Chevy 1500 5.3L V8 vs 2.7L TurboMax I-4 | ULTIMATE Engine TOWING Comparison

[@79champions]

I just towed my 7000lb camper through the Appalachian mtns last week. 3.0 duramax. It just ripped up those hills. So impressed. Also ripped through def. That sucked.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I want to test the 3L duramax out so badly. heard great things.

[@KeystoneTexan]

What year is your truck?

[@79champions]

@@KeystoneTexan I have a 22 pre-refresh. I was fortunate to find it in the truck madness a few years ago.

[@slickcasner4205]

@@TheGettyAdventuresTry and get a MaxTow LZ0 3.0. They are super impressive. I have one. It will loaded at 9k it will maintains speed better than my old 6.2. For a diesel, it will wing some RPMs be prepared for that.

[@KeystoneTexan]

@@79champions nice! I want a new GMC Sierra AT4 with the 3 L Duramax diesel. But I’m not willing to give up my 2018 Toyota Tundra or pay those high prices.

[@ews360]

I've owned a few new 5.3 trucks (2001 - 285 horse /325 torque. 2006 - 295/335, 2016 - 355/383). Bought new 2023 Silverado Custom Crew 4X4 2.7 (310/430) 9 months ago. 8,000 satisfied miles later, finally towed our 2009 Rockwood travel trailer (33' & 6k lbs dry) for annual camp trip. 90 mile journey on mostly 2 lanes - flat - 55 mph limit roads. Never over 4,000 rpm's. Accelerated normally, shifted @ 3,000 rpm's, settled @ 60 mph @ 2,000 rpm's. 9.6 mpg w/ 87 octane gasoline. Guessing 1,000 lbs of food/water/beer/gear in camper & 500 lbs of firewood in truck bed. Perfect drivetrain for me. Tow a few times a year locally, similar payload/tow rating as V8, about 3 better mpg overall, $6k less. No regret choice for me, perhaps not for you.

[@daveharris39]

My take on it is this: Honestly, ask yourself how often and how heavy you tow. If I had an 8000 lb (or heavier) enclosed trailer that I towed regularly, I would buy a 2500. If I towed a 3000 to 5000 lb trailer every day I'd go with a 1500 with a V8. If I only tow a small or light trailer occasionally, the 2.7T is fine. When it comes to towing, it's not so much about fuel mileage as it is safety; it's safer to have more truck than not enough truck.

[@Derham43]

I whole heartily agree with you, and my Chevy has the 2.7 turbomax.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

100% agree, I use this trailer to load down these 1500's and see how these engines handle a heavy load. If I was towing this regularly a 2500 would be my choice.

[@qwikz28]

So the question I would have then is what if you were towing a heavy trailer occasionally? I tow a 6000-6500 pound car trailer a few times a year and it's a bit sketchy with my Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

[@TheGingerBread27]

@@qwikz28I’d upgrade to a 1500, it would definitely be happier pulling that than a jeep.

[@qwikz28]

@@TheGingerBread27 2500 would obviously be better, but not necessary for an occasional pull, right?

[@edan7813]

The 6.2 and 3.0 Duramax need to be tested with this trailer on this loop. I can only imagine how well those engines will do

[@karlschauff7989]

The 3.0 with NHT max tow package.

[@nq2847]

I agree.

[@genehart261]

@@nq2847 A friend just bought a 3.0 Duramax after test driving EVERYTHING else. Awesome engine!

[@southsidetom]

I agree! If this dude is wanting to compare max torque powerplants against each other then "it's go time!".

[@seahalk1]

The V8 all day long

[@bjack6084]

Love your videos, buddy. I appreciate your perspective from a diesel mechanic. Keep them coming.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Appreciate it sir!

[@nathanvande2501]

Gotta remember that 2.7 is geared lower and has 2 less transmission gears. Give it a 10speed and 3.23’s. It will be at the same rpms that the 5.3 is at.

[@kokoshadowstryder9020]

One upside to various engine platforms that have been around for decades tends to be within the parts availability realm, be that new parts, aftermarket parts or parts from a salvage yard.

[@reedjohnson7275]

Is the 3.0 dmax next?

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I would love to get the 3L on my course! my truck supplier only has 1 in their fleet and its hard to get my hands on it.

[@andresniederhofer8602]

@@TheGettyAdventuresI have a 3.0 Silverado and it pulls my 24 5500 pound camper like a dream.

