5.3L vs 6.2L in 2018 Silverado

[zettiefan]

Hi everyone! This is my first post, but I have been faithfully lurking for the past 6 months racking my brain over our current SUV's issues. I am a born and raised Chevy girl as my dad retired out of GM in metro Detroit. That is pretty much all I have ever driven. However, I am at a loss at the moment with our latest experience with our 2017 Chevy Suburban 5.3L V8. We have had 3 fuel injectors replaced due to misfires, the entire fuel system replaced for a gas fume leak issue that took 2 months to resolve, the SUV shifts like crap which they claim is normal - overall we have lost trust in it and are getting rid of it ASAP. Previous to this one we had a 2010 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L V8. We never had one issue with that engine and I regret so much not holding onto the Denali longer. I loved that truck. As much as I am hesitant to pull the trigger on a 2018 GM product, I am not impressed with the competition. Every manufacturer has its issues. GM and the dealer we have been working with have helped us to resolve this to the best of everyone's ability so I do not want to discredit that. My question to all of you who are much more mechanically savvy than myself, would you chalk this up to a fluke with the 5.3L or is that engine just not capable of having good drivability? My gut is saying go back to the 6.2L, but they too according to the forum have potential issues too even though they are not as common as the 5.3L. I don't mind paying out for tuning to prevent the issues we have faced as it seems that has been a fixed for quite a few on here. Also if it matters we are going to a full size pick up truck this time (and yes I already know about the Chevy shake). I just want a vehicle that is dependable. Thank you for your insight!

[lordathey]

You will be losing a ton of money trading in that suburban. I would just keep driving it because the issues you have had aren't that bad. It sucks that its happening on a new vehicle, but at least you know you got new parts :). It took me going back to the dealer several times for a coolant leak and it ended up being a bad cylinder head. It was a pain to make them actually find the issue, but it finally got resolved. The stock transmission tune shifts like crap and it will be that way of the truck too. I just got a blackbear tune and my truck's shifting is night and day. 

[Nuginu]

1 hour ago, zettiefan said:

Hi everyone! This is my first post, but I have been faithfully lurking for the past 6 months racking my brain over our current SUV's issues. I am a born and raised Chevy girl as my dad retired out of GM in metro Detroit. That is pretty much all I have ever driven. However, I am at a loss at the moment with our latest experience with our 2017 Chevy Suburban 5.3L V8. We have had 3 fuel injectors replaced due to misfires, the entire fuel system replaced for a gas fume leak issue that took 2 months to resolve, the SUV shifts like crap which they claim is normal - overall we have lost trust in it and are getting rid of it ASAP. Previous to this one we had a 2010 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L V8. We never had one issue with that engine and I regret so much not holding onto the Denali longer. I loved that truck. As much as I am hesitant to pull the trigger on a 2018 GM product, I am not impressed with the competition. Every manufacturer has its issues. GM and the dealer we have been working with have helped us to resolve this to the best of everyone's ability so I do not want to discredit that. My question to all of you who are much more mechanically savvy than myself, would you chalk this up to a fluke with the 5.3L or is that engine just not capable of having good drivability? My gut is saying go back to the 6.2L, but they too according to the forum have potential issues too even though they are not as common as the 5.3L. I don't mind paying out for tuning to prevent the issues we have faced as it seems that has been a fixed for quite a few on here. Also if it matters we are going to a full size pick up truck this time (and yes I already know about the Chevy shake). I just want a vehicle that is dependable. Thank you for your insight!

The 6.2 and the 5.3 use the same fuel system I believe. They're both direct injection systems. I personally have a 2017 sierra with a 6.2 and the 8 speed, and I beat it up on a daily basis and never had any issues. My transmission used to shift oddly and rough, but got better over time, and basically cured itself when I put 285/55r22 tires on. Now it never misses a beat. I would not recommend putting bigger tires on the truck as they rub.

[zettiefan]

14 minutes ago, lordathey said:

You will be losing a ton of money trading in that suburban. I would just keep driving it because the issues you have had aren't that bad. It sucks that its happening on a new vehicle, but at least you know you got new parts :). It took me going back to the dealer several times for a coolant leak and it ended up being a bad cylinder head. It was a pain to make them actually find the issue, but it finally got resolved. The stock transmission tune shifts like crap and it will be that way of the truck too. I just got a blackbear tune and my truck's shifting is night and day. 

Actually we won't because GM has taken care of that making us whole again. We are able to get out unscathed financially which is why we are done with the Suburban. Otherwise you are exactly correct, we would be financially screwed. This is good feedback on the blackbear tune. Is there any issue with the tune voiding your manufacturer warranty?

[lordathey]

Well that's good. I personally like the suburban over the truck, but I'm glad they are taking care of you. Some dealerships will have issues with a tune and others won't, but it also depends on the logs that GM wants pulled from the ECU and or TCM. I waited until mine was out of warranty to do the tune just to be safe. 

[i82much]

24 minutes ago, Nuginu said:

My transmission used to shit oddly and rough ...

try some immodium in the tranny fluid?

[Spurshot]

There is no significant difference in the fuel injection system on the 5.3 vs the 6.2.  Some of the components have different flow ratings like the injector nozzles and the throttle body, but the design and many parts are the same.

