5.3 Or 6.0?

moo snutz · February 20, 2009

Hey All - It's been a few years since I posted, I went Honda Ridgeline for awhile....I know I know.

Anyway, looks like now is the time to get back into a new Chevy. I'm looking a 1500 crew cab LT but can't decide between the 5.3/4 speed or the 6.0/6 speed. What seems to be the general consensus on which is the better combo? Any known issues with either one?

Also, what ever happened to Wester's? all I'm seeing now is Black Bear....

Thanks

Spurshot · February 20, 2009

Moo,

They are completely different animals. If you just want a truck for it's utilitarian purposes, decent milage, etc., a 5.3 may be the way to go. If you want a bit of a hotrod, the 6.0 or even hotter 6.2 2009 would be the way to go.

Zembonez · February 20, 2009

Hey All - It's been a few years since I posted, I went Honda Ridgeline for awhile....I know I know.

Anyway, looks like now is the time to get back into a new Chevy. I'm looking a 1500 crew cab LT but can't decide between the 5.3/4 speed or the 6.0/6 speed. What seems to be the general consensus on which is the better combo? Any known issues with either one?

Also, what ever happened to Wester's? all I'm seeing now is Black Bear....

Thanks

If you want to match the Ridgeline's performance, I'd get the 4.3 V6 and fill the bed with sand. That should get you close. My next door neighbor bought one and tried to pull a boat with it. I thought we were going to get killed.

OK... enough of that. Both are very good. The 5.3 / 4 speed combo is a proven setup. Very reliable. It should do everything the average buyer needs unless heavy towing is in their plans. NEEDS is the key word here. the 6.0 / 6 speed would be more fun to drive.

lbkthree · February 20, 2009

If you want to match the Ridgeline's performance, I'd get the 4.3 V6 and fill the bed with sand. That should get you close. My next door neighbor bought one and tried to pull a boat with it. I thought we were going to get killed.

OK... enough of that. Both are very good. The 5.3 / 4 speed combo is a proven setup. Very reliable. It should do everything the average buyer needs unless heavy towing is in their plans. NEEDS is the key word here. the 6.0 / 6 speed would be more fun to drive.

+1, And I see your back.

tnord · February 20, 2009

what are you going to be pulling with it? unless you're frequently hauling 5000+ lbs, i wouldn't bother with the 6.0/6.2....not worth the extra money and increased fuel consumption.

i want the 6.2 6sp real bad, but i don't need it.

Zembonez · February 20, 2009

+1, And I see your back.

I is! I is!

Draenor · February 20, 2009

Nothing wrong with Westers besides the price.

Blackbear sends you the datalogger so you can provide him a real time log of how your truck is running. He (justin) has a better feel of what you have and can tune accordingly.

Nick The Great · February 20, 2009

I agree with 'bonez.

If you needed the 6.0L you wouldn't be asking. Coming from a Pantyline, you probably don't do a lot of towing.

But if you're looking for some devil's advocates, I'll play. I think the 6.0/6.2 and 6spd would be a hell of a rig. If you're ok with the extra upfront and fuel $$, then go for it!

moo snutz · February 20, 2009

If you want to match the Ridgeline's performance, I'd get the 4.3 V6 and fill the bed with sand. That should get you close.

LOL... That's true actually...

moo snutz · February 20, 2009

what are you going to be pulling with it? unless you're frequently hauling 5000+ lbs, i wouldn't bother with the 6.0/6.2....not worth the extra money and increased fuel consumption.

..... just my mother-in-law...

I ordered my last 05' 2500HD from the factory with the 8.1/ZF 6spd & the rig did an admirable job of hauling my Northstar slide-in. this time around, I'll be pulling a large pop-up & motorcycle and will have the cab stuffed with 5 people and all the associated gear. FWIW - I live at 7K feet elev.

What is 'real world' fuel mileage for the two motors in the conditions mentioned above?

zxcv · February 20, 2009

what are you going to be pulling with it? unless you're frequently hauling 5000+ lbs, i wouldn't bother with the 6.0/6.2....not worth the extra money and increased fuel consumption.

..... just my mother-in-law...

I ordered my last 05' 2500HD from the factory with the 8.1/ZF 6spd & the rig did an admirable job of hauling my Northstar slide-in. this time around, I'll be pulling a large pop-up & motorcycle and will have the cab stuffed with 5 people and all the associated gear. FWIW - I live at 7K feet elev.

What is 'real world' fuel mileage for the two motors in the conditions mentioned above?

Maybe get the Tow Package as an option then?

I joke, I joke.

The 5.3 with the 4 speed is great for a lot of things. It depends how much cash you want to throw at your truck for the fun stuff.

moo snutz · February 20, 2009

Bonez

Off-topic but is the USGuntalk board linked in your post, new? I've been on Glocktalk and others for years but have never seen that one - looks good.

Zembonez · February 20, 2009

Bonez

Off-topic but is the USGuntalk board linked in your post, new? I've been on Glocktalk and others for years but have never seen that one - looks good.

It's new. My son (texas1911) and I started it about three weeks ago. It's growing quickly and we'd love to have you come and join up! Lots of guys from GMT are there too.

MarkD · February 20, 2009

One more chime...

5.3 = average

6.0 = above average

If you plan on spending your money on power mods (CAI,exhaust,tune), just spend the money up front and get the 6.0

Rat4go · February 20, 2009

If you're looking new, the 5.3L gets the 6-speed for 2009 in the Crew Cab version of the P/U.

My recent drive of a 5.3L/6-speed/3.42 gear suburban suggests it performs much better than the family's 2007 5.3L/3.73/4-speed suburban, and at least in pickups, it's rated to tow more than the 4-speed truck, too.

Likely the 6-speed will do better than the 4-speed for highway fuel econ (for the same motor) as the 6-speed has the 3.42 rather than the 3.73, but much more trans gear ratio, hence the performance difference.

6-speed has some cool features I've been looking forward to, as well. Now to find some money for the downstroke on the 2009 before the lease on the 2007 ends!