5.3 vs 6.2 EcoTec3 - Which is Better?

[@ohioguy4326]

The gas mileage similar but the 6.2 takes premium fuel vs the 5.3 running on regular fuel. That’s about $20 more per fill up or $1,000 more per year if you fill up once a week and $10,000 more in fuel if you keep the truck 10 years. Maybe not a deal breaker but it does make a difference.

[@8020Media]

Certainly does make a difference over 10 years. We were just driving the point that the gas mileage is more similar than people may think. However, thanks for the valuable insight! This will help future viewers for sure.

[@demetruesorange5740]

Maybe $10 a fill up at least in Minnesota where I live it’s like a 40 cent difference.

[@Banshee421x]

My friend laughed at this. He said his 6.2 has not seen a drop of 91. He's at 85k milage

[@pawg206]

In 10 years I’ll net roughly 700,000 so not to worry about that

[@Banshee421x]

So this truck is only capable of 91 octane and nothing else?

[@jimblecha9221]

Just sold our 2013 Suburban with 5.3 with 265k for nearly 20% of original purchase price. Kept our 2013 Suburban, 5.3 with AFM now at 161k and bought a 2023 Silverado LTZ with 6.2 DFM. Both get comparable MPG, but the 6.2 (13,300k rated with $850 towing package upgrade) hauls our 7,000 pound trailer with ease compared to the 10k rated Suburban. We live in Colorado and the hills, altitude and heat were a strain on towing with the 5.3 which was really under engineered for towing. Fuel mileage of 21-22mpg is similar with the power advantage going to the Silverado 6.2. Just had our 2nd oil change and expect the mileage to get even better as the engine gets more miles. We’re retired and enjoy the extra comfort, large computer screen and other upgrades. Especially appreciate the towing package!

[@8020Media]

Ji m - Thanks for sharing your experience. This will certainly help future viewers!

[@johnb1448]

Great explanation for someone like myself who isn't a motor head , thanks for the simple explanation.

[@8020Media]

J - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it was helpful.

[@undeadmonkey9122]

I have a 2021 Silverado rst with the 6.2. 17K miles, no issues. I love mine. I got really lucky. 17/24 mpg, when I don’t use sports mode lol. Added bed cover helps with aero and mpg.

[@8020Media]

That's awesome, great to hear! Those are some solid mpg numbers there

[@JoseS-h6f]

It only has 17,000 miles just wait til 60-80k

[@GiveMeYoSammich]

I'd hope any vehicle with 60k and under has no issues, that's kind of the gold standard. Who would wanna pay 60-80k on a pos

[@carlosloko257]

Thanks you I'm getting 2023 gmc yukon at4 xl 6.2L v8 engine I learned a lot.

[@8020Media]

Carlos - Thanks for the feedback! Let us know how it is.

[@Bill-ck3lo]

I’ve owned both, and I’m not concerned about gas mileage. I enjoy the power and yes there’s a big difference. If you want better mileage then yes go 5.3. I still get 18-20mpg on the highway

[@8020Media]

Bill - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@lsmith3907]

Had several 5.3s including a 2018 L93. Traded for a 2018 L96 and will NEVER go back to 5.3. Totally worth the extra for premium gas (6.2 does a little better mpg). 5.3 strained where 6.2 is effortless - hard to believe its only 65 hp more...

[@8020Media]

L - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@rickbaraniuk2447]

Excellent video!

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it helps.

[@youarerightboss]

You get what you pay for. The 6.2 is a superior engine and a hp/torque monster.

[@8020Media]

You - We agree!

[@Patroit1776]

I believe those hp and torque specs on the 6.2 are based on the recommended 93 octane. Where I live in northern MN, it's a 92-cent difference between 87 and 91. 93 is hard to find, and I hear of ppl running 87 in the 6.2, but then you're not getting the most out of that 6.2 that you paid extra for. And paying 70k for a truck that recommends a certain fuel grade, I personally would run 91 minimum regardless of what other ppl say. So that was why I got the 5.3. Yes, 6.2 tows more and performs better doing it, but towing a 6k trailer trailer 6-7 times a year also wasn't justifiable to upgrade to the 6.2. Then, the other 99% of the time, when im not towing, I would have to pay $20-$25 more every week for fuel. And the 6.2 takes almost twice as much oil, premium oil isn't cheap. So, in my thoughts, the 5.3 was more financially smarter for my application.

