4.8 ltr vs 5.3 ltr engine

[Dalma]

I'm considering purchasing a new extended cab 4x4 and I'm looking at both engine options. The majority of my use will be unladen highway driving.

 

I have not test driven either one yet and was originally not even considering the 4.8 engine but there a couple in town here that I could get for a great price. I know that the 4.8 is down quite a bit in torque but is it still drivable?

 

My current vehicle is a 99 Corvette and I do love a powerful engine but at the same time I'm not starting to worry about fuel mileage.

 

I have had several older GM trucks all with 5.7 ltr engines. I had a 90, 92 and 94 in trucks ranging from a 2wd short box to 4wd extended cab to suburban and was never over excited by the power they create. I do know the difference between torque and HP but I must ask, in highway driving does the increase in HP compensate the reduction in torque?

[Smitty00Z71]

get the 5.3. The power is much better then the old 5.7 and 4.8  The gas milege wouldn't be much different from a 5.3 to 4.8, some may even dare to say better MPG with the 5.3 -the engine has to work less

[chevy4x4trucks]

First off, welcome to the forum.

 

I've got the 4.8 in a 00 ext. cab short bed 4x4, and I've driven with it, towed w/ it, and off-roaded w/ it.  I've also done the same w/ a 5.3, even a 6.0.  And unless I was doing some major towing I would have to say that there is no difference.  My truck is still faster than most of my buddies cars (96 bonneville w/ a 3.8 and a 95 grand prix w/ a 3.1) which despite the fact that they have a v6 are much lighter and have road tires.  I dont' know, it works great for me.  I've got an american flowmaster cat back and a K&N Generation II Air Intake and the truck looks and sounds great.  If you can get a good deal I would say go for it.

[Dalma]

Well thank you for the welcome to this forum. I think the forum idea is fantastic. In fact I have been managing a Corvette club forum for a local club http://bccorvetteclub.com/forum

[Dalma]

I really thought this would have sparked the 'great debate'.

[FIRECAT]

If your used to driving a 'vette, then go to a 6.0.  I personally hate my 5.3!!  I had a '97 Tahoe with the 5.7, Gibson exhaust and K&N intake and wish I hadn't sold it!!!  I personally feel that the new 5.3 doesn't even come close to making the power of the old 5.7.  The 5.3 is fast, yes, but it makes its peak HP and torque at like 4500 RPM.  The old 5.7 make it's peak torque much lower RPM (I'm not exactly sure).  I wish that I had gotten the 6.0 or the 8.1.  Now that I have had the oppotunity to drive the 8.1, I would get that, without question.

 

To me it feels like the 5.3 is always looking for what gear to be in, because it doesn't have the power until it is revved to higher RPM.  At 70 MPH the RPM is reading about 2100 and it at best struggles to maintain speed.  I know I am a minority here, alot of people love the 5.3, but that's my feelings.  BTW, my driving varies from city to highway, and I tow occasionally, mostly in the winter.  

 

I MISS THE OLD 5.7!! ???

[pacodiablo]

when purchasing the truck the 4.8 will definately cost less.  if i get a new GM it will have a 4.8 (course it will be 2wd too).  for highway driving the 4.8 should do fine

[mjsmith1223]

I love my 5.3.  According to my tach at 2000 rpm I'm doing 73 mph.  When I stomp on it, I'm gone.  It pulls my 3500 lb. boat like it's not even there.

 

As far as actual differences between the 4.8 and the 5.3 I believe the only difference is the crankshaft.  The 5.3 has a longer stroke than the 4.8.

 

Mike

[Stepside Z]

I am on my second 4.8 and have liked both of them. I don't tow or haul anything so it workes fine for me. I don't think there is any gas milage difference between the two. I will say the 5.3 has alot more torque. The crank is different and has a longer stroke.

[RyanbabZ71]

My philosophy

 

You can never have to much engine

 

Always better to have to much than not enough

[Shaners]

I think either engine will work fine for you and both will deliver high teens for mpg's on the highway.  

