5.3L vs 6.0L chevy engine comparison

[sooner6969]

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.

X2 but preferred Premium Gas

[Rubi513]

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

I believe 3.42 is now the lowest gear offered for the 6.2 and 8 speed transmission.

[HoustonR6ryda]

guy(young)at work bought a 2015/16 F150 V6 Turbo -say's he gonna tow lots of stuff. Lad got mad, at me when I told him I dont like the engine,aint even speaking to me these days......more power and weight is essential for towing.

[rferg84]

Ain't no replacement for displacement!

[BrianL]

You need to compare the 6.0 and 6.2. 5.3 isn't going to cut it with a 8900# trailer. I have a 2015 6.0 2500 because I wanted a long bed, but if I was looking at SWB I think the 6.2 half ton would be a good fit.

[deerplanter]

X2 but preferred Premium Gas

I got 55,000 miles on mine and have never used premium gas, generally you only need the higher octane when your compression is over 10-1.

[txtrophy85]

I have a 2015 1500 with the 5.3 and love it but I wouldn't want to tow anything heavier than my 20' boat with it

[BTGuard]

Everyone makes good points about the size of a 3/4 ton vs a 1/2 ton. I'm a Chevy guy, but if I had to get a 3/4 ton gasser I would either get an 8.1 (gas guzzler but power to burn) or look at a different brand. I just don't like the 6.0 for pulling. To me it's underpowered. I don't know what Ford and dodge are like as I haven't pulled with them.
I would look at putting a built Allison in whatever you get as Imo the transmission makes a world of difference, and the Allison can't be beat.

[brushtrooper]

I have driven the 3/4 ton Fords and Chevy's at work. Fords are 6.2 gas and Chevys ar 6.0 gas, Fords out perform hands down. That played a big role in my decision to buy a new Ford F-250 2013 when I was in the market. In all fairness....I tend to like Ford gas trucks over Chevy and Dodge gassers.
I would think the 5.3 vs the 6.0 would be like my fathers 2015 5.0 vs my 6.2, his truck gets better mpg on the highway and thats it,that is the only place his truck out performs my F-250. City mpg, no difference. Pulling....the 6.2 wins.

[sooner6969]

I got 55,000 miles on mine and have never used premium gas, generally you only need the higher octane when your compression is over 10-1.

Stand Corrected. Bought a 2015 5.3 z71 Ltz because a co worker had the 6.2 same truck but stated he had to use Premium and I only tow small . Maybe he was mis informed.


edited:Turns out he was not GM Manual states recommended but not required with degradation of performance on 14 and up 6.2 ecotech engines.

page 323 of '15 owners manual
If the vehicle has a yellow fuel cap, E85 or FlexFuel can be used in the vehicle. See E85 or FlexFuel 0 324. For all vehicles except those with the 6.2L V8 engine, use regular unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM specification D4814 with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. Do not use gasoline with an octane rating below 87, as it may cause engine damage and will lower fuel economy. If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code J), use premium unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM specification D4814 with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher. Regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher can be used, but acceleration and fuel economy will be reduced, and an audible knocking noise may be heard. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. If heavy knocking is heard when using gasoline with a 91 octane rating or higher, the engine needs service.

[cbd10pt]

The 5.3 will do what you want and get better mpg
However the trans they pair the 6.0 to is much better.
If you plan to drive it past 100k get the 6.0

[Calrob]

IMHO the 5.3 is gutless. Had two and both underperformed.

[deerplanter]

Stand Corrected. Bought a 2015 5.3 z71 Ltz because a co worker had the 6.2 same truck but stated he had to use Premium and I only tow small . Maybe he was mis informed.


edited:Turns out he was not GM Manual states recommended but not required with degradation of performance on 14 and up 6.2 ecotech engines.

page 323 of '15 owners manual
If the vehicle has a yellow fuel cap, E85 or FlexFuel can be used in the vehicle. See E85 or FlexFuel 0 324. For all vehicles except those with the 6.2L V8 engine, use regular unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM specification D4814 with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. Do not use gasoline with an octane rating below 87, as it may cause engine damage and will lower fuel economy. If the vehicle has the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN Code J), use premium unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM specification D4814 with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher. Regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher can be used, but acceleration and fuel economy will be reduced, and an audible knocking noise may be heard. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. If heavy knocking is heard when using gasoline with a 91 octane rating or higher, the engine needs service.

I'll have read my manual again but like I said 55 K miles and no issues and no knocking. I work with 4 other guys with the same engine I'll ask them and if it gets more power then I'll buy it. I do have a car that is 12 to 1 and I have to run high octane

[chancito1]

IMHO the 5.3 is gutless. Had two and both underperformed.

X2 hate that engine 11 miles to gallon and wouldn't pull even light loads without working hard

[Calrob]

X2 hate that engine 11 miles to gallon and wouldn't pull even light loads without working hard

Amen!