Why only autos in the 5.3

SilveradoWV · June 15, 2002

I never hear of anyone having a manual tranny in a 5.3 and looked in the book on silverados and its not even an option, the auto tranny is standard on all 5.3's. Just wondering whats up with that????

vortec4800 · June 16, 2002

I'm not too sure their manual transmissin is too popular in any of the trucks, the clutches are heavy and the throw is really long. As the engine gets larger the torque goes up, which would require an even heavier clutch still, I don't know about you but I wouldn't want a stick in a big pickup truck...

There might be some other reason as to why they don't have it, but that would be my guess.

HillHound · June 16, 2002

I do like 5-speeds and I'd have had one if they were available. I think GM's official excuse is that there's not much demand for them in 1/2 ton pickups. Also I think the mpg regulations have something to do with it.

Shaners · June 16, 2002

Not a problem in the HD series though... You can get a 5 or 6 speed if you want.

HillHound · June 16, 2002

Not a problem in the HD series though... You can get a 5 or 6 speed if you want.

Yep you can get a 6.0L with a 5-speed and an 8.1L or Diesel with the 6-speed. I think there could be a new 2500 (non-HD) ext cab 4wd with a 6.0L 5-speed in my not-so-distant future!

And I can get away with saying that around here because my wife does not read this forum!!! :lookaround:

gmcjoe · June 16, 2002

Not a problem in the HD series though... You can get a 5 or 6 speed if you want.

I'm not sure, but I'm guessing the 1500 series trucks answer to different standards then the 2500+ series does?

ekonk · June 16, 2002

I think the reason is a lack of demand, but I don't know for sure.

I would generally think that having an extra gear would give better mpg, at least on the highway, so I don't think that's the problem.

When I get my truck, I'll probably go w/the 4.8 + 5-spd. I'm not sure if I would spend the extra money on the 5.3, and I know I wouldn't spend the money on the auto tranny.

Kansas Kid · June 16, 2002

There is actually a couple of reasons you don't find manual transmissions in trucks under 8600GVW with the largest available engine, from any brand. The most important of which is emissions. Vehicles with manual transmissions emit more hydrocarbons because of the constant variation in RPM while shifting. And of course the larger the engine, the more emissions.

Another reason is the fact that the NV3500 which GM uses in its half ton pickups is only rated at 300 ft-lbs of torque, which is less then the 5.3 produces. Of course they could use the NV4500 that is behind the 6.0 trucks, but it is a heavy duty transmission and does not shift as smooth as the light duty NV3500 and has a bit heavier clutch. And we wouldn't want that for the type of people who are buying trucks anymore, they want their truck to drive just like a big car.

ClipperSkipper · June 19, 2002

Too many standards in my past livery; put it in D, mash the accelerator, and go!

Have a great one!

SMKNGTA · June 20, 2002

Hi

I'm new to this forum. My dad has a 2000 ext cab Z71 with a 4.8L and a 5spd with 3.73 gears and that truck is awsome. We put a K&N intake on it and a single 3.5in mandrel bent exhaust with a hooker muffler which I know we lost torque on because the pipe is too big for the engine size, but it sounds awsome. It dynoed at 242rwhp and 256rwtq when it hit the speed limiter in third gear, the hp was still going up. It's too bad they don't offer a 5spd in a 1500 anymore or-else I would order one.

ekonk · June 20, 2002

Hi
I'm new to this forum. My dad has a 2000 ext cab Z71 with a 4.8L and a 5spd with 3.73 gears and that truck is awsome. We put a K&N intake on it and a single 3.5in mandrel bent exhaust with a hooker muffler which I know we lost torque on because the pipe is too big for the engine size, but it sounds awsome. It dynoed at 242rwhp and 256rwtq when it hit the speed limiter in third gear, the hp was still going up. It's too bad they don't offer a 5spd in a 1500 anymore or-else I would order one.

Welcome to the forum, the truck sounds cool.

They do still offer the 5-spd in the 1500's with the 4.3 V6 and the 4.8 V8, just not with the 5.3 V8. Why exactly they don't offer it with the 5.3 is what we're all wondering about in this thread. :idontgetit: