Engine Choice

Alliance00 · February 9, 2008

Hey guys,

I have a friend that is looking to buy a new GMT 900 in regular cab standard box configuration with four wheel drive. He can't make up his mind if he wants a 4.8 or a 5.3 and if he opts for the 4.8 he's not sure what rear end gear to get. Gas mileage is the reason for his concern.

He does quit a bit of highway driving and pulls a utility trailer on the weekends to his cabin in northern Michigan.

Any help would be great! Thanks in advance!

07Graystone · February 9, 2008

IMHO, 5.3 with a 3.73 G80.

Fshnrig · February 9, 2008

IMHO, 5.3 with a 3.73 G80.

Always go with the bigger engine option.

huero626 · February 9, 2008

He should go with the 5.3L engine because there really isn't much of a difference in fuel mileage between a 5.3 and a 4.8. Also go with the G80 and 3.73 gears. A 5.3 would tow way better than a 4.8.

Jaredkm · February 9, 2008

Go with the 4.8 if cost is a big deal, but DEFINETLY get the 3.73 rear end gears. If money is no worry, them move up to the 5.3

Woodcutter · February 9, 2008

4.8 and 3.42 would be perfect for higher mileage and just towing a utility trailer. Too many people underrate this motor & gearing setup. If you're going to add bigger tires/wheels and or tow heavy (over 5000 lb) trailers, then get the 5.3 with lower gears.

unit731 · February 9, 2008

2008 GMC Sierra 4.8 Regular Cab Long Bed 4x4 Work Truck.

I ordered this truck. I am completely happy with this configuration.

But, probably, if I had it to do over again, I would opt for the 5.3. Cost of truck was an issue for me and $600.00 more for the 5.3 just wasn't there. I did opt for the power windows/power mirrors, locking differential, skip plate, plow prep package, and towing package. I got more truck then I will ever need for a very long time.

I am averaging 13/14 MPG up here in mountain snow cold country. I think the 5.3 gets slightly better gas mileage - at least on the window stickers I read on trucks in stock.

Alliance00 · February 9, 2008

Anybody else want to toss in their two cents??

Zembonez · February 9, 2008

I'm really happy with my 4.8. I like smaller displacement V8s. Mine runs great, pulls my boat effortlessly, and does everything I need and it cost less money than the 20HP more 5.3.

I know a lot of people in here love the 5.3 but the 4.8 is a great engine too. They are almost identical. Difference is bore and stroke.

If I were going to tow heavy loads I would bypass the 5.3 and go for the 6.0 where there is a real difference in available HP/Torque. I would stay away from the displacement on demand 5.3. Imagine how much trouble that technology is going to be to fix when it craps out.

Just my opinions...

2004GMC1500CC · February 9, 2008

IMHO, 5.3 with a 3.73 G80.

Always go with the bigger engine option.

winkman · February 10, 2008

My 2007 with a 4.8l Seems Fine to me

2000DV4.8 · February 10, 2008

If he can afford the 5.3, go for it. If not, go with the 4.8 and 3.73 gears, and the g80 locker. The 3.42's will take away too much low end torque, which the 4.8 doesn't have a lot of to start with.

JoshRDavis.84 · February 10, 2008

I've got the 4.8 4x4 with the locker and 3.42 does everything i need it to do but it definately doesnt have a ton of get up and go. however i had a 2500 with the 6.0 so its quite the difference for me. 4.8 pretty good gas mileage though if thats important to you probably not much diff in the 5.3, but the 6.0 gobbled it up. My only complaint is that sometimes on the highway with the cruise set at 65 - 70 it will downshift to pull some of these hills and maintain speed. My 6.0 never did. Depends on what you need/want. Hope this helps.

Volucris · February 10, 2008

I've got th 4.8. 4WD, 3.73 rear end, in a crew cab. Works just fine. Test drive them both and see if you can tell the difference.

Silverado4x4 · February 10, 2008

If he can afford the 5.3, go for it. If not, go with the 4.8 and 3.73 gears, and the g80 locker. The 3.42's will take away too much low end torque, which the 4.8 doesn't have a lot of to start with.

Doesn't have alot to start with? the differance between the 4.8 and 5.3 is only 33 more torgue and 20 hp that is not alot of differance. I went with the 4.8 cause I didnt see to spend the extra money just for that little bit of differance. As most of the 5.3s go in the extra cabs the differance in the weight of the truck will suck up the extra hp and torque equal to a 4.8 single cab. Like said go to the 6.0 if you need more.