2016 with 5.3L V8 & 8 Speed Transmission

Bergy21 · January 31, 2016

Any have the 5.3L V8 with the 8 Speed Transmission? I would like to know if there is much difference from the 6 speed. How about the difference for towing?

Omar1 · January 31, 2016

I ordered 5.3 w/8 spd. Transmission first gear ratios on the 8L90 is much stronger than 6 speed transmission.

Provide better acceleration and better towing. Differential regear will increase towing capability.

jamin87ss · January 31, 2016

Drove one for a loaner, it was smooth,

Tattooo · January 31, 2016

I have a 16 AT in that setup and it is 100% smoother tban my 14 6 speed and does not decelerate clunk at all

BenYukon · January 31, 2016

Tattooo, what mileage do you get with the 5.3 and 8 speed ? Thx !

relsoc · January 31, 2016

I've owned the 6 speed in 2015 and now the 5.3L 8 speed in my 2016. Gas mileage is the same. Trans shifting is smooth unless you brake hard then it kicks a little on the downshifts.

LaserBlueZ71 · January 31, 2016

Food for thought.

I test drove some 2016 units with 8 speeds and 3:23 ratio, which is standard now if I remember correctly? Compared to my 2015 with the max tow which gives me 3:73's, my truck actually felt a bit better to drive. That is just MY opinion though. Worst part is, the max tow trucks now are only available with 3:42's, they scrapped the 3:73's because the 8 speed tranny is supposed to make up for it.

Georgia1911 · January 31, 2016

The following assumes the same rear end ratio and tire size:

Low gear on the 8L90 is 13% lower, so the 8 speed will get out of the hole quicker, and the extra ratios might improve fuel mileage or towing in town.The top 2 gears are nearly the same, so there shouldn't be much difference in highway performance whether towing or not.