GM 5.3L Ecotec3

DirtySCREW

DirtySCREW

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Let's discuss the GM 5.3L Ecotec3 engine for a minute that's in the new Silverados and Sierras.
355 HP and 383 ft lb torque.

I'm familiar with the 5.3L Vortex...I had one in my Yukon and man..I miss that truck. Awesome engine! Mine only had 285 HP..But great engine.

I've had friends tell me that you didn't want a GM V8 that automatically goes to 4cylinders...Too many problems. True?

I'm truck researching a little....Either want a F150 5.0 V8 or Silverado 5.3L V8. How do these compare for those that have experience with either?

Discuss....

DS
 
I've always heard that the v-8's that cut back on cyl's (regardless of make) are a bad bet, from mechanic friends. I tend to heed heir advice. That's all I can offer.
 
fuelpiper said:
I've always heard that the v-8's that cut back on cyl's (regardless of make) are a bad bet, from mechanic friends. I tend to heed heir advice. That's all I can offer.
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Yeah..kinda my thoughts....but when that is all they are offering......SUCKS

I'm leaning F150 anyays...but will price shop accordingly. I DON'T want that ecoboost Crap Ford is trying to push down everyones throat. Gimme a 5.0 V 8 please!

DS
 
I have a 2010 with 95k that has collapsible lifters that allow the motor to go into 4 cylinder motor paired with the 6sp automatic. I have not had one issue with the lifters but I have been running Mobile 1 since it had 24k on it. My truck will go into 4cylinder mode while going downhill with a strong tailwind. I think some of the lifter issues were for the earlier model (2007 was the first year) and I would not hesitate to get the newer 5.3. Mine makes 315hp and I am very happy with the gas mileage with it being a full size truck.
 
lowcountry said:
I have a 2010 with 95k that has collapsible lifters that allow the motor to go into 4 cylinder motor paired with the 6sp automatic. I have not had one issue with the lifters but I have been running Mobile 1 since it had 24k on it. My truck will go into 4cylinder mode while going downhill with a strong tailwind. I think some of the lifter issues were for the earlier model (2007 was the first year) and I would not hesitate to get the newer 5.3. Mine makes 315hp and I am very happy with the gas mileage with it being a full size truck.
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Thanks Lowcountry...this is what I want! Real World experience! Whatever I decide to get, I will have it at least 10 years.....so I need/want it to last. I want to do oil changes and regular maintenance and that's it!

Like I said....just doing some researching right now..

Keep the comments coming!

DS
 
I had a 2010 5.3. First thing I did was but a tuner and turned that 4cyl crap off. Put 150k of trouble free miles on it. A friend had one he didn't turn off and it capped out at about 85k
 
LeeMajors said:
I had a 2010 5.3. First thing I did was but a tuner and turned that 4cyl crap off. Put 150k of trouble free miles on it. A friend had one he didn't turn off and it capped out at about 85k
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Do tell! What programmer? I didn't know it was electronically controlled..... What's your MPGs since its been off?

DS
 
The issues I have had with mean so far were rear main seal, oil pan gasket, oil cooler line crack, and upper ball joints all between the 60k to 80k mark. Knock on wood, no other issues. I used to pull a 19ft bay boat regularly until 3 years ago and it did great even with 3.23 gears. I can drive from Huntersville, NC to Charleston, SC and use less than a half a tank of gas for the 220 mile trip. I pulled a dual axle uhaul trailer loaded up a few weeks ago and my mileage dropped a good bit but I think that is understandable.
 
Today, I took a 2012 F-150 with the 5.0L V8 for a test drive.

The power was underwhelming.
 
The 5.3 with cylinder deactivation is a great motor for people that perform oil changes when they are supposed too. Everything in them works off of oil so sludge build up will play havoc with them. Most new engines are becoming more and more sensitive to the oil you use and how ofthen you change it. If you are a person that likes to extend your oil changes past the normal service life then you will cost yourself some money in repairs. That said I would not hesitate to buy another. Everyone at the shop I work at drives Chevrolet trucks I think that speaks volumes about them when 6 auto techs won't drive anything else.
 
kcult said:
Today, I took a 2012 F-150 with the 5.0L V8 for a test drive.

The power was underwhelming.
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This is what I'm afraid of.

DS

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Short Fuse said:
The 5.3 with cylinder deactivation is a great motor for people that perform oil changes when they are supposed too. Everything in them works off of oil so sludge build up will play havoc with them. Most new engines are becoming more and more sensitive to the oil you use and how ofthen you change it. If you are a person that likes to extend your oil changes past the normal service life then you will cost yourself some money in repairs. That said I would not hesitate to buy another. Everyone at the shop I work at drives Chevrolet trucks I think that speaks volumes about them when 6 auto techs won't drive anything else.
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5k oil changes OK? With quality oil like Pennzoil Platinum or Mobil 1??

DS

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DirtySCREW said:
5k oil changes OK? With quality oil like Pennzoil Platinum or Mobil 1??

DS

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I use the oil life monitor on my truck and change it when I get down to %20. If I am not towing or driving hard like I used to running calls with the fire department I used to be, I go about 10k between oil changes. Oil life is determined by engine rotations and load so if I am not getting about 2,5oo rpms while driving, which is not hard to do, longer oil life. If am racing to every stop light or towing, then shorter oil life. With going for so long in between oil changes, that is another reason why I use Mobil 1.
 
I once owned an '07 Tahoe with the 5.3 that had the AFM system. Bought it used but it only had 17k miles on it. RELIGIOUSLY changed the oil every 5k only using Mobile-1 and an OEM oil filter. No issues whatsoever for 130k miles. Traded it in on a '13 Tahoe that I drive today, it has the same motor same AFM system, different tranny - 6sp (which I despise). Also bought used, 12k miles, currently has 55k on the odo. Still to this day, I RELIGIOUSLY change the oil every 5k miles but use a K&N filter. The OEM filter is smaller in size than the filter on the 07, go figure. Anyway, I now use Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic over Mobile-1. I have noticed that lifter noise when the engine is cold is less since the switch. If you can find a low mileage 5.3 motor and are willing to change the oil on a regular schedule, I say go for it. The programmer I mentioned in a previous post will help as well in prolonging the life of the motor. Good luck in your search!
 
What's with the ecoboost hate? That 3.5 is a solid motor and is pushing out better numbers than most of the competition's V8's all day long.
 
Mad Dawg said:
I once owned an '07 Tahoe with the 5.3 that had the AFM system. Bought it used but it only had 17k miles on it. RELIGIOUSLY changed the oil every 5k only using Mobile-1 and an OEM oil filter. No issues whatsoever for 130k miles. Traded it in on a '13 Tahoe that I drive today, it has the same motor same AFM system, different tranny - 6sp (which I despise). Also bought used, 12k miles, currently has 55k on the odo. Still to this day, I RELIGIOUSLY change the oil every 5k miles but use a K&N filter. The OEM filter is smaller in size than the filter on the 07, go figure. Anyway, I now use Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic over Mobile-1. I have noticed that lifter noise when the engine is cold is less since the switch. If you can find a low mileage 5.3 motor and are willing to change the oil on a regular schedule, I say go for it. The programmer I mentioned in a previous post will help as well in prolonging the life of the motor. Good luck in your search!
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I always change my oil every 5k! I personally don't trust oil monitors on cars....I've had them say I needed an oil change after only 2k miles..And yes I reset it......And I've also added them say my oil was fine after forgetting to reset the monitor and it had 7-8k on it...So to me they are not trustworthy!!

I used Mobil 1 in my Yukon I had that had the 5.3L. This was a Vortex though. I also used K&N filters cause the dang oil filter was so close to the pan you had a hard time fitting a oil filter wrench on it. The 1 inch nut on the k&n's solved that!

I have switched to Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic on the Mrs. other cars after reading on Bobistheoilguy.com.
It had better tests on a few things. I've been happy with the oil!

DS

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
 
Derek8404 said:
What's with the ecoboost hate? That 3.5 is a solid motor and is pushing out better numbers than most of the competition's V8's all day long.
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http://www.f150ecoboost.net/forum/31-f150-ecoboost-problems#/forums/31?page=2

Timing chains stretching....Loss of power for no reason .....And on and on.

Sure they put out great numbers on paper...But if your truck is constantly in a Ford bay...What's the point.

If I get a F150...It will be the 5.0 V8!!

DS

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
 
One thing to remember with this sort of stuff is that if you do serious research, not just Google and Wiki stuff, you're going to find issues, service bulletins, etc.... on everything. The early 5.3L truck engines did have problems with the roller lifters turning in the lifter bore wiping out the cam lobes. But like I said, there's issues with just about anything in vehicles these days and it's hit or miss, a hit if you get unlucky.

We have a 2013 Explorer Sport with the 3.5L twin turbo ecoboost with 70,000 problem free miles on it. It's been a great vehicle. But we are meticulous on the maintenance. These close tolerance modern engines are unforgiving when it comes to proper maintenance.
 
I agree Qball... Maintenance is key!!

I just can't come to grip with turbos on a gas engine. TO ME...They aren't reliable....I know it probably just something in MY head....As I love turbo DIESELS...Lol

I just don't feel the American truck market has proved turbo gas motors.

Again..It's probably just me.
Lol

DS

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DirtySCREW said:
http://www.f150ecoboost.net/forum/31-f150-ecoboost-problems#/forums/31?page=2

Timing chains stretching....Loss of power for no reason .....And on and on.

Sure they put out great numbers on paper...But if your truck is constantly in a Ford bay...What's the point.

If I get a F150...It will be the 5.0 V8!!

DS

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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Eh, I could go to a forum and find a laundry list of problems with almost any vehicle. People don't typically get on forum and write about how good their vehicle has been performing.

There were some common issues with the early generation ecoboost when it first came out, but seven years later now, I'd say the have the kinks worked out. Besides, everyone knows you don't buy the first couple years of a brand new engine design anyway.

