4.8 or 5.3 liter?

Question

I am competmplating the purchase of an '01 or '02 2WD extended cab Silverado LS. I still can't get excited about the grille style of the '03s and newer, plus a newer truck doesn't fit the budget right now either. I am looking for some opinions as to whether or not the 4.8 is an acceptable option. The truck will be used for occasional, light, short distance towing and/or hauling, but will mainly be used for extended travel distances, mainly highway. The truck would be a replacement for a '94 1500 Surburban 4x4.

Mileage is obviously a factor, but I don't want it to be a dog either. Therefore my thoughts were to look for a 5.3 with a 3.42 rear axle ratio or a 4.8 with 3.73 gears. Thoughts? In my initial search, a 2WD extended cab LS with the factory tow package (Z82) and limited slip rear differential (G80) seems somewhat rare regardless of the engine option, at least here in northern IL. Plenty of 4x4s out there, but even many of those don't have the G80 option. I always thought that should be required equipment on a

4x4.

Gary

Bill · Accepted Answer

I have 5.3l 2000 Silverado extended cab with 4 doors, Not four full doors. Can't seem to keep the rear wheels behind me. I do not drive crazy, but they let go too easy. The 4.8 would be my choice, as I think it would be safer to drive. Unless you keep the back loaded, things would be different.Why not test drive the different motor options, and make up your mind that way.My Silverado has the Z71 options, but not 4wd, and I get 20mpg around town. Bought it used, and maybe someone changed the chip, but I am very pleased with the mileage I get.

Sigwings · Answer

The difference in mileage will be negligible.  The difference in power will be very noticeable, especially towing.  Always get the bigger motor.

CIL · Answer

I have the 5.3 with towing package 3.42 rear axle and am well pleased. The only weak spot(s) that I am aware is the stereo (junk) and a small leak on the waterpump.

About 17 mpg in town and 20-21 on the interstate not towing, the mpg decreases with loads as to be expected. Live in Ga. Plenty of hot weather and it has never seen sleet or snow.

R. O'Brian · Answer

I have a '99 extended cab, 5.3L, towing package, 3.73 limited-slip rear end. On the interstate, not towing, it gets 20 MPG using the AC. City driving does about 14-15 MPG. It accelerates nicely with the 3.73, but 70 MPH is still only 2000 RPM on the tach.

Randy

Bill · Answer

At 70, I get 1800 rpm. My mileage is at least 20mpg, and almost 20 around town.. (Daily commuter 10 miles to work, home for lunch, 200 miles a week. Still get 20mpg).At 85 I am around 2300 rpm..I thought the tach was broke when I first drove it. Even though I live in Florida, I don't use the AC much, love the open windows.Might be not using AC is why I get good gas mileage.

Sigwings · Answer

You actually get better mileage with the ac on and the windows up.  The air from the windows creates drag and todays ac compressors are very efficient.

Bill · Answer

I believe you. I am just surprised that I get that good of gas mileage.

Sigwings · Answer

I have gotten as good as 22 when I set the cruise between 60 and 65.

Whitelightning · Answer

It all depends on the vehicle. with today's cars, I would say most diffinetly windows up, ac on, but a truck is still a box going through the air. regardless when the temps get above 75, my ac is on, which means just about year round.

Whitelightning

4.8 or 5.3 liter?

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