[@gtrance3567]

Great videos! Friendly reminder, the 2.7 is meant to replace the old v6, and is the base engine. Perfect daily driver! (Also no lifters!)Thank you!

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I guess that is the ultimate compliment that it can be compared to the V8. for a base engine it is punching well above its weight!

[@DH-hp7nv]

Good video Alex. So i have a company vehicle that is a 2019 with the 5.3. It uses the active fuel management system, not the newer dynamic fuel management, but it still sucks. Could you imagine, If GM would get rid of all the fuel management systems and just give us a v8, both 5.3 and 6.2 would be good buys.

[@wisco1225]

Love what you are doing with these tests. Very good info. Excited to see the 6.2. Also would love to see the 5.7 Hemi and new Hurricane. Also. A website with all your test results! Then bring on the HD and midsize tests!! Thank you!

[@michaeljones7735]

Thanks for a great informative video. On one hand, to wring performance almost the same as the 5.3 with essentially half the engine is pretty impressive. Different engines for different owners. My trailers top out at 5,000-6,000 lbs max, so the 2.7 works for me, if not for anyone else. It replaces a 3.0 liter diesel and has slightly more power and slightly more fuel consumption. Having dragged my heaviest trailer all over the US with that diesel, I knew the 2.7 would work for me, and it has.

[@TheCarterMan]

I have the 2.7 TurboMax in my 23 Canyon AT4 and the transmission temp stays in the 200-210 range for everything. Great video.

[@BradyReading]

Same in my 23 Colorado. 195-210 temp range pretty much regardless of what I do.

[@calebferguson3930]

The 6l80 and 8l90 both usually have a fluid cooler thermostat which regulates cooler flow much like an engine coolant thermostat. As far as the 10 speed I'm not sure.

[@alars2847]

The 8 speed transmission in My ‘21 Canyon 3.6 V6 pulling a 6000# travel trailer up a 6% grade in 95 degree F runs around 192 F and 172 on level ground, in 95 F outside temp. Yep, A/C is on.

[@calebferguson3930]

@@alars2847 yours is probably a model without the thermostat.

[@hendo337]

I have been saying for 10 years now, since they came out with the new 4.3L V6, that they should be using the same 3.921" piston in the base V8 making a 350ci 5.7L V8 to match the 5.7 Hemi and 5.0L Coyote more closely, especially since they came out with the 6.6L in HD trucks now, they could have made a 5.7L base V8 and put the L8T crank in the 6.2L aluminum block to offer a 6.6L option in 1/2 tons. They could have even sold a 5.7L in 3/4-1T Express vans and W/T pickups. Huge missed opportunity.

[@stephenwilson2504]

How about a head to head 2.7 vs 2.7. Ford vs Chevy

[@sabastian4858]

They both suck.

[@pbnak]

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 with 5.3 30k miles, towing 8.5’x24’ enclosed weighing 8,000lbs in August. Towed from Miami FL to Anchorage AK, I was surprised how well it did based on my other truck, a 2004 Ram 2500 diesel. Sure it had moments that required more attention compared to towing with a bigger diesel but it did it without any issues. Had a few climbs through mountain passes that slowed me down but it kept pulling with RPM’s under 4500ish during those few bigger climbs. Mileage was an average of 10 mpg which was expected, but fuel prices in Canada of up to over $7.00 after the conversion was not expected! I’m a diesel fan with my 5.9 Cummins standard trans but this GMC is smooth and in my opinion has good power for towing up to 8,000lbs on occasion. I’d say if towing often, a comfortable towing weight of up to 7,000 would be my max for the 5.3. I see empty mileage of 21 on the computer wile on the highway, and average 17-18 all around.

[@MCatwar]

honestly, for probably 70% ish of half ton truck owners, they’re never gonna pull loads like this. the fact the 2.7 can in a pinch is what matters. hell, for people consistently pulling that heavy they’re prolly gonna go 3/4 ton anyways!

[@ericj810]

I've pulled 8500lbs on a run in a 2.7 chevy. It did just fine. Held 60 up the mountains at 3800rpms with the enclosed trailer with that weight. Its a good engine. Travel trailer people love it over the 5.3 on the forums.

[@slickbackgoonbythesaltylag30]

Towed a 30ft rv over my 2023 3.0 duramax tow rating and it did it like a champ gotta test it out

[@mattgarlick9392]

Chev 3.0 Diesel next!