[@8020Media]

Chad - Thanks for sharing your thought process. This could definitely benefit someone deciding between the two.

[@tjmakings]

Oil capacity is the same, other than that I agree

[@Patroit1776]

@tjmakings I was wrong. I thought it was the same as the camaro with the 6.2.

[@francof6383]

to pay more for premium fuel is a big issue for me so the 5,3 for me

[@gordocarbo]

I insist on running premium also Many may think they save buying cheap stuff but their engines are pulling timing to run it making it less efficient Ive never noticed a difference in my pocket at months end going premium vs cheap grade meaning I saved nothing. Ca 91 for me

[@jameely]

I’m happy with my 5.3 and I’m not heavy with the gas pedal I fuel once a week

[@8020Media]

Jameely - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@greghollingsworth2888]

I bought a GMC Sierra SLT with the 5.3. The reason, there was no way I’m buying premium fuel for a pickup truck especially given the fuel consumption when towing!

[@8020Media]

Greg - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Murphturf408]

Not even mentioning the current pricing and no end in sight on price relief.

[@Abcoolad]

With my 6.2 Sierra Denali, I get 22-24 MPG on the highway and I average about 80mph. I have a bed cover so that might help.

[@8020Media]

Ab - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@jamesbowman1767]

Hogwash

[@MrS22222]

​@@jamesbowman1767can confirm in florida where it is flat.

[@kellydoyea7463]

I bought my 2013 ltz 6.2 silverado in 2017, there is no AFM or DFM, soooo glad I found one. They are hard to find, but they didn't add that stupid fuel mgmt on the 6.2 until 2015 I believe, so lucky I don't have to worry on that part. I also have the fairway green metallic which is gorgeous,, when it is clean ha ha. People ask me if it is custom paint all the time, nope it is not. And oh yea I tow my 3 horse bumper pull trailer weekly. I gave up an 8.1 avalanche for it, so wanted to make sure I had the power of the 6.2.

[@8020Media]

K - We agree with AFM/DFM... Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@faridgadimov5955]

Actually after 2007 they start adding afm hardware and in 2009 activated.

[@simplespeed84]

You can drive it in L9 gear and it will still stay in V8 mode. If you bump it up to L10 it will enable the dfm. I drive mine in L9 every day.

[@8020Media]

Simple - Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@KK-td2nd]

It's going to be interesting to see the changes to GM's new gen V8 engines for supposedly 2025 new gen trucks. I sure hope they do away with DFM. Another thing is to go back to port fuel injection and do away with direct fuel injection. Direct injection has been proven a poor design across all manufacturers as it leaves carbon deposits on the upsteam side of the valves. Carbon will cause you indigestion if you're one to keep a vehicle long term. Engineers are trying the duel injection. It helps some but port injection is simple and keeps valves clean. Why not stay with tried and proven design. It dosen't have to be rocket science.

[@8020Media]

KK - Great points and it definitely will be interesting to see. If we had to guess, they won't do away with DFM.

[@27dmarshall]

DFM isn't to make a more durable or refined engine. It's purely to help meet CAFE standards. By 2025, passenger cars and light-duty trucks must meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) fleet standards of 54.5 miles per gallon or face huge fines.

[@gordocarbo]

@@27dmarshall Yup....we will bel ucky to see any gas powered trucks without electrics by then AUtomakers already have all electric trucks.

[@jrobles1019]

I think they’re working on a more modern v8 without the OHV.

[@ramaswamynarayanaswamy4806]

@@jrobles1019 The 5.0 has a belt drive oil pump and cylinder deactivation. I would not touch it.

[@LMDTVNetwork]

I got a 2011 Silverado with 5.3 and I put a chip to shut off the EFM . I have 200k miles on it.

[@8020Media]

LMD - Best thing you can do! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@uplink4567]

Still chugging along with my 5.2 318 magnum

[@8020Media]

U - Nice. How many miles?

[@uplink4567]

@@8020Media 201945 miles

[@DanielStump-s2c]

Great clip. I found and plan to buy a 2014 Silverado High Country with the 6.2L. I’m new to AFM/DFM. Sounds like I want a disabler. Any recommendations or things to consider when buying a disabler? Thanks.

