2008 Silverado - 5.3l Vs. 6.0l - Mpg ?

need-for-speed · March 15, 2008

I'm going to order a new Silverado. I've heard that the 6.0L engine sucks the fuel. Do they really use that much more fuel? I love the idea of an extra 50 HP, but then again, this new truck is supposed to be practical as I may have to use it for my daily driver if I switch jobs and lose my company car.

Bottom line - how does the mileage compare?

punmax · March 15, 2008

About 2-3 MPG difference. Get the 6.0 ;)

spartus · March 15, 2008

I have the 5.3L and get 13-14 city, and 16-16.5 highway. A mixed tank will net me about 15 mpg. Since gas shot up 30 cents a gallon mine has been parked for three weeks. $350 a month in gas hurts the pocket a little.

chill6x6 · March 15, 2008

I'm going to order a new Silverado. I've heard that the 6.0L engine sucks the fuel. Do they really use that much more fuel? I love the idea of an extra 50 HP, but then again, this new truck is supposed to be practical as I may have to use it for my daily driver if I switch jobs and lose my company car.

Bottom line - how does the mileage compare?

I see you have a 08 Corvette! I have a 07 Corvette myself!

I went thru EXACTLY what you are going thru, 5.3 vs. 6.0. There are MANY more new trucks out there with the 5.3 I can tell you that! MANY more choices! BUT.. I went ahead and bought a 4x4 Silverado 1500 Crew LTZ with the 6.0 VortecMAX. REASONS? Previous truck was a Titan which has a strong engine as well and I surely didn't want to go DOWN in performance compared to it. Also..I figure I can afford a Corvette I can afford the little bit extra it takes to run a 6.0 vs 5.3.

Right now I'm averaging about 15.5 mpg(average of first 6 tanks) in the Silverado 6.0 which is about 2 mpg BETTER than I got with the Titan for the first 6 tanks. Honestly..I don't see the 5.3 getting THAT much better than the 6.0. That is unless you go all they way for fuel economy..regular cab, 2wd, 17 inch wheels, 3.42 rear end, etc.

I like black!

slimjim2525 · March 15, 2008

I'm going to order a new Silverado. I've heard that the 6.0L engine sucks the fuel. Do they really use that much more fuel? I love the idea of an extra 50 HP, but then again, this new truck is supposed to be practical as I may have to use it for my daily driver if I switch jobs and lose my company car.

Bottom line - how does the mileage compare?

I see you have a 08 Corvette! I have a 07 Corvette myself!

I went thru EXACTLY what you are going thru, 5.3 vs. 6.0. There are MANY more new trucks out there with the 5.3 I can tell you that! MANY more choices! BUT.. I went ahead and bought a 4x4 Silverado 1500 Crew LTZ with the 6.0 VortecMAX. REASONS? Previous truck was a Titan which has a strong engine as well and I surely didn't want to go DOWN in performance compared to it. Also..I figure I can afford a Corvette I can afford the little bit extra it takes to run a 6.0 vs 5.3.

Right now I'm averaging about 15.5 mpg(average of first 6 tanks) in the Silverado 6.0 which is about 2 mpg BETTER than I got with the Titan for the first 6 tanks. Honestly..I don't see the 5.3 getting THAT much better than the 6.0. That is unless you go all they way for fuel economy..regular cab, 2wd, 17 inch wheels, 3.42 rear end, etc.

I like black!

Beautiful vette! I agree with ya on this one. I have the 5.3, and i'm averaging 15.5 with a mix of 50/50 city highway. If you romp on the 6.0 that's when your gas mileage is gonna go into the toilet. I would get the 6.0, if you drive them the same way, then the difference will be minimal.

need-for-speed · March 15, 2008

I see you have a 08 Corvette! I have a 07 Corvette myself!

I went thru EXACTLY what you are going thru, 5.3 vs. 6.0. There are MANY more new trucks out there with the 5.3 I can tell you that! MANY more choices! BUT.. I went ahead and bought a 4x4 Silverado 1500 Crew LTZ with the 6.0 VortecMAX. REASONS? Previous truck was a Titan which has a strong engine as well and I surely didn't want to go DOWN in performance compared to it. Also..I figure I can afford a Corvette I can afford the little bit extra it takes to run a 6.0 vs 5.3.