[@keithirtenkauf5563]

Hi Alex, Thanks for the video. This is the same drivetrain that I tow with. I have a 5000 lb travel trailer and it does a fine job with it. I was a little worried about the 3.23 rear gear, but the 10-speed transmission makes the magic happen. I did test drive the 2.7 8-speed but it just didn’t feel right. Everything was too busy. I think the 10-speed would be a nice option for the 2.7 to reduce the drama. Love my V8, loved the video!

[@mikebutler8043]

Awesome video. Keep it going love v8 s Hard to believe we live in a time where a 4cly is in full size trucks

[@TheGettyAdventures]

the 2.7L is not a bad little engine but for towing a heavy load its probably not the best choice lol

[@teagreen2220]

I hear that Toyota can make a 3 cylinder with similar hp and torque numbers. I used to race small engines in VWs. My trucks all have V8s because of the power and durability and less parts destruction, replacement. I don’t want a light weight vehicle while towing and I think that would be a mistake especially heavy towing. I tune my V8 trucks and they are perfectly exciting to drive after tuned, no longer slow. I think small trucks are great for occasional light towing but I would stick to NA for reliability and longevity. Good luck to all! Great video.

[@krnwhitlow]

I have a 05 sierra 1500 5.3 I tow my 7000 camper with no problem with power.....I use a f5 programmer to help with engine optimization I would buy another truck with the 5.3 not the 2.7...good comparison dude

[@lesliebright3860]

Had a 4Runner, loved it; but I bought a camper, traded for a 5.3 Sierra, has been a great TV for my camper. (Smaller single-axle Airstream, a 20FB; going 2500 would have been overkill for it.)

[@Slane583]

My previous 2004 Silverado had the 3rd Gen 5.3 LS in it which had the least amount of problems of all of the 5.3's compared to later offerings. That's why I love the 3rd Gen LS so much, it's reliable. Anything after 2007 has a 4th Gen LS in it. If you don't believe me just go on to Summit Racing's webite and look up parts for a 2004 Silverado. They literally say it has a 3rd Gen LS in it. I used to window shop for potential upgrade parts for my 2004 all the time. I just never had the money for anything. :)

[@dawsongranger4940]

From what I’ve understood the 8 speed is made to run hotter than the 10 speed for driveline efficiency. TFL noted the higher temperatures when they were towing with their Colorado. Much less weight but still the same temperature

[@jeremygregory7178]

My 21 6.2 has 110k on it and has been flawless. I change the oil every 5k with pennzoil ultra platinum 5w30 and I’ve had no issues with lifters. It pulls up to 10k pretty well.

[@slagdemon]

I also have a 2021 with the 6.2 but only have 21k miles. It’s an AT4. Love the truck!!

[@benholland5836]

I normally don’t use toe/haul mode if I’m not pulling big hills. It shifts a little more but it helps the fuel economy.

[@jonh9016]

With modern 8 and 10sp transmissions, it allows for those higher gear ratios while keeping a near final ratio of the older 4/5sp transmissions with 3.73s/4.10s but allowing for lower highway rpm now.

[@bradbowles1153]

I could live with the 2.7 as I only tow heavier loads two or three times a year. I would get the 5.3 for frequent towing.

[@davidlefranc6240]

For somebody that tow stuff frequently, it just make more sense to go for a 2500hd with a 6.6 gas engine, much more affordable than the 6.2 who likes to use expensive 91 octane just my opinion .

[@MrJeffyb69]

Just need to do a 6.2L GM truck and the 3.0 Duramax 🙂

[@retheisen]

The truck in your rear view mirror was matching you on the acceleration run.

[@AndrewYu-zo6ui]

Do GM 5.3L engines still have the random AFM/DFM issues?

[@TheGettyAdventures]

lol YES

[@jasonrolison6997]

Good video, most people are enamored with torque and HP numbers and are willing to speed money they should be investing on a new vehicle. The question should always be will this vehicle do what I need it to do without costing too much.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Great point! Agreed.

