2016 8 speed engine and gearing question

[p7m89mm]

I apologize if this has been covered, I did use the search button. I'm looking at building a 2016 All Terrain. I believe the max tow options are out of the question. Both the 5.3 and 6.2 come with the 8 speed. The 5.3 gets the 3.42 gears and the 6.2 gets the 3.23. I currently own a Subaru STi and I occasionally tow an older direct drive tournament ski boat. With both trucks having the 8 speed, I'm assuming the 6.2 is still the better performer?

 

Thanks!

[GMC-AT]

no replacement for displacement. But the 5.3 with 3.42 will do everything you need...

[RyanbabZ71]

Yes

[f8l vnm]

The 6.2 is a beast. The 5.3 could use a power bump. Something like the 5.0 got in the f150.

[Aubie_01]

I was surprised to learn that the 5.3 w/ the 8 speed is not E85 compatible. Some suggest running the corn as a way to bump the output of the 5.3 but that isn't always and option with the 2016 models.

[muddkatt]

I was surprised to learn that the 5.3 w/ the 8 speed is not E85 compatible. Some suggest running the corn as a way to bump the output of the 5.3 but that isn't always and option with the 2016 models.

GMC site states the 5.3 is E85 compatible, Chevy site does not. My guess is the build guide does not have all information listed.

[Tattooo]

no replacement for displacement. But the 5.3 with 3.42 will do everything you need...

Agreed.....

[ZXTOM]

The 5.3 will do you just fine.

 

I pull a 7000lbs plus trailer loaded with mine and it does just perfectly fine. I also have a full payload in the truck most of the time. I'm very happy with its towing power and handling.

 

Also the MPG's while not towing is great!

[Red_5]

I was surprised to learn that the 5.3 w/ the 8 speed is not E85 compatible. Some suggest running the corn as a way to bump the output of the 5.3 but that isn't always and option with the 2016 models.

I'm pretty sure the '16 5.3 are all E85 compatible from the factory. I believe I found the info on the GMC site.

 

I ended up with a '15 6.2 with Max Tow but agree with the others that the 5.3 will do just fine. I tow some nasty grades out here often in hot temps so I wanted plenty of headroom.

[IOMike]

According to GM, 5.3 E85 compatible is not available with the 8 speed, only with the lower trim /6 speed setup.

 

I have a feeling that a E85 5.3 8 speed with 3.42 would be pretty close to the 6.2 3.23 8 speed, which is why it's not available. The 6.2 would still outperform it, but the gap would be pretty small.

[redwngr]

IOMike is correct.

 

The FHS option (which gives E85 flexfuel capability on a 5.3) is only available on the base and mid level trims, which is also the trims that use the 6 speed with the 5.3.

 

The higher trims, that use the 8 speed with the 5.3, cannot have FHS added.

 

 

Another observation that a 5.3/8 speed with max tow gets the same ratio (GU6 - 3.42) as the non-max tow 5.3 8 speed.

[robvas]

You're pulling stuff with a Subaru right now. You could unhook a spark plug on the 5.3 and it'll still tow that little boat like it wasn't even there

 

And E85 5.3 isn't going to come close to the 6.2, I wish people would quit spreading that.

[p7m89mm]

Thanks everyone. Looks like the 6.2 is still the right call for me simply from a performance and torque perspective. While I'm not actually towing with the STi, if the the frame was strong enough I bet it would be fine - 305hp and 290tq. Hopefully I don't regret getting rid of it, but I want the extra utility.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Red_5]

It isn't very clear on the website but I'll believe you guys. Makes me even happier I bought a '15 6.2 SLT rather than the "16 5.3 LTZ.

[ziemer]

The '16, 6.2 Max Tow comes with the 3.42's. Stock, non max tow is 3.23 and is rated for 9000 lbs.

 

All of the 5.3's are 3.42 now, along with the 8 speed. No more 3.73 with the max tow.