Hey nice ride chill !! My C5 and it's predecessors - '86 IROC, and '91 Z28, were all black. Beautiful color.

Well you guys are a bad influence on me WRT the "big motor"

I am going to get the extended cab, w/ 2 WD and 3.42, so for me the mpg diff may be more. I'll just have to think on it some more. Decisions decisions.

My babies:

ws6_guy · March 15, 2008

the 6.0L would get about 30 - 40 miles less I would say, 2 - 3mpg at most. But with the AFM and easy throttle maybe better.

VMax2007 · March 15, 2008

The difference in MPGs between the 5.3 and 6.0 is minimal. Keep in mind the 6.0 has VVT (Variable Valve Timing) and the 5.3 does not. That makes a difference too. Also keep in mind the 6.0 is a better engine...is has a deep skirt all-aluminum block with 6-bolt mains and beefier internals. Also, when you get the 6.0, you also get a 4L70E tranny (heavier duty than the 4L60E), external engine oil cooling, external tranny cooling, HD 9.5" rear end and, if you get a Stabilitrak equipped truck, you will get 4 wheel disc brakes.

No brainer IMO. If MPGs are your main concern, don't buy a full-size truck.

mitchell87 · March 15, 2008

No brainer IMO. If MPGs are your main concern, don't buy a full-size truck.

You gotta pay to play!

omegafiler · March 15, 2008

No brainer IMO. If MPGs are your main concern, don't buy a full-size truck.

You gotta pay to play!

Exactly. What's more important to you, a few extra MPG, or extra HP? But like others said, if you're going to be concerned about MPG... a full size truck may not be the best choice.

Also keep in mind, you're on a truck enthusiast forum. So of course the majority are going to tell you go with the bigger engine and more HP. It's what we do!

svensk · March 15, 2008

If "I" were in the market for a new truck I wouldn't even consider smaller or mid level motors. Your spending that kind of money...these trucks are a huge investment go all out or buy used is what I say. Jeff is right the 6.0L is a far superior motor with VVT and the 4l70e. I would get the 6.0L with 4.10 gears in a heart beat. Only because I couldn't afford a 400hp Denali.

Going 3.42 gears in a truck is a mistake just get at least 3.73's if you do go with the 5.3.

d3athsong · March 15, 2008

I am going to get the extended cab, w/ 2 WD and 3.42, so for me the mpg diff may be more. I'll just have to think on it some more. Decisions decisions.

Thats the setup that ive got. Took a trip a couple of weeks ago and put on a little under 100km's. Mainly highway driving at 110 km/h highway with some city driving, though traffic was pretty good and didnt have a lot of start/stops. Id say 90% highway km's. Averaged 24mpCg, or roughly 20 mpUSg. Had just over 5000 km's at the end of the trip. Dont be alarmed at your mileage on your first couple tanks though. Ive seen a major improvement since my first couple tanks.

hatfishr · March 15, 2008

I'm going to order a new Silverado. I've heard that the 6.0L engine sucks the fuel. Do they really use that much more fuel? I love the idea of an extra 50 HP, but then again, this new truck is supposed to be practical as I may have to use it for my daily driver if I switch jobs and lose my company car.

Bottom line - how does the mileage compare?

I've got the 6.0 and before I started driving slower, I was getting around 14.5. Since gas has shot up the way it has I've been driving the speed limit (or a little less) and I'm averaging 17 or so highway. I was driving much faster before and had a heavy foot, it's hard to keep your foot out of this thing because it's so quick and fast, but I have now and I'm doing much better.

Go with the VMax...you'll be glad you did.

redvett · March 15, 2008

Hey need for speed, just don't plan on an 08 because of the American Axle strike. Negations are not going well and normally orders will be stopped in April but GM most likely wont take any 08 orders. Plan on a 09 and price increases.

d3athsong · March 15, 2008

Hey need for speed, just don't plan on an 08 because of the American Axle strike. Negations are not going well and normally orders will be stopped in April but GM most likely wont take any 08 orders. Plan on a 09 and price increases.

Depending on where you live, it may be hard to find a 2wd on the lot, nevermind one with 3:42's. Though it is possible.