5.3L vs 6.0L chevy engine comparison

[stinkbelly]

I know this isn't a truck forum, but you guys know everything (or at least you say you do).

I am considering buying a new truck. I currently have a 2004 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 with the 6.0L gas engine. I am looking at new/used chevy trucks and I am looking at the 5.3L and 6.0L gas engines. Both 4x4.

I want to make sure I have enough power when I need it. Looking online I see that the my current truck had new
300HP @ 4400 RPM
360 ft-lb torque at 4000 RPM.
Max towing 9900#

The new 5.3L engine has
355 HP at 5600 RPM
383 ft-lb at 4100 RPM
Max towing 9100# ?

The new 6.0L Gas engine has
360 HP at 5400 RPM
380 ft-lb at 4200 RPM
Max towing 13000#

I don't know how to compare these values because they are at different a different RPM.

Looking at the numbers, it looks like the 5.3L and the new 6.0L are about the same except for the max towing because the 6.0L is on a 2500HD frame.

I am not positive about the max towing, because it is different everywhere you look.

So my main question I have, are these two engines very similar in power and torque and are they both superior to what my truck was new? How will they compare when towing to my current truck?

I haul two different trailers up to 12 times a year. They are about 5000# and up to 8900# (GVWR). I usually haul within 1.5 hours of the house, but usually take the heavy one to Colorado once per year. My current 6.0 struggles on Raton Pass and Wolf Creek Pass.

[Tx.Fisher]

Always better to be overpowered than underpowered. JMO

[BTGuard]

We had a 2014 2500 with the 6.0 at work. We used it to haul seed corn to customers. It was underpowered. I'm used to pulling with either a big block 8.1 or a duramax, and the 6.0 had no power compared to those trucks. With the loads you're hauling I would think the extra economy of the 5.3 would make it worth it.
You get up into the thin air and start pulling those big hills most any truck is going to struggle. That's where the transmission really helps.

[deerplanter]

If that's all you tow, you may want to look at the 1500's with the 6.2 liter. I have one and it's a pulling machine and I think the max towing is #12000 with HP 420 and torque 460 with a smoother unloaded ride.

[TexasTiger]

the 6.0 is just a better overall motor I think...

I had a 2005 6.0, currently have a 2010 5.3.. it was tough getting use to the difference when towing. I find the 5.3 to struggle maintaining speed on inclines motor seems to work harder than my older 6.0.

My dad just bought a high country with the 6.2...now that motor is a beast

[popup_menace]

I don't have experience owning a 5.3, but I've driven a few and they just don't stack up against my 6.0. Not so much because my truck is just loaded with more power, but because the 2500hd was built for loads. I have a better rear end and transmission, which is what will make or break you (besides the obvious torque and HP problems towing with a small motor) when hauling. I'd rather roll with a GN full of calves and horses on a 3/4 ton truck with a beefier suspension, rear end, and transmission than a half ton that is basically a glorified daily driver with a bit of towing capacity

[popup_menace]

If your 6.0 is struggling now, what happens when you throw the half ton transmission and rear end in the mix and try the same stuff?

[BearsHunt]

I would strongly suggest 6.0. I have a 2015 5.3 with max tow package and love it for daily driving and most trailer pulling. However, it definitely struggles going uphill when hooked up to my 8700lb travel trailer. That is just normal Texas highway hills, nothing like you would see in Colorado. If you are planning on hauling that heavy of a trailer that far, get the 2500. The 1500 might be able to do it, but it won't be happy about it (and neither will you).

If you do go the 1500 route, make SURE you research the rear differentials and get the correct one for your needs. Advertised max towing is the truck equipped with the rear diff that gives you most mechanical advantage, but is very hard to find on 1500s. Most have a smaller (for lack of better word, I'm no engineer) diff that sacrifices towing capability for fuel mileage. 2500s are designed and sold for towing - they don't really have that issue.

[texanatrv]

You should really consider the 6.2 and get the max trailer package.. you will get the 3.73 with the max trailering pkg

[TexasTiger]

Also if you want some real life testing go to youtube and check out the fast lane truck channel.

They are always testing trucks and pulling trailers up mountain passes in Colorado to see how they do.

[stinkbelly]

I have thought about taking the 5.3L for a test drive and hooking up my travel trailer to it to see how it does.

I really hate the mini truck beds in the 1500 crew cab. It feels like a mini pickup.

I am just hoping that something that gets more than 11MPG would work for me.

[Justin Spies]

I currently drive a 2015 Sierra with the 6.2L and 8 speed transmission and love this truck. I came out of the 5.7L Tundra. That Tundra is stout but this 6.2 takes it in my opinion and the gas mileage is awesome thanks to the 8 speed!

[quackerback]

I have heard they have problems with the 5.3L that drops to 4 cylinders when cruising. It is an expensive fix.

[chancito1]

We recently sold 2 of the 5.3's after repeated problems, poor fuel economy and no power. I went from a duramax getting 16 mpg to the 5.3 getting 12 and no power on top of it. Both 5.3's had less than 160k on them and had been regulars in the repair shop. We also have a 6.0 that has 385k and still gets better gas mileage than either of the 5.3's. I won't buy another one

[the-butcher]

The 6.0 with 6 speed is a good truck. Pulls decent and truck will last.