 

The trick to these motors is to keep them geared right.  In my opinion stay away from the 3.42's and get at least the 3.73's.

 

The 3.73's run the motor approx 2k rpm @ 70 mph and the 4.10's run approx 2.4K rpm @ 70 mph.

 

The 4.10's will give you plenty of power out of the hole but probably won't be what you want for mostly highway cruising.

[CapnDean]

I have the 4.8 in a 2wd extended cab.  I am very pleased with it.  Although it does not have the sheer balls that my 1989 reg cab 350 seemed to have.  Mind you that all of this is butt dyno.

 

The mileage of the 4.8 is excellent, the acceleration is excellent.  I have decided that I do not like the tow/haul deal when I tow a flatbed laden with a tractor. For some reason I don't like the shift points in tow/haul.

 

Now:  IF I were getting a 4WD Ext Cab - - I'd probably opt for the bigger engine.  I do believe that the 4.8 will push a 4WD..but sometimes more power is better.

 

If you are swapping from a vette to a 4WD, you are going to have an adjustment to make REGARDLESS of what engine you get!

 

Good luck, welcome to the board!  and...if you don't need 4WD...give that 4.8 a shake..you might be surprised!

[pawpaw]

Comparing maximum HP and torque ratings gives incomplete and misleading info to compare these two engines in most practical driving situations.

                           

I rarely needed more than 3,000 rpms to move my K1500 Suburbans ('94, '97, '99 & '01)along, even

during an infrequent tow of a 4500# boat trailer in the Missouri Ozarks.

 

So...... I suggest you think about your normal use of the truck. If you're like me, the power output in the 2000 to 3000 rpm band is what's important; i.e., ability to hold highway speed without excessive downshifting.

 

Based on torque/HP curves on the GM Powertrain Website; http://www.gmpowertrain.com/

the 4.8L engine produces 270 ft-lb of torque at 2500 rpm. At the same RPM, the 5.3L produces 300

                                                      ft-lb (an 11% increase over the 4.8) and the ('96 & up) 5.7 produces 320 ft-lb, an 18% increase over the 4.8).

 

I've not driven a 4.8, but I definitely notice the lower torque (pulling & speed holding power) of my

5.3L'01 compared to my 5.7L'99.... even though the 5.3L is rated 30 hp HIGHER than the 5.7.

 

Since I NEVER use the high end of the rpm band where the greater HP lives, the 5.3L is a weaker performer for me.  Based on the torque curves, the 4.8 would be yet another step down in normal usage performance.

 

The good news is the 4.8 and 5.3 engines will deliver noticeably better gas mileage than the 5.7.

 

I would loved to have the 6.0L in my '01YXL, but I didn't want the heavier suspension.  (Wife's car and all that.)

 

If you can, try both under conditions that are important to you.  Your backside is the best judge.

 

Good luck.

 

Barry B

[Mawgie]

I have the 5.3, and am very pleased with its highway performance.  Like the member that started this post, most of my highway miles are with no or a minimal load.  I like the truck loafing along at around 2000 rpm at 70 mph.  Low rpms means it's quiet, and I get better better mileage with less  wear and tear on the engine.  Roll on the gas gently and the truck gathers steam in overdrive without any fuss.  If in a hurry, look away from the gas gauge and give it a 1/3 punch of the throttle to shift down out of overdrive and you have all the power you need to pass, or pass uphill.

 

I haven't read anywhere on the forum that the 4.8 gas mileage is much better than the 5.3, and would therefore suggest you get the 5.3.  You'll like the power, and should be able to recover some of the cost of then engine upgrade (I forget, is it an $800 option?) over the 4.8 at resale time.

 

Good luck.

[Dalma]

Well I think that I have been talked out of the 4.8 ltr engine. I would like to thank everyone for chiming in.

 

I think I would have a hard time living with the 4.8 after this one: