4.8 or 5.3 Chevy

[troy/co]

I've heard alot of good things about the 5.3 motor. Does anyone own a truck with the 4.8? If so, what are the pros and cons?

Thanks in advance.

[Grampa_Joe]

I've never once heard anyone utter "I bought too big a motor, wish I would have got the smaller one"

Joe Carlson

[Melonbob]

My father just bought a new extended cab with the 4.8. I know some people are going to argue me here, but I can't see why anyone who isn't towing a greyhound bus would want any bigger. It's 270 hp, compared to the 5.3 which I believe only puts out ten more. I'm telling ya, this thing is a rocket, and with the tow/haul mode, it will pull anything you want. Makes me wish I didn't buy a f-150 in the fall....

[Stezostedion vitreum man]

troy/co,

I own a 2000 Silverado extended cab four wheel drive with a 4.8 L engine. When I bought the vehicle I was debating on whether I should go with the standard 4.8 L or optonal 5.3 L, which cost $ 800.00 more. Comparing the two engines , I noticed the difference in horsepower was only 15 horses. The torque on the 5.3 L engine is 40 foot pounds more than the 4.8 L, which is a definite advantage when hauling larger, heavier loads.

While talking with the salesman, he mentioned that the 4.8 L new vortec engines has more horsepower than the vaunted, popular 350 engine of the past. I haul a Lund Pro-V 1775 SE with a 150 h.p. main engine, a 9.9 h.p. four stroke kicker, electric trolling motor and other various fishing paraphernalia. I haul in third gear (taking it out of overdrive) in conjunction with the tow-haul mode. I have had no problem with lack of power while hauling my set up under the most extreme conditions.

Some may prefer the 5.3 L for hauling, or they may be hauling a larger boat than mine, however for my purposes it has been more than an adequate amount of power for hauling. Engine size must be determined on need, personal preference, or amount of cash available to spend on a tow vehicle. Good luck in your decision, if you are contemplating buying a new vehicle, with these choice of engines.

Remember to keep your eyes open and your feet dry.

S.v.m

[Hans]

The primary reason to spend the extra bucks is the broader torque curve of the 5.3L.

If you only occasionally tow and mostly it's just your "daily driver", then the 4.8L will be fine.

If you tow your boat a lot, or otherwise "work" your truck, go with the 5.3L. The extra cost is under a kilo-buck, and well worth it in better towing performance, plus durability over the long haul will mean less maintenance costs.

Hans

[Bob]

Just like buying an outboard. If you can afford the extra couple of bucks then go for it. I have the 5.3 L w/ 373 gears and the tow/haul mode it is a great towing combo. I had a Dodge 5.9 L w/355 gears and the Chevy 5.3 beats it for towing hands down. You probably will not be disappointed with the 4.8 or 5.3 really compared to what you had before. Chevy done good on this one!