[@bradboyd883]

How about a 2.7 Ecoboost? To see how it compares to the others

[@Cake41579]

I had one of the turbo max trucks as a loaner last winter while mine was in the shop and I tried hauling 9 round bales of hay with it on my 24 foot trailer and was simply amazed at the power. It sounded like a souped up Equinox and I don’t know how it’ll hold up in the long run but if they’ll

[@ib516]

Thumbs up for the 6.2L test

[@danthompson1467]

The 2.7 is probably a good fit for the mid size truck

[@christophercraig9611]

Besides looks the biggest problem with the GM offerings when towing is their 24 gallon tank. Having a realistic towing range of 200ish miles just isn’t great. Being able to pick and choose when to fill up when towing rather than having to stop because you might run out of gas is really important for me.

[@richardkent9621]

Need a wind speed indicator. Pulling a trailer like that if you have a head wind or tail wind would make a huge difference. Speed matters, but air speed is even more important.

[@adamg3911]

Would be cool to see the tune-data/ecm&tcm-data on these tests to see timing,boost, fueling, heat management, etc. great content btw

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I've been thinking about getting something to give better data then just the dash display for exactly that. really dig into the working of the engine while under load. would be cool forsure!

[@4.8Sam]

@@TheGettyAdventures Banks iDash!

[@WDunkin]

I have noticed the same thing. The 2.7 likes 65lbs towing not 75. It does 70mph but it hunts more for gears.

[@MrNismopro]

I’d like to see the Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundras numbers compared to this group with the same tests. Nissan’s Endurance is 400hp also. It would definitely be interesting to see. Great video. 👍🏼

[@frank23103]

I have a 2022 Trail boss with 5.3 and 10 speed. I tow 3500 once a month or so. Truck handles it fine. On the hills it revs to 4k... I personally wouldn’t tow more than 6k pounds max in this configuration. Anything more I would buy a 2500.

[@WBOS72]

So glad to hear the 5.3 did so well. I look forward to the 6.2. What about the 3.0 dmax? I wont be buying new, but will get another 5.3 soon. Thank you Alex.

[@slmjake]

Love your videos sir! My personal experience with an older 5.3 and six speed auto tranny and 3.73 gears is that it was slower than my 150 5.0 and much slower than my powerboost. However with a slide in pop up truck camper weighing about 1800 pounds loaded the chevy 5.3 delivers the best mpgs for some reason. Moreover, that powertrain was bulletproof out to 400k miles but I am a stickler on changing fluids. Love my ford's and my ram Cummins but the 5.3 to me was the best damned darned engine for low cost operations.

[@MrDan7171]

What people dont realize is the GM 5.3L and All V8 motors have a 15% torque reduction until 3000 RPMs in 1st and 2nd gear, and maybe 3rd gear also! I have a 2018 Silverado that is Tuned and the torque reduction removed, and it is a completely diffent truck driving and towing! I also had a 2012 6.2L that I Tuned with Long Tubes and it was a beast of a truck! I wish i would have never sold it!

[@ronaldmay8861]

You do give a good honest review.....unless you are driving a Ram truck. Good Mpg on the GMC

[@TheGettyAdventures]

lmao I'm trying to be more objective, I like Ram trucks but also want to just present the facts and along with some opinions

[@ronaldmay8861]

@TheGettyAdventures You give a good honest opinion. Keep it up, I enjoy your videos. I happen to be a ford fan so all the other trucks are junk....😀

[@taylorjanowiak8180]

It’s funny how Ford is a love it or hate it kind of thing. I’ll take a Ram, then a GM over a Ford any day. But I think a lot is just aesthetic preference

[@ronaldmay8861]

@taylorjanowiak8180 isn't that the truth...I sat in a new GMC the other day , I don't like how high the hood sits compared to the ford. That duramax in the half ton really interests me however.

[@road-channel]

I love your videos so much!! I like that chart of data thats cool and can't wait to hopefully see a 5.7 Hemi in these test with that big tall trailer!! show us the descend too and trans temp everything 👋🤟

[@drrhino4938]

I'm usually old school, I love v8s and never want to see them go. I'm also an engineer and love tech. I think the 2.7 is impressive for what it is. It's also relatively new in it's evolution. I think it has more room for improvement vs the 5.3. I also think the 8 vs 10 speed is a much bigger deal, I'm guessing the rpm would have been lower (probably not 4000 but definitely lower than 5000) if it had a 10 speed. MPG would probably also be better with the 10 speed. There is also one advantage the 2.7 has, which admittedly doesn't matter to many, and that is performance at altitude. I'm better the 5.3 would really struggle at very high altitudes (like any NA engine would) vs the 2.7 turbo. Having said that, if I was towing a lot and these were my only 2 choices, i'm taking the 5.3. For an everyday driver with only occasional towing the 2.7 intrigues me. Great vid thanks

