3.0 Duramax vs 5.3L EcoTec3 - Which is Better?

[@backroadswingrider854]

All I can say is I ran the 5.3 in the 13,14,15,16 Silverado. All were pretty gutless towing. I kept the ‘16 Silverado the longest and traded for the 2020 3.0 LM2 Duramax. I’m still towing the same enclosed trailer and that LM2 has towed flawlessly and twice the mpg as the 5.3 and with much better torque. I would never consider going back to the 5.3 gas engine. This LM2 has been flawless and trouble free. It does suck that DEF when towing, but, so be it, it is so much better performance over the 5.3. Absolutely love this little max

[@8020Media]

I'd agree with you in this situation - the diesel is always going to win for towing feel, even in models where it has the lesser towing capacity. The torque and low-end torque make it pull harder and easier.

[@Sam-ls6sl]

Yes I agree. I am curious to how they run with a tune and delete

[@diyjeff1838]

Just think how much better the lz0 is.

[@brothersclash3088]

Diesel is now cheaper than gas where I live at. The duramax gets me 600 mile range on a $80 fill up.

[@8020Media]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@shanebrown2963]

Hands down the duramax is a better engine.

[@8020Media]

Shane - Thanks for the feedback!

[@davidmcdonough1847]

@@8020Media 100%

[@TakeDeadAim]

Yep. I've owned both. I've put over 200k on a 5.3 and as of today just rolled 60k on my 3.0 and I prefer my 3.0. I had one issue right out of the "box". I had a small radiator leak so the dealer tossed a new one in and I haven't had in issue since. I have the LM2 version. Gets great MPG in the summer, not so much in a Wisconsin winter with winterized diesel fuel. Still over 21 but not the 25 or so I'd get in the summer overall. Oh, I've long haul towed roughly 11k with mine and it did great even though *technically* I was overweight. I kept track of tranny temps and even the rear diff with a "gun" and saw really no difference from towing lighter loads. Brakes are more than adequate as well.

[@8020Media]

Take - Thanks for providing this valuable feedback! Certainly helps others with their research.

[@Michael.j130]

No it’s not a hands down better motor it will cost you much more to own than the 5.3 it tows less and if you have a problem it will cost you out the ass to fix the 5.3 is still the best motor GM puts out hands down

[@TakeDeadAim]

So far after a bit over 80k on my LM2, I've had ZERO issues with it. Great MPG and unless you're towing or constantly standing on the go pedal...the DEF consumption is very good. I have no illusions that this is bigger than it is though. IF I needed a diesel work truck I'd move up to a 2500. These engines were designed with the weekend warriors in mind. Mostly street/highway and the occasional weekend camper/boat hauling. Trying to tune these things to get more power out of them will only lead to failure in many instances as they're pretty much "tuned" to their practical limit.

[@8020Media]

T - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@jaywilliams4956]

Thanks for the detail. I’ve been considering the Duramax and 5.3, and you’ve just hit all of concerns. Thanks!

[@8020Media]

Jay - Glad we could help you out here. Let us know what you end up going with!

[@jaywilliams4956]

Will do. FYI, I only tow a motorcycle for about 600 miles per year and I’d only drive it about 7k years per year. I’d like the higher MPG, but I just don’t see the benefit, especially for the cost of diesel fuel and maintenance cost.

[@watchmanexpert]

@@jaywilliams4956which one u decide ?

[@chrislowe4310]

Have had two 5.3 engines in a 14 Silverado and a 17 Sierra on my 23 Silverado I went with the LZ0 only had my new truck 2 weeks so I can't give a really good opinion but so far it beats the 5.3 the low end torque and fuel economy is amazing. Hopefully it will be as trouble free as my 5.3' s have been.

[@8020Media]

Chris - Sounds like you are well versed with GM engines! Thanks for providing your valuable feedback. Keep us updated with the LZ0.

