Silverado 5.3L - 6 speed or 8 speed Transmission?

[Bergy21]

Hi Guys,

I am new to this. I have a 2013 Ford F150 with the ecoboost. I love it for towing. For other reasons I am looking to get rid of the Ford and buy a 2016 Silverado 1500. I would like to go with the 6.2L V8, but it is a lot of extra cost with the LTZ and additional cost for the engine. I am thinking of going with a 2016 Silverado 1500 LT Z71 with the 5.3L and the 6 speed transmission or the 2016 Silverado 1500 LTZ - Z71 with the 5.3L and the 8 speed transmission.

Currently only the LTZ offers the 8 speed transmission. Does anyone know when the LT model will have the 8 speed transmission available?

Is one rig going to tow better than the other?

Will I notice much in overall performance?

What can I expect when towing for MPG?

How about MPG without a load?

I will be pulling my 5,000 lb. boat and don't want to be having the transmission downshift every time I go up a hill. I am used to the ecoboost just going.

Thanks,

Bergy

[rm -rf]

 

Hi Guys,

I am new to this. I have a 2013 Ford F150 with the ecoboost. I love it for towing.

[...]

I will be pulling my 5,000 lb. boat and don't want to be having the transmission downshift every time I go up a hill. I am used to the ecoboost just going.

 

I loved the towing ability of my Egoboost. Wonderful, really. It 'just went'.

 

I now have a '15 5.3 with the 6spd, and have towed a 4000lb camper for about 5000+ miles, including I-70 through the Eisenhower tunnel. The 5.3 doesn't tow as nice as the Egoboost, but with the 6spd in tow-haul mode, it's more than adequate power-wise, and the tow-haul mode keep it from shifting too often and cycling through gears, but it does shift more often than the Ford in tow-haul mode.

 

If towing is the only reason you want an 8spd, I wouldn't worry about not having the 8spd.

 

FWIW - My mpg on the 4000 mile tow with the 5.3 Silverado was a bit better than the same 4000 mile tow with the same camper and the Egoboost.

[Bergy21]

Sent you a pm

[xelli]

You might want to look at the max tow package as well

 

Max Trailering Package

This package includes:

• Increased towing and GCWR rating
• Automatic locking rear differential
• Handling/Trailering Suspension Package
• Enhanced cooling radiator
• Revised shock tuning
• Heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR
• 9.76" rear axle
• Integrated trailer brake controller
• Trailering Equipment

On LT, this package includes a heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential and the Trailering Package, it also requires the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. On LTZ, this package requires the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine or 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine.

[HondaHawkGT]

The GM 6-speed is going to feel a lot like the Ford 6-speed due to the collaboration between Ford and GM to develop it. Depending on axle ratio, I'd go for the 8-speed myself. 8-speeds means you'll always be in the sweet spot not matter what plus future tuning for the transmission could really unleash the beast.

[Arth]

Coming from a Ram that had the 8 speed going back to a 6 speed I would take the 8 speed any day.

 

Better spread of transmission gear ratios to take more advantage of the engines power band. Also with the taller gears from 1-4 you'll get moving a lot faster. Not to mention the 8 speeds shift a heck of a lot faster than the 6.