Is GMC ever going to upgrade the 5.3L?

[SILVER SLED]

2 hours ago, amxguy1970 said:

They don't need to, (ignore the advertised power numbers) as the truck out performs everyone except the 3.7 ecoboost. All numbers from Motortrend to keep them consistent. I really wish people would do a little homework before posting misleading info or regurgitating what a few people incorrectly spout (usually the ego driven 6.2 guys)...

 

2019 Silverado 5.3 - 1/4 mile 14.9 @ 94.6, mpg 16/22/18 (real not given), power 355/383

2019 Silverado 6.2 - 1/4 mile 14.4 @ 98.3, mpg 16/20/17 (real not given), power 420/460

2017 Titan 5.6 -  1/4 mile 15.0 @ 93.9, mpg 15/21/18 (real 12.6/19.2/14.9), power 390/394

2019 Ram 5.7 - 1/4 mile 14.7 @ 93.7, mpg 15/21/17 (real not given), power 395/410

2015 Tundra (no one tests these same old dogs anymore) 5.7 - 1/4 mile 15.2 @91.8, mpg 13/17/15, power 381/401

2018 F150 2.7 - 1/4 mile 15.5 @ 89.5, mpg 19/24/24 (real is shown as 14.9/23.2/17.7), power 325/400

 

So the Silverado has less power than all yet is faster (it is two tenths behind the Ram but faster through the traps) and beats them all on MPG (probably 2.7 as well as we all know how it really does). What I think is funny when the 6.2 guys talk about how much of a dog the 5.3 is yet it is a half second slower and less than 4 mph behind at the traps on regular 87. It can also run on E85 giving it a nice power bump. The 5.3 is a sweetheart of a motor, plenty of power, good mpg and a proven reliability rating over the years while running on 87 and being able to get a shot in the arm on E85. 

 

Still think it needs updating? 

 

Tyler

Where did you get that info?  I've only seen one test of a 6.2 run that bad, and that was in a hot over 100* desert.  Any other 6.2 tested, even the almost 500 lb heavier 14-18 is a low low 14 sec run hitting the 98 mph rev limiter before finishing.  I've had a 15 5.3 with a decent tune and 3.42's and it ran no where near as good as my 18  6.2.  Friend has a 15 ccsb w/3.42s  with just a diablo e-85 tune and e-85 and still no where near as quick as my 18 6.2.  My 18 has a  generic diablo tune and speed governor eliminated. 

[MacLaren]

Shoot man, believe me, this 2019 5.3 8 speed is an awesome combination!!

She'll flat out scream. 

Edit* This 2019 is just so quick off the line with the 8 speed tranny. It's a real joy to cut loose in it...

Edited August 29, 2019 by MacLaren
Speling

[jlong1984]

I have no issues with the performance of my 5.3/8 combo. It's a truck, not a sports car. 

[Sierra Dan]

Not as long in the tooth as the current Toyota Tundra or Nissan Frontier!  LOL

[MacLaren]

I reckon what I'm trying to say is that not only is she just flat out very quick off the line, she also has a ton of power when you need it. Like passing a slower vehicle on a steep hill on a rural two lane highway, with not much highway to pass before you cant see what's coming the other way. Imo,that's when ya really find out what they got. And, this 2019 has a got the power and then some. 

[Fuelie]

1 hour ago, OnTheReel said:

At least the GM-manufactured version is perfecto. Haven’t really seen anyone posting about a single issue/ complaint, and people love to complain...

I agree with your statement! My new 6.2 10 speed is absolute love at first drive. Great shifting trans.

I was working in Fargo this week and raced a new Ram Hemi truck just having some fun. It really wasn't a race and he wanted to know what all I had done to the engine. He didn't believe me it was all stock.

Us old men can still have fun with out trucks!

Tom

[Grumpy Bear]

 

 

 5.3 SUCKS Kids!!!

Edited August 29, 2019 by Grumpy Bear

[Sin City Trail Boss]

Since we're sorta on the subject,

 

How reliable are the 5.3 WITH AFM and the 6 speed transmission? 

