potential buyer 2018 5.3L 6 speed reliability?

[qrexler]

I currently am looking to buy a 2018 silverado, 4x4, 5.3L, with a 6 speed transmission... Can anyone please speak on its reliability and drive ability? I hear a lot of very bad things

regarding the 8 speed is why I am sticking closely with a 6 speed. are there any crazy shifting issues with the 6 speed? I will really appreciate all and any input before making this

purchase! Thanks all!

[Boardmember]

I’ve had an 8sp and a 6sp on two prior trucks.  I selected 6sp on my current truck and it’s close to perfect.  All with the 5.3.  

[qrexler]

thanks for that reply, exactly what I am hoping to hear... I am just so particular with my vehicles. Ive had a string of bad luck with my trucks being unreliable I.E. the 2015 colorado... had major issues 12 times at the dealer.

[SWOYER]

I dont know about the 8 speed, but the 6 speed shift kinda crappy stock. It's always lugging the motor and anytime you get on it more than 1/16th of throttle it studders around looking for the best gear. After the tune though, its very pleasant to drive. The gears are almost un noticeable yet firm. 

[qrexler]

Probably looking tomorrow at this truck, if anyone else can chime in it would be greatly appreciated.

[jono20]

FWIW I have the 8-speed in my 2018 and have had no issues. I think it drives noticeably better than the six speed in my 2014 and in a 2017 that I drove for a period.

[Largely Unknown]

Send a picture if you buy it!  

 

I have the 8, it's an acquired taste.  Sounds bad a.. ripping through the gears, with very nice shifts.  Has intermittent/occasional harsh shift with light throttle at low speed, regardless of software update.  I decided that I can live with it.  

 

Good luck.

[15 Z71]

I have a 2015 6 speed 5.3. Mine shifts fine. Had a few clunks at first but is smooth now. I have no complaints.

[2017_whitez71]

2017 5.3 6 speed, have had no problems.  Shifts great! Also had a 2014 with a 6 speed, also shifted great.

[Nanotech Environmental]

I have a  2017 with 5.3 and a 6 sp. It's fine. There are a few things it does a bit different than the old 4 speeds, but once you get used to them it's good.

[TRG]

5 hours ago, SWOYER said:

I dont know about the 8 speed, but the 6 speed shift kinda crappy stock. It's always lugging the motor and anytime you get on it more than 1/16th of throttle it studders around looking for the best gear. After the tune though, its very pleasant to drive. The gears are almost un noticeable yet firm. 

Exactly my experience as well. 18 LT 6Sp 5.3. 

 

What did you get for a tune?

[SWOYER]

After much internal debate about buying a Diablo tuner, I went with diablew. His customer service is awesome and for a daily it's a no brainier.  We don't need to tuners and autocal on a daily like this. So the price point is more attractive. You?

[Logan Lanfear]

I went from a 2008 6 speed to a 2013 6 speed.  The 2013 was leaps and bounds above the 2008 and I enjoyed driving it.  I would think by now they would have both the 6 speed and 8 speed very well sorted.  And, a tune would help prolong the life of the transmission as well.  

[Boardmember]

But if OP is considering a new truck, are y’all suggesting he spend the extra money AND likely void his warranty (if he gets “caught?”). 

 

SWOYER says “...always lugging the motor...”.  As in never have either of mine done that EVER,  not to mention ALWAYS.

 

More here that say their 6sp works well.   Test drive it.  Then buy it.  

[qrexler]

Thanks for the input all.