So anyone want to talk about the 4.3?

Knightfall · April 28, 2016

Lots of posts here on the "main" forum about the 6.2 and the 5.3, but none on the 4.3. Thought I'd change that. Any of y'all have anything to say about it? I really like mine, BUT as of now (about 970-ish miles) it, according to the computer, gets lower mpg's than the 5.7 Ram I drove for a month with the 8-speed. It says around 19.7-19.8, while the Ram usually hovered around 20 miles per gallon. I'm hoping this will continue to increase as the engine breaks in, as I haven't driven the truck "hard" yet at all. My Colorado's best was almost 28 mpg, with the averages around 22 (it had the 4 cylinder). In terms of power it seems good but I haven't even wot'd it yet lol, waiting for at least 1000 miles.

That being said, my buddy also just purchased a Ram 1500 with the Hemi and 8 speed, however his truck is a 4x4. From a dead stop, even if I put the truck in tow/haul, turn off traction control, turn off the a/c and radio, ensure I have a tailwind and I'm drafting behind the wake of the contrails of an overhead passing airliner, do I even have a chance haha?

'01LS1 · April 28, 2016

He has 110 hp on you & do not remember the torque numbers between the two. Tow haul mode has not done anything for those that have ran at the track if I remember correctly.

If you bet cash money, be sure to bet both ways to break even.

Bryaniq · April 28, 2016

I like mine, i only have 2100 miles on it so far.2014 rc long box 2 wheel drive 1wt.

Bryaniq · April 28, 2016

2wt

tnchevy · April 28, 2016

You got a 4.3 6 cyl but wonder why a much larger V8 can smoke you? Come on, should that question even have been asked? The 4.3 is a great engine but like the 4.8 before it, most people choose to go with the larger in between sized 5.3. If you are worried about who you could beat in a race and still get good gas mileage then you should have looked into getting a V8 or turbo charged car.

Knightfall · April 28, 2016

Haha, I'm not wondering why or disappointed, I was just curious as to by how many truck lengths he'd be ahead of me after, like, as soon as we hit the gas pedal haha. I bought the truck for the good mileage and lower insurance rates, I don't need or want a sports car.

Someotherguy · April 28, 2016

My 2015 crew cab sits around 22.5 - 23 mpg on the highway. Overall (8,000 miles) it's at about 19mpg. Best 50mile stretch was 27.1mpg so far.

DCazares · April 28, 2016

Neighbor's wife has one with an exhaust system. Sounds the same as a Suabru WRX with an exhaust lol.

muddkatt · April 28, 2016

I had a 4.3 in a Silverado one time......I will never do that again!

Tek74 · April 28, 2016

I had a 4.3 in a Silverado one time......I will never do that again!

Yeah, I've always wondered if those that bought a full size truck with a regular (non turbo) 6 cyl engine regretted it after having it for a couple years or more. People should buy what they like, but I see a regular 6 cyl engine as being better suited to a small and lighter Colorado/Canyon.

Silverado Steve · April 28, 2016

Yeah I don't see the point of buying a fullsize truck with mid sized capability. I wonder how long GM will continue to put the 4.3 in the 1500 seeing it doesn't get much of a mpg gain over the 5.3

Debra in Cali · April 28, 2016

I had 4.3 in my last vehicle, didn't want to go back there. I needed something that was going to pull my trailer with less effort. Now I wish that I had purchased the 6.2. Well perhaps next time, when I am 80 years old, I will get the 2500.

UplandPa · April 28, 2016

A guy I work with has a 2015 with the 4.3 and he is very happy with it. The new 4.3 is light years ahead of the old one. It has 285 HP,that would have been V8 numbers not that long ago. If your not going to do any towing its not a bad little motor.

cbxeric · April 29, 2016

2+ years and 30,000 miles later I love the 4.3. I've hauled 1600 pounds of limestone rock in the box up/ down some pretty serious hills with no issues. Now if I did that every day the 5.3 would be the better choice, but I don't. It's NOT the old Vortec 4.3 which I've also owned, that engine was tough though.

I'm not a fan of the transmission though, it really sucks the life out of the engine (eager to upshift, reluctant to downshift)

SgtShiv · April 29, 2016

For my daily needs, insurance and amount financed the 4.3 was sufficient. For my ego, resale, available mods and potential for growth in needs the 5.3 or 6.2 would've been a better choice. Still happy with my choice overall.