The $2,695 Question: Do I Really Want The 6.2L?

Rock1500 · April 11, 2016

Thanks for the input, guys. I remember driving a 2014 5.3L when they first came out and noticed a very delayed throttle response, but the 2016 I drove didn't seem to exhibit that delay. I still want to drive the two engines back to back, and luckily my local dealer has both on very similar trucks, but I'm pretty sure I'll just stick with the 5.3L.

I heard a tune will fix the issue with throttle response which I am thinking of doing.

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Badass69 · April 11, 2016

The OP stated SPG smiles per gallon, the 6.2 wins. its only money you can't take it with you so enjoy the $2,700 6.2 option. Yes I understand he's only leasing the vehicle. but since hes never tried a 6.2 take the plunge. The OP will thank us for our 6.2 words of wisdom.

4.3/5.3 is 11.0 CR and the 6.2 is 11.5 CR 91+ octane is recommended in general esp with differences in the quality of fuel between fuel suppliers, in reality the 4.3/5.3 will knock/ping as well, so its moot. I have driven both trucks on lower octane fuel 87 & 89, both engines 5.3 & 6.2 ping.

The 6.2 will cruise around town just fine on 89 octane. 91 vs 89 very little difference in octane vs price. Now 5.3 and E85 about 96+/- octane (when compared to gasoline fuel octane) that's a bit better, but your MPG goes down. The GDI engines are more octane tolerant, as they squirt fuel directly on top of the piston, it has a improved cooling effect over the older Vortec engines.

I use HP Tuners, I understand low & high octane spark tables quite well.

lastly I noticed the OP lives in Houston, its a high moisture area, higher octane should be used, you ever see your spark advance when its raining or heavy moisture?

I own a 6.2 and I datalog my own truck and probably know more about the engine and tuning on it than 99% of people here... you don't need to tell me that stuff.. I know what it does.

My point is you are fighting with nothing..... someone running a 6.2 on crap fuel as most do is wasting their time... they may as well buy a 5.3. If the owner is willing to spend the money on premium then go ahead and buy the 6.2 but most don't want too....

Maybe this guy doesn't mind ponying up for premium gas... who knows.. we could ask him. But my point is especially with a lease you are dumping in 2 years so he won't be modding it.....if he wants to run 87 gas like most people do... buy a 5.3. I don't know why you would want 89 in a 6.2... it pings bad enough tipping into it on 91+ with the stock fueling and power enrichment delay that I wouldn't run anything less but hey what floats your boat. I suppose if you never accelerate over 3000 rpm it will be fine. Direct injection and the exceptionally conservative timing table help it but they still knock....

I guarantee nobody here other than you gives a damn about anything you or I have said.. if he is happy with a 5.3... wants the best mpg and to run cheap fuel... don't try and push them to a 6.2... especially for a lease.... lol.

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'00SonomaZQ8 · April 12, 2016

I've done some calculations and the 6.2L would end up costing me roughly $110 more per month than the 5.3L. That's $70 per month in additional fuel costs with premium and $40 more per month in payment.

Interestingly, since I run premium in my little Sonic the 5.3L would only cost $15 more per month in fuel than my current car while the 6.2L would set me back another $85 per month in fuel costs.

I don't even know if I want to drive the 6.2L now. I'd rather not know what I'm missing.

Badass69 · April 12, 2016

AndrewGS, on 11 Apr 2016 - 6:06 PM, said:

I've done some calculations and the 6.2L would end up costing me roughly $110 more per month than the 5.3L. That's $70 per month in additional fuel costs with premium and $40 more per month in payment.

Interestingly, since I run premium in my little Sonic the 5.3L would only cost $15 more per month in fuel than my current car while the 6.2L would set me back another $85 per month in fuel costs.

I don't even know if I want to drive the 6.2L now. I'd rather not know what I'm missing.

Then I would say don't.... although you may get lucky and get one nicely filled with 87 that feels like a dog anyway ( like a couple I drove) and then it won't matter. It's not like the 5.3 is a slug or anything.... it's not. The 6.2 set up right is just a hillbillies Corvette.... like mine lol.

Txjose · April 12, 2016

6.2 Don't look back, once you get a 6.2 you'll never drive a 5.3 again.... trust me. All these 5.3 guys just don't get it, gas mileage is very similar like EPA states 1 mpg for the same optioned truck. Lets face it trucks are not designed for fuel economy so stop comparing them with about 1 mpg difference, the Ecotech 3 engine is much better than the GMT-900 Vortec engines, TFL did a 5.3 to 6.2 both with 8speed transmission, 6.2 towing got better fuel economy since its brought up so much.

