5.3, 6.2 or baby DMAX? UPDATE post 57

[EmpirE231]

If you were getting a new GMC 1/2 ton 4X4... which motor would you go with, and why?

I am mainly looking for reliability and low cost of ownership over the life of the truck (will most likely keep this truck for 8-10 years). I am not worried about the cost of fuel, or the cost to option out the motor package. And not really too worried about towing... I will tow with it here and there, but most likely wont be more than 5-6k lbs when I do.

currently have a 2005 w/ a 5.3, and that motor has been problem free til about 200k miles when it developed a lifter tick. Trans had to be rebuilt around 175K miles.... overall, I would say it has been super reliable.... so I should just stick w/ the 5.3... but I'm tempted by a little more hot rod of the 6.2.?? Best thing I hear about the dmax is MPG, but not sure about its reliability.

 

[attitude]

I vote 6.2, I like having the extra power.

 

[Big B Hova]

I'd stay away from diesel with all the smog shit.

6.2 or 5.3 both same great motor. 5.3 I bet still averages better mpg than 6.2.

I have a 6.2 denali 10 speed it's powerful but you really gotta keep your foot out of it for mpg

 

[Chili Palmer]

I’m looking at getting a AT4 or Denali when the 22’s are out, but it looks like I’ll be waiting until they have the heated and cooled seats, rear heated seats, and the front and rear parking sensors available from the factory. Also waiting for the covid pricing to go away. I’m torn between the 6.2 and the 3.0 Dmax. I’ve currently have a tuned 6.6 Dmax in my 2500 Silverado with almost 300k on the odo, but I’m sick of the ¾ ton ride. This engine has been flawless since I deleted it, but I know the 3.0 won’t hold a candle to it in power, but will get killer mileage, but how’s the long term durability of it? I do want the power of the 6.2, but the lifter issues have me concerned. I do hope they have improved the flat seats of the 19-21 trucks with something a little more comfortable.

 

[ltbaney1]

i have a 2020 with the 5.3. im happy with it so far. my 06 with the 5.3 had 250K on the clock when i traded it in, ticked and knocked like a son of bitch but ran good.

 

[EmpirE231]

I’m looking at getting a AT4 or Denali when the 22’s are out, but it looks like I’ll be waiting until they have the heated and cooled seats, rear heated seats, and the front and rear parking sensors available from the factory. Also waiting for the covid pricing to go away. I’m torn between the 6.2 and the 3.0 Dmax. I’ve currently have a tuned 6.6 Dmax in my 2500 Silverado with almost 300k on the odo, but I’m sick of the ¾ ton ride. This engine has been flawless since I deleted it, but I know the 3.0 won’t hold a candle to it in power, but will get killer mileage, but how’s the long term durability of it? I do want the power of the 6.2, but the lifter issues have me concerned. I do hope they have improved the flat seats of the 19-21 trucks with something a little more comfortable.

I'm in the same boat... waiting for the revised 22's.... Just trying to do my homework now.

 

[Havasu blue label]

8.1 with a Allison trans

 

[Yoshiro]

FYI guys my wife is a service advisor at a Chevy dealership. There was a bad run of lifters in the gas V8s last year, she had vehicles with 4-10k miles on them stacked up in her shop and no updated parts availability at the time. Customers went for months with a loaner vehicle. Things are getting better now but watch out for a '20 or '21 model.

On the baby Dmax, there's an issue with them derating. The fix at the moment is to pull over and restart the vehicle to clear the derate. No fix from the factory at the moment, so it's frustrating for new owners.

My advice with either engine, don't buy off the lot, order it and hope they have things sorted out by then.

 

[EmpirE231]

FYI guys my wife is a service advisor at a Chevy dealership. There was a bad run of lifters in the gas V8s last year, she had vehicles with 4-10k miles on them stacked up in her shop and no updated parts availability at the time. Customers went for months with a loaner vehicle. Things are getting better now but watch out for a '20 or '21 model.

On the baby Dmax, there's an issue with them derating. The fix at the moment is to pull over and restart the vehicle to clear the derate. No fix from the factory at the moment, so it's frustrating for new owners.

My advice with either engine, don't buy off the lot, order it and hope they have things sorted out by then.

was the lifter issue for both 5.3 and 6.2?

 

[Yoshiro]

was the lifter issue for both 5.3 and 6.2?

L84 5.3, good question!

 

[84miller]

I have the 5.3, Avalanche Z71, with factory tow package (rated at 8K), 175K, still original engine/trans. To me the 5.3 is a great engine, get 16 mpg average like clock work. However, the engine is a little poppy, only term I know to use. When it has to down shift (hill, towing. whatever) it can pop up to a very high rpm. So if this engine dies, I am going to see what it would take or if I can (emissions) upgrade to 6.2. Same when the trans fails, see if a upgrade is doable. Way I look at it installing a crake engine or new trans is cheaper than paying sales tax on new.

 

[Bigbore500r]

If you were getting a new GMC 1/2 ton 4X4... which motor would you go with, and why?

I am mainly looking for reliability and low cost of ownership over the life of the truck (will most likely keep this truck for 8-10 years). I am not worried about the cost of fuel, or the cost to option out the motor package. And not really too worried about towing... I will tow with it here and there, but most likely wont be more than 5-6k lbs when I do.

currently have a 2005 w/ a 5.3, and that motor has been problem free til about 200k miles when it developed a lifter tick. Trans had to be rebuilt around 175K miles.... overall, I would say it has been super reliable.... so I should just stick w/ the 5.3... but I'm tempted by a little more hot rod of the 6.2.?? Best thing I hear about the dmax is MPG, but not sure about its reliability.

The 5.3 and 6.2 are basically the same motor reliability wise....
If you got more coin to spend and want the extra power, go 6.2. Otherwise 5.3 will do what you want.

The Dmax would have to be a smoking deal to consider, you most likely wont every save enough gas to offset the purchase price increase. And if it's out of warranty, alot more to go wrong with modern diesels that cost big $$$.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

5.3. 6.2 is great but it drinks more fuel.

 

[humvkev]

I have a 2019 with the 6.2 and it has been a great engine. My vote is that due to the extra power. I am not towing all the time but have pulled 28ft RV trailers and the boat with easy. I figured since I was ordering it from the factory, just get the 6.2 and not worry about a lack of power.

 

[RandyH]

Got 6.2 in denali yukon and Sierra. Both 21s. Love them. Would do it over and over .

 

[mesquito_creek]

Since you said you are not worried about the cost of gas,... Treat yourself to the 6.2. Never has anyone who doesn't sweat the cost of gas said they wish they had less power and torque.

 

[D19]

If you were getting a new GMC 1/2 ton 4X4... which motor would you go with, and why?

I am mainly looking for reliability and low cost of ownership over the life of the truck (will most likely keep this truck for 8-10 years). I am not worried about the cost of fuel, or the cost to option out the motor package. And not really too worried about towing... I will tow with it here and there, but most likely wont be more than 5-6k lbs when I do.

currently have a 2005 w/ a 5.3, and that motor has been problem free til about 200k miles when it developed a lifter tick. Trans had to be rebuilt around 175K miles.... overall, I would say it has been super reliable.... so I should just stick w/ the 5.3... but I'm tempted by a little more hot rod of the 6.2.?? Best thing I hear about the dmax is MPG, but not sure about its reliability.

I have a GMC 1500 4x4 6.2 8 speed crew cab regular bed and I love it. Favorite truck I have ever owned and I've had a Duramax 2500. It's just a great do it all daily driver.

It runs on 91, I never look but I think I get about low teens mpg. It has a lot of power, you can floor it and it will burnout into 2nd gear.

I have pulled a 26' sandrail trailer and a 25' Essex and it does great (for a gaser 1500).

The truck will limit the speed at 100 mpg and has the stupid active fuel management deal. I bought a Super Chips tuner and deleted that stuff. had to have the tuner shipped to river house (AZ).

I had a 1500 and a Tahoe w/ a 5.3. After having a 6.2 I would never go back.

 

[CLdrinker]

5.3 or 6.2 if you need more power.

LS based engines will run forever.

 

[carlski77]

I have a 2018 5.3 in a sierra 1500,SLT loaded, I drive a lot 4-5K a month, I have 154,000 on it now, the drive train has been terrible, after warranty I have had to replace the following;, radiator, water pump, fuel injectors, lifters, cam shaft, oil pump, torque converter, then a full transmission to say the least it has sucked, contacted lawyers for lemon law but since its all after warranty no can do, I drove a 3.0 Duramax, it ran good the 10 speed tranny is supposed to be way better the the pile of crap 8 speed, But with all that said, going with a FORD & coyote 5.0litr next time

 

[Cole Trickle]

skip the diesel.....

5.3 rips pretty good with the 10 speed tranny and drinks 87 octane.

I got my wife the 6.2 with the 10 speed in her 2020 trail boss and the truck is pretty dam fast. 6.2 still does pretty good mileage wise but calls for 91 octane and won't be as efficient as the 5.3.

5.3 will feel good until you pull up next to a 6.2 or a ecoboost ford at a light...lol

 

[Racey]

No point in a mini diesel, all of the modern complex bullshit, but not enough power to make up for those potential issues that will arise no doubt at some point.