[@caleblewis3463]

Both great engines, my 15 5.3 has 210k I deleted the AFM at 26k, engine is still strong, no check engine light yet. I recently bought a 22 LM2, all I can say is for a half ton pick up it’s about time they utilize the inline 6. I’m glad it was General Motors. So far it is exceptional. Fuel economy is better then I expected. Even if diesel is a dollar more, and adding in the price of DEF. No question you will be saving money in fuel. Gas doesn’t need plugging in when it’s cold, also warms up quickly. Also I’ve only changed the oil in my 5.3 as far as regular maintenance. I drove it all over the U.S I know why so many people like the “small block Chevy”

[@8020Media]

Caleb - Thanks for sharing your experience! Awesome to hear that you've had great experiences with the 5.3s

[@josels1292]

I just purchased a new 2023 LT 4X4 with the 3L diesel. I was in the market for a 2024 5.3 but I spotted a new 2023 with 11k in rebates. Purchased the new 23 for 47k and so-far I am happy with my decision.

[@8020Media]

Jose - Thanks for sharing your experience! Congrats on the new truck.

[@patrickklepper3641]

A new '23 for 47K?!?! Where/how did you get a deal like that?!?! I've been looking at the RST crew cab 4x4 diesel for months now and they hover around $60K.

[@lewiscruz2989]

@@patrickklepper3641 I got that same exact trim with diesel for 58k out the door down here in Houston, Texas.

[@Thewaldo12345]

@@patrickklepper3641he bought a 23 well into 24. Thats what the deal was.

[@tonyc6957]

Bam he just made my decision with the emission systems and reliability

[@8020Media]

Tony - Glad to hear. Make sure to do some other research and not just rely on our word.

[@hochhaul]

The 3.0 is one of the best engines I've experienced in a half-ton truck. The 5.3 and 6.2 both have DFM cylinder deactivation so you're still at risk of having issues with that. You need to change the oil very often, every 4000-5000 miles to keep the lifters happy. My 2024 3.0 has been problem free. The 10-speed plus 3.73 axle ratio means I drive up steep grades in 10th gear running just 1600 RPM and easily average 29 to a 32 MPG highway. The difference in torque is massive and I don't miss having to listen to a small V8 scream to 5000 RPM just to pass someone. Diesel here is $3.49/gal and regular is $3.29. For 20 cents more per gallon I'm easily getting 8 MPG more than my 2019 5.3 truck.

[@fabianmoye7919]

5.3 best value ever

[@8020Media]

F - Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@dlg5485]

Not if you drive 30,000 miles per year. The 3.0 makes much more sense if long term fuel economy is your priority.

[@fabianmoye7919]

@dlg5485 well yeah maybe... But that's a very select few. Of people who drive that much. And 5.3 probably still takes it. Because if you drive that much you're going to have issues eventually. The engine block in both is aluminum. For enhanced fuel economy. However the "catch" is by driving a diesel engine with an aluminum housing that much. You're bound to have issues real fast.

[@morthomer5804]

I can increase my gas mileage 15% in my 04 5.3 just by refusing to stop for red lights

[@8020Media]

Mort - nice

[@AlaskaErik]

The reason for the max tow disparity is that the LM2 was not available with the max trailering package while the 5.3 was. Without the max trailering package the 5.3 had a much lower max tow rating which was on par with the LM2. Now that the max trailering package is available with the LZ0 the max tow ratings are in the same league, with the LZ0 having a slight advantage.

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@trilingualkid]

this is the video all buyer need to look at...save $$$ on reliability than the extra 5-6 mpg

[@8020Media]

Trilling - Thanks for the feedback! We hope you found it helpful.

[@slocavky]

I LOVE my LM2 diesel. great powertrain when mixed with the 10 speed auto...

[@8020Media]

Slo - Thanks for sharing your experience! We’re also big fans of the LM2s

[@dmwiningar1]

Didn’t realize you could get the 5.3 without afm. How would you order that?

[@8020Media]

D - Due to COVID/chip shortages in 2020, a number of 2021 models weren't equipped with AFM. However, newer models, there isn't an option to get it without DFM.

[@tom_sterling1744]

Great info! Thanks

[@8020Media]

Tom - Thanks for the feedback!

[@joe-j3p7l]

After replacing the block and injectors on my 5.3 I am done with the 5.3.. the AFM cylinders have issues with the lifters, when they fail, they bend rods and cylinders fail. No way to turn them off unless you swap out the lifters with the AFM springs.