[@Jay-me7gw]

The problem with the 2.7 is that it doesn’t seem to have better performance at altitude. If you watch the TFLTruck videos 5000’ with the 2.7L and the 2.3L Ranger, the two have nearly identical performance despite the Ranger having 45 less hp and 115 less torque on paper I test drove a Colorado ZR2 with the 2.7 here in Salt Lake City at 4500’ and was pretty disappointed with the torque and power

[@drrhino4938]

@@Jay-me7gw but both of those engines are boosted (turbo charged) the comparison here was specifically a naturally aspirated v8 vs a boosted I4. The boosted engine will have significantly less power loss at altitude then the NA V8. My comments pertain only to this comparison

[@Jay-me7gw]

@@drrhino4938 You're misunderstanding me. I am saying the GM does not let the 2.7L maintain their rated power/torque, or anywhere close to it regardless of the fact that it has a turbo. hence why a Ranger 2.3L with 40 less hp and 115 less tq rivals it at higher elevation. Ford does not cut power, I know this because I have tuned ford trucks and looked at their tunes in HPTuners. So with the TFLTruck videos, at 5000' in denver, the air density is about 17% less than sea level. For the 2.7L to perform similarly to a 2.3L Ecoboost, it would have lost 15% of its power. Sames seems to be true of torque, because the 2.7L and the 2.3L both spun similar RPM pulling the same trailer up I-70 to the eisenhower tunnel. I also test drove a Colorado ZR2 with the 2.7 Turbomax here in Salt Lake City at 4500' and it absolutely did not feel like it was making its rated 430 ft-lbs. My 2014 F150 Ecoboost was 6500 lbs, was on 35" tires, and only made 420 ft-lbs and felt much stronger than the 5000 lbs colorado on 33's. That makes ZERO sense if its was making 430 ft-lbs. So it seems to me that they are cutting power at nearly the same rate as a NA V8 would lose power. Im really not sure this engine offers much advantage over a 5.3L, unless its ideal conditions, and even then its down 45 hp to the 5.3L.

[@kb9oak749]

Turns out all those guys with slide rules, compasses and drafting tables 100 years ago knew what they were doing.

[@7thkev519]

I’d like to see the ram 1500 5.7 hemi with the 3.92 gear ration in the towing loop because the 3.92 gives the 5.7 hemi it’s full potential in putting down the power down to the wheels and see how it stacks up with the 5.0 coyote and aswell the 6.2

[@Mleczko421]

NEED HELP… currently own a Tacoma.. I own a 4000 lb camper that it pulls. Kids are getting bigger so need bigger truck.. tow the camper every weekend from may-November in Colorado. Grades, elevation changes.. what engine do I get with 4x4? 4Cyl, v8, diesel? Silverado trail boss, LT?

[@johannesgrimm9911]

Great videos. Ford 2.7 vs GM 2.7 for a towing comparison would be nice to see.

[@michaeltutty1540]

When you are talking torque and horsepower, hard numbers are only part of the equation. Where the peaks land in the rev range is the other half of it. Oh, the 5.3 is putting out LESS torque than the factory 351W in my 89 Mercury Grand Marquis. It produced a reasonable 390 lb/ft at only 2,200 rpm. With a horsepower peak of 215 at 4,800 rpm, it was a very flexible engine. So much so that the performance axle ratio was a 2.73:1. The car was rated for a full 6,000 pounds of trailer with that ratio. Yes, mine had the factory towing package.

[@slocavky]

I towed our 22' travel trailer with my 2021 Silverado LM2 Duramax this weekend. I have torque pro app on my phone with an obd reader and I watched several things. One new one was what gear I was in. I have the 3.23 gear and 10 speed in that truck and in tow haul mode, I fully expected it to stay in 8th max gear and it didn't. Several times it went to 10th. Thought that was very unusual.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

It used to be that when in tow haul mode these truck would never enter an overdrive gear but I guess with 3 of them then it makes some sense but going into 10th gear seems a bit much lol

[@slocavky]

@@TheGettyAdventures exactly. That's why I thought it was odd. Ah well. 😂

[@Mjr1348]

I have the 2.7L in my 24 GMC Canyon AT4x. I think it’s fine for the smaller trucks , but I’d never buy it in a full size.

