ORLY?

Because, I really don't see an efficiency trend in fuel mileage until a few years ago.

 

This bodes well for cheap ecoboost swaps.

 

Nice!

 

I think the 5.3L with the 6 speed is fine for a truck that is mostly just driven around or hauls mild loads. If you are towing a gigantic bunch of crap the Duramax or Cummins makes more sense.

If you care about unloaded acceleration then you want a sports car not a truck.

 

Some people just like to be able to get up and go no matter what they're driving and what they're hauling (or not).

The 5.3 feels fine to me but it's not exactly fun to punch the gas, either.

 

Maybe not all that gutless...

http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezfl...64552187ba.pdf

From this Car and Driver test.

All crew cab 4x4s. 5.3L / 6A vs. 5.7L / 5A vs. 5.4L / 6A

I'm sure the 5.7L is capable of better, as it is closer in output to the 6.2L GM engines and the 5.7L Tundra, both of which run 0-60 in the low sixes in such truck configurations. Still, the 5.3L is no slouch. I've always felt it was fine even with the old 4 speed auto. Apparently the six speed really wakes it up...

 

What are you kidding, of course you're going to notice that .2 sec to 60 mph!

 

Come on... they're trucks not sports coupes. Heck the 4.8L in my Tahoe is a slug off the line, but once it gets going... stay out of my way!

 

I too was a little surprised to see a couple of my more redneck friends trade there newer hemi dodges in for ecoboost trucks, but I think the HD diesel's have sort of paved the way for 6 cylinders (cummins) and turbocharging in trucks (big 3 diesels).

 

The 5.3 does a nice job for what you mentioned. It just doesn't feel like a 300+ hp motor... it feels really mild compared to a 5.7 hemi. Personally, I think it's the factory torque management that really makes the 5.3 feel soft. Once you buy a handheld that takes care of that, it really makes the 5.3 nicer to drive...imo

 

I can't speak for the new A6's but the 4L60E had so much TQ management it wasn't even funny..... That's the difference. My '06 with the L33 5.3 would only spin the tires when it was wet outside.

5.3 is still the best engine out of all of them IMO power/simplicity/mpg/mod friendly

 

Yep, it only gets worse once you put some heavier 10 ply tires on too. I always thought it was funny that my old 305 TBI truck would do better burnouts than my 04' 5.3 truck...

 

I'm one of those guys that wants power no matter what it is in. I can't help it I just want the best engine I can get for the money, doesn't matter if it's economy, truck, minivan, I don't care. It's just human nature. There's a reason Toyota sells supercharger kits for their trucks...there is a demand. Plus they warranty it!

 

I tend to agree. That statement is certainly dependent on your intended use, but for basic commuting, trips, light to regular duty towing, Hardware/Lumber store runs, mulch, plants, furniture, etc. it is hard to make an argument against the 5.3. Especially when you factor in cost. The Ford and Dodge guys try, but there is no overall match for the 5.3L that I can find.

I know the Ecoboost makes more power for example, but it gets very similar gas mileage, cost WAY more and do you really NEED that power? For most of us, nope. Now we might want it, but if you treat your truck as a tool, the 5.3L simply gets the job done.

 

Silverado 4x4 with the 5.3L is rated the same (15/21mpg) as the F-150 Ecoboost with 4x4.

5.3L is a great mix of power, economy, simplicity, and is less expensive.