[@8020Media]

J - Sorry to hear! However, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@danielmedrano4694]

I’m still debating on 3.0 MPG fuel saving or 5.3 reliability.

[@8020Media]

D - We hope this video helped.

[@tyhub7455]

I wanna swap a baby duramax in my 2014 halfton when the 5.3 blows up if one day possible

[@8020Media]

Ty - It is certainly possible, but not an easy swap.

[@john-l1d5h]

Messed up several numbers. You have a labtop in front of you. Just read from it. Other than the inaccurate numbers in only a few cases, good video.

[@8020Media]

J - Would love to hear what numbers we "messed up".

[@jeffmill6683]

It's the torque that is what you want for pulling

[@8020Media]

J - Correct.

[@inferidii]

I am waiting for a 5.3 l trail boss , a bit stressed about the lifter issues but i dont see anything for 2023 and 2024

[@8020Media]

I - Hard to tell so early into production.

[@darrenalkire5281]

Less than 1000$ from 5.3 to diesel is a no brainer. The 3.0 is so torquey smooth and fuel efficient.

[@8020Media]

D - People have different preferences. To some it may be a no brainer, but to others they value other things. However, thanks for sharing your opinion!

[@mrflorida55]

You did not mention it did the new Duramax fix some of the reliability and maint issues?

[@8020Media]

F - This is usually what happens, yes. Newer generations typically fix the old issues.

[@gavinhensley3108]

On the new 1500s the 5.3 and 6.2 have same mpg ratings on sticker.

[@8020Media]

Gavin - Thanks for this insight.

[@phil9100]

Yes, but you must use 91 Octane, when the 5.3 can use 87 octane.

[@dantimber]

Can I request when placing an order for a GM truck with the 5.3L to delete DFM?

[@8020Media]

There isn't any option out there to get one without it - you can try asking but don't think they will do it for you.

[@obs4life228]

Dad got his 2022 Silverado ltz non dod 6.2 from dealership. I don’t see why you can’t order one that way. His says it right on the sales sticker.

[@8020Media]

Good to know, thanks for sharing.

[@ada-yw1bb]

​@obs4life228 : My understanding is that those engines still have the funky lifters with no module to control them due to clown world chip shortages so he still has them. I think AFM lifter failure is a bit overblown. Not that it's not an issue but GM has built millions of trucks with the feature. Way more don't fail than do . Main thing is change ur oil . The factory recommended intervals are a joke .

[@8020Media]

Ada - Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@Steviethegr8]

Without afm the 5.3 is still using the garbage lifters that make the afm work… the lifter failure rate atleast from what I have seen is the same between people who turn off AFM and those who don’t.

[@8020Media]

Sure the lifters are the same but constantly shutting lifters off and re-engaging them certainly isn't great for longevity.

[@FugitiveVette]

Bruh 😎 the 5.3 makes 355 horsepower! It’s a monster mated with the 10 speed auto

[@8020Media]

Vette - Completely agree!

[@tonyc6957]

Do you need def in the 24s

[@8020Media]

Yes

[@AlaskaErik]

I find that diesel is much less expensive than gas. I currently have a 6.2L and its premium fuel is a full one dollar more expensive than diesel. 87 is 60 cents more expensive than diesel. So when I recently ordered an SLT I went with the Duramax as it was a no brainer, especially since I tow.

[@8020Media]

A - Idk where you are getting your diesel fuel, but typically it is more expensive per gallon. However, it sounds like you are taking a more technical approach here.

[@AlaskaErik]

@@8020Media That's the pricing at gas stations where I live. No discounts or any special pricing.

[@8020Media]

A - Interesting!

[@Drkhig]

What are the reliability issues and how prevalent are they ?

[@8020Media]

D - For which engine?

[@Drkhig]

Diesel

[@Drkhig]

Throughout the video you mentioned the many issue but have not explained what those issue are?

[@8020Media]

D - Yes, because we have separate videos for them. Here's is the 3.0 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGiWmGt5otJ_gbc

[@Drkhig]

Thanks!

