Hooked on the 6.2, but wavering a bit

[beantown]

Hi Veteran GMC Owners,

 

I've been in my current 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab SLT 5.7 Hemi since 2002.

Well over 100k miles and it was a great truck, but the time has come to move on.

 

I'm a V8 fan and am really looking forward to finding or ordering a Sierra SLT with 6.2 in it.

 

A few concerns though....

 

I only took a test drive in one Sierra SLT with 6.2.

I was excited to feel the beast unleash, but was dumbfounded with disappointment when it didn't impress.

I was like...wtf !!?

It also had a very slight shimmy at highway speeds. I can't stand any shaking or shimmy. Obviously I will fully test the specific one I get before handing over the cash.

I visited this forum to see what owners were saying about this truck and read lots of discussions about both issues above.

Most folks say the 6.2 is a beast, but there are lots of reports otherwise too.

 

I ditched the thought of getting a Sierra and dove into researching the F150.

The F150 I almost got was 3.5 Ecoboost and the truck was really nice (XLT). It really does haul arse, but it sounds like arse too.

I also think the Sierra looks much better.....and like I said, I am a V8 guy.

The F150 felt way bigger inside, front and back rows. It also feels like you drive much higher.

 

With all that said, I walked away from the deal on the F150 to further research the Sierra with 6.2

 

I want a Sierra SLT 6.2 without a stinking console, which evidently does not exist in Massachusetts.

I use my middle seat up front quite often having 3 kids and all...Just 1 friend and we need 6 seats.

 

The Sierra SLT is about $5k more than the XLT. At least when I config them the way I like them.

 

So, will I hate the decision to pass on the F150 for the Sierra?

Stupid question in a GMC forum, but you guys know better than anyone.

Brand loyalty aside, which is the better choice?

I just go with what looks best and performs the best. Not really a brand loyal type, they don't pay me to be. Although, I wouldn't get a Kia no matter what the results were.

 

Anywho. I bet I'm not the first chap to be torn between the two. Any wisdom sharing is appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

[steadystreamin]

i just came from a 2011 eco-boost lariat to the 6.2 denali. The ecoboost would run circles around this 6.2, but the ride and comfort of my new truck is hard to beat. Though the new fords are just as nice. If you are a performance guy you can get alot more bang for your buck with the eco-boost because it already has twin power adders.

[Jernik]

I came from a 2010 Ram RCSB with the 5.7. I never drove the 6.2, have the 5.3 in my Sierra. I know you didn't ask about the 5.3, but thought I'd offer my thoughts between the Ford and GMC anyway. Like you, I'm not brand loyal. Most of what I write below is my opinion on how I felt between the two trucks, and speculation on the 6.2 - so it's not set in stone fact based on scrutinized testing and hard numbers.

 

The 5.3 is lacking power compared to the 5.7, I notice it especially on the top end. Granted, I'm now in an extended cab vs regular cab, but once the 5.3 hits 85-90 when passing it starts to run out of steam. The 5.7 pulled strong right up to the governed cut off (I think it was 105?) I would think, though, that your 2002 5.7 would be comparable to the current GM 5.3 - wasn't power that year closer to the mid 300's for HP and TQ, compared to closer to 400 for the 2009 and up 5.7's?

 

A thought on your 6.2 opinion... gears. My 5.3 has 3.42 gears (the Ram had 3.55). Transmission differences between the two has my GMC "feel" a little bit better / stronger off the line than the Ram, but not by much. With the 3.55 gearing, the Ram felt stronger in the mid/upper range. Do you know what gearing was in the 6.2? If it was something like 3.08 and your Ram has 3.92's, that's a possible explanation for your lack of excitement for the 6.2.

 

On Edit: Looks like 6.2 is available with 3.23, 3.42, or 3.73 rear gear ratios.

 

If looking at the Ford, being "old school" I'd opt for the 5.0 over the turbo 6 for truck duty. Just my personal comfort zone on that one, especially since it appears you like to keep a truck for a while.