 

I had the Vortec 5.3 in my 05 and that was solid, but wondering how reliable these EcoTech 5.3 with AFM are?

 

How about the 6 speeds? I hear as long as you service them at the required intervals, they last forever.

 

Would like to opionions from those with knowledge on this.

 

Thanks

[mattlaney22]

I don't know about the 19 5.3 motors but the one I had in my 14 was SLOW and I had the better (slightly) 3.42 gears.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I have a 19 with the 5.3, 8 speed auto, and Max Trailering package. My truck straight up hauls. No complaints here. I'm 38 and I've driven lots of things. My truck is plenty of power.

I would like to have more power, but thats because you never have enough.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

[Moend]

5.3 + 8 speed haul a$$. And yes push rod engine is old but its better for low end torque and fuel economy. I had 2000, 2008 5.3 Silverados and both can't hold a candle to my 19. actually the engine and transmission are my favourite thing in this truck. You heard that right transmission. I know people complain about the clunkiness at low speed but about every other truck I been in did something similar so it's least of my worries. 

My favorite thing to do is roll my windows down and drive with 1/4 throttle the noise this push rod engine makes is just music to my ears. Love the throaty note. 

 

My friend 2.7 Ecoboost is either boost or eco. You really can't do both together. we live in the same neighborhood and drive to the same office while I get 19mpg and my truck make an awesome noise. He gets 17 and his truck sounds like sewing machine.

 

Call me crazy but the 5.3 sounds better than 6.2 but that is my opinion

[Grumpy Bear]

4 hours ago, Sin City Trail Boss said:

Since we're sorta on the subject,

 

How reliable are the 5.3 WITH AFM and the 6 speed transmission? 

 

I had the Vortec 5.3 in my 05 and that was solid, but wondering how reliable these EcoTech 5.3 with AFM are?

 

How about the 6 speeds? I hear as long as you service them at the required intervals, they last forever.

 

Would like to opionions from those with knowledge on this.

 

Thanks

I can speak to the transmission. The one in my truck to be exact. Just crossed 100K and this thing is butter. Took it about a thousand miles to 'learn' my preferences but even then was better than anything automatic I've ever owned EXCEPT the Honda 4 speed OD. I serviced it the first time at 50K (including filter). That was a mistake. Fluid was shaky but she didn't protest. Should have done it about 25-30K and every 25 K after that. (Mental note made) Removed that miserable thermostat and changed fluid to Red Line D6. Pure silk. No bang, clunk, flares...I your not watching the tach you might miss noticing a few shifts. Grade braking works flawlessly and is quite intuitive for the down shift. 

 

In context. I don't beat it. I don't tow or haul more than about 500 lbs ever. For me it is a touring truck and I'm never in a hurry. 

[Donstar]

10 hours ago, bosro said:

Any rumors out there about either upgrading or replacing the 5.3L?

Its getting a bit long in the tooth....

Everytime Ive driven one Ive been completely underwhelmed,it would be my last choice of V8s out there to buy.

I have no need for a V8 as I tow 7K lbs or less.   I am wondering what you mean by underwhelmed?  The mpg's offered by the 4.3 and 5.3 are outstanding and both produce ample power for their rated carrying and towing capabilities.  I don't initiate races from a stop light but if I feel the need to get ahead of the driver beside me or feel the need to drive aggressively I can do it with my V6.  If I want more speed to get to the next stoplight faster, all I need to do is add appropriate pressure to the pedal on the right.  What specifically is your truck not able to do?  Maybe warranty service is required.

[Grumpy Bear]

Think it might have something to do with the 6,000 pounds plus and highway gear?

355 flywheel. That's only 5 less than a 67 GTO 389 Tri-power. 

 

5.3 Sucks!    Get a grip. 

[protovack]

what needs updating? It's been updated regularly and has all the latest tech. 

It makes great power, and gets great fuel economy. Perfect engine for a light duty pickup for someone who isn't doing really heavy towing. 

If it doesn't make enough power for you then get the 6.2. 

[Sierra Dan]

My L83 is a great performing engine and gets the job done. 

It is also more superior in performance than any past 5.3 I have had in a GM truck. Especially on E85!