6.2 Visual difference from 5.3

[GMC-AT]

Regarding 2015-2016 6.2 - is there a way to look under the hood and tell if the engine is a 6.2 or 5.3. I know the window sticker, etc will tell you. But I want to know what are some actual visual differences?

[DanY]

Open the gas filler door and look for the premium fuel sticker. Only the 6.2L uses premium.

 

The only visual difference I know is the PVC hose routing is different between the two engines. I'm not sure if you can see this with the throttle body and factory intake silencer box in place. I don't see the engine listed on the radiator cover stickers.

[fondupot]

The PCV vent hose is right by the throttle body on the 6.2. It goes from the crankcase, under the TB, to right on top of the front of the intake manifold.

 

Whereas the 5.3 runs from under the TB to back on the drivers side of the intake manifold.

 

6.2L

 

5.3L

[stillprint]

6.2 exhaust comes straight out the back. 5.3 right side exit.

[TxTruckMan]

6.2 exhaust comes straight out the back. 5.3 right side exit.

Nope, same exhaust exit. Though I think the 6.2L exhaust is slightly bigger.

[fondupot]

 

 

6.2 exhaust comes straight out the back. 5.3 right side exit.

 

Not on the 2014+

 

 

 

Here is a better pic of the PCV hoses

 

6.2L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.3L

 

[stillprint]

Nope, same exhaust exit. Though I think the 6.2L exhaust is slightly bigger.

Aw man, didn't know they changed it!

[robvas]

Nope, same exhaust exit. Though I think the 6.2L exhaust is slightly bigger.

Slightly? 2.75" vs 3.5"! The 6.2 has some pipes! ;)

[jrob56]

Im hoping this makes the 5.3 to 6.2 conversion as easy as it looks. Im sure well find out in the next few years after warranty's are up.

[GMC-AT]

perfect.... I may be picking up a new one tomorrow... just want to be 100% sure I have the "balls to the wall" power plant.....regardless of the window sticker..

[Digger3]

Not sure if you can visually spot the difference immediately, but 6.2 throttle bodies are larger than the 5.3

[DanY]

To be 100% absolutely sure, look for the PVC hose and check the RPO code sticker in the glove box.

 

6.2L is L86 and 5.3L is L83.

[moosehead1]

IIRC you can also look for a "J" as the 8th character of the VIN, which ID's the 6.2L power plant.

 

There is a GM VIN decoder but Tapatalk image link function is fungued.

 

Edit: below may work

 

[amc019]

Should be a sticker on the air box that says whether it is a 5.3 or 6.2 if all else fails

[2018GMC]

6.2 exhaust comes straight out the back. 5.3 right side exit.

True for GMT900 trucks and SUV.

 

VORTEC MAX was a badge for the 6.0 Equipped half tons.

 

I don't know why GM never made a badge for the 6.2.

 

Motors now are Ecotec3. ECOMAX? No, that doesn't sound right...