Does anyone regret getting the 5.3L over the 6.2?

sheepdawg · October 21, 2019

My 2018 has the 5.3 and to be honest it's got some zip, more than the old 96 Ram with the 360 I had. I didn't buy a truck to be a hot rod I have a Mustang GT for that and if you pull your 6.2 next to it and get froggy you're going to get a good look at my taillights.

2017Darkness · October 21, 2019

3 hours ago, amxguy1970 said:

Let's correct some of the incorrect info posted in here. The difference isn't that big between the two, the 6.2 runs very well on 87 and the 5.3 is just as fast as the Hemi which is over rated and outdated. So I will repost this...

Ignore the advertised power numbers as the 5.3 out performs everyone except the 3.7 ecoboost and 6.2. All numbers from Motortrend to keep them consistent. I really wish people would do a little homework before posting misleading info or regurgitating what a few people incorrectly spout (usually the ego driven 6.2 guys)...

2019 Silverado 5.3 - 1/4 mile 14.9 @ 94.6, mpg 16/22/18 (real not given), power 355/383

2019 Silverado 6.2 - 1/4 mile 14.4 @ 98.3, mpg 16/20/17 (real not given), power 420/460

2017 Titan 5.6 - 1/4 mile 15.0 @ 93.9, mpg 15/21/18 (real 12.6/19.2/14.9), power 390/394

2019 Ram 5.7 - 1/4 mile 14.7 @ 93.7, mpg 15/21/17 (real not given), power 395/410

2015 Tundra (no one tests these same old dogs anymore) 5.7 - 1/4 mile 15.2 @91.8, mpg 13/17/15, power 381/401

2018 F150 2.7 - 1/4 mile 15.5 @ 89.5, mpg 19/24/24 (real is shown as 14.9/23.2/17.7), power 325/400

So the Silverado has less power than all yet is faster (it is two tenths behind the Ram but faster through the traps by nearly 1 mph) and beats them all on MPG (probably 2.7 as well as we all know how it really does). What I think is funny when the 6.2 guys talk about how much of a dog the 5.3 is yet it is only a half second slower and less than 4 mph behind at the traps on regular 87. It can also run on E85 giving it a nice power bump. The 5.3 is a sweetheart of a motor, plenty of power, good mpg and a proven reliability rating over the years while running on 87 and being able to get a shot in the arm on E85.

I am not at all wanting for the 6.2, I doubt you would be to OP coming from the Hemi. Most 6.2 purchases are ego driven rather than necessity. The only reason I would get the 6.2 is if I was towing often at higher weights. I wouldn't get it for speed since as you can see it isn't massively faster and it is a truck, a V6 Camry will be door to door with the hand of god 6.2 in a full size truck... I am foot to the floor maybe twice a month in my truck, everywhere else the 5.3 vs 6.2 you won't tell a difference in daily driving traffic or highway cruising.

Tyler

If they would retest these vehicle with 10 or 15,000 miles on them it would be a different story. I've had a few 5.3's over the years and currently have a 6.2 that, even with 35's and a 4 inch lift, would dust any of the 5.3's I owned before by way more than a half a second. Not trying to argue, just speaking from experience.

TXGREEK · October 21, 2019

My 2018 has the 5.3 and to be honest it's got some zip, more than the old 96 Ram with the 360 I had. I didn't buy a truck to be a hot rod I have a Mustang GT for that and if you pull your 6.2 next to it and get froggy you're going to get a good look at my taillights.

You’d be surprised as to how close these 6.2 stay with you considering their weight difference and especially tuned. The 6.2 is GM’s ultimate 1500, that being said, the 5.3 is sufficient in truck duties just not good at max towing on the 1500’s. I once towed 7500#’s travel trailer with my 14 5.3 and I got 3-4 mpgs, towed my buddies car hauler closer to 8000#’s and got 6-7 mpg. It may not seem like much but it does make a difference in arrival time and filling up. I think the Trail Bosses coming in 2020 with the 6.2 is one of the best moves GM has made. I’d be all over one if I wasn’t already in love with my Lifted 18 6.2.