[@8020Media]

U - If you wait a month, we are actually developing our own device ;) We will have more videos coming out soon about this.

[@jimtwombly2109]

Nice briefing, but I would ditto the Ohioguy. Premium fuel would certainly be a factor in my decision not to buy the 6.2. I understand it is an outstanding engine but if I were to be towing a 13,000 pound trailer most of the time, I would opt for a 6.6 gas or 6.6 duramax and a bigger truck.

[@8020Media]

Yepp, I agree. If you need the extra towing that the 6.2 provides then you should probably be looking into the 6.6, whether gas or Duramax.

[@JASPACB750RR]

My 6.2 2020 Sierra gets avg 25.6 in hwy in L9 to avoid DFM. If I leave it in Drive and let the DFM do it’s work, I got 34mpg average going from York PA to Atlantic City. Now country back roads in PA I get about 9.8 avg mpg.

[@8020Media]

Jaspacb - Thanks for sharing your experience. This will help future viewers!

[@downsouthherc6638]

Just managed 32.8 over a 120 mile stretch with a 2022 silverado and the 6.2, left in drive and the truck did the rest. Wasn't expecting those #'s

[@8020Media]

Herc - Wow! Thanks for sharing this experience. this is some pretty incredible numbers!

[@downsouthherc6638]

@@8020Media My pleasure...

[@downsouthherc6638]

What amazed me even more was I had according too range 320 miles at full, strictly stop and go, ended up having more range after running the 120 mile highway run.

[@frankparisi2433]

2500 and an extra .50 to1.00 a gall8n more for gas was a deal breaker. The 5.3 has plenty of power for my needs. In my 19 Colorado if I ran regular gas it woukd knock li in e crazy. I suspect the 6.2 is similiar.

[@8020Media]

Frank - Totally understandable. Everyone has different needs. Thanks for sharing your experience and thought process.

[@jackg350]

People don’t realize you can only get at 5.3 in the lower trims obviously I would get a 6.2 in an at4 or slt but in my elevation extended cab which is a pretty light truck my 5.3 will keep right up with a 6.2 in an at4

[@8020Media]

J - Thanks for sharing the insight.

[@cn9936]

Great video! What do you recommend for a preowned Escalade? I’m looking to buy something made in the last five years.

[@8020Media]

C - Thanks for the feedback. What do you mean what do we recommend?

[@cn9936]

What year you recommend avoiding or getting? Thank you

[@8020Media]

CN - These engines are pretty stout, so doesn't really matter. Just ensure maintenance has been kept up with! Keep us update on this.

[@ablejohnson]

No replacement for displacement. Only down side of the 6.2 is you have to run premium.

[@8020Media]

Able - Thanks for the added insight.

[@Murphturf408]

Ok now who wants to take the 06 5.3? More or less issues with it. My 06 lasted until last week when someone totaled it. Never failed me once!

[@8020Media]

Murph - Sorry to hear about it getting totaled, but thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ScottVanasse]

$12000 big difference, unless you want loaded truck. The motors are very comparable except for towing capacity, and they both have fuel issues

[@8020Media]

S - True!

[@simplespeed84]

The 21s and 22s that came with dfm disabLed but the same style fauLy lifters are still in there. They can still have a collapsed lifter.

[@8020Media]

Simple - Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@WillieCore]

I have a 1999 gmc sierra 1500 5.3 2wd it's in good shape when I bought it from a one person owner he was trying to put a feulpump in and he wired it up wrong but it still runs what can I do to make it run better it me back

[@8020Media]

W - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@nucphamrso]

I have been getting 22-25 mpg on my 2022 LT Z71 with 5.3 and not fuel mgt system. I set the cruise at 67 mph for my 88 mile round trip commute. Had anyone heard of this mpg? Or is my computer wrong.

[@8020Media]

Nuc - This is certainly possible and definitely not an issue with the computer, or at least we hope, given it's a 2022. It sounds like you don't push it very hard, so would think you would get great gas mileage.

[@huntercampbell4220]

I just bought a 2020 5.3, lifted with 33” nittos. I was getting 27mpg yesterday on a 150 mile trip

[@jackhook4192]

My daughter has a 2015 2 wheel drive with the 5.3 half ton 1500 I have a 2011 4x4 6.0 2500hd and mine pulls better has more take off and she only gets 3 miles per gallon better than me on the hwy and between 4to5 miles per gallon in town.

