'burb 1500 or 2500/ 5.3 or 6.0?

Dr. DanH · August 19, 2006

The 4X4 GMC Van that I had built has really seen its better days. With only 170K, the wife has been begging me to get another vehicle (she realizes that it WON'T be a car). Took 3 different Suburban/Yukon XLs for a ride. Thought that I'd like/want the 6.0 available in the 3/4 ton but was really unimpressed with the off-the-line acceleration, and thought that the 5.3 was peppier. Both had 3.73s. Both had 16" rims, although the 1/2 ton had 275's while the 3/4 had 245's. I had figured that the smaller tire on the 3/4T would be an advantage if anything. I don't really tow anything of substance, (although wrapping a chain around a small tree for its removal was a common occurrance) but cannot get the larger engine in the lighter vehicle.

My questions:

Does the 6.0 mate to a different tranny (different ratios I mean) than the 5.3 that would account for the acceleration difference?

While I'm planning to ditch the 245's immediately, will larger diameter tires provide better or worse acceleration?

And does the PCM have to be reprogrammed when I do the significantly larger diameter tires? I do have the SuperChips tuner for the Vette, and figure that I can use that for the reprog.

Thanks in Advance,

Dan

Elwood 2000 · August 19, 2006

I have driven all three engines available in Suburbans. I felt the 5.3 was a pooch for a rig like a Suburban, but gets the best milage unloaded. If you are looking at the difference between the 6.0 and the 8.1, you will see 1-2 mpg less with the 8.1, but a LOT more power. If you feel you want a 3/4 ton, I would definately go with the 8.1.

Something to remember, the 1500's ride on coil springs in the rear while the 2500's ride on leafs in back. I prefer the ride of the 2500, but that is just me. The 2500 does use a different tranny than the 1500, but I am not sure about the ratios in them.

Ditching the 245's for a larger tire will hurt acceleration, and you will need to re-program your speedo. I suggest a Wester's custom tune or a custom tune from another reputable company. The plug in type tuners just don't hold a candle. Wester's can recal your speedo and boost engine performance and drastically reduce torque management. I have a Wester's tune in my Silverado and it drives like a totally different truck than before, like a truck should.

Best of luck with your choice! Hope I was of some help.

pbutler6 · August 20, 2006

The 4X4 GMC Van that I had built has really seen its better days. With only 170K, the wife has been begging me to get another vehicle (she realizes that it WON'T be a car). Took 3 different Suburban/Yukon XLs for a ride. Thought that I'd like/want the 6.0 available in the 3/4 ton but was really unimpressed with the off-the-line acceleration, and thought that the 5.3 was peppier. Both had 3.73s. Both had 16" rims, although the 1/2 ton had 275's while the 3/4 had 245's. I had figured that the smaller tire on the 3/4T would be an advantage if anything. I don't really tow anything of substance, (although wrapping a chain around a small tree for its removal was a common occurrance) but cannot get the larger engine in the lighter vehicle.

My questions:

Does the 6.0 mate to a different tranny (different ratios I mean) than the 5.3 that would account for the acceleration difference?

While I'm planning to ditch the 245's immediately, will larger diameter tires provide better or worse acceleration?

And does the PCM have to be reprogrammed when I do the significantly larger diameter tires? I do have the SuperChips tuner for the Vette, and figure that I can use that for the reprog.

Thanks in Advance,

Dan

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

the 2500 comes with a better tranny than the 1500 (4l80or a 4l85e heavy duty)

Brian1 · August 20, 2006

I am pretty sure they dropped the 8.1 vortec on 2007 suburbans. Not sure on GMC but would say the same applies. There were two types of transmission for 3/4 both 4l80e or 4l85e. Whatever you want to call them. There was one using the ID number of mn9 and the other one is mt1 and this is the weaker of the two also. The output tail piece and final output gear type is the difference. MN9 just a bit tougher but a little bit noiser as well. Mn9 went with 8.1L and mt1 went in 6.0L.

For me I would go 6.0 and then get it programmed to help out on the low end. Mostly computer torque management is the main reason of this.

Might just wait and see if the 6l80e six speed automatic trans make it in the 2008. Should be in full production by then.