 

One thing I will say about the Ford, and this is all personal preference... I cannot stand their interior. Especially the dash. They just are not as nice, IMO, as the RAM and Chevy/GMC's are. My neighbor had a '13 Ford crew cab, traded for '15 Sierra SLE crew cab. They like the ride of the GMC much better than the Ford, and find the seats to be more comfortable too.

 

Overall, I'm happy with my choice in the Sierra. The 5.3 isn't quite as stout as the 5.7, but for everyday driving I like it better than the RAM. I find the seats to be more comfortable in the Sierra. Otherwise, the interior/exterior styling is a wash between the two. I like them both in that regard. The Ford looks good on the outside, not so much on the inside.

 

Good luck with your decision! These things aren't cheap, no matter who you buy them from!

[Sooperdave]

I had my mind made up to buy an 3.5 EB F150. Drove it and was completely disappointed. Unless your in the boost it's just a basic non responsive V6. Although tuned they sure do make some power. I decided to build and order my specific GMC before I even test drove one based on this forum. Truck came in and went for the maiden voyage.. done deal and I've never looked back! Still amazed at my truck with every drive. The power under the curve of this normally aspirated engine is just amazing. IMO order and get what you want if that's possible for you. And I would recommend getting the NHT tow package. Good luck!

[bagged123]

I have a '14 6.2L with the max tow package and it has some giddy up and go. I have the 3.42 rears, which I drove a 6.2 with the 3.23 gears and I was able to tell the difference, not a lot torque. I also drove a Ford eco-boost and hated it. it couldn't get out of its own way. At the end of the day, the rear gear ratio will determine a lot. A 6.2 with 3.08 will perform differently then a 6.2 with 3.42 gears

[GMC-AT]

I just got a 2016 with the 6.2 ... I also was not "initially" impressed coming from my old GMC 2014 5.3. I did however learn something real important - you need to press that pedal hard... it made all the difference...

 

here's actually a GM bulletin about the detent in the gas pedal on vehicles with the 8-spd:

As the accelerator pedal is applied approximately 3/4 of the way on some 2015 Escalade, Silverado, Sierra and Yukon Denali models equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission (RPO M5U), a detent/click may be noticed with a feel of increased resistance in the pedal.
The accelerator pedal design has changed for vehicles equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission. The new accelerator pedal design has a built-in detent position near the last 1/4 of pedal travel to provide tactile feedback to the operator. This design is intended to help minimize transmission downshifting, allowing for improved fuel economy and smoother operation.
Applying the accelerator pedal down to the detent will allow a more relaxed acceleration rate. When pressing the pedal through the detent, the transmission will downshift aggressively, enabling an increased acceleration rate.
Do not replace any parts for this condition. This is a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle and no repair attempts should be performed.

[AUJeeper]

I have the 6.2 myself and am very happy with it. I had to get accustomed to the 8 speed as I came from a 4l60E in my 2003 with 5.3. The truck is obviously tuned for gas mileage, but I am of the opinion the TCM learns as you drive it and it will give you what you ask of it. I read a post here that changed my whole driving experience-If you drive it like a sissy it will treat you like one. I wouldn't trade the 6.2 at the top end-Out of the hole I think the 5.3 shoots out quicker as I think the transmission is trying to get into the higher gears as quickly as it can for fuel economy.

 

If you want to be practical figure out what you will use the truck for 90% of the time and buy for that. If you want 420 naturally aspirated HP, don't mind paying for 93 octane to get advertised fuel economy and avoiding engine knock get the 6.2.

 

One additional comment be careful in comparing rear ends apples to apples amongst manfuacturers as that doesn't tell the whole story-final drive ratio is what you want to understand-for final drive multiply rear diff ratio x transmission gear ratio-Example would be 5.3 Chevy with 6 speed 6L80 has a 4.03 first gear-in a truck with 3.43 rear you have a drive ratio of 13.83. When you compare to 6.2 with 8L90 the first gear is 4.56 so with a 3.23 rear you have a drive ratio of 14.73. When you compare this to a Dodge 8 speed(8HP70) with a first gear of 4.71 and available rears of 3.21 or 3.92 you can see you get a low drive ratio, but will suffer in fuel economy. A ford 6 speed 6R80 first gear is 4.17. I did all of this research when buying my truck as I was really trouble by the 3.23(tall gears) offer in the 6.2 as my 2003 had 3.73 gears.

