Thoughts on GM 5.3 L engine. Good? Bad?

[barbless]

I had a 1999 Silverado 5.3L no issues at all, 200,000K. I still have a 2009 Silverado 5.3L no issues. Both years with the same engine has been good for me. I do not purposely 4x4 with it. I think depending on what your main use will be, towing, highway driving, get the right rear end gearing also. Highway fuel mileage was good with both.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Vingiu

May very well be the best domestic engine produced, prior to active fuel management.

Post-AFM, I’d be cautious but it’s still one of the best choices.

AFM has caused issues with GM and Dodge engines, the engines were much more reliable without it. A friend had to replace a 5.3 at just over 100k, after lifters collapsed, and he maintains his vehicles properly.

[Phil McCracken]

I drive a 2015 High Country with a 5.3. Only has 103,000 kms on it. Has been great and not one issue yet.

Excellent gas mileage. All I tow with it is a 16 foot covered trailer mostly during hunting season.

I believe this truck will be around for quite awhile...

[zabbo]

Thanks for the info! The truck I'm looking at has 63 K on it. Not bad for a 2013. Ran a carfax on it and no issues. First time the wife got in it, she said, "It still has that new vehicle smell." Even with the potential lifter problem, think I'm going to pull the trigger!

[Buckhead]

I would. I have a 2013 with 200k on it. I have the 6.2 without the AFM, mind you. But the truck has been bulletproof. Cost me a front hub, brakes and some tires so far. A decent truck.

[Ariu]

Originally Posted by EZM

Had 3 GMC trucks with the 5.3 ranging from 2013 thru 2019 - never had an issue with any of them and drove them all well beyond 100K.

Very fuel efficient, reasonably good for towing anything you might tow with a half ton and never had to fix anything.

It's pretty much the "standard" for GMC/Chev similarly to what the 5.0 would be for the Ford. Good, Solid engines with a long track record of reliability.

Both based on older technology, proven over time.

I'd say it's a very safe choice.

x 2

[Savage Bacon]

Bought mine new in 2014. Knock on wood it's been a great engine.

Sent from my SM-G970W using Tapatalk

[Blazer 1]

5.3 is quite possibly one of the best engines you can get next to the 5.7 or 6.0!

[buckman]

Lets face it guys,any GM is better than a Ford Just kidding.

[Sooner]

Originally Posted by buckman

lets face it guys,any gm is better than a ford:sha_shakeshout: Just kidding.

Boooooooooooooooooooo

[sako1]

Originally Posted by TBark

Originally Posted by sako1 View Post
Im replacing one right now. Original engine shows 800 thousand kms.
Wow. What year?

Geez, every day driver and work truck maybe?

TBark

Hutterite truck

[r-von]

My 2010 has around 340k on it and is still going strong with nothing other than regular maintenance.... the body on the other hand...

[Buckhead]

Originally Posted by r-von

My 2010 has around 340k on it and is still going strong with nothing other than regular maintenance.... the body on the other hand...

My niece had 93k on hers last year. She spent $6K and had a brand new box put on. New truck again.

[amosfella]

If the OP or others with the 5.3 with DoD system blow up their engines, you can get a junkyard engine, and if it has DoD, there are kits to remove the system pretty cheaply. Then it's just a matter of tuning it out in the ECU.

[Engels]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Actually, it appears to be the 2014 and newer 5.3 that resulted in the class action lawsuit for the collapsed lifters, this is the lawsuit effecting the 2011-2014 5.3 engine. I had two GM vehicles with the 5.3, but they were pre 2011 vehicles, and didn't have either issue.

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/06/gm-h...ss-action.html

This is the cheapest and easiest way to help combat any problems related to AFM or DFM

https://www.rangetechnology.com/prod...-dfm_disabler/

Best part about it, it leaves no trace on your trucks ECU in case your truck is still on warranty.

I have one on my 16 Silverado and it makes the truck drive so much better and no noticeable increase in fuel consumption.

[amosfella]

Originally Posted by Engels

This is the cheapest and easiest way to help combat any problems related to AFM or DFM

https://www.rangetechnology.com/prod...-dfm_disabler/

Best part about it, it leaves no trace on your trucks ECU in case your truck is still on warranty.

I have one on my 16 Silverado and it makes the truck drive so much better and no noticeable increase in fuel consumption.

If you're going to do that, it's good to replace the lifters with solid roller type ones, and replace the valley plate with a non DOD one.