4.8 vs 5.3 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lahnen · 08-10-2011, 09:53 AM

i have been shopping around for a crew cab silverado, seems like every one i like has the 4.8. several people have told me to try to stay away from them, and i would prefer the 5.3, truck is mostly gonna be the wifes daily driver, and tow a car trailer around time to time. finding a cc with the 5.3 is becoming a task itself and i keep looking back at some of the ones with the 4.8, but id hate to settle and end up with a motor i'm niot happy with. basically looking to what the pros and cons of both motors are and noticable differences are if any from you guyus driving them.

dishow · 08-10-2011, 10:52 AM

well, in my opinion, the 4.8 isnt going to get any better mpg than the 5.3. expecially in the heavy crew cab. plus youll get the 6 speed auto with the 5.3.
a few years ago i had a f*** f150 crew with the 4.6 instead of the 5.4. not doggie,but no get up and go eighter,and i didnt use it to haul.
ive got a 2011 ext cab now with the 5.3.LOVE IT! Looked at a 2010 crew w/4.8 when i went to buy my truck and went with the 2011 cause it didnt want to opt for the smaller motor............again. just my 2 cents.

faribran · 08-10-2011, 11:04 AM

my truck and my best friends truck has the 4.8...... i pulled a trailer loaded with an extended cab just last nite...... no problems with engine..... plenty strong.

Doug_J · 08-10-2011, 03:36 PM

Well I've drove both the 5.3 and 4.8 both in ccsb 4wds and I wouldnt get the 4.8 in a cc and the 4.8 sounded like it was moven but your not going anywhere fast. So why get a 4.8 if you get about the same mpg an actually I think the 5.3 gets 1 or 2 mpg better being it comes with the 6speed and you will have more get up an go, spend the little extra for the 5.3 and right now is the best time because of the end of year close out. The best way to find the truck you want is get on GM.com an do a build your own and then after you finish find the tab that says locate this vehicle I think you can look up to 200 or 500miles out I forget But then you dont gotta pay the dealer for transport fees you can go to that dealer an get it.

**LEEVON** · 08-10-2011, 11:31 PM

I've had (2) '08's one with a 4.8 and the other with a 5.3, both 4l60e transmissions. I towed frequently with the 4.8 and while it's no beast you won't see much difference, in reality neither of them are monster engines. Considerations:

- The 4.8 doesn't have AFM or DOD typically and most of the 5.3's do, which is why 5.3's get a little better mileage on average.
- most of the base LS, 4.8's come with 3.23 gears which aren't ideal for towing.

If you're worried about the 4.8 just get it tuned and you'll be above the HP of the 5.3, even better if you re-gear to 3.73, 3.90 or 4.10.

Doug_J · 08-11-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

I've had (2) '08's one with a 4.8 and the other with a 5.3, both 4l60e transmissions. I towed frequently with the 4.8 and while it's no beast you won't see much difference, in reality neither of them are monster engines. Considerations:

- The 4.8 doesn't have AFM or DOD typically and most of the 5.3's do, which is why 5.3's get a little better mileage on average.
- most of the base LS, 4.8's come with 3.23 gears which aren't ideal for towing.

If you're worried about the 4.8 just get it tuned and you'll be above the HP of the 5.3, even better if you re-gear to 3.73, 3.90 or 4.10.

Agree but if your gonna tune the 4.8 why not get the 5.3 an tune it an have more power then the tuned 4.8?? Just remember No replacement for displacement...

FLDBRED · 08-11-2011, 06:44 PM

A lot of guys like the 4.8 with the tune over the 5.3 because of the 5.3's DOD. There have been some issues with DOD. If they offered the 5.3 without the DOD I think most people would option that way.

Doug_J · 08-11-2011, 08:34 PM

But see once again if you’re going to have it tuned turn it off, then you don’t have to worry about it and none of them junky hand held ones either. I was told by A.P.S automotive that they could turn that off and still improve mpg and get more power.

**LEEVON** · 08-12-2011, 12:19 AM

I think if the OP is saying that he keeps finding 4.8 trucks and are they ok, then the answer is yes with advantages and disadvantages. I'm saying don't let it scare you away from the right truck.

Doug_J · 08-12-2011, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

I think if the OP is saying that he keeps finding 4.8 trucks and are they ok, then the answer is yes with advantages and disadvantages. I'm saying don't let it scare you away from the right truck.

