4.8l Or 5.3 V8 In 2008 Gmc Sierra?

[timmerk]

Hi guys,

 

I'm new this car engine stuff (i.e. I know nothing), and was wondering if I should buy a 4.8L V8 or 5.3L V8 on a 2008 GMC Sierra? I will only tow a light load about once a year (although it will be cross country). I see the 5.3L has little better horsepower and torque, and even slightly better fuel economy (I assume because of the AFM), but I really don't want AFM built in. At the same time, I really want the bucket seats, which requires the 5.3L or 6.0L engine with AFM.

 

I know you can turn off AFM in the ECM settings, but I don't want any of the hardware there (because of things like this: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75247 )

 

Any recommendations? There are pros/cons to each..

 

Thanks!

[omegafiler]

It's all about what you want or need from your truck. Do you want more power, is the cost worth it, would you want to have the extra power when towing, etc? All questions only you can answer.

 

But I wouldn't worry about that AFM stuff. If there are any issues, it'll be fixed by GM, under the 100k powertrain warranty. So I wouldn't use that as a negative on the future truck purchase.

[ws6_guy]

I myself would chose the 5.3, the two engines get the same amount of economy, yet one is stronger than the other so i'll take the bigger 5.3

[nakedicarus]

Hi guys,

 

I'm new this car engine stuff (i.e. I know nothing), and was wondering if I should buy a 4.8L V8 or 5.3L V8 on a 2008 GMC Sierra? I will only tow a light load about once a year (although it will be cross country). I see the 5.3L has little better horsepower and torque, and even slightly better fuel economy (I assume because of the AFM), but I really don't want AFM built in. At the same time, I really want the bucket seats, which requires the 5.3L or 6.0L engine with AFM.

 

I know you can turn off AFM in the ECM settings, but I don't want any of the hardware there (because of things like this: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75247 )

 

Any recommendations? There are pros/cons to each..

 

Thanks!

 

I went with the 5.3L and love it. Very smooth and powerful. AFM works perfectly fine on my truck. Glad I didn't settle for less.

[MS3DALE]

Welcome!!

I vote for the 5.3,Of course for me nothing but the 6-liter would do!!

[RyanbabZ71]

I always say it is better to have more power than not enough. I would rather have the capability and know if needed I have it. I have 2 5.3's (2000 amd 2008). In my limited driving of the new 5.3 (only 5 miles so far personally) I have no idea why people complain about the afm so much. So far i have been unable to tell when it is on and off. Only way to tell is to have it on the DIC.

[mitchell87]

Go with the 5.3 and you won't be dissapointed. I don't have one personally but i have ridden it a few that have them and i am impressed.

[asilverblazer]

I had a rental with a 4.8 in it, it was probably an '06, it was more powerful than my '99 5.3. Meanwhile my NEW 5.3 is WAY more powerful than both of those. Trucks were identical in all other respects.

[MustGoFaster]

I've driven both a 4.8 and 5.3 mileage was so close that it would have taken the lifetime of my ownership to make a noticeable difference. go with th 5.3 - it's the most common option, and as a result, will be the most common for aftermarket and repair.

[LGillingham]

Hi guys,

 

I'm new this car engine stuff (i.e. I know nothing), and was wondering if I should buy a 4.8L V8 or 5.3L V8 on a 2008 GMC Sierra? I will only tow a light load about once a year (although it will be cross country). I see the 5.3L has little better horsepower and torque, and even slightly better fuel economy (I assume because of the AFM), but I really don't want AFM built in. At the same time, I really want the bucket seats, which requires the 5.3L or 6.0L engine with AFM.

 

I know you can turn off AFM in the ECM settings, but I don't want any of the hardware there (because of things like this: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75247 )

 

Any recommendations? There are pros/cons to each..

 

Thanks!

 

I have had the 4.8 litre in a sierra and fuel economy was great for a full size 4x4 but that thing would slow down when it saw a hill in the distance. I was very disappointed with it and then when place even a small utility trailer behind, it was pathetic. Mind you I have been somewhat spoiled having had a 454 and a diesel, and I love cruise control and hate down shifting on hills, so the 4.8 didn't really suit me.

[electrak]

Hi guys,

 

I'm new this car engine stuff (i.e. I know nothing), and was wondering if I should buy a 4.8L V8 or 5.3L V8 on a 2008 GMC Sierra? I will only tow a light load about once a year (although it will be cross country). I see the 5.3L has little better horsepower and torque, and even slightly better fuel economy (I assume because of the AFM), but I really don't want AFM built in. At the same time, I really want the bucket seats, which requires the 5.3L or 6.0L engine with AFM.

 

I know you can turn off AFM in the ECM settings, but I don't want any of the hardware there (because of things like this: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75247 )

 

Any recommendations? There are pros/cons to each..

 

Thanks!

 

I have had the 4.8 litre in a sierra and fuel economy was great for a full size 4x4 but that thing would slow down when it saw a hill in the distance. I was very disappointed with it and then when place even a small utility trailer behind, it was pathetic. Mind you I have been somewhat spoiled having had a 454 and a diesel, and I love cruise control and hate down shifting on hills, so the 4.8 didn't really suit me.

 

 

I know you didn't ask about the larger engines, but just for reference... I just bought a 2003 Avalanche 2500 with the 8.1L, I wouldn't trade down on power. I do a fair amount of towing and you can't beat having the extra power for those hills. I get about 14mpg on average (no towing) and having only towed once with this truck I can say it is a totally different experience. Of course it depends on what roads you take and how heavy the load is. Take a 5,000 lb load through the a mountain pass, with no oil cooler (engine and/or transmission) and you'll probably smoke your tranny and your engine will be gasping for air... I wouldn't even think of the 4.8L, and much better resale on a larger engine... even with high gas prices because people buy these for doing work, not commuting. My truck is a third vehicle and it is only used when it has a job to do... Good luck!

[Zembonez]

Greetings new guy and welcome to our site!

 

5.3