4.8 or 5.3 v8?

gb387 · November 6, 2003

If you had a choice what v8 would you get the 4.8 or the 5.3? and why... I am looking for a new truck and I guess I am not to sure why they offer 2 v8s and what might be better one over the other? The gas mileage and torque seem to be close. can anyone help?

SilveradoWV · November 6, 2003

They are both pretty close, the 5.3L can tow more though. I doubt gas mileage is any better with either engine. I have a 4.8L in my Reg Cab Short Bed and I am very happy with it. It would kill the Non Vortec EFI 350 we used to have. But you should get the biggest engine possible, you never hear anyone say they have too much power, although it seems that way with my 4.8L in the rain with the open diff. However I couldnt find the truck I wanted with a 5.3L, but do not regret the 4.8L at all. Both are good engines for towing, 7000lbs or less and both have nice power when you just stomp on it for fun.

LogixRat · November 6, 2003

For a regular cab, the 4.8 might be okay but if you get an extended cab definitely go for the 5.3. The short and sweet is that it is a more powerful motor, and with the extra weight of the extended cab, the 5.3 is a better option. Of course, I have a buddy that has a regular cab with the 5.3 and it is blazing fast!! Hehe, never heard him complain about it being "too fast" though.

The price difference isn't much, and the power and pulling advantage of the 5.3 will pay off in the long run. Anyhow that's my vote.

Good luck!

asepgrad98 · November 6, 2003

you would get back any extra funds spent for the 5.3L in resale value. Bigger is better

MCourson · November 6, 2003

Yea I would suggest getting the 5.3, but the 4.8 is no less of an engine. The old 01 GMC excab 2wd had the 4.8 and it was fast. The 4.8 had NO problems with the ex cab. To be honest I think that truck, since it had a little less weight, would easily out run the Tahoe with the 5.3

WhiteHorse · November 6, 2003

5.3 is the only way to go

trucks need power

5.3 should be the standard

better retail when you go to sell it also

my 2 cents

LogixRat · November 6, 2003

Yea I would suggest getting the 5.3, but the 4.8 is no less of an engine. The old 01 GMC excab 2wd had the 4.8 and it was fast. The 4.8 had NO problems with the ex cab. To be honest I think that truck, since it had a little less weight, would easily out run the Tahoe with the 5.3

When buying my truck, I did drive a 4.8 first. It was decent and would do the job without doubt. But then I drove the one with the 5.3 and there was no looking back. There was a noticeable power difference, and like the others I agree that more power is better. The freedom to get up and go is one of the things I like best about my truck, and the 5.3 gives more of that freedom.

Also, as several folks have pointed out...the resale will be better on the 5.3.

RyanZ71 · November 6, 2003

I cast my vote for the 5.3 as well!

MCourson · November 6, 2003

Yea I would suggest getting the 5.3, but the 4.8 is no less of an engine. The old 01 GMC excab 2wd had the 4.8 and it was fast. The 4.8 had NO problems with the ex cab. To be honest I think that truck, since it had a little less weight, would easily out run the Tahoe with the 5.3

When buying my truck, I did drive a 4.8 first. It was decent and would do the job without doubt. But then I drove the one with the 5.3 and there was no looking back. There was a noticeable power difference, and like the others I agree that more power is better. The freedom to get up and go is one of the things I like best about my truck, and the 5.3 gives more of that freedom.

Also, as several folks have pointed out...the resale will be better on the 5.3.

Again I have driven both ex cab with 4.8 and 5.3. My dad and I both drove them before he bought one in 2001. With only 10 hp difference, I honsetly could not tell a difference in seat of the pants, unloaded off the line performance. Now as for towing yea you can tell a difference. Yes I would vote 5.3 but I dont think that the 4.8 should be discredited.

BlackSilver · November 6, 2003

If it's just going to be a daily driver/grocery hauler, and maybe towing a light (under 1,000#) boat once in awhile, the 4.8L is a perfectly serviceable engine if geared right in the rear (3.73, not 3.42!).

If you're going to do any work with the truck, get the 5.3L.

The torque/HP numbers aren't that much different, but the devil is in the details --- look at the RPM's where they occur.

TROYROBO · November 6, 2003

5.3 gets my vote--plenty of power and i like getting 18.5 to 20.5 mpg also

SilveradoWV · November 6, 2003

(under 1,000#)

A 4cylinder metro could tow 1000lbs!!!

I usually pull 3500lbs all the time and have no problems, my truck is rated for 7200lbs, max trailer weight and by the way it feels at 3500, I feel like it could at least do 6000 on a regular basis.