The $2,695 Question: Do I Really Want The 6.2L?

['00SonomaZQ8]

In several months time I'll be ordering a new truck to lease. I know I want a Crew Cab Short Bed LTZ 4x4, but I've been going back and forth on what options I want. A big one is the 6.2L.

 

I don't tow, and if I ever do the 5.3L would be plenty strong enough for anything I'd feel safe with behind a 1/2-Ton. I don't race but any extra power always helps passing and SPG (Smiles Per Gallon). I'd like to get the best fuel economy I can, but it looks like the 5.3L & 6.2L are within 1MPG of each other, especially comparing the 5.3L/6SP/3.42 with the 6.2L/8SP/3.23. I'm not worried about resale because I'll be leasing, but the 6.2L would add like $30-40 a month to the lease.

 

I'm probably going to go drive both this week and like I said, I have some time before I finalize the configuration. I just wanted everyone's opinion based on their experience with each respective engine.

[jay15892]

I had a 14 with he 5.3 and now a 15 with the 6.2, trust me you want the 6.2 if you can afford it. Way faster and mileage is about 1-2 mpg off the 5.3. The 5.3 is a nice motor though and is not a slouch by any means.

[RyanbabZ71]

Even questioning this gets you a No

 

You dont deserve it then lol

[GMC-AT]

I also had a 2014 with 5.3....now 6.2 in the 2016. Get the 6.2...you will smile more

 

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[Badass69]

If like most people it will net complaints of running premium fuel...... or trying to run the 6.2 on regular..... no... buy the 5.3 honestly. Especially since it's a lease anyway.

[fondupot]

my tuned 5.3 feels plenty powerful for me...

[BigBadSierra]

Everyone's jumping on bigger motors but my train of thought is the gas price will eventually go back up.

 

I tow but only a few times a year. I couldn't justify the bigger motor just based on the fun factor plus if your going to hard core tow you want a 2500.

 

I just take out the motorcycle if I need to go fast ha ha.

Everyone's jumping on bigger motors but my train of thought is the gas price will eventually go back up.

 

I tow but only a few times a year. I couldn't justify the bigger motor just based on the fun factor plus if your going to hard core tow you want a 2500.

 

I just take out the motorcycle if I need to go fast ha ha.

[Scooter Scott]

While the 6.2 is an awesome motor that will definitely keep you smiling, I think the 5.3 will keep you smiling as well. Everytime I get in my truck I have the same smile on my face like I do when I get in my Jeep. The 5.3 is a great proven motor.

[G Mcpherson]

You could buy quite a bit a gas for 2695.00. My tuned 5.3 has got plenty of power. Then there is the 8spd. issues. Over 1200 gallons of 89oct. @ 2.21 a gal.

[Donstar]

The 5.3 should be able to meet/exceed any posted speed limits, get you there fast and with a smile! My 4.3 does this very nicely!

['00SonomaZQ8]

Thanks for the input, guys. I remember driving a 2014 5.3L when they first came out and noticed a very delayed throttle response, but the 2016 I drove didn't seem to exhibit that delay. I still want to drive the two engines back to back, and luckily my local dealer has both on very similar trucks, but I'm pretty sure I'll just stick with the 5.3L.

[camcamaro1991]

6.2 Don't look back, once you get a 6.2 you'll never drive a 5.3 again.... trust me. All these 5.3 guys just don't get it, gas mileage is very similar like EPA states 1 mpg for the same optioned truck. Lets face it trucks are not designed for fuel economy so stop comparing them with about 1 mpg difference, the Ecotech 3 engine is much better than the GMT-900 Vortec engines, TFL did a 5.3 to 6.2 both with 8speed transmission, 6.2 towing got better fuel economy since its brought up so much.

 

 

 

^ they compare towing fuel economy 0.1 difference, and acceleration.... 6.2 is always the winner & SPG (Smiles Per Gallon).

 

2nd, with the 6.2 there is about 65HP and 80 TQ increase over the 5.3, that's about equal to a low PSI supercharger or cam supporting mods, and most blowers are 6k+ cam and supporting mods well about 3-5K+, so $2,600 for more "Warranty-able HP & TQ" yes please.

 

lastly, GDI offers much better octane tolerance, so you can run 89 octane fuel, states right in the owners manual, 93 improves throttle response and with improved timing which helps with MPG.