[@8020Media]

Jack - Thanks for sharing your experience. It is certainly insightful!

[@chrisbraxdale9932]

Would disabling afm or dfm void your warranty?

[@8020Media]

Chris - Great question! Deleting will not void your warranty since no tuning is involved.

[@Mike-pb7jm]

To premium gas trolls: All GM ECUs since bout late 90s have had multiple base maps for different octane ratings, and if MAF then adjusts up from those speed density base tunes. The 6.2 DOES NOT NEED premium gas. There is NO ECU IN EXISTENCE from a major manufacturer that cannot use regular fuel and run out its lifetime with regular. You gota go back to carbureted days of about mid 80s for this. Even early 90s carbed motors are fine running regular. Thats such b.s. and another reason GM is losing luster for old timer purists. Why they recommend this, maybe marketing gimmick? Maybe to keep up reliability or resale price for higher trims? All bullshit.

[@8020Media]

Mike - Thanks for taking the time to write this.

[@willR1]

No one never said that the 6.2 liter engine couldn't run on 87 octane. What is the best octane fuel for the truck. And why would you want to run 87 octane in a truck that makes 300 to 400 plus hp and depends on the truck to tow and your boat or trailer 🤔

[@Mike-pb7jm]

@@8020Media yes, many DID say that the 6.2 cannot use 87, hence this post. Start reading comments.

[@kilohon9357]

E85 burns vaporizes quicker too lol. If it ain't broke don't fix it but more importantly make the money to afford it. 6.2l all the way...

[@8020Media]

Kilo - Completely agree.

[@Theonewhoknocks87104]

If you do an internal delete of the AFM/DFM system in the 16-18 and 19-22 5.3 what’s to stop it from getting to 300-500k miles?

[@8020Media]

H - Not much except maintenance. If you maintain it well, it could certainly put you at those levels.

[@ksich8142]

U can put regular in the 6.2 it won’t do shit besides have maybe a 10% reduction in performance and power , if you drive easy or on the highway don’t worry

[@8020Media]

K - Thanks for adding this insight.

[@MrS22222]

That's how you throw a rod when it's hot out

[@justaskmike4602]

looking at a NEW 2024 1500 4WD high county in white with 6.2 MSRP 72 plus, can get for $53.... the premium gas and this DFM thing kind of spook me

[@8020Media]

J - They can certainly be nice. There are devices coming out for the newer models.

[@jasonc3308]

It’s a no brainer the 6.2 hands down is better I have had one for 10 years it’s amazing.

[@8020Media]

J - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@gordocarbo]

Best lsx engine I had was a 2002 5.3, just as durable as many 350 gen1 engines I had that went well past 200k.

[@8020Media]

Gordo - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@williamcurrin4449]

Totally agree on the 2002 5.3 in Chevy 1500 Double Cab long bed with hard cover. It was solid and 0 oil consumption after 135 k miles. Gas millage was sub 20mpg but no issues at all on anything till it got totalled in a stop sign runner in 2012. Thus the 2014 with thev4.3 v6. Nothing but problems. Had to trade it. Something broken all the time. Transmission issues finally just ruined the thrill for me. GM quality has been subpar now since 2012. AFM AND NOW DFM on current 2022 5.3 may turn to another brand but who doesn't but what brand do you trust now ? What engine or drive train will go 10 years or 100k. ?

[@8020Media]

William - They certainly don't make them like they used to..

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

Are all 6.2s aluminum blocks and forged rods and pistons?

[@8020Media]

R - All have aluminum blocks, but not all have forged rods or pistons.

[@bmerrittful]

So I was told by a mechanic that even if I delete the dod (tune or rage) that it still will fail. Is this true?

[@8020Media]

The lifters are still known to fail even with DoD/AFM disabled. However, the likelihood of failure is certainly lower with it disabled which is why we always recommend disabling regardless. If you opt to fully delete the system it's probably worthwhile to look at upgrading the lifters.

[@ramaswamynarayanaswamy4806]

@@8020Media I will not disable mine. Not an option in Qatar.

[@8020Media]

R - Unfortunate, but understandable where you live.

[@iwoww562a9]

Which one is more reliable?

[@8020Media]

I - We're 50/50 on them honestly since both have AFM/DFM.