^ they compare towing fuel economy 0.1 difference, and acceleration.... 6.2 is always the winner & SPG (Smiles Per Gallon).

2nd, with the 6.2 there is about 65HP and 80 TQ increase over the 5.3, that's about equal to a low PSI supercharger or cam supporting mods, and most blowers are 6k+ cam and supporting mods well about 3-5K+, so $2,600 for more "Warranty-able HP & TQ" yes please.

lastly, GDI offers much better octane tolerance, so you can run 89 octane fuel, states right in the owners manual, 93 improves throttle response and with improved timing which helps with MPG.

GMC offers the 6.2 for $2,495ish

I think its the opposite.... The 6.2 guys don't get it. The OP clearly stated that the 5.3 would be more then enough to tow what he needs. You don't need a 6.2 for anything other then your e peen and how much you like to stroke it.

6.2 owners usually have this ego that the 5.3 is like a 4banger that cant tow a lawnmower on a 4ft trailer.

6.2 is a luxury..... If you can afford it by all means spend the extra $30-$40 a month but get what you think is the better option. If it were up to the people in this thread, everyone would have a 6.2

My vote goes for the 5.3....because I'm bias but its an amazing little engine...

Hell im more impressed with the new 4.3 then the 6.2

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camcamaro1991 · April 12, 2016

I've done some calculations and the 6.2L would end up costing me roughly $110 more per month than the 5.3L. That's $70 per month in additional fuel costs with premium and $40 more per month in payment.

Interestingly, since I run premium in my little Sonic the 5.3L would only cost $15 more per month in fuel than my current car while the 6.2L would set me back another $85 per month in fuel costs.

I don't even know if I want to drive the 6.2L now. I'd rather not know what I'm missing.

Mr. AndrewGS, your not getting any younger, I have owned both the 5.3's & 6.2's, you asked about SPG, the answer is yes its worth it, and the monthly fuel charge will melt away like a snowman in the desert. its a lease so get the 6.2 as a test bunny then you can say you have owned both, test driving is not owning/leasing one.

btw my brother owned 5.3's, he bought my 2013 Sierra Denali 6.2 AWD which is his 1st 6.2, his SPG are so high and theres a noticeable difference in low end power, he'll never go back to a 5.3. unless they go twin turbo.

redwngr · April 12, 2016

You could buy quite a bit a gas for 2695.00. My tuned 5.3 has got plenty of power. Then there is the 8spd. issues. Over 1200 gallons of 89oct. @ 2.21 a gal.

Assuming OP is considering a 2016 (in LTZ trim), it will have the 8 speed with either engine -- so 8 speed question is a wash.

'00SonomaZQ8 · April 12, 2016

Assuming OP is considering a 2016 (in LTZ trim), it will have the 8 speed with either engine -- so 8 speed question is a wash.

Actually the 1LZ with the 5.3L and no Max Trailering Package still gets the 6-Speed. I'll probably be ordering an early '17 though and I'm sure by then the 8-Speed will be standard on all of them.

RobZ71LM7 · April 12, 2016

Umm if you're already paying the premium for the prerequisite LTZ or High Country trim, then the 6.2 is a no brainer.

Silver ice 6.2 · April 12, 2016

I've driven both.. my 6.2 being a crew cab standard bed and the other I drove was a double cab standard bed with the 5.3.... my 6.2 was getting better mpg than the 5.3

BBRU · April 12, 2016

6.2 and don't look back....

Scooter Scott · April 12, 2016

LOL these 6.2 guys crack me up.

I compare this to a Jeep: Rubicon or Sport? Which one would you get? I'm going to guess most of you say Rubicon and don't look back....

Rkaroll953 · April 12, 2016

i kinda wish i had a 6.2 but thats only cuz the trans tuning. once i suck it up and Black bear tune it i foresee myself loving my 5.3. i have a 6 speed though you are looking at 8 speeds i have no experience with them.

hardtrailz · April 12, 2016

I have a close friend with each motor and another that owns a Chevy dealership. Been in several and driven several and I would not go for the 6.2 personally with the cost. The dealer surprisingly agreed with me. He said 5.3 is great or step to a Duramax.

CRApex · April 12, 2016

This is the same argument you see regarding the HD trucks, 6.0 gas or Duramax. All kinds of arguments about purchase cost and cost of ownership...The bottom line is the bigger motor ALWAYS performs better, can't argue that. The smaller motors will ALWAYS be cheaper, so buy what you want and be happy. I really doubt the Denali 6.2 owner is overly concerned about the minimal fuel cost difference.