Nighthawk87

Be been reading the Silverado forums and noticed that the 5.3L guys with the current 6 speed seem to be averaging around 19-20mpg. That's not far off from the 2.7L and with GM opting for the 8 speed in 2016, do you think the 5.3L will be getting the same MPG as the 2.7L?

If so, I might be a bit jealous given the v8 sound and simplicity. Anyone have any thoughts or have some real world experience with the 5.3L?

71_340

You can probably read about all the "real world" experience on the appropriate GM forum. If you want the V8 sound in a F-150 why didn't you buy the 5.0? I think it is rated at 21 MPG/HWY.


By the way none of these high MPG numbers matter when you start using your truck as a truck. I can't speak for my 2015 3.5 EB yet but my 2012 with the same engine averaged about 20 MPG empty and driven conservatively. That number dropped to about 13 MPG towing a 6000 LBS trailer.

Fasttimez

My cousin bought a new 2015 GMC 1500 crew cab 4x4 with the 5.3 engine. He doesn't get more than 14.5 - 15.0 mpg.....all city driving. He's so pissed with fuel economy that he wants to trade it in. My 2015 F150 crew cab 4x4 with 2.7 engine gets 17.5 - 18.0 all city driving. Both trucks have 20" wheels, tow package. My truck has 3.73 gears while his has 3.55 gears. Don't believe everything you read on a GMC forum.

HCFX2013

GM's 5.3 is FAR from "simple". It's got direct Injection, cylinder shutoff, VVT, plus the new 8 speed which has been nothing but problems from what I'm reading.

Just because an engine is a naturally aspirated V8 doesn't mean it's "simple" and will last longer than a turbo V6. Hell, read up on the 5.0 and see how many people are getting new engine blocks thrown at them because of a bottom end knock.

The 2.7's block is built from compacted graphite iron which is the same material and thickness found on the Ford 6.7 Powerstroke. It doesn't have cylinder deactivation and is able to get upwards of 22-23mpg real world. Less horsepower than the 5.3, but it's extremely quick and responsive. The engine's 0-60 is 0.1 of a second off from a comparable GM 6.2.

Believe me, a 5.3 will feel archaic after you drive an Ecoboost truck.

Nighthawk87

All good responses. Regarding why I didn't opt for the 5.0: I need mpg above 20 so the 2.7 is my best chance to get that, and to do so, I'd give up the desire for v8 sound. However, if a v8 can also get 20+ real world then I'd rather have a v8.

It's actually interesting to see how close these two trucks really are on almost all aspects.

2.7Ecoboost

I drove the 5.0 3.5tt and the 2.7tt and I immediately loved how the 2.7 drove plus I am not easy on the gas pedal. I am still getting 18 mostly city. I could easily get better but I drive how I drive. I made a 400 mile round trip to the Frio River and if I remember correctly I did 70-75 and got 22mpg. I did drive the 5.0 for an extended 5 day test drive drive and I was getting 14.5MPG. I almost purchased that truck but after driving it for a few days I knew it was not going to work. It also felt heavier and less nimble than my 2.7. I did not drive any chevy's due to the Fords super crew cab being so big.

Fasttimez

The 2.7 actually puts more HP & TQ to the wheels than 5.3 which is rated higher in both flywheel HP & TQ.....it's either massive drivetrain loss by GM or they're over hyping their engine numbers. Here's a dyno graph done by 5* Tuning comparing the 2.7 vs 5.3. The 2.7 beats the 5.3 very easy. The 2.7 are the red lines, 5.3 is green.

Nighthawk87

Interesting...crazy an engine half the size can be more powerful.

Billbeau

If your so worried about sound and mpg why not look at the Dodge 1500 diesel or the grand Cherokee diesel. Diesel is a real truck sound.

I have averaged 21mpg driving with my 3.5EB driving from home to my sisters house about 140 miles round trip. Some of this is city but there is some steep hills to get out of the SF Bay area.

I need the power of the 3.5 to pull my bass boat over the hills to get to the lakes here in Ca. I also need the mpg this thing gets. If I didn't tow I'd get the 2.7. I don't worry about motor sound anymore after driving around a 900hp 540ci big block chevy. Now that's a V8 sound.

If it's mpg and sound you want why are u buying a truck?

Nighthawk87

Need the truck to tow a camper and haul 3 kids in car seats. Sound isn't a big deal but, like I mentioned, if the Mpgs are the same who wouldn't want the sound? In the end the extra room on the f150 crew beats the Chevy and the truck just seems nicer and more advanced inside. This is why I went with the ford.

Haven't driven the ecodeisel but I read I don't like the idea of dealing with def, high price oil changes, finding Desiel gas stations, plus the quality of the ram seems lower in all the reviews I've read.