[@saudinhodzic3672]

Grand Rapids Diesel is $3.19 I know when you buy a GM Baby max have 10 years 100 thousand miles warranty vs 5.3 only 3 years hm.

[@8020Media]

S - Thanks for sharing.

[@Tom-ic7hw]

without a lifter redesign the chevy v-8 is a no deal for me if someone could crack the v-8 f150 code and do away with afm/dfm I would get one of those it looks like im stuck

[@8020Media]

There were some being produced in 2021 that did not have AFM due to parts shortages. 5.0 Coyote is a great engine tho in the F150.

[@dantimber]

@@8020Media The Ford 5L got cylinder deactivation in 2021 or 2022. Ford doesn't advertise it.

[@moladibari0482]

5.3 v8 all the way

[@8020Media]

M - Agreed!

[@melgoy2094]

This is a great vid. I have two F450s for heavy hauling. Diesels are more expensive to maintain and fuel cost is more. I have an 06 GMC 5.3 that has not let me down with over 200k miles. I was hot for one of these 3 liter diesel I will now get a 6.2 or 5.3 again

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for the feedback and taking the time to share your experience!

[@Oneshawdog89]

With the reliability taking a hit with the diesel and the price of diesel fuel, taking the 5.3 all day in Cali! Diesel is damn near $6 a gallon😂😂

[@8020Media]

Shaw - We don't blame you on that one!

[@michaelpanacheese604]

5.3 in Canada all day for winter 3.0 baby max for summer driving.

[@8020Media]

Michael - Do you have both? If so, that's a nice collection to have!

[@gk9417]

@@8020Media what he is saying is the diesel emissions are the shits in winter so gas in Canadian winters diesel in Canadian summers ✌️🙏🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@nabatron21]

Wife has a 21’ yukon at4 with the 5.3 it’s a decent engine we have no complaints with it. Has enough power to haul the 3 kids and us around. I have a 19’ rebel with a 5.7 hemi that loves to drink fuel lol. Best mpg I have gotten is 20 mpg and that’s highway driving. City driving is like 11-13 mpg average. I’ll be trading my rebel in for a 24’ at4x with the diesel when order banks open up. I test drove a 6.2 and 3.0 LZ0 back to back 6.2 was ok I wasn’t really punching it since the sales guy was with me. He gave me the keys for the duramax and I took that for a rip and the power band was super smooth. Was very impressed with the engine and torque.

[@8020Media]

Naba - Thanks for sharing this first hand experience! Eager to hear your experience with the at4x. Keep us posted!

[@Mark6.5x47]

LZ0, all the way!

[@8020Media]

M - True!

[@jeffhernandez5098]

There was no option to have DFM or not. Supply chain issues caused GM to release the trucks without DFM. It's better for sure but it wasn't an option.

[@8020Media]

Jeff - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@dlg5485]

Yet another truck "comparison" that doesn't cover payload. Some of us never tow and care FAR more about payload, but none of you youtubers ever even mentions it.

[@8020Media]

D - You are the first person that has complained about this. Unfortunately, we can't make videos that suit everyone.

[@douglastanney2509]

The 5.3 has 355hp not 335.

[@8020Media]

Douglas - Thanks.

[@captain54526]

Diesel only a $1.00 more ? Not here it is almost a $1.80 more and sometimes even higher when traveling the Midwest.

[@8020Media]

Seems to be a bit better out here in CO but I know we produce a lot of oil so that's probably why, compared to the midwest which produces very little.

[@dannyo957416]

You can still get the 3.0 diesel engine in the ram for 2023

[@8020Media]

The discontinuation news has been around for awhile but I think they are waiting until they have their new EV option before pulling it, which I think is supposed to come out in 2024.

[@dantimber]

It's also still available in some Jeeps

[@oscarrios218]

lmao tell me youve never owned a diesel without telling me

[@8020Media]

Oscar - We're curious to what you mean by this.