[@Riverside_Lawns_n_Garden]

That's not true about the LT Trail Boss, you can also get the 6.2 on the Customer Trail boss which is cheaper, ive seen plenty of Customer Trail Boss with the 6.2

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for the insight.

[@phototac9287]

I have 5.3 sure I would have loved to have bought the 6.2 in looking back at my purchase I bought an LT primum trim with all the bells and whistles cost me 65.000 before taxes and fee's honestly I wish I ordered an RST with 6.2 could have snagged it for probably within current market for about the same as my trail boss with the 5.3 that being said it does run on regular gas I've actually gotten 23 miles to the gallon from a 50 mile highway ride average speed was between 60 and 70 miles an hour. That being said I still get asked lot about my truck when I'm out driving I have to say the only one that's going to know weather you have a 5.3 or a 6.2 is you .😂😂

[@8020Media]

P - Very true! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@ms1406]

I thought for the 2021 n up 5.3 engine afm and dfm is not on them

[@8020Media]

M - There was a chip shortage, so some don't. But some do.

[@ms1406]

@@8020Media so im thinking of getting a gmc sierra denali(used) would the 5.3 be a better engine option do you think it will last say 200k miles??

[@8020Media]

M - Depends if it has AFM. Either engines are capable of lasting that long depending on maintenance.

[@SesarAyala]

So your saying my 5.3 2023 tahoe can take e85 or do i need to have the yellow cap?

[@8020Media]

If you have a flex fuel version - check your manual or run a vin check and you can figure out if it can.

[@andrue17]

They both use oil, both prone to lifter seizing causing cam damage and bent rods. Personally I wouldn't buy anything gm after 2007. 1999-2002 in my opinion were the best ls engines in trucks.

[@8020Media]

Andrue - Everyone has their own opinions. We've seen some great 5.3's & 6.2's. But the LS engines you mentioned also were exceptional.

[@ramaswamynarayanaswamy4806]

Those also can have lifter issues.

[@displayfireworks1]

I'm driving a 2015 Sliverado WT with a 4.3 six. Am I still allowed to watch this video. LOL

[@8020Media]

D - It's a free world lol. You can watch whatever you want.

[@laxbeach2381]

5.3 and risk lifters, or get the 3.0, which would you recommend? Or should you just go previous generation with a 6 speed?

[@8020Media]

Previous generation is going to have AFM and lifter risk too, maybe just not as much. 3.0 has its challenges with the emissions equipment and all that too. Personally I'd get a 5.3 and just disable AFM. Especially if you're talking about buying new then you at least get the warranty vs an older higher mileage vehicle

[@laxbeach2381]

@@8020Media thanks for the feedback. Yeah, that’s kind of what it’s looking like, just seeing if perhaps you knew anything I didn’t. May need to get one with some miles on it but will probably get a great service plan.

[@8020Media]

Absolutely - Keep us updated!

[@NoName-be5ir]

I found a used 2017 gmc slt . Has all the bells and whistle inside , sunroof, power tow mirrors with 60k with the 6.2l 4x4 with max towing package. I paid 35k. I pull a trailer and camper often nothing extremely heavy but in hilly areas. I’m no mechanic guru but thought it’s better to have more than I need vs struggling up some of the hills. It’s not labeled a Denali , not sure what’s it’s missing that the Denali would also have. Anyone have this similar truck or thoughts on it? I hear it’s supposed to use premium gas is that recommended or just suggested? Tuff grabbing that expensive pump at time and if I was to run the cheaper gas what’s the issues?

[@8020Media]

N - Premium gas is suggested, not recommended. However, you will see reduced performance using 87.

[@danieleagan5123]

If I hold the throttle and not cruise control, I get 32 and up on highway 6:22

[@8020Media]

Daniel - Thanks for sharing your experience. This is very solid!

[@thomasdean5651]

Are we sure E85 gets better gas mileage? Ive always read that the ethanol had less energy than pure gasoline, so that E10 and E15 fuel didnt give as good of mileage results as pure E0 gas. So, using that logic, would not E85 perform worse than E0, E10, and E15 gas?

[@8020Media]

You're right, E85 will usually get a bit less gas mileage. However, the trade off is that it is a good bit cheaper than even 85 octane.

