2021-2022 Silverados with no AFM/DFM

[westpac690]

I am looking to buy a new truck and I'm just not happy with what the car companies are putting out there over the last 10 years. Aluminum bodies, turbos, cylinder deactivation, etc.......

I heard GM made some 5.3 Silverados in 2021 and 2022 without the chips needed to run AFM/DFM, so they are running as a true V8.  

I know they are still relatively new, but are these models having the same lifter issues as the 5.3 with AFM/DFM activated?  

Also, is there anyway to tell if these 2021/2022 trucks were manufactured with or without the chip?  

[jaxcam02]

2 hours ago, westpac690 said:

I am looking to buy a new truck and I'm just not happy with what the car companies are putting out there over the last 10 years. Aluminum bodies, turbos, cylinder deactivation, etc.......

I heard GM made some 5.3 Silverados in 2021 and 2022 without the chips needed to run AFM/DFM, so they are running as a true V8.  

I know they are still relatively new, but are these models having the same lifter issues as the 5.3 with AFM/DFM activated?  

Also, is there anyway to tell if these 2021/2022 trucks were manufactured with or without the chip?  

It would say on the window sticker and also have RPO code "L84 - ENG: 5.3L ECOTEC3 V8 W/O DFM" on the build sheet

I have one of these lucky trucks. But its not too lucky because the engines still come with the DFM lifters. BUT if one ever fails and I have to break open the heads I can install non DFM lifters without having to worry about any programming or cam phasers etc.

Edited July 25, 2023 by jaxcam02

[westpac690]

2 hours ago, jaxcam02 said:

It would say on the window sticker and also have RPO code "L84 - ENG: 5.3L ECOTEC3 V8 W/O DFM" on the build sheet

I have one of these lucky trucks. But its not too lucky because the engines still come with the DFM lifters. BUT if one ever fails and I have to break open the heads I can install non DFM lifters without having to worry about any programming or cam phasers etc.

There is a mechanic on youtube with the Getty Adventures channel that says he thinks the best chance to keep the lifters working is to change the oil no longer than every 5000 miles and use a high quality oil and filter.

What are your thoughts on the transmission? I have heard of all kinds of problems, a supposed fix with a different transmission fluid and class action lawsuits.

I'm just used to my trucks working with no major issues.  1979 GMC to a 1997 Chevy to a 2012 F150.  And honestly, the only reason I'm considering a newer truck right now is my F150 is 2 wheel drive and I'm on a hunting lease where 4x4 would make things easier.  

[jaxcam02]

59 minutes ago, westpac690 said:

There is a mechanic on youtube with the Getty Adventures channel that says he thinks the best chance to keep the lifters working is to change the oil no longer than every 5000 miles and use a high quality oil and filter.

What are your thoughts on the transmission? I have heard of all kinds of problems, a supposed fix with a different transmission fluid and class action lawsuits.

I'm just used to my trucks working with no major issues.  1979 GMC to a 1997 Chevy to a 2012 F150.  And honestly, the only reason I'm considering a newer truck right now is my F150 is 2 wheel drive and I'm on a hunting lease where 4x4 would make things easier.  

Get the 10-speed transmission which i believe all 2022+ v8s have

[newdude]

Window sticker like jaxcam02 says or if you are running the build codes on the truck, option code YK9 is DFM disabled.  

[jaxcam02]

33 minutes ago, newdude said:

Window sticker like jaxcam02 says or if you are running the build codes on the truck, option code YK9 is DFM disabled.  

Yes this one is the specific one. I couldn't find it on my build sheet but low and behold there it is.

"YK9 - CREDIT - NOT EQUIPPED WITH DYNAMIC
FUEL MANAGEMENT"

[Bikerjon]

I also have a 2021 Trail Boss Custom 5.3L "NOT EQUIPPED WITH DYNAMIC FUEL MANAGEMENT" Black 10,200 miles. Its been a great truck. I am currently looking to trade it in. If you are interested P.M. me.

[alrockaz]

I'll sell you my 2020 with an AFM delete as soon as it comes out of the shop . 3 lifters failed, damaged cam, bent pushrod and likely one damaged valve. Cam was damaged in two spots and the third lifter had damage on the roller. Did not hear lifter tick beforehand, but it's was also so hot in Phoenix that windows were never down. Putting in a Texas Speed AFM delete now, cleaning the deposits in the heads (they were bad!). Mechanic already checked bearings and journals to make sure there was not metal in the system.

 

For the record, this truck is probably over-maintained and still had the lifter failure. High quality oil and filters, always changed at 5000 miles or earlier. 

 

Once I get it back, it should be back to being the perfect truck for me.

[Steve-2019]

30 minutes ago, alrockaz said:

I'll sell you my 2020 with an AFM delete as soon as it comes out of the shop . 3 lifters failed, damaged cam, bent pushrod and likely one damaged valve. Cam was damaged in two spots and the third lifter had damage on the roller. Did not hear lifter tick beforehand, but it's was also so hot in Phoenix that windows were never down. Putting in a Texas Speed AFM delete now, cleaning the deposits in the heads (they were bad!). Mechanic already checked bearings and journals to make sure there was not metal in the system.

 

For the record, this truck is probably over-maintained and still had the lifter failure. High quality oil and filters, always changed at 5000 miles or earlier. 

 

Once I get it back, it should be back to being the perfect truck for me.

 

How many miles on the engine when this happened?

[alrockaz]

 

20 hours ago, Steve-2019 said:

 

How many miles on the engine when this happened?

68,000