Sent from Above

TXGREEK · October 21, 2019

If they would retest these vehicle with 10 or 15,000 miles on them it would be a different story. I've had a few 5.3's over the years and currently have a 6.2 that, even with 35's and a 4 inch lift, would dust any of the 5.3's I owned before by way more than a half a second. Not trying to argue, just speaking from experience.

You’re absolutely CORRECT, gotta own one to appreciate it.

Sent from Above

bshort · October 21, 2019

1 hour ago, sheepdawg said:

My 2018 has the 5.3 and to be honest it's got some zip, more than the old 96 Ram with the 360 I had. I didn't buy a truck to be a hot rod I have a Mustang GT for that and if you pull your 6.2 next to it and get froggy you're going to get a good look at my taillights.

....as it spins off to the side of the road. Hahhaha

TRKLGND · October 21, 2019

4 hours ago, amxguy1970 said:

Let's correct some of the incorrect info posted in here. The difference isn't that big between the two, the 6.2 runs very well on 87 and the 5.3 is just as fast as the Hemi which is over rated and outdated. So I will repost this...

Ignore the advertised power numbers as the 5.3 out performs everyone except the 3.7 ecoboost and 6.2. All numbers from Motortrend to keep them consistent. I really wish people would do a little homework before posting misleading info or regurgitating what a few people incorrectly spout (usually the ego driven 6.2 guys)...

2019 Silverado 5.3 - 1/4 mile 14.9 @ 94.6, mpg 16/22/18 (real not given), power 355/383

2019 Silverado 6.2 - 1/4 mile 14.4 @ 98.3, mpg 16/20/17 (real not given), power 420/460

2017 Titan 5.6 - 1/4 mile 15.0 @ 93.9, mpg 15/21/18 (real 12.6/19.2/14.9), power 390/394

2019 Ram 5.7 - 1/4 mile 14.7 @ 93.7, mpg 15/21/17 (real not given), power 395/410

2015 Tundra (no one tests these same old dogs anymore) 5.7 - 1/4 mile 15.2 @91.8, mpg 13/17/15, power 381/401

2018 F150 2.7 - 1/4 mile 15.5 @ 89.5, mpg 19/24/24 (real is shown as 14.9/23.2/17.7), power 325/400

So the Silverado has less power than all yet is faster (it is two tenths behind the Ram but faster through the traps by nearly 1 mph) and beats them all on MPG (probably 2.7 as well as we all know how it really does). What I think is funny when the 6.2 guys talk about how much of a dog the 5.3 is yet it is only a half second slower and less than 4 mph behind at the traps on regular 87. It can also run on E85 giving it a nice power bump. The 5.3 is a sweetheart of a motor, plenty of power, good mpg and a proven reliability rating over the years while running on 87 and being able to get a shot in the arm on E85.

I am not at all wanting for the 6.2, I doubt you would be to OP coming from the Hemi. Most 6.2 purchases are ego driven rather than necessity. The only reason I would get the 6.2 is if I was towing often at higher weights. I wouldn't get it for speed since as you can see it isn't massively faster and it is a truck, a V6 Camry will be door to door with the hand of god 6.2 in a full size truck... I am foot to the floor maybe twice a month in my truck, everywhere else the 5.3 vs 6.2 you won't tell a difference in daily driving traffic or highway cruising.

Tyler

The 6.2 does not run "very well" on 87. How do I know? I was wanting to see the difference between 93 from 3 different stations (generic, Shell and Marathon). I used and OBDII reader and Torque Pro to check timing under varying conditions. The generic station was the worst. It pulled timing, and a lot of it, over most all of the RPM range regardless of load. Shell was in the middle and Marathon the best. It pulled timing occasionally and only under the heaviest loads. I will see if I can find the data logs. I thought I saved them. In light of that data, I can say with confidence, 87 would actually run like crap in all but the most mundane driving conditions. The L86 will most certainly preform better with better fuel.

I far as our trucks being quick goes, my friend has a 2010 Camaro SS RS with the 6.2L and a 6 speed. Stop light to stop light the Camaro can't touch me. 4WD high, traction control off and a little break torque and I jump out to and easy half car length lead. The camaro doesn't catch me until about 65 mph. Mustang's, 3 series BMWs, they all meet a similar fate. They Camaro's and Mustangs with the automatics make it interesting but none of them get me off the line.