Agree but he also said he would prefer a 5.3, so my thought is don’t settle.. I kept going to the dealers looking and wasn’t having any luck finding a 5.3 reg. cab short bed, so I got on GenralMotors.com an did a build your own after I finished I clicked locate this vehicle. I found my truck 25 miles from me at a dealer that I had never heard of. but like LEEVON said for a daily driver occasional hauler it should be fine, but I think the better bet would be go with the 5.3 rather than doing a tune on a 4.8, that AFM, DOD can be turned off on the 5.3 without hurting MPG, actually I was told it improved it and you get more power.

gearheads78 · 08-12-2011, 05:20 PM

The 4.8 are pretty gutless in anything but a RCSB in IMO. After driving many I would never own one in a Tahoe or CrewCab let alone tow with one.

FLDBRED · 08-12-2011, 06:39 PM

These trucks aren't cheap,don't settle! GET WHAT YOU REALLY WANT!

timcrow00 · 08-13-2011, 01:06 AM

ive had a couple trucks with the 4.8. and had 3.42 gears. both were no hotrods but plenty capable. towed car trailers with both no problem

250powerglide · 08-13-2011, 01:17 AM

i dont know alot about motors or hp but i bought a 2007 tahoe lt with the 5.3 and its such a turd ! man this thing just doesnt have much power at all my 2003 express work van has a 6.0 and let me tel you that engine has some balls !

timcrow00 · 08-13-2011, 04:28 AM

i think all these engines are good engines and are plenty capable, the gears might be more important to match with what your intentions are for the truck

Bus Ted Knuckle · 08-14-2011, 12:05 AM

I have a 09 cc w/ a 4.8. I tow an 18 ft car hauler all over creation with cars, trucks, tractors, scrap and who knows what else on it.

I've never had a problem, and never needed more engine.

I have experience with a 5.3 too, and I can honestly tell you that neither are powerhouses, but both get the job done. If you find "the" truck with a 4.8 go for it.

acollins24 · 08-22-2011, 09:58 AM

To the TS, have you test driven with the two different engines? I have to agree with the others here in that you'll get more oomph with the 5.3 at the same mpg cost as the 4.8. The newer transmission for the 5.3 will also help you get up to speed faster than the 4.8s. In the end though, it's your money so the best route is test drive them and get a feel of what is better for you

_______________________________________
Trucks look better when driven, as compared to being gawked at

08-10-2011, 09:53 AM	#1
lahnen Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: cassadaga, ny Posts: 28	4.8 vs 5.3 i have been shopping around for a crew cab silverado, seems like every one i like has the 4.8. several people have told me to try to stay away from them, and i would prefer the 5.3, truck is mostly gonna be the wifes daily driver, and tow a car trailer around time to time. finding a cc with the 5.3 is becoming a task itself and i keep looking back at some of the ones with the 4.8, but id hate to settle and end up with a motor i'm niot happy with. basically looking to what the pros and cons of both motors are and noticable differences are if any from you guyus driving them.

08-10-2011, 10:52 AM	#2
dishow Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: pa. Posts: 1,185	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 well, in my opinion, the 4.8 isnt going to get any better mpg than the 5.3. expecially in the heavy crew cab. plus youll get the 6 speed auto with the 5.3. a few years ago i had a f*** f150 crew with the 4.6 instead of the 5.4. not doggie,but no get up and go eighter,and i didnt use it to haul. ive got a 2011 ext cab now with the 5.3.LOVE IT! Looked at a 2010 crew w/4.8 when i went to buy my truck and went with the 2011 cause it didnt want to opt for the smaller motor............again. just my 2 cents. __________________ 67 chevy c 10 2x4 350/700r4 short/fleet 90 Chevy 1500 4x4 350/5 spd short/fleet 90 Chevy 454 ss 93 chevy camaro z28 auto t-tops 2013 Chevy Silverado LT CCSB 4x4

08-10-2011, 11:04 AM	#3
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 my truck and my best friends truck has the 4.8...... i pulled a trailer loaded with an extended cab just last nite...... no problems with engine..... plenty strong. __________________ "

08-10-2011, 03:36 PM	#4
Doug_J Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Moore,OK Posts: 178	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 Well I've drove both the 5.3 and 4.8 both in ccsb 4wds and I wouldnt get the 4.8 in a cc and the 4.8 sounded like it was moven but your not going anywhere fast. So why get a 4.8 if you get about the same mpg an actually I think the 5.3 gets 1 or 2 mpg better being it comes with the 6speed and you will have more get up an go, spend the little extra for the 5.3 and right now is the best time because of the end of year close out. The best way to find the truck you want is get on GM.com an do a build your own and then after you finish find the tab that says locate this vehicle I think you can look up to 200 or 500miles out I forget But then you dont gotta pay the dealer for transport fees you can go to that dealer an get it.

