4.8L vs 5.3L
 

I am just wondering what engine everyone prefers. I do not own a Silverado yet, but will eventually. I will be hauling a 2,000 Lb Bass Boat w/ surge brakesor a 2 place snowmobile trailer with 2 sleds. My wife has an '02 Avalanche with the 5.3L and that is a sweet motor/truck. It just seems harder to find used Silverado's with the 5.3L , than ones with the 4.8L. I will be buying used, somewheres around the 2003 - 2004 models with the extended cab. BTW, her Av is her truck and don't get used to haul, although she would let me if i asked nicely :D but i want my own truck anyways. Any info will be greatly appreciated, Thanx, Jim

RE: 4.8L vs 5.3L
 

I cannot coment on the towing of the 4.8, but my 5.3 tows great. What I can say is the milage difference is almost nonexistent. The power is better on the 5.3, so if you need to haul a bigger trailer there will be no issue. Also the 5.3 is more common so performance parts are less expensive as they are more readily produced. I would also be concerned that alot of newer 4.8 are available used, as this may show alot of people are upgrading to the bigger engine.

RE: 4.8L vs 5.3L
 

I agree 100% with smoke... If you have the option, go with the 5.3L.

RE: 4.8L vs 5.3L
 

it really doesn't matter... the 5.3 has a little more torque but the 4.8 has a five speed instead of a four speed... i have the 4.8 and me and a buddy with the 5.3 raced to 75 from a stoplight and it was dead even... you can find the 4.8 more easily most likely because it gets slightly better mileage, and thats a big selling point these days

RE: 4.8L vs 5.3L
 

The Vortec 4800 LR4 series was developed to replace 5000 L30 series 5.0L (305ci). It has a 96.01 mm bore and a 83 mm stroke.

The Vortec 5300 LM7/LM3/L59 series was developed to replace the 5700 L31 series 5.7L (350ci). It has the same block and heads as the 4.8L, but has an increased stroke of 92.00 mm. Let us not forget about the L33 that as an all aluminum block with higher compresion that creates more hp and torque.

The block is the same and the heads are the same! Hell, it is almost the same motor...except for a slightly larger bore (290 vs 323-325) and the stroke (83mm vs 92 mm).

As far as the 4.8L getting better gas mileage, all reports I have researched averages out to about a 1mpg increase over the 5.3L.

It is pretty cool that you are hanging with you buddy with the 5.3L, but 99% of the time a stock 5.3 will KILL a stock 4.8. The extra horsepower and torque play a significant factor when you average that both trucks have the same layout and weight the same.

Like I said before, in my opinion, if you have the choice, get the 5.3L.

RE: 4.8L vs 5.3L
 

the 4.8 gets a tad better mpg..but towing...I'd want a 5.3

RE: 4.8L vs 5.3L
 

I think you should go with yoda dont they pull and hual more:D

No no go with the 5.3L they are sweet and you already have the 5.3L in your wifes truck so you might as well get the same motor.

RE: 4.8L vs 5.3L
 

I say screw them both and just go with a 6.0! But I'm a little partial. If you plan on pulling anything halfway heavy, take the 5.3 - it'll save you alot of frustration..

RE: 4.8L vs 5.3L
 

THERES NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT..........find a truck with the 8.1......YESSS!

RE: 4.8L vs 5.3L
 

There's always the Duramax! That's where it's really at!


They fired up our old 1ton at work with a 454 in it. It's over 20 years old and been used and abused, but with granny low that thing is an unstoppable tank!