[@frankparisi2433]

The difference in mpgs is dramatic

[@Elcompa_2]

Can I put 04 Silverado 4.8 swap to a 6.0?

[@8020Media]

Raul - This is possible, yes.

[@KatieBuswell-j5g]

U can run e85 in a 6.2 it says it on my yellow gas cap

[@8020Media]

U - Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@ripsaw5003]

My 21 didn't get the afm or dfm 😅 I guess I was lucky.

[@8020Media]

Rip - Very!

[@27dmarshall]

Buy a 6.6L L8T (no DFM).

[@8020Media]

Marshall - Another solid engine!

[@ios6605]

What the fuck is DFM

[@8020Media]

I - We're actually making a couple videos about this shortly! Stay tuned. In short, it is Dynamic Fuel Management.

[@jamesbowman1767]

Everyone that I've ever spoken with that owns the 6.2L is crying that they are only getting 13mpg combined.

[@8020Media]

J - Seems quite low, but MPG depends on a lot of factors.

[@thunderbolt5354]

@ 8020 Media NEWS FLASH not all ecotech 5.3's will run on e85 !!!!! Dont make false statements !

[@8020Media]

Don't think I stated that every single one has it, but pretty sure the majority of the L84's do.

[@anthonyemanouil4338]

Both motors junk. Stuck push rods notorious

[@8020Media]

Anthony - Thanks for sharing your insight. Although we don't fully agree with "both being junk".

[@kona6451]

Get a 5.0 Coyote and call it a day.

[@8020Media]

K - That's not even discussed in this video.

[@kona6451]

@@8020Media Exactly

[@8020Media]

Okay

[@bigearl8687]

All those 5.3 are junk, from the transmission to the motor, both will shut down in 2 years, they both will need replacement....the company I work 4 to ppl I know, and family members 😢😢😢 nightmares with the 5.3 gmc and chevrolet....if dfm afm is the problem, you have to ask yourself why are they putting it on the truck ?

[@8020Media]

Earl - This may be blown a little out of proportion as we've had good experiences with the 5.3. But sorry to hear that you've had bad experiences with them.

[@Murphturf408]

10 years with a 06 5.3 and no issues.. I can’t be a one off as I see them on the road all day, the same trucks from clients and such

[@bigadielldne7234]

5 years and nothing just one cylinder misfire oil went tru came out burning oil

[@8020Media]

Murph - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@8020Media]

Big - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@markwhite6719]

Can u order a brandnew 6.2 without afm and dfm

[@8020Media]

I don't think you can anymore - some were coming without it due to chip shortages but pretty sure it's on all of them now and not an option to remove.

[@dpgemail]

I'd say the torque of the 6.2 helps with fuel milage where the 5.3 will need more fuel to pull it along in a truck/SUV. But what if we swap the engine into a car under 2 tonnes. Will the 5.3 have better fuel economy then? I have a 5.3 I'm putting into a car, I want to add nitrous for added power rather than get a larger engine that will cost more in fuel driving around. I understand I can stroke it and sleeve it to a 6.2 later if im unhappy with the outcome.

[@8020Media]

If you're trying to add power then fuel economy probably shouldn't be your main concern. More power = worse gas mileage in most cases. But yes in theory the 5.3 will get better gas mileage in a smaller vehicle that weighs less, albeit probably not by a huge amount.

[@SteelAegis]

I have a 2010 Camaro SS with a 6.2L LS3 engine. Last summer, I took a road trip to a city 800 km away. I averaged 32 mpg to, and 33 mpg from. I get that the LS3 is a different engine from the L87 in the Silverado/Sierra, but the engine is 13 years old, pushing that car containing myself, my wife, and our luggage for a 2 week cruise.

[@8020Media]

Steel - Thanks for adding your experience! How many miles are you pushing?

[@frankparisi2433]

My c7 corvette got great gas mileage too but the car is light compared to a Silverado.

[@gordocarbo]

Had an 02 5.3 with factory 3.73 gears. A larger engine would have gotten poorer mpg engine never worked hard unless I was driving with a leadfoot. Borrowed a friends '13 standard cab shortbed silverado. 4.8 tall fwy gear. Yep a real pooch that ones working hard and still a turd. DOnt know why they would put such a wimpy engine in a truck. 5.3 is borderline too small. THe 6 liters tow real well