 

GMC offers the 6.2 for $2,495ish

[Scooter Scott]

You have to understand though that even though yes we don't have a 6.2, it's still a $3k upgrade. If it is a daily driver I don't see how $3k is worth it unless you have that much money burning a hole in your pocket. Some people just don't find that extra cost to be necessary.

[Badass69]

6.2 Don't look back, once you get a 6.2 you'll never drive a 5.3 again.... trust me. All these 5.3 guys just don't get it, gas mileage is very similar like EPA states 1 mpg for the same optioned truck. Lets face it trucks are not designed for fuel economy so stop comparing them with about 1 mpg difference, the Ecotech 3 engine is much better than the GMT-900 Vortec engines, TFL did a 5.3 to 6.2 both with 8speed transmission, 6.2 towing got better fuel economy since its brought up so much.

 

 

 

^ they compare towing fuel economy 0.1 difference, and acceleration.... 6.2 is always the winner & SPG (Smiles Per Gallon).

 

2nd, with the 6.2 there is about 65HP and 80 TQ increase over the 5.3, that's about equal to a low PSI supercharger or cam supporting mods, and most blowers are 6k+ cam and supporting mods well about 3-5K+, so $2,600 for more "Warranty-able HP & TQ" yes please.

 

lastly, GDI offers much better octane tolerance, so you can run 89 octane fuel, states right in the owners manual, 93 improves throttle response and with improved timing which helps with MPG.

 

GMC offers the 6.2 for $2,495ish

The manual states the 6.2 is to run on premium fuel but can run lower grades if need be... but can result in pinging, lower economy and possible damage. Well... even with the shoddy stock timing table... yeah they knock... even on premium fuel. Once you deal with the afr and get it dialed in along with a few other things you can put more ignition timing in them.

 

Point is... running premium fuel seems to be a major roadblock to many people. Reports on here and otherwise state the 5.3 benefits from at least 89 but they are rated for 87 and it would be safe.

 

A 6.2 on the low octane spark table running 87... won't go a lot better than a decent running 5.3... so if a person wants a 6.2 and only wants to run regular fuel... just save the money and buy the 5.3... it won't feel a lot different.

 

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

[camcamaro1991]

You have to understand though that even though yes we don't have a 6.2, it's still a $3k upgrade. If it is a daily driver I don't see how $3k is worth it unless you have that much money burning a hole in your pocket. Some people just don't find that extra cost to be necessary.

 

The OP stated SPG smiles per gallon, the 6.2 wins. its only money you can't take it with you so enjoy the $2,700 6.2 option. Yes I understand he's only leasing the vehicle. but since hes never tried a 6.2 take the plunge. The OP will thank us for our 6.2 words of wisdom.

 

The manual states the 6.2 is to run on premium fuel but can run lower grades if need be... but can result in pinging, lower economy and possible damage. Well... even with the shoddy stock timing table... yeah they knock... even on premium fuel. Once you deal with the afr and get it dialed in along with a few other things you can put more ignition timing in them.

 

Point is... running premium fuel seems to be a major roadblock to many people. Reports on here and otherwise state the 5.3 benefits from at least 89 but they are rated for 87 and it would be safe.

 

A 6.2 on the low octane spark table running 87... won't go a lot better than a decent running 5.3... so if a person wants a 6.2 and only wants to run regular fuel... just save the money and buy the 5.3... it won't feel a lot different.

 

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

 

4.3/5.3 is 11.0 CR and the 6.2 is 11.5 CR 91+ octane is recommended in general esp with differences in the quality of fuel between fuel suppliers, in reality the 4.3/5.3 will knock/ping as well, so its moot. I have driven both trucks on lower octane fuel 87 & 89, both engines 5.3 & 6.2 ping.

 

The 6.2 will cruise around town just fine on 89 octane. 91 vs 89 very little difference in octane vs price. Now 5.3 and E85 about 96+/- octane (when compared to gasoline fuel octane) that's a bit better, but your MPG goes down. The GDI engines are more octane tolerant, as they squirt fuel directly on top of the piston, it has a improved cooling effect over the older Vortec engines.

 

I use HP Tuners, I understand low & high octane spark tables quite well.

 

lastly I noticed the OP lives in Houston, its a high moisture area, higher octane should be used, you ever see your spark advance when its raining or heavy moisture?