It really is a shame what they have done to the Diesels with this emissions bullshit, they would be so much better and reliable without all this nonsense.

 

[hallett3]

I have a 2015 5.3 which has been horrible with fouling plugs. I know this is related to the AFM system which has had a lot of collapsed lifter springs. I bought a AFM delete (Range Technology) which plugs into your OBD connector port. This eliminates 8 to 4 cylinders and automatic shut off when stopped at a light. My two buddies had a 2015 and 2016 with collapsed lifters and both had to have camshaft replaced and all the lifters. Since I had the Range delete haven’t had fouled plugs in 40 thousand miles . Before it every 5 to 8 thousand they fouled. I want to sell it and go diesel but hear all the problems they have also with smog shit. I think it’s horrible paying so much for new trucks and they have so many issues. Some people get lucky and have zero issues. You might want to google the AFM issues. Their has been a law suit on this, but only covers previous problems /repairs at the dealer they will fully cover any problems with this if you are out if warranty.

 

[Cobalt232]

We have a 2021 Trail Boss with the 6.2. Only have 6500 miles on it so far. Coming from an F-250 its 'different'. I like the 6.2 and especially the 10-Speed trans. Compared to the Ford, it wanders a bit more on the highway and the interior is cheap.

 

[D19]

The only issue I have had with mine is the shutter vent breaking. A bird tried nesting in there, died, broke the shutter and threw a code. Took me a while to figure it out. The code was very generic communication code (could have been anything). I didn't even know the truck had one. Wish I could have just tuned it out rather than replacing it. Another stupid "fuel saving" feature to cause problems.

 

[Big B Hova]

FYI guys my wife is a service advisor at a Chevy dealership. There was a bad run of lifters in the gas V8s last year, she had vehicles with 4-10k miles on them stacked up in her shop and no updated parts availability at the time. Customers went for months with a loaner vehicle. Things are getting better now but watch out for a '20 or '21 model.

On the baby Dmax, there's an issue with them derating. The fix at the moment is to pull over and restart the vehicle to clear the derate. No fix from the factory at the moment, so it's frustrating for new owners.

My advice with either engine, don't buy off the lot, order it and hope they have things sorted out by then.

I would steer clear of a covid Era vehicle

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Since you said you are not worried about the cost of gas,... Treat yourself to the 6.2. Never has anyone who doesn't sweat the cost of gas said they wish they had less power and torque.

Those people just come back to RDP later and lie about their MPG.

 

[attitude]

Those people just come back to RDP later and lie about their MPG.

Who? Ecoboost owners?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Who? Ecoboost owners?

With Fords the truck does the MPG lying for them.

 

[NicPaus]

I had a 2018 5.3. It got f
Great mpg going back and forth to the river. Paid 37k new traded it in for 35k with 20k miles on it.

 

[BajaMike]

If you were getting a new GMC 1/2 ton 4X4... which motor would you go with, and why?

I am mainly looking for reliability and low cost of ownership over the life of the truck (will most likely keep this truck for 8-10 years). I am not worried about the cost of fuel, or the cost to option out the motor package. And not really too worried about towing... I will tow with it here and there, but most likely wont be more than 5-6k lbs when I do.

currently have a 2005 w/ a 5.3, and that motor has been problem free til about 200k miles when it developed a lifter tick. Trans had to be rebuilt around 175K miles.... overall, I would say it has been super reliable.... so I should just stick w/ the 5.3... but I'm tempted by a little more hot rod of the 6.2.?? Best thing I hear about the dmax is MPG, but not sure about its reliability.

Get the 6.2 with a 4:10 rear end.

 

[MPHSystems]

Fords are 0.2 seconds faster.


I learned this on River Dave’s.

 

[manxman]

I bought the baby max 3.0. I loved it. I sold mine because I got more than I paid for a year ago and then bought a ram ecodeisel. I liked the duramax better and am planning on getting another. I towed a 5000lb boat and still got 18mpg with plenty of power and torque. I have the 5.3 in my wifes tahoe, and it doesnt pull anywhere near as good as the Dmax does. Not to mention, i averaged 23-25 mpg when not towing.

 

[Big B Hova]

5.3 can tow great safely up to 12k lbs.

6.2 can easily tow 20k lbs.

Baby dmax is probably good for up to 25k lbs.

I mean, I see 90s Tacoma's loaded till the bed is on the floor and they are still alive and kickin

 

[shunter2005]

For the baby Dmax, you should go to either the duramaxforum.com or dieselplace.com and read about them. There are some horror stories, but probably more good than bad. Like the big dmax, a lot of DEF issues. They do however get freakin' awesome mileage. Friend has a '20 1500 and regularly get mid 30's mpg. He doesn't tow much with it, but the new ones are going to have even more towing capacity.
So far, my '19 2500 Dmax has been pretty flawless with just under 30K on the clock. The only thing I tow with it is the 270 and thats only about 500 ft to the ramp most times. Considering going to either a 2500 gasser or down to the 1500 with the 6.2. Just don't know if I would like stepping down to the 1/2 ton from the 3/4.