08-10-2011, 11:31 PM	#5
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 I've had (2) '08's one with a 4.8 and the other with a 5.3, both 4l60e transmissions. I towed frequently with the 4.8 and while it's no beast you won't see much difference, in reality neither of them are monster engines. Considerations: - The 4.8 doesn't have AFM or DOD typically and most of the 5.3's do, which is why 5.3's get a little better mileage on average. - most of the base LS, 4.8's come with 3.23 gears which aren't ideal for towing. If you're worried about the 4.8 just get it tuned and you'll be above the HP of the 5.3, even better if you re-gear to 3.73, 3.90 or 4.10. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

08-11-2011, 06:44 PM	#7
FLDBRED Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CENTRAL,NJ Posts: 586	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 A lot of guys like the 4.8 with the tune over the 5.3 because of the 5.3's DOD. There have been some issues with DOD. If they offered the 5.3 without the DOD I think most people would option that way.

08-11-2011, 08:34 PM	#8
Doug_J Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Moore,OK Posts: 178	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 But see once again if you’re going to have it tuned turn it off, then you don’t have to worry about it and none of them junky hand held ones either. I was told by A.P.S automotive that they could turn that off and still improve mpg and get more power.

08-12-2011, 12:19 AM	#9
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 I think if the OP is saying that he keeps finding 4.8 trucks and are they ok, then the answer is yes with advantages and disadvantages. I'm saying don't let it scare you away from the right truck. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

08-12-2011, 05:20 PM	#11
gearheads78 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 563	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 The 4.8 are pretty gutless in anything but a RCSB in IMO. After driving many I would never own one in a Tahoe or CrewCab let alone tow with one.

08-12-2011, 06:39 PM	#12
FLDBRED Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CENTRAL,NJ Posts: 586	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 These trucks aren't cheap,don't settle! GET WHAT YOU REALLY WANT!

08-13-2011, 01:06 AM	#13
timcrow00 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: mulvane, KS Posts: 200	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 ive had a couple trucks with the 4.8. and had 3.42 gears. both were no hotrods but plenty capable. towed car trailers with both no problem

08-13-2011, 01:17 AM	#14
250powerglide Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: memphis tn Posts: 53	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 i dont know alot about motors or hp but i bought a 2007 tahoe lt with the 5.3 and its such a turd ! man this thing just doesnt have much power at all my 2003 express work van has a 6.0 and let me tel you that engine has some balls ! __________________ im still having fun with mine at this point 1969 c-10 swb 250 i6 2003 express 6.0 2007 tahoe lt 5.3 turd

08-13-2011, 04:28 AM	#15
timcrow00 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: mulvane, KS Posts: 200	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 i think all these engines are good engines and are plenty capable, the gears might be more important to match with what your intentions are for the truck

08-14-2011, 12:05 AM	#16
Bus Ted Knuckle Son of a gun Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,636	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 I have a 09 cc w/ a 4.8. I tow an 18 ft car hauler all over creation with cars, trucks, tractors, scrap and who knows what else on it. I've never had a problem, and never needed more engine. I have experience with a 5.3 too, and I can honestly tell you that neither are powerhouses, but both get the job done. If you find "the" truck with a 4.8 go for it. __________________ Bill BEATERS ARE NEATER

08-22-2011, 09:58 AM	#17
acollins24 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Carson City, Nevada Posts: 6	Re: 4.8 vs 5.3 To the TS, have you test driven with the two different engines? I have to agree with the others here in that you'll get more oomph with the 5.3 at the same mpg cost as the 4.8. The newer transmission for the 5.3 will also help you get up to speed faster than the 4.8s. In the end though, it's your money so the best route is test drive them and get a feel of what is better for you _______________________________________ Trucks look better when driven, as compared to being gawked at



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