[@kennethwatt3491]

Cafe Regulations are putting the nail in V8 Engines, not small Turbo Charged Engines......imho......

[@ALMX5DP]

GM just invested a ton in a new generation of V8 engines so that may not necessarily be accurate.

[@kevin122759]

Supreme court put a stop to the Chevron rule. EPA can't make laws, only congress can.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

totally agree, but I think some owners are loving their small displacement engines.

[@Scroll_Lock]

@@TheGettyAdventures These are people who want to drive their truck like a sports car and don't understand the concept of duty cycle.

[@Scroll_Lock]

Correct, same reason nobody demanded after treatment systems on diesels.

[@johnlittle6711]

The 2.7 replaced the 4,3 not the 5.3. The fact that it rivals the 5.3 is very impressive. The 4.3 was a good motor I had 3 of them. I now have the 2.7 turbo in a 24 GMC sierra single cab short bed an love it.

[@EliteMarineProducts]

I really enjoy your videos, they are nice mix of technical, opinion and testing. My question is, why did GM build a 4cyl. with half the displacement of the 5.3, that gets very similar or less mpg than the "old" tried and true v-8? I have been driving pickups since my 1982 Ford f150 302 v8 2wd with 3speed on the column.

[@chadlehner3]

This seems to be a 180 from your last video comparing the 2.7 to the 5.3 towing. Last time your video praised the 2.7 for being able to hold gears and add boost to maintain speed. What changed? Is it because of steeper grades, heavier trailer, could the MIL have made a difference?? Just curious, thanks for the video. Really thinking about the 2.7 for a family cruiser and for occasional towing. I have a 6.6L DMAX for hauling the heavy stuff...

[@86309]

big difference towing at altitude with Turbo vs NA ...thats a big point !!!!!

[@JDC129]

2.7l was never meant to be the engine choice for towing. At least not consistently or on long distances. The 2.7l was designed for a light duty work truck or daily driver to HD(90%) of truck owners these days. GM does a great job of engine choices to match your need. I am honestly surprised they haven’t deleted the 5.3l with the 6.2 and 3.0 Duramax available for max payload and towing.

[@ArchangelMLM]

The phrase “there’s no replacement for displacement” is actually a lie, because “the replacement for displacement” is weight, always has been and always will be, every mechanic knows this. The GM 5th gen 5.3 (2013-Present) you can get without the DFM system, this is the best option. It’s worth noting that the 5.3-liter displacement V8 first made an appearance in generation three of GM’s small-block engine family. This is due to the fact that these engines are the successor to the original GM small-block 350 V8s dating all the way back to 1955. It’s initially a bit confusing to start with the third generation, but the third generation is the birth of the 5.3.

[@irishpotato8816]

I like all these engine options, small turbo engines for people who don’t tow all that often and V8 for those who do tow often. we’re winning as consumers.

[@raybernabe7660]

I use a 5.3 and love it.. and regular gas .. did you mention reg or hitest.

[@dalelangehennig161]

I would call the 6.2 the flagship V8. 5.3 being the most common vanilla V8.

[@FerminRamos-l7n]

I wonder if wind conditions played a role by any chance, I have a 22 model year 2.7 and a 23 model year 5.3, I tow very often and I'm positive the 2.7 does better..

[@Jay-me7gw]

Could be, especially with that trailer.

[@williambellew767]

They should put the 10 speed with the 2.7

[@TheGettyAdventures]

very much agree!

[@MrRGiller]

I remember reading somewhere that GM had initially wanted to use the 10 speed on the 2.7 l turbo engine, but for some reason, it did not perform as well as it did with the eight speed transmission.

[@kylesaab]

Do your trailer tow test with a Ford 2.7l ecoboost

[@matthewrussell3623]

I would love to see the 3.4 tundra hybrid vs the ford and chevy. I have one as a company truck and its towing prowess is very impressive. It chugs along like a diesel at very low RPM compared to all the other trucks i have towed with.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

you know obviously the tundra engine is taking a ton of heat and rightly so. BUT it has a massive stroke and I bet it would be a great towing engine. would be cool to test it out.

[@matthewrussell3623]

​@@TheGettyAdventures Ohh yea for sure. Mine has 43k now and has had zero issues. We do oil changes every 5k with amsoil on all of the companies vehicles, so we will see, only time will tell. But so far it has really impressed me. Love the videos, keep em coming!