Edited October 21, 2019 by paracutin

sheepdawg · October 21, 2019

5 hours ago, bshort said:

....as it spins off to the side of the road. Hahhaha

Only in the EF1 that went 3 miles south of my house this morning.

sheepdawg · October 21, 2019

4 hours ago, paracutin said:

I far as our trucks being quick goes, my friend has a 2010 Camaro SS RS with the 6.2L and a 6 speed. Stop light to stop light the Camaro can't touch me. 4WD high, traction control off and a little break torque and I jump out to and easy half car length lead. The camaro doesn't catch me until about 65 mph. Mustang's, 3 series BMWs, they all meet a similar fate. They Camaro's and Mustangs with the automatics make it interesting but none of them get me off the line.

Sorry, not my experience and we ran twice. Maybe he was burning regular and I've talked to mine a little.

Edited October 21, 2019 by sheepdawg

Thomcat · October 22, 2019

No.

Black18WT · October 22, 2019

I owned a 2012 Sierra 6.2L, 6 speed, a 2017 ram 5.7L 6 speed, then an 2018 Sierra 5.3L 6 speed, and now a 19 5.3L 8 speed Sierra, and the 8 speed 5.3L feels almost as fast as my 2012 6.2L did. I don't regret buying the 5.3L this time around. I still love it just as much as I love my 2012 6.2L.

I raced my friends 2012 5.7 Ram (6 speed 3.92 gears) a month or so ago, in my new 19 5.3L, and we were dead even and hes got a custom tune, long tubes and CAI, but he is running a 3" lift and his truck weighs about 8-900lbs more, but has a lower payload and the same tow capacity. Considering all the other mods, hes pushing out at the very least 400-410hp, and my 19 5.3L 8 speed, 3.42 gears, was dead even with him.

My 2018 5.3L 6 speed felt a bit slow though, it felt a lot weaker compared to the 2019 8 speed and for my 2018 I did wish I got a 6.2L, but when 19 came around with the 8 speed I figured I'd give the 5.3L another chance since the price was right. GM really improved the responsiveness of the 5.3L in 2019 by matching it with the 8 speed.

ALSO!! Great news!! It looks like the new Scorcher tuner for the NEW 5.3L L84 motor with DFM, is being released at the end of the month. I noticed on their site is now says shipping begins on October 31st 2019, so if that's correct, the possibility of tuning and real aftermarket mods just opened up.

Also, if you think the new 5.3L might be underpowered, which it isn't, but if you're worried and dont want to fork out the extra for a 6.2L, get a flex fuel 5.3L, I think its like a $100 option. Running E85 in the 5.3L it makes around 380hp and 415ft lbs of torque. That's pretty damn good power and more than most people actually need. The 6.2L is a great motor, but so is the 5.3L with the 8 speed, and it you run it on E85, it feels pretty damn powerful.

If you've got the money, go got the 6.2L, but these new 2019 5.3Ls are a different beast compared to the 18s and I don't regret giving the 5.3 another chance. It's got enough power to at least smoke the young kids in their old civics, I even beat my buddies 2004 Infiniti G35.

Billet Bowtie · October 22, 2019

On 10/21/2019 at 10:16 AM, amxguy1970 said:

Let's correct some of the incorrect info posted in here. The difference isn't that big between the two, the 6.2 runs very well on 87 and the 5.3 is just as fast as the Hemi which is over rated and outdated. So I will repost this...

Ignore the advertised power numbers as the 5.3 out performs everyone except the 3.7 ecoboost and 6.2. All numbers from Motortrend to keep them consistent. I really wish people would do a little homework before posting misleading info or regurgitating what a few people incorrectly spout (usually the ego driven 6.2 guys)...