 

[pronstar]

I have the 5.3, Avalanche Z71, with factory tow package (rated at 8K), 175K, still original engine/trans. To me the 5.3 is a great engine, get 16 mpg average like clock work. However, the engine is a little poppy, only term I know to use. When it has to down shift (hill, towing. whatever) it can pop up to a very high rpm. So if this engine dies, I am going to see what it would take or if I can (emissions) upgrade to 6.2. Same when the trans fails, see if a upgrade is doable. Way I look at it installing a crake engine or new trans is cheaper than paying sales tax on new.

Waaaaaay less hassle to just put a bigger cam in your 5.3.
Even a mild cam will get you to the 450-hp range.

 

[Bpracing1127]

3.56 ecoboost

 

[Englewood]

I’ve owned all 3. My wife has a Yukon w the Diesel and I’m impressed.

5.3 good gas motor
6.2 gas hog doesn’t feel much diff than 5.3

I just ordered one of the new refreshed sierras. Went with the Diesel.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Waaaaaay less hassle to just put a bigger cam in your 5.3.
Even a mild cam will get you to the 450-hp range.

This. Cam the 5.3 and put on a set of 799/243 heads.

 

[Big B Hova]

Fords are 0.2 seconds faster.


I learned this on River Dave’s.

When the spark plugs don't yeet themselves

 

[Cole Trickle]

I’ve owned all 3. My wife has a Yukon w the Diesel and I’m impressed.

5.3 good gas motor
6.2 gas hog doesn’t feel much diff than 5.3

I just ordered one of the new refreshed sierras. Went with the Diesel.

I think they feel the same because there both so quiet and smooth from the factory.

Line them up and it’s not close.

6.2 is a 13 second truck that was camaro ss and mustang gt territory 10 years ago.

 

[attitude]

I think they feel the same because there both so quiet and smooth from the factory.

Line them up and it’s not close.

6.2 is a 13 second truck that was camaro ss and mustang gt territory 10 years ago.

With either headers or a e85 conversion they will break into the 12s. Fun trucks

 

[Rondog4405]

My 20 baby dmax ran flawless.. mid 30's mph back n forth to the river.. pulled good. Solid half ton ! ..at least mine was.

 

[Runs2rch]

5.3. 6.2 is great but it drinks more fuel.

Real world this isn't true. I get better mileage with a 6.2 than anyone I know with a 5.3.

 

[Icky]

5.3 can tow great safely up to 12k lbs.

6.2 can easily tow 20k lbs.

Baby dmax is probably good for up to 25k lbs.

I mean, I see 90s Tacoma's loaded till the bed is on the floor and they are still alive and kickin

But Toyotas were made to tow a space shuttle, big difference

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

With either headers or a e85 conversion they will break into the 12s. Fun trucks

My F150 called and asked me to hold its beer.

 

[attitude]

My F150 called and asked me to hold its beer.

Hopefully you have three hands so you can plug your ears as it goes down the track lol.

 

[mesquito_creek]

Real world this isn't true. I get better mileage with a 6.2 than anyone I know with a 5.3.

I don't doubt that either the 5.3 or the 6.2 gets better mileage than my 3.6L pentastar...

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Hopefully you have three hands so you can plug your ears as it goes down the track lol.

It’s not a raptor, the truck is quiet.

 

[attitude]

It’s not a raptor, the truck is quiet.

I get too much enjoyment out of hearing my vehicles, I’ll stick with my 5.7 and 6.2 trucks lol.

 

[Mcchevy69ss]

If you were getting a new GMC 1/2 ton 4X4... which motor would you go with, and why?

I am mainly looking for reliability and low cost of ownership over the life of the truck (will most likely keep this truck for 8-10 years). I am not worried about the cost of fuel, or the cost to option out the motor package. And not really too worried about towing... I will tow with it here and there, but most likely wont be more than 5-6k lbs when I do.

currently have a 2005 w/ a 5.3, and that motor has been problem free til about 200k miles when it developed a lifter tick. Trans had to be rebuilt around 175K miles.... overall, I would say it has been super reliable.... so I should just stick w/ the 5.3... but I'm tempted by a little more hot rod of the 6.2.?? Best thing I hear about the dmax is MPG, but not sure about its reliability.

I have owned both 5.3 and 6.2, go with 6.2 all the way. It gets better gas mileage towing, and is much more enjoyable to drive with the added power. You won’t regret it.