[@lauderdalechad]

Finally someone does towing videos with information, we the people, want to see! Those. Clowns at TFL should take notes 😏

[@canamxmr4760]

Awesome video! I’ll jump on the 3.0 LZ0 bandwagon lol.

[@drsethsr]

I wonder how hot the EGTs were going up the long grade, taching 5,000 RPM.

[@Twizztify]

The 2.7 is for everyday driving and for light duty towing only. Leave it to the v8’s for real work and longevity.

[@michaelc.4965]

100% right!

[@Lq32332]

Ah yes the longevity of GM V8’s and their lifters. 😂 At least they give the Turbomax a 100k mile warranty- while the V8’s only get 60k…. Lifters and cams are expensive to fix and they don’t want to be on the hook.

[@stevebeard7667]

Agree the 4 will be much more stressed over time than the 8 If it's worked hard.

[@josephkimball3581]

I would like to see you test the 3.0 liter duramax and the 6.2liter v8

[@brandonstewart7145]

Excellent video Alex and im not surprised with the results, the 5.3 is a work horse for sure!!

[@D3athM3tal-i4c]

When do you get your hands on the hurricane and compare turbo trucks I like how you lay it all out

[@mitchharris97]

I’d be interested to see what the 2.7 ecoboost would do on the same loop from your numbers the 3.5 being turbo also seemed to prefer low rpm on that hill I wonder if the 2.7 version would be the same

[@ronmitchell5552]

I'll take my 6.6 Duramax. I love it, no mountain up or down, and it can't handle. I would never go back to my Ecoboost 3.5

[@DavidBrubaker-pi4gj]

Hey Getty. So I really enjoy your videos a lot and enjoy your analysis of the tech in the truck industry. I have been wondering what you and other people think about the Turbomax implementation. Its known now that GM was going to come out with a 6 cylinder 4 liter of the 2.7 liter engine that was originally rated for 350 foot pounds. GM decided to double down on the four cylinder model to truely make it a gas with diesel tech in the 2022 refresh. The end result was that it was a bit lacking in power. Do you think that a 5 cylinder would have been better? Smoother operation, a bit more displacement, more overall power for a powerplant that would have been a better one size fits all for a premium midsize truck and full size truck market? I can't help to think how much more horsepower the extra cylinder would provide and the biggest reason is the sound. Inline 5 cylinder engines sound real mean. Thanks for reading.

[@lonnieopp8198]

Now with the 6.2

[@zemo2332]

I would love to see this 5.3 vs 3.0 diesel engine. Please compare them if you can. Thanks.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I would love to!

[@SWBCrawler]

Im currently evaluating pickups to replace my 6.2l escalade esv for towing my jeep on a trailer (about 6500lbs). The chevy dealer showed me the Turbomax and man, was i skeptical regardless of the tow rating. So i started researching, found your 2.7l tow test, and now this 5.7L tow test. I just wanted to comment to thank you for making this direct comparison! I dont have the luxury of testing these things with my trailer on to see how they really tow, and I have to take the dealership's word for it. This is probably the biggest purchase ive made... ever.. and I really want to get it right for what I can afford. For the price difference, i just dont see myself being happy with that little 2.7, and your videos really helped me make that distinction. Thanks for the comparison!

[@newtonbrook]

The NEW 5.3 have the 10 speed transmission? I had a 2018 5.3 with the 8 speed. Now I have the 2023 5,3 with a 10 speed. Huge difference for the better

[@michaelpanacheese604]

Built for longevity. Eating them hills like a dog. Nice review 👌 hemi 5.7 ? Vs 6.2

[@andresniederhofer8602]

Would love to see the 3.0 dmax next.

[@rustydusty1111]

Yeah the 3L lil dmax should be next. My 3L ecodiesel would still revy fairly high on certain hills which was frustrating. My full size dmax takes a big high for it to downshift at all, and that's pulling 12k.

[@Cloud30000]

I think engine tech has come far enough that GM could merge the 5.3 and 6.2 into a 5.8 engine with the same power as the 6.2, if they can get it past emissions regs.

[@big_oucne3536]

don't know if this was already mentioned but this being the sierra rather then the Chevy, and the front ends being different, mpg tests between the trucks despite the same drive line had a varied result which was the Chevy's always getting better mpg due to the rounded front end as apposed to the sierra's more square front. probably wouldn't make much of a difference here but thought id mention it

[@josh_9266]

My neighbor has the 4 cylinder turbo and he was pulling his 4,000lb camper through the mountains and his turbo blew up. I think its because that motor relies so much on that turbo to make any power and torque at high rpm.