2019 Silverado 5.3 - 1/4 mile 14.9 @ 94.6, mpg 16/22/18 (real not given), power 355/383

2019 Silverado 6.2 - 1/4 mile 14.4 @ 98.3, mpg 16/20/17 (real not given), power 420/460

2017 Titan 5.6 - 1/4 mile 15.0 @ 93.9, mpg 15/21/18 (real 12.6/19.2/14.9), power 390/394

2019 Ram 5.7 - 1/4 mile 14.7 @ 93.7, mpg 15/21/17 (real not given), power 395/410

2015 Tundra (no one tests these same old dogs anymore) 5.7 - 1/4 mile 15.2 @91.8, mpg 13/17/15, power 381/401

2018 F150 2.7 - 1/4 mile 15.5 @ 89.5, mpg 19/24/24 (real is shown as 14.9/23.2/17.7), power 325/400

So the Silverado has less power than all yet is faster (it is two tenths behind the Ram but faster through the traps by nearly 1 mph) and beats them all on MPG (probably 2.7 as well as we all know how it really does). What I think is funny when the 6.2 guys talk about how much of a dog the 5.3 is yet it is only a half second slower and less than 4 mph behind at the traps on regular 87. It can also run on E85 giving it a nice power bump. The 5.3 is a sweetheart of a motor, plenty of power, good mpg and a proven reliability rating over the years while running on 87 and being able to get a shot in the arm on E85.

I am not at all wanting for the 6.2, I doubt you would be to OP coming from the Hemi. Most 6.2 purchases are ego driven rather than necessity. The only reason I would get the 6.2 is if I was towing often at higher weights. I wouldn't get it for speed since as you can see it isn't massively faster and it is a truck, a V6 Camry will be door to door with the hand of god 6.2 in a full size truck... I am foot to the floor maybe twice a month in my truck, everywhere else the 5.3 vs 6.2 you won't tell a difference in daily driving traffic or highway cruising.

Tyler

I'm not dogging the 5.3. I have owned several of them. They are great motors. A couple of things I disagree with you on this post is. First off half a second in the 1/4 is a substantial difference. Like 4 to 5 truck lengths difference. 4 mph does not sound like much but you would have to spend well over the price of a 6.2 vs moding a 5.3 to gain 4 mph and half a second in the 1/4. Secondly "you wont tell a difference in daily traffic or highway driving" between a 5.3 and 6.2 is not correct in my experience. The 70 plus lbs of torque is very noticable at lower rpms. I rarely red line my truck it's the low end torque that I like the most. Do you need a 6.2 most of the time? Nope. Do I think the $2500 for a 6.2 with a 10 speed is the best bang for your buck on a window sticker. Yep

redwngr · October 22, 2019

On 10/21/2019 at 9:25 AM, TXGREEK said:

There’s a big difference between the 5.3 and the 6.2, cost is definitely a factor (depending on purchase price) but really just depends on what someone is using the truck for. Running to Home Depot, a 5.3 is great, especially the new lighter one’s. Actually using it for hauling and towing, the 6.2 rises above and is much more capable. One thing that all owners of 6.2’s have in common, along with myself, non have ever regretted buying their 6.2’s and tend to keep them longer as they’re powerful.

Depending on what year and EPA restrictions, adding mods will also wake both of them.

Sent from Above

I regretted buying a 6.2.

Traded on a 5.3 NHT.

Eventually want back to a 2500 dmax, which was where I started in the first place.

TXGREEK · October 22, 2019

I regretted buying a 6.2.
Traded on a 5.3 NHT.

Eventually want back to a 2500 dmax, which was where I started in the first place.

The diesel is a much more capable hauling vehicle. I had the 2014 LTZ 5.3 (horrible vehicle) then the LTZ DMax (excellent vehicle for towing) and now much happier with my Lifted SLT 6.2 which has turned out to be the best truck I’ve ever owned out of about 30 units and all were loaded out. The 1500 6.2 is a whole lot better riding than the 2500 and much better at turning radius than the 2500, won’t haul as much but just overall a much more functional, smoother and quieter daily driver.

Sent from Above

unavailablerado · October 22, 2019

On 10/21/2019 at 9:48 AM, TXGREEK said:

I think the best question would be, would anyone regret getting rid of their 6.2 for a 5.3?

My answer: NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!

Sent from Above

You mean never regret it or never going to downgrade.