 

GMC-AT-thanks for the post about the pedal. Took my truck to the dealer last week asking if it was normal and they said it wasn't. Ordered a new pedal for me last week- I will have to bring that one to their attention.

[GMC-AT]

Yep.. there is a defiantly a "click" down there... once I learned to click through the detent ... she would fly!

[Sooperdave]

I have a '14 6.2L with the max tow package and it has some giddy up and go. I have the 3.42 rears, which I drove a 6.2 with the 3.23 gears and I was able to tell the difference, not a lot torque. I also drove a Ford eco-boost and hated it. it couldn't get out of its own way. At the end of the day, the rear gear ratio will determine a lot. A 6.2 with 3.08 will perform differently then a 6.2 with 3.42 gears

For the 14 model with 6.2L, the standard gear is a 3.42. For the NHT max tow option of same year, its a 3.73 15 models with 6.2L, the standard gear was 3.23 due to 8sp trans. NHT is the 3.42 with same 8spd. But yes the gears make a nice difference for any model. I'm always a fan of more gear.

[Sooperdave]

Oops.. multiple post...

 

[moosehead1]

+5, got very close to buying the F150, but really wanted the biggest NA V8 for truck and haul duties. I personally loved the F150 design and finishes, but got concerned due to the Ford Forum's complaints about the aluminum body's poor tow and handling manners.The EB would have also been advantageous at our higher altitude than a NA engine, but it got would up to such high RPM's it felt like an eggbeater to me. The 6.2L hardly tops out at 2500 rpms despite climbing out of Denver's 5,280 altitude to up over 11k' at the Continental Divide doing 80 MPH. YMMV.

 

+1 to the earlier comment on gearing, if you want out of the hole launch, gear up to the 3.73's with the 6.2L and you'll be happy. I've got the 3.42's in a max tow 6.2L and she romps.

 

The 16 GMC's also have the much needed headlight and fog upgrades and now seem to be available at the ubiquitous GMC deal of 15-20% off MSRP.

[crafferty]

I just got a 2016 with the 6.2 ... I also was not "initially" impressed coming from my old GMC 2014 5.3. I did however learn something real important - you need to press that pedal hard... it made all the difference...

 

here's actually a GM bulletin about the detent in the gas pedal on vehicles with the 8-spd:

 

As the accelerator pedal is applied approximately 3/4 of the way on some 2015 Escalade, Silverado, Sierra and Yukon Denali models equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission (RPO M5U), a detent/click may be noticed with a feel of increased resistance in the pedal.

The accelerator pedal design has changed for vehicles equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission. The new accelerator pedal design has a built-in detent position near the last 1/4 of pedal travel to provide tactile feedback to the operator. This design is intended to help minimize transmission downshifting, allowing for improved fuel economy and smoother operation.

Applying the accelerator pedal down to the detent will allow a more relaxed acceleration rate. When pressing the pedal through the detent, the transmission will downshift aggressively, enabling an increased acceleration rate.

Do not replace any parts for this condition. This is a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle and no repair attempts should be performed.

That's some great information you just posted!

[emeryz28]

the 6.2 smoked the ecoboost, you just need to learn how to drive it. Like one other member said, they have the pedal set up so you really have to get on it, for the motor to wake up and show its potential

[bdbake01]

Anyone that thinks a (stock) ecoboost of any flavor will "walk all over" a 6.2 obviously hasn't lined them up. The larger variants are no slouches, but neither is the 6.2 And plz don't just drive one on the lot with 3 miles and call it good. These things wake up, and then the eco's are in trouble. I've never had one touch me, and they've certainly tried.

[Tek74]

As stated above, a 6.2L with 3:42 or 3:73 gears is the way to go. And I've heard that tuning them really awakens the beast. The 5.3L with a 3:42 fit my needs perfect for now, but my next truck will definitely be the bigger engine, as I intend to get a trailer and really want the extra up-hill towing power.