Brian1

dannyukonxl · August 24, 2006

i think the new body style burbs are pretty nice, its a bummer they took the 8.1 out but the 4l80e is the mt1 and the 4l85e is hte mn8 i believe... but anyways theyre pretty much the same tranny except the 85e has 5 planetary gears. but anyways 1st on the 4l60/65e is like 3,02 and 1st on the 80/85 is around 2.5 so 1st gear gearing on the 2500 is higher and thats going to be really noticable... whenever i drive a 5 speed its the first thing i notice... on the freeway though the difference between the 8.1 the 6 and the 5.3 is CLEARLY noticable... get the 3/4 ton for 3k more you get a whole lot more truck

pknowles · August 24, 2006

What you are feeling is the lower first gear of the 4L60E in the 1500 with the 5.3 vs the tall first gear in the 2500 with the 6L and 4L80E or 4L85E.

svensk · August 24, 2006

If you don't tow much at all don't get the 2500. That truck is ALOT heavier than the 1/2 ton and thats why the accel sucks. And the gas milage unless you don't care will also be about 12mpg(maybe lower). That truck is made for grunt work and will just cost you extra money if your not using it for heavy duty needs.

willieboy · August 26, 2006

I agree with SVENSK. Antoher thing to consider is if this will be used mostly for a people mover, the ride in the 1500 is MUCH nicer, and the truck handles much better. That 5 link coil rear makes a big difference in handling and ride quailty.

Down8 · August 28, 2006

I doubt they bolt the 4L80E to the 6.0L. It's likely a 4L65E or 4L70E. I.e. same ratios as the 5.3L.

-bZj

dcsnyder · August 28, 2006

The 4X4 GMC Van that I had built has really seen its better days. With only 170K, the wife has been begging me to get another vehicle (she realizes that it WON'T be a car). Took 3 different Suburban/Yukon XLs for a ride. Thought that I'd like/want the 6.0 available in the 3/4 ton but was really unimpressed with the off-the-line acceleration, and thought that the 5.3 was peppier. Both had 3.73s. Both had 16" rims, although the 1/2 ton had 275's while the 3/4 had 245's. I had figured that the smaller tire on the 3/4T would be an advantage if anything. I don't really tow anything of substance, (although wrapping a chain around a small tree for its removal was a common occurrance) but cannot get the larger engine in the lighter vehicle.

My questions:

Does the 6.0 mate to a different tranny (different ratios I mean) than the 5.3 that would account for the acceleration difference?

While I'm planning to ditch the 245's immediately, will larger diameter tires provide better or worse acceleration?

And does the PCM have to be reprogrammed when I do the significantly larger diameter tires? I do have the SuperChips tuner for the Vette, and figure that I can use that for the reprog.

Thanks in Advance,

Dan

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The 5.3 spins up faster into it's power range, 2000-2500 rpm. The 6.0 will continue to pull after the 5.3 has run out of breath. When I first bought my 6.0 I seemed to find myself going faster because I was use to keeping my foot on the gas of the old 5.3 longer.

If you don't need to tow, I wolud go with the 5.3. Larger tires will hurt your acceleration, fuel milage and reduce the torque you're putting on the road.

Mark_in_Tulsa · August 28, 2006

I doubt they bolt the 4L80E to the 6.0L. It's likely a 4L65E or 4L70E. I.e. same ratios as the 5.3L.

-bZj

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nope. The heavy duty trucks/suv's get the heavy duty 4l80 to put behind the 6.0.

Dr. DanH · August 29, 2006

Thank you all who have responded.

The truck has the 4l80 (mt1) trans with the 6.0l. I've already been in contact with Wester's for their tune. Will go with the 285's and adjust the tune accordingly.

As for ride quality, the Van had leaf springs in the rear and they were OK. The heavier 2500 should even help in that department. On that subject, really...how much heavier is the 3/4t than the 1/2t? Can't be more that 100lbs. or so...That's less than another passenger. Does anyone know the curb weight of either, or where that info can be found?

Will probably get it this week, really disappointed with the lack of storage/'trunk' space. Is there any aftermarketers that make additional storage or false floors, etc? Had made a trunk for the Van that accessed only through the rear doors. Fit nicely behind the sofabed. Don't see that as a possibility in the 'burb.

Dan

silverado3500 · September 13, 2006

I don't know the exact difference, but it is definately a lot more than 100lbs. You have a stronger frame on the 2500, heavier duty suspension, larger (heavier) rear axle, heavier engine, heavier transmission.

Personally, I prefer the 6.0 over the 5.3, but then again I'm always towing. If you are only going to use the burb as a people mover, the 5.3 will do just fine. If you don't mind 12-14mpg, the 6.0 is a good engine, though not as "fast" as the 5.3, because of the transmisison gearing.

I also prefer the leaf springs over the rear coils any day. The leafs are far more stable IMO.