]

You seem more concerned about gearing than fuel cost but just keep in mind the 6.2L requires Premium gas (93 octane or higher). It does not run well on anything lower and you will also get a shorter lifespan out of the engine (you may not notice it if you only have the truck a few years but I wouldn't want to take any chances on lower octane if you are planning to keep it for a while).

[bboyce536]

Had a 14 5.3 with 3.42s and ran it on e85 as much as I could. Now have a 15 6.2 with the 3.23s. Driving experience, the 6.2 hands down is faster. It took a couple thousand miles for everything to loosen up, because on my first drive the truck didn't feel all that quick.

 

Shifting is smoother, for the most part, and what most fail to realize is that peak power isn't the entire story. My favorite aspect of the 6.2 is how torquey the truck is.

 

Fwiw my 6.2 is averaging better then my 5.3.

[BAD_GMC]

Well guys, I appreciate everyone's help and advice, but unfortunately found out today that the 6.2 All Terrain is sold. I may just put this idea on the back burner until the 16 6.2 has some legit rebates.

[tonygxp]

6.2 w/ 8 speed and 3.23s will blow the doors off a 5.3 w/ 6 speed and 3.42s

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^my friend's have 6.2's one with the 3.42's and i can assure you the 6.2 in ANY combination will beat any 5.3 (mine has the 8spd and 3.42's btw) combination lol... you would need a blower to hang with the 6.2 they are that quick.

[smrr1]

You seem more concerned about gearing than fuel cost but just keep in mind the 6.2L requires Premium gas (93 octane or higher). It does not run well on anything lower and you will also get a shorter lifespan out of the engine (you may not notice it if you only have the truck a few years but I wouldn't want to take any chances on lower octane if you are planning to keep it for a while).

He is also talking about a lift and 35s sooooooo fuel cost is about the last thing i think he is concerned with!

[Silver ice 6.2]

You seem more concerned about gearing than fuel cost but just keep in mind the 6.2L requires Premium gas (93 octane or higher). It does not run well on anything lower and you will also get a shorter lifespan out of the engine (you may not notice it if you only have the truck a few years but I wouldn't want to take any chances on lower octane if you are planning to keep it for a while).

91.... mine in the owners manual says 91