Question for GM/GMC truck owners

[Mark W]

Planning to buy a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra. What engine do you all use? I'm thinking the middle sized of the 3 v-8s offered. Any suggestions? And suggestions on good dealers in east TN appreciated.

 

[kthomas65]

the 5.3 engine is the best one ive been driveing one for 3 years. and youll get 18 to 21mpg hwy and 14 to15 pulling a 20 foot boat.

 

[Big_D]

the 5.3 It will do whatever you need and get you decent gas millage

 

[hippi97]

Go with the 5.3

 

[Gator]

I have a 2000 model 6 cylinder GMC and it pulls my boat fine, however I don't get but about 15 mpg and even less than that pulling my boat. I would recommend a V8 for sure.

 

[twilson]

Another vote for the 5.3 I bought one at Jackson in LaFayette and they really treated me right.

 

[SethColeman]

I had a 5.3L in my z-71, I don't know how everyone else was able to squeeze the MPG out they are talking about though. Mine only got around 13-14 mpg and maybe 17-18 on the hwy.

 

[tnfatguy]

I have a 5.3 and I love it

 

[Triton20xHarris]

5.3 all the way great engine

 

[Byte Me]

I have an older model with the 5.7 L. I now have about 284K miles and would not consider anything else. It gets about 19 mpg hiway. les ,of course towing. I only wish I could get one of the newer models. When the time comes, it will be another GMC.

 

[stumpy]

I agree the 5.3 is the one. I have a 2010 21 mpg not loaded. 18 with boat on back pulling.111

 

[pondguy]

5.3 ,I have one with 255,000 miles only replaced the fuel pump,added a K&N intake and get 26 mpg,2 wheel drive

 

[preacherman]

I used to be a mechanic at Newton and worked on and drove eveything chevy has made. The 5.3 is an awesome engine, much better than the old 5.7 aka 350. I also used to have a 2002 2wd sierra with the 5.3. It had plenty of power to pull anything I ever had. I had no problem pulling my 18ft javelin over mountain, (I lived in Dunlap at the time). While pulling the boat I would get around 15 mpg over the mountain. I would not reccomend getting the bigger 6.0 v8 unless you own a gas station because you will not be able to afford the gas for the thing. If you need more power than what you think the 5.3 will provide, go with a diesel. The smaller v8 has enough power for a full size pick up but will quickly get overloaded when towing.

 

[churly]

Go by Integrity GMC. Ask to see David Perry. He is a cff member And a cff tournament sponsor.

 

[carcrazy151]

5.3 or a 4.8 best two engines out right now

 

[Mark W]

Thanks to all of you. Most I would pull would be 3500 dual axle. Looks like the 5.3 will be the engine. Only problem now is to wade through all the options of what I need and don't need. And then the dreaded haggling with the dealer. I will check out the guy at Integrity but had planned on using the downtown Chevy dealer. But since he is a member I should at least go chat with him.

Thanks again guys!

 

[minner]

SethColeman - 6/19/2011 10:37 AM

I had a 5.3L in my z-71, I don't know how everyone else was able to squeeze the MPG out they are talking about though. Mine only got around 13-14 mpg and maybe 17-18 on the hwy.

Same here z71, about 14 in town, 18 on the highway on a good day, with the wind, downhill. Towing I get about 9.5! These are my numbers not the raggedy trip calculator.

What you might wan to be asking is what gears instead of what engine. My truck has tall gears (3.42s) and is a straight dog when towing. I have to tow in 3rd to maintain highway speeds. It's rediculous. I would love to have 3.73s or even 4.10s (yikes!). If I am going to get schitastic gas milage I might as well be able to pull up stumps doing it. My truck won't even spin the tires on dry concrete.

 

[Mark W]

I looked at a z71 and the sticker claims 15/21 but from what you all are saying that might not be accurate??? Also most had the 3.42 and I'm wondering for a 3500 # load how that will work.

 

[minner]

Mark W - 6/20/2011 5:17 PM

I looked at a z71 and the sticker claims 15/21 but from what you all are saying that might not be accurate??? Also most had the 3.42 and I'm wondering for a 3500 # load how that will work.

Mine is a '05 so the newer ones might get better mpgs, especially with the Active Fuel Management systems they have.

 

[kthomas65]

my truck is a 2006 5.3 3.42 if ihad my way it would have 3.73 in it but if you ant pulling a big load alot the 3.42 is just fine i drove this truck for 3years it does just fine Z17 all the way.