 

There are many more 5.3 equipped trucks and SUVs out there than 6.2 engines. Just by statistics alone, there will be more 5.3 problems.  But that doesn't mean you are more likely to have a problem with a 5.3 vs a 6.2.

 

And yes, a tune can have an effect on whether GM will warranty a problem.  It just depends on the particular problem.

[Logan Lanfear]

Go with your gut.  If you are leaning towards the 6.2, pull the trigger on it.  If you have your doubts on the 5.3 then dont bother.  In the end, its up to how happy you are.  Neither engine has particular problems and the 5.3 has been a reliable engine for GM since 1999.  You most likely got a fluke engine that had problems.  Those pop up every now and then.  

[Nasty]

The only difference if I remember right is the 6.2 had a bigger injector and fuel pump.  And tbats it I have a 2016 5.3 and 6.2 at the moment. Both are great.  No issues other than the 6.2 shifting oddly once in awhile    

[Mogollon Monster]

I have always gone with the bigger the better. Not this time, I went with the 5.3 and bulked it up with extras, I am very happy with it. I just didn't think the extra 3k was worth it. 

[zettiefan]

5 hours ago, Logan Lanfear said:

Go with your gut.  If you are leaning towards the 6.2, pull the trigger on it.  If you have your doubts on the 5.3 then dont bother.  In the end, its up to how happy you are.  Neither engine has particular problems and the 5.3 has been a reliable engine for GM since 1999.  You most likely got a fluke engine that had problems.  Those pop up every now and then.  

That is what I decided to do this afternoon. The dealer that has been so good with us is trying to locate one. I am hoping for a Redline, but will be happy with a High Country as well. I am glad a decision is finally made more than anything and I am thankful for all of your responses!

[TXGREEK]

Hi everyone! This is my first post, but I have been faithfully lurking for the past 6 months racking my brain over our current SUV's issues. I am a born and raised Chevy girl as my dad retired out of GM in metro Detroit. That is pretty much all I have ever driven. However, I am at a loss at the moment with our latest experience with our 2017 Chevy Suburban 5.3L V8. We have had 3 fuel injectors replaced due to misfires, the entire fuel system replaced for a gas fume leak issue that took 2 months to resolve, the SUV shifts like crap which they claim is normal - overall we have lost trust in it and are getting rid of it ASAP. Previous to this one we had a 2010 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L V8. We never had one issue with that engine and I regret so much not holding onto the Denali longer. I loved that truck. As much as I am hesitant to pull the trigger on a 2018 GM product, I am not impressed with the competition. Every manufacturer has its issues. GM and the dealer we have been working with have helped us to resolve this to the best of everyone's ability so I do not want to discredit that. My question to all of you who are much more mechanically savvy than myself, would you chalk this up to a fluke with the 5.3L or is that engine just not capable of having good drivability? My gut is saying go back to the 6.2L, but they too according to the forum have potential issues too even though they are not as common as the 5.3L. I don't mind paying out for tuning to prevent the issues we have faced as it seems that has been a fixed for quite a few on here. Also if it matters we are going to a full size pick up truck this time (and yes I already know about the Chevy shake). I just want a vehicle that is dependable. Thank you for your insight!

I had the 2014 LTZ 5.3 CrewCab and thought it was just ok for an all purpose pickup and then switched to a 20-6 Duramax LTZ CrewCab and loved it but soon got sick of looking for a gas station with diesel fuel. I traded it in and bought the GMC SLT CrewCab with the 6.2 and absolutely LOVE IT! It’s a keeper but you will loose a bunch of money that you can add on top of the 2018 discounts and come out maybe even but you’ll definitely need to keep the new truck, pay it off and then do what you want with it. In addition, the 6.2 really is night and day difference in power/driving experience. It it was me Advice, keep the burb and trade it in a few years that way you can get into a newer model without loosing a ton, and by then GM worked out most kinks of any issues with new motors, transmission etc and then you’ll have your new 6.2.


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[mookdoc6]

You can probably swing a killer deal on a 6.2L 2018 as the new 2019's move onto the showroom!  Jeesh, twist my finger 15K off Denali with a 6.2L.....ummm OK!

[ChristopherDB]

6 hours ago, mookdoc6 said:

You can probably swing a killer deal on a 6.2L 2018 as the new 2019's move onto the showroom!  Jeesh, twist my finger 15K off Denali with a 6.2L.....ummm OK!

I purchased a 6.2L LTZ Z71 last month and got $13k of sticker. There wasn't many 6.2L options available in South Florida but all the 2018's had a pretty good discount.

[emeryz28]

I own a 15 LTZ 6.2 and just was in a loaner 18 LTZ 5.3 for 2 weeks due to the dealer replacing a bad fuel injector.

 

Here is what I noticed.

 

I usually average around 15-16MPG in my 6.2  I drove the 5.3 like I stole it and I averaged 18 MPG, I also was able to use 87 octane.  

 

The 5.3 felt quicker under casual driving and the transmission felt more smooth than the 6.2 8 speed, although when you get on the gas, there is no comparison as the 6.2 absolutely screams.

 

I think I could have lived with and been happy with the 5.3, but I tow a boat and still occasionally like to "get on it" since I no longer have a fast car in the stable, so I am very happy I got the 6.2......with that said the weak spot is the stupid 8 speed tranny, but I believe they did away with that for 2018?