How does the 4.8L do

[mudbug660]

I'm going to be getting a new (to me) ,03 chevy or Gmc ecsb but all the dealer has is the 4.8L. I really want the 5.3 but I just wanted to know how the 4.8 does. How is the low end? What about powerbraking? (And I'm going to be putting a westers in it) tell me what ya'll think. Oh yea I really don't care if I get a 2 or 4wd doesn't really matter to me. I still got my ranger for the mud.

[beetle]

I'm going to be getting a new (to me) ,03 chevy or Gmc ecsb but all the dealer has is the 4.8L. I really want the 5.3 but I just wanted to know how the 4.8 does.  How is the low end? What about powerbraking? (And I'm going to be putting a westers in it) tell me what ya'll think. Oh yea I really don't care if I get a 2 or 4wd doesn't really matter to me. I still got my ranger for the mud.

 

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[az'03Silverado]

The 4.8L is a good, solid motor. Mine does really well pulling up to 5000lbs. I've never pulled more than that but I'm sure it would do just as well. Empty the truck really moves nicely if you're looking for 'off the line' performance. Plenty of power for hills and stuff. Mileage is about 12-13 loaded and 16-18 unloaded depending on how much time you spend on the freeway or stop-n-go. I've had my '03 ECSB 4x2 for 2 years and have no complaints about the 4.8L. And I've done it all. Towing, hauling, freeway x-country, etc.

[Shaners]

The 4.8L runs strong, it's just not up to the task of towing heavy loads.

 

Take one for a test drive and I think you'll be impressed!!!

[Truckman031]

The 4.8L runs strong, it's just not up to the task of towing heavy loads.

 

Take one for a test drive and I think you'll be impressed!!!

 

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I agree. My cousin just bought a 01 4.8, and he likes it alot.

[asilverblazer]

Great unloaded motor.

 

Ehhh... so so towing.

[atomoverride]

as long as your not dumb enough to buy the v6 you will be ok! my 4.8 v8 rocks.

[Mark_in_Tulsa]

The $900 or so upgrade to the 5.3 is well worth it. Obviously you care about performance or you wouldn't of mentioned the custom tune. So don't short yourself. Get the 5.3, it will help with resale also. Plus if you ever plan on towing or inheriting a boat or something, you will have plenty to tow with. The difference in MPG is minimal.

 

Remember there is no replacment for displacment.

[Friz]

My wife has the 4.8 in her '03 Tahoe. It really is a nice engine. My only complaint is on the highway - It will downshift going uphill at 75-80 mph. It just doesn't seem to have enough torque to stay in OD for a mild hill at that fast of a speed. I live in NW Florida, so the hills aren't that big.

One thing that I do notice is that coming off a red light or turning, that sucker really pulls at about 2000 rpm.

[Fatboy2]

We have an 01 tahoe with the 4.8. I don't pull a trailer often. When I do it is loaded with two ATVs (not a large load). It seems to do fine with that size of load.

 

I can't complain with the performance. The gas mileage?????

 

It is driven in town the majority of the time getting roughly 12 -13 1/2 mpg.

 

It has 53k on it and no major problems so far. Just my 2 cents

[vred2000]

I have a 4.8L and before I did any mods I hauled 12 squares of shingles on the bed. It pulled without any problem. After the mods, it really run now.

[mazingo]

I have a 04 1500 with the 4.8L and it is not a real puller on the low end but get turning over 3K and it will go. I only wish mine had 3.73's instead of the air plane gears .

[atomoverride]

I reciently got my transmission rebuilt with corvette parts and 9 clutch plates instead of the stock 6. Man oh man it coooks on the freeway now. I went from 70 to 100 in no time.

[Paul_Aris]

I just bought a 99 with a 4.8L. I was a little aprehensive at first, but I got such a good deal on it so I bought it anyway. All I can say this little 4.8 continues to impress me. If I were to buy new I would probably go with the 5.3L but the 4.8 feels about the same. As a bonus there is no engine knock.