Wanted input with those who went with a 5.3 over a 6.2L.

Dnt · August 28, 2016

I drove a 2014 5.3 6spd for over 61k and the engine was good (trans was a bit confused at time) the truck did exactly what I needed. Now as I get older I want a bit more fun and when I drove the 2016 Denali with the 6.2 8spd I decided that is what I wanted. Expensive but worth it to me....

KARNUT · August 28, 2016

Dealer usually has reg gas in the 6.2, makes a differents in performance. Just like E85 wakes up the 5.3.

TJay74 · August 30, 2016

No kidding on the dealer gas. I even warned my dealer ahead of time, got the truck for pick up and asked the guy and he said they put 87 in it. When I showed him that the 6.2 needs 91 or better they just said they were told it will run fine. When I left you could hear the truck pinging when I was alongside the concrete dividers. Just a clattering away as I drove down the road. I took the salesguy for a ride and asked him what he heard, when he asked what it was I told him that is from them not putting 91 in the trucks with the 6.2 in them.

I doubt they will change, most of those dealers tell the customers its ok to run 87 in the Corvettes, Camaro SS and the 6.2 trucks not knowing any better.

evilstevie · September 5, 2016

0 = total number of people on planet earth that prefer the 5.3 over the 6.2

Sorry man

That's probably about right. I picked up my 5.3 SLT in April and it's fine....but the 6.2 would have been an awesome upgrade. Having said that...I paid just under 39k before TTL for my 5.3, and 6.2's that i was looking at were in the 50k range (prior to TTL). I know the 6.2 is a 2.5k option over the 5.3 if you build one, but good luck finding one on a lot for that price difference. Seems to be more like a 10k real world price difference, and actually finding a 6.2 in the color you want is like finding a unicorn. I would definitely pay 2.5k more for a 6.2...but 6, 8, or 10k more is getting a bit ridiculous.

Donstar · September 5, 2016

Anyone actually have the funds and means to own the 6.2L, but truly prefer the 5.3? I'm by all means not unhappy with the 5.3 at all, just an ego thing at this point.

My preference is the 4.3 but if the choice was between a 5.3 and a 6.2, I'd choose the 5.3. I cannot imagine getting into a situation where the extra power is necessary. If my work required loads that exceeded the capabilities of my 4.3, I would have purchased a 3/4 or 1 ton version. My 4.3 can get me a speeding ticket in the city or on the highway (with a good load) if I should choose. I often find myself having to merge onto a highway from a stop and my six has not disappointed. I respect those that choose a 6.2 as well as those that choose other power combinations. I chose a 4X4 . I will never be in a situation where a 2 wheel drive wouldn't suffice but it is what I wanted. Sometimes it's a case of simply knowing the extra capability is there. Enjoy your truck and use the money you save for something else you enjoy!

burntorngelonghorn · September 11, 2016

I went with the 5.3 b/c premium gas is the only reason I can keep the wife out of a "luxury" import. If she knew I was putting premium gas in my truck it would cost me way more than just the fuel differential.

gregrob20 · September 11, 2016

6.2L was mandatory for me, but I tow heavy sometimes, and I love the power when empty.

Bayou-AllTerrain · September 11, 2016

When I decided on new truck I knew the All Terrain was the only option package I wanted. I drove a 5.3 AT and a 6.2 Denali but couldn't find a 6.2 AT anywhere in '14. I settled for the 5.3 since I didn't like the Denali and it wasn't bad at all. Way more power then the older 5.3 and drove great. Always browsed out of curiosity for a 6.2 AT around me and then a buddy at dealer texted me a few weeks ago and said they just unloaded a 2017 6.2 AT. Still itching I pulled the trigger and I love it. Yeah it much faster at full throttle but just normal driving it feels night and day different. So much more midrange torque! Hopefully it still feels as good with the lift and 34s.

Jonny Quest · September 15, 2016

I've never driven the 6.2 but the 5.3 is more than enough for me. This is my first truck and I drove a SUV before. My truck feels faster and gets better mileage than my Toyota did!

MrNasty · September 17, 2016

Coming from a tuned and deleted Dmax, I went with the 6.2. I moved back to the city and long wheelbase four door dually didn't work anymore. My wife has the 5.3 and its still a good motor and plenty of truck, but ask me and I still miss the Dmax, lol.

last truck · September 17, 2016

Don't know why I'm posting this besides to vent. I just recently purchased a 2016 Silverado Z71 LT 4x4. The truck is beautiful, makes good enough power for me with the 5.3L, and drives wonderfully. My main issue though, is I rushed into the purchase, and really needed a solid daily driver. Crazy enough, I didn't know this truck was available in LTZ trim with a 6.2. I purchased a completely loaded LT at 50k with all options, and basically having some regret since there is a LTZ 6.2L w/ 8 speed transmission sitting on the lot for 51k right now.

Anyone actually have the funds and means to own the 6.2L, but truly prefer the 5.3? I'm by all means not unhappy with the 5.3 at all, just an ego thing at this point.

My 14 HC had the 6.2 nice truck loaded up and had power to spare but I grew tired of the brown interior and buying premium gas for it. I now have a 16 max tow with the 5.3 and 3.73 gears and it pulls just as strong and seems smoother through the power band. I have no regrets and would never buy another 6.2.

TJay74 · September 20, 2016

My 14 HC had the 6.2 nice truck loaded up and had power to spare but I grew tired of the brown interior and buying premium gas for it. I now have a 16 max tow with the 5.3 and 3.73 gears and it pulls just as strong and seems smoother through the power band. I have no regrets and would never buy another 6.2.

You will be surprised, while GM says the 5.3 can run 87 with no issues the compression ratio isn't far off from the 6.2. The 5.3 is known to detonate and spark knock on 87 and runs lots better on 89+ up to even only using 91 in them. Tons of data logging on the 5.3 by a bunch of members, myself included that have seen the knock retard (KR) from running 87 on the 5.3's.

StillOffshore · September 20, 2016

I'd love the 6.2, but got a pretty good deal on a 5.3, so that's what I'll drive. Like someone mentioned previously, while the 6.2 might only be $2500 option, once they hit the lot it seems like that price gets highly inflated. I've had a few of the 5.3s starting in '01...they've gotten more and more powerful over the years. I'm Sure the new one will be just fine when I pick it up in a week.

Billy346 · October 5, 2016

I've got the 5.3 in mine and am happy with it. It Has enough power to chirp the tires going into second and third gear, merges onto the highway like a boss and tows my 8,000 pound boat with ease. I didn't want all the extraneous options that need to be selected to get the 6.2.

That being said, "more power" is never a bad thing. I've toyed with the idea of strapping on a blower. I think the whipple will bump it up to 570 hp, which is more than enough to land my butt in jail. (But do I want to spend $10k to go fast once in a while?).

I'm happy with my decision. I'd make the same one again given the opportunity.

ericxog · October 5, 2016

Yeah, ultimately I got closure since posting this thread, and am now at the two month mark. Does the 6.2 seem like an awesome upgrade? Yeah, it does. If I could have done it again would I have gone with it? Maybe. really depends on the price. Is my 5.3 awesome? Yes, it is awesome. I'm really happy with this drivetrain, the 5.3 rips, and it does everything I want it too. Its decently practical, and is pretty functional for me on a daily basis. Throwing E85 in it is pretty fun when I get the chance, and I absolutely love the truck!