4.8 Vs. 5.3?

tnor · January 21, 2008

So I finally went into the dealer today to have them take a look at my car and figure out a trade in value for it as well as to find some trucks equipped the way I want. Just got a call back from the dealer and they found 2 trucks that fit the bill. Both red, crew cab sierras, but the main difference is one has the 4.8 and the other has the 5.3. I'm leaning towards the 5.3 right now since the difference in payments is roughly $60 a month. any body have any opinions on either engine?

jrrod2004 · January 21, 2008

got a 4.8 stock and it runs fine, not real difference except the displacement........which = slightly better fuel economy........

shedberg · January 21, 2008

I went with the 4.8L because the AFM kinda worries me long term.

Dana_15 · January 21, 2008

I'm leaning towards the 5.3 right now since the difference in payments is roughly $60 a month. any body have any opinions on either engine?

$60 a month is alot. How many years? I've owned both motors (both last generation Silverados), the 5.3 felt like it had a more broader power band...although the 4.8 was more than adequate

Woodcutter · January 21, 2008

If you don't tow over 4-5K pounds or haul big loads, keep the $60/mo and get the 4.8.

VMax2007 · January 21, 2008

Neither!!! 6.0 Baby!!! Go big or go home!!!

Volucris · January 21, 2008

I got the 4.8 in a crew cab 4WD because it was a lot cheaper. It's fine for me. The gas mileage might be a little better, and it has all the power I need. Better gas mileage and a lower initial cost plus all the power I need = a no brainer, but then I'm a cheap a$$ s.o.b.

$60 a month for 3 years = $2,160, for a five year loan it's $3,600. That's a lot for a few more horses and foot pounds.

Zembonez · January 21, 2008

4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 engines share the same architecture. They are all quite good engines. I'm really happy with the 4.8. It would be different if I were going to pull a large trailer or carry heavy loads. Then the torque of the larger engine displacement would be really needed. All I pull is a moderately sized boat...

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

solarjustin · January 22, 2008

Man that is a huge differeance in payment between the two. I have the 4.8L and does what I need it to do. For $60 a month I could find performance mods for the 4.8 to take it up to and pass the 5.3 power, pluse you would get to order parts and play with your truck. But as stated just get what you want and be happy with it.

unit731 · January 22, 2008

I got the 4.8 in a crew cab 4WD because it was a lot cheaper. It's fine for me. The gas mileage might be a little better, and it has all the power I need. Better gas mileage and a lower initial cost plus all the power I need = a no brainer, but then I'm a cheap a$$ s.o.b.

$60 a month for 3 years = $2,160, for a five year loan it's $3,600. That's a lot for a few more horses and foot pounds.

I agree. Especially about the "but then I'm a cheap a$$ s.o.b."

Plus I am a slow poke now. In my younger days, with my Pontiac Grand Prix or my red Mustang, I was always the leader and always in the passing lane. In fact, one time, I recall, I did 90ish all the way up the interstate and this young woman followed me as I passed everything in the road. She got off interstate before me and gave me a nice wave. Thanking me for taking the lead and of course, being first to get that potential speeding ticket. I have long since mellowed !

But the $60.00 deal, what's that all about. These must be two completely different trucks. Not just the engine.

I got the 4.8 and you know what? I'm happy. Some day, maybe I'll get a phone in the truck. Oh, wait, a phone IS standard in the truck now. Well, I guess I got everything.

tnor · January 22, 2008

Thanks for all the input guys. I think I'm going to be going with the 5.3. After a bit more research i think that the 5.3 will suit my needs a little better for towing and such. Tomorrow going to be putting the call in to get the truck. A red crew cab 4x4, cloth interior with 5.3, I'm pretty excited to say the least.

As far as the $60 a month difference, it's because its going to be a lease.

Jaredkm · January 22, 2008

I dont think you should worry so much between the 4.8 and the 5.3, but maybe the gear ratio in the back. I have the 4.8 with the 3.42 rear end, and I think it would do alot better even with the 3.73. I learned this valuable lesson the hard way