4800 Engine

kjjz28 · September 26, 2004

I'm looking at a some '01 and '02 K1500 pickups with the 4.8 liter engine and wanted to hear some thoughts/comments from current owners with this engine. Any problems other than a lesser amount of torque than the 5.3? Thanks!

Silverado 4x4 · September 26, 2004

I have one in my 2000 and it does great! I have never had a problem with it and there is always plenty of power when I need it.

DustinM · September 26, 2004

I had a 2001 4x4 with the 4.8 and I liked it overall, however I was not happy with it as far as fuel milage and it sucked for towing, even little trailers. My folks have a 1999 4x4 with the 5.3 and it actually averages the exact same MPG as my 4.8 did and it pulls well and has lots of power...my 2 cents.....go with the 5.3.

GuyZ71 · September 26, 2004

Ditto to what Dustin said. My father's friend bought a Silverado with the 4.8 in it. Seems to do OK unloaded but after riding in a 5.3 there is a noticeable lack of power. Because of the smaller displacement you've got to work the engine a little harder to do the same things the 5.3 does without breaking a sweat. In the end there's no gain in fuel economy and you're down on power to boot. IMO the 4.8 shouldn't even be an option for the Silverado.

OUMike · September 27, 2004

I've driven both, and to be 100% honest I could tell no difference. But unilke the other fellas I wasn't pulling anything. I'd be happy with a 4.8.

az'03Silverado · September 27, 2004

My 4.8 is fairly peppy. I've towed and hauled with it and it's no dragster pulling a trailer but it gets the job done. I've never driven a 5.3 so I don't really know the difference. Empty, though, it really moves along well.

Cool Zr2 · September 27, 2004

I've driven both, and to be 100% honest I could tell no difference. But unilke the other fellas I wasn't pulling anything. I'd be happy with a 4.8.

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Yep, If you would have had a trailer on with some weight you would have noticed a huge difference.

5.3 is the most well rounded motor that GM has in my opinion, its not a wuss, and its not a fuel hog.

Finfever2 · September 27, 2004

I have a 2003 ecsb,4.8,3.42. I pull my 3500 lbs. boat with no problems. I only use 3rd gear. Five people in the cab, A.C. on, 110 deg. outside. Also over the Grapevine, long steep hills. I have always been very happy with the power. That being said,if I were to tow max trailer weight often, I would opt for the 5.3.

Mark

P.S. 15.8 mpg towing 1100 miles

Draphty · September 27, 2004

My 03 ECSB Z71 Sport Side has the 4.8. I was alittle leary of it myself...until I drove it. I'm sure alot depends on the the axle ratio's. Luckily, I got the only one on the lot that was equipped with 4.10 gears. According to the brochure, the 4.8 with the 4.10 gears is tow rated the same as the 5.3 with 3.72's. Cubes are everything...but if you don't have the cubes...gear it! It also doesn't hurt to throw on a FIPK and duals exhaust. Mine runs pretty d**n good. It's not like my 99 Vette...but it gets the job done. My 2 cents...if the 4.8 has the 4.10's go for it...if not, hold out for the 5.3.