[@Jay-me7gw]

The whole point of that motor is that it make power and torque at low rpm. 430 ft-lbs at 3000 rpm

[@josh_9266]

@@Jay-me7gw but it wont stay at low rpm under load up a mountain

[@Jay-me7gw]

@@josh_9266 It did in his other video. He pulled 8000 lbs up a grade at like 3200 rpm, which is what you would expect. 430 ft-lbs at 3200 rpm is 262hp, which is quite a bit and should easily move a 4000 lb trailer up even a 7% grade. I had a 2014 F150 Ecoboost that made 420 ft-lbs and could pull my travel trailer up grades at 3200 rpm doing 65-70mph typically, even at 6500' of elevation. I think the problem is that GM is so conservative with their tuning and design that this engine significantly cuts power if temperatures are high or its at high elevation. Which kind of defeats the purpose. Why have a turbo motor if its just going to cut power any time the conditions are not perfect. They did the same with the LM2 3.0 Duramax. Ford does not do this and their 3.5L Ecoboost can run full rated power right up to 11,000'

[@josh_9266]

@@Jay-me7gw just talking about my neighbor not this guys videos

[@billbrown6526]

I think it mostly has to do with needs. If you need to tow you need a bigger power plant. If you tow, say an larger RV. That 5.3 will not cut the mustard. How ever if you rarely tow. The little motor will save you gas day to day, and will get the job done. All depends on your needs. I have the 6.6 d max. That little 5.3 could not do what i need.

[@jasoncheeseman8154]

I had a 2005 suburban 5.3 max 4l80 and 2012 Yukon with 6l60(trans crapped out at 200k) both with 3.42 gears .. towed fine that LS just doesn’t make any power until 3500 rpm .. after that it will climb any hill just fine

[@TheGettyAdventures]

the older LS engine were wonderful units.

[@rapidride2]

Think about the wear and work each cylinder has to do.

[@captainron7904]

GM should try making a straight 6 turbo max i would buy something like that

[@konjiki240sx]

Truth be told I doubt 2.7 will last. It's a very high strung engine at 77.8 hp per cylinder vs 43 for the V8. The lower operating RPMs and additional journals and rods to help show the load in the V8 will make it last longer.

[@mikefromvernon]

That turbo 4 sounded like it was going to tear itself apart under load. They might be fine for smaller cars but when it comes to heavy loads like an 8000lb trailer I'll take the V8. That did not sound like it was going to explode from putting too much pressure in the engine.

[@ondago2]

Such a common pre bias confirmation. Pressure in an engine, which you call out is always when lugging and engine. Spinning faster and moving less cylinders might sound more generic and the friction is higher with more rpm but the"pressure" in the engine is likely lower because it has apparently dropped gears for easier loading on the engine. A new modern engine can survive years and years old occasionally screening up a hill. Even when they are 10 mile long grades, it's only a few minutes in the hundreds of life hours of the engine. It's not going to actually come apart from running 5000 rpm for he minutes. I really wish folks would stop perpetuating biased stereotypes about what are just machines. Whatever rpm it takes to make the needed tractive effort for the load, at that speed and gear is just what it takes. The engine brand new and for a decade or more, can take it just fine.

[@FredRTP96]

Biased much… ? The 4 cylinder is far more rugged being forged motor and sharing components and design as l5p

[@RJ-hv6fr]

Longevity...which engine will make it to 300k with basic maintenance. Turbo gas engine or NA 4, 6, or 8? Pretty clear answer there.

[@Ak47777-l]

The 5.3 would be ​the first to die with them lifters 😂😂😂 @RJ-hv6fr

[@joesharbach3883]

Just out of curiosity, does the 2.7 have to work harder to generate the same amount of HP as the 5.3? If yes, how does that impact engine life and durability?

[@Jay-me7gw]

If you were to assume that the two engines were designed and constructed exactly the same and they just slapped a turbo on the 2.7, then it would negatively affect durability. But that’s not the case. The 2.7 was built from the ground up to be a turbocharged truck engine It’s not different than a diesel engine. They don’t build a diesel the same as an NA V8 because it needs to cope with higher cylinder pressures