[@oscarrios218]

@@8020Media #1 DEF doesnt burn much unless youre towing and a 3.0 is very different on DEF consumption compared to a 6.6 and a cummins which does burn DEF in crazy amounts #2 Emmisions problems? lol it aint a dodge getting your information online shouldnt be something to make a video with as facts #3 mileage unless you have big tires with a lift kit and 4x4 driving against gusts of wind you should be getting mid to high 20's no problem on the diesel this truck was made to drive around town not tow but does pack a pump to tow #4 tuner? 🤣 find me one of those that actually works for the 3.0 im sure everyone on the forums will buy it been a while that people have been looking for one and a delete too if its even possible............. issues with 5.3 they all have the same lifters even if a truck doesnt have cylinder deactivation and it still gets to be an issue issue with 3.0 the reluctor/sensor on the crank that is it the oil pump and the belt hasnt been an issue at all even on guys passing the 100k mark and im still yet to see a truck drive in with timing issues

[@8020Media]

You're telling me Duramax's don't have problems with emissions and that's just a Dodge thing? Sounds like you have a little bit of bias towards GM on that one. Banks has a Derringer on its way: bankspower.com/products/derringer-tuner-2. There are also a few other solutions out there: www.agdieselsolutions.com/product/61800/. AFM is the main reason for lifter issues so saying a 5.3 without AFM is going to have lifter issues is you now trying to turn your opinion into a fact. My point with the pump and belt wasn't that they are problematic so much as their 150k service interval is a pain when it requires the trans to be dropped to service. I do own a diesel, by the way, but one of the big boy ones. Sorry I spoke badly about your engine.

[@oscarrios218]

@@8020Media banks tuner has been on the air for some time and the other tuner has been proven to just temporarly change some parameters and the pedal dead zone goes away to give the feel of a tuned truck... ....... nice to know you own one big boy diesel not being bias just owned all big diesel engines already and do all the repairs myself

[@dantimber]

@@oscarrios218 The statistics I've seen (but can't quote at he moment) are that cylinder deactivation issues happen in low single digit percentages with the 5.3 and 6.2. It's unfortunate but GM includes it to help overall government fuel mileage requirements. They are aware of the problems but evidently are accepting the failures as a cost to sell vehicles. I would add the Ford 5L now (introduced 2021 or 2022) has cylinder deactivation and the Ram 5.7 and 6.4 have cylinder deactivation too. As for the 3L diesel it has problems too as detailed in the video. But the inline 6 configuration seems to have a distinct advantage over V6 competitors. I agree with the video though in that it may not be worth the aggravation with emission devices and power adders on such a small engine. If an owner needs diesel power it might make sense to go for a HD truck with the larger engines.

[@Clevelandsteamer324]

You can’t get baby Duramax in base model

[@8020Media]

Correct

[@stevem5383]

In comparing fuel costs you left out the cost of DEF.

[@8020Media]

Steve - Yes, but filling up the DEF fluid is not near as frequent as filling up a fuel tank, which is why we left it out.

[@bradh7472]

Exactly and maintenance! Fuel filters and so on. Much more. I dont tow anything so I will not have any issues with the 5.3.

[@themarcusallen]

You don’t fill your def up till you run a few thousand miles

[@mr.redneck2715]

I believe the 30 diesel is guaranteed for 100,000 miles and I’m not sure about the 5.3 but I think it’s 36.

[@8020Media]

Redneck - Thanks for the added insight.

[@bigtunadan]

The 5.3L is 60k on the powertrain vs 100k on the 3.0L. Both are 36k basic warranty (previously called bumper-to-bumper).

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for adding this insight!

[@strikerfired6242]

355 hp 383 lb ft

[@8020Media]

S - What is this for?

[@MrRGiller]

​@@8020MediaThe 5.3 V8

[@donalddietrich9442]

Cylinder deactivation on the gasers, junk

[@8020Media]

D - Unfortunately..

[@kevinstrang11]

Neither, 6.2 is King

[@8020Media]

Kevin - 6.2 is a solid engine for sure!

[@kevinstrang11]

@@8020Media I've had a 07 11 16 Yukon Denali with 6.2 and now a 19 Escalade with 6.2. I put well over a million miles combined. But I'm really curious about how the 3.0 diesel would hold up.

[@8020Media]

That’s some loyalty there! Respect. The 3.0 is pretty solid!

[@dantimber]

The 6.2 has DFM