Chevrolet 6.0 compared to 5.3

[State_Fan]

I'm currently driving a Chevy 1/2 ton with the 5.3 engine. It's the second one that I've owned and I think that's it's a really good engine. I'm wanting to upgrade to a 3/4 ton and the more I think about it, I may just go the gas engine route. So I have a few questions for the guys that have owned the 6.0. Will it be as reliable as the 5.3? How good of milage are you getting in the 2500? I get about 17 in my 5.3 1500 4x4. How well does it tow? I will be pulling my travel trailer, cattle trailer, and my 70HP tractor that weighs 10,000lbs. So I think the heaviest load would be the tractor. With trailer I'm thinking it would be in the 13,000-14,000lb range.

[ktosv]

What vintage 5.3L and 6L are we comparing? Both with 4 speeds?

From what I know and have heard, the 6L should be as dependable as the 5.3L all things being equal.

I towed the trailer in my signature with a 1/2 ton Suburban 5.3L/4speed/3.42 and a 3/4 ton Suburban 6L/4speed/3.73 combination. Off the line they were about the same, but at cruising speed the extra torque of the 6L and the 3.73 advantage was noticeable. I was however unable to tow in OD and still had to use drive. The 3/4 ton Suburban got worse gas mileage in all conditions. Daily driving dropped from about 15mpg to 12-13mpg.

I absolutely love the 6L/6 speed combo in our van. It tows great and my wife gets a solid 15mpg in her daily driving. This is with the 3.42 axle and from what I have seen we get about 1mpg better than the 3.73 equipped trucks.

[epusher]

old guy wrote:
I believe in something a friend told me once about his big ford he owned. He said I like this truck. I really like this truck and if I checked the gas mileage and see just how bad the mileage is, I would have to get rid of it. so I son't check the gas mileage. I just drive it. saying that the chev 6.0 with 4.10's is what I have and it pulls the TT I have just fine. and when I go to Yuma, I stop every time I see a gas station and keep it full of gas. when I keep the truck full of gas, it is happy, and I am happy. besides gassing up every time you come to a station, he helps eliminate sticker shock with the price of gas these days. AND at my age, I like to get out and walk every now then

Wish there was a "like" button.

[old_guy]

I believe in something a friend told me once about his big ford he owned. He said I like this truck. I really like this truck and if I checked the gas mileage and see just how bad the mileage is, I would have to get rid of it. so I son't check the gas mileage. I just drive it. saying that the chev 6.0 with 4.10's is what I have and it pulls the TT I have just fine. and when I go to Yuma, I stop every time I see a gas station and keep it full of gas. when I keep the truck full of gas, it is happy, and I am happy. besides gassing up every time you come to a station, he helps eliminate sticker shock with the price of gas these days. AND at my age, I like to get out and walk every now then

[memgrove]

I second the 6.0 is a great motor but it gets real thirsty above 55 mph loaded or not.

[State_Fan]

therink wrote:
I average 12.5.
Steve

12.5 unloaded? Wow, I knew it would be lower, but that's low...

[therink]

The 6.0 is great. I am in my 3rd one since 2005.Never a problem. Don't expect good mpg. I average 12.5. If you tow 10k lbs, the 4:10 axle is required.
Steve

[Dannyabear1]

The 6.0 is a great engine, basicly just bored out 5.3; it will pull great and comes with better transmission than the 5.3..They typically will go 300,000 miles if maintained. They do not like to pass up gas stations though