It can't be the most popular engine choice in America's best selling truck for nothing. Not trying to talk you out of the 5.0, that's a great engine, but the ecoboost is by no means a crap engine.
 
Derek8404 said:
Eh, I could go to a forum and find a laundry list of problems with almost any vehicle. People don't typically get on forum and write about how good their vehicle has been performing.

There were some common issues with the early generation ecoboost when it first came out, but seven years later now, I'd say the have the kinks worked out. Besides, everyone knows you don't buy the first couple years of a brand new engine design anyway.

It can't be the most popular engine choice in America's best selling truck for nothing. Not trying to talk you out of the 5.0, that's a great engine, but the ecoboost is by no means a crap engine.
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Oh I agree Derek...I could find dirt on GM.. Toyota... Nissan...Anyone.

As far as best selling engine...Well...When Ford gives a dealer 100 trucks let's say...And 95 of them are the 3.5L Ecoboost....Kinda hard to find that V8! Brilliant marketing strategy on Fords part....I'm sure they probably make more profit on the Ecoboost.

Then...They get your repairs later on...LOL
HAHA

DS

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DirtySCREW said:
I just can't come to grip with turbos on a gas engine. TO ME...They aren't reliable....
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Based on?

Had a few turbo cars - no issues.
One had 200k on it when I got rid of it and beat the hell out of that thing.
Original turbo, never opened up engine etc
 
HMP said:
Based on?

Had a few turbo cars - no issues.
One had 200k on it when I got rid of it and beat the hell out of that thing.
Original turbo, never opened up engine etc
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I guess it's what you are just use to. To me a turbo is one more thing that can go wrong and leave you without a operating vehicle.
Again...I know it's probably just me.

DS

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DirtySCREW said:
Oh I agree Derek...I could find dirt on GM.. Toyota... Nissan...Anyone.

As far as best selling engine...Well...When Ford gives a dealer 100 trucks let's say...And 95 of them are the 3.5L Ecoboost....Kinda hard to find that V8! Brilliant marketing strategy on Fords part....I'm sure they probably make more profit on the

Then...They get your repairs later on...LOL
HAHA

DS

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Haha, very true, although out of 100 now, it's probably more like 75 2.7eco, 20 3.5eco and 5 V8s. I had a hell of a time finding my 3.5 when I was shopping the majority were the 2.7s is seemed.
 
My wife has a 2016 F150 5.0 V8 4X4. I have had (in an F150 of course) a 2103 3.5 EB, 2014 3.5 EB and a 2016 2.7 EB. I find the 5.0 in no way under powered, and I now drive a 2016 F250 6.7 that has OVER whelming power. 2015 was a "company truck" provided by my boss, and it was a Chevy 5.3. I do not like chevy, GM, GMC; none of it. I have 600 million reasons why, but that's another story.

The 2015 chevy, well, it was like a cheap plastic childs toy on the inside. It rode like a go cart and made me feel like less of a man when I drove it, I was ashamed and threatened to quit my job because I was forced into it. For those 7 months I felt violated as I pulled out of my own driveway. I swear it sounded like a dragster sitting in it and revving (trying to blow it the f@&k up), but if you let someone else rev it and stand out back, nothing. I swear that cam shaft rumble was piped in through the speakers.

Now, the EcoBoost offers no fake sounds whatsoever, just a sudden push into the seat back. The grin is real as well. One thing to note about the EB is to let it sit for several minutes before dumping the engine oil. Ford holds several quarts in the top of the engine and keeps pressurized oil onto the bearings of each turbo. The EcoBoost is a highly reliable and fun engine to drive. In my opinion, the 5.0 is no slouch either,

My oldest son has a 2007 F150 5.4 4X4. 210K miles, rarely serviced and runs like a top. My youngest son drives a 1996 F250 4X4 5.8. 160K miles, serviced regularly and runs like a top. The EB is as reliable as any. Besides, if you did have to replace a turbo, remove either front wheel and tire and there it is. Not a real big deal. Like Derek said, there's a reason Ford Trucks are the number one selling trucks for 40, yes 40 years.
 
Most modern quality oils do not break down in the normal milage alotment, that is not why you change your oil. The reason you change your oil is usually not because of breakdown of the oil but fro the oil getting contaminated. These contaminates are what reak havoc on modern engines. Yes you have a oil filter and they do a great job of catching little pieces of junk that either come loose from the engine or are introduced by other means. However the oil filter can not catch condinsate that mixes with oil vapor and forms sludge, yes most of the engines condisate is evaporated if you get the engine up to normal operating temp and let it run long enough to do it. Sadly the grocery stores ared now right around the corner for most of us so this process doesn't happen as often as it should for most people. The condesate mixes with exuast gases and other left overs from the combustion process to form acids and other nasties that just love to eat the very very thin coatings off of the bearings in your engine as well as making the oil less effective and helping to build sludge which clogs the ever decreasing clearances in todays engines that run lighter oil to help meet government mandated cafe standards. Things like variable cam and valve timing almost always work off of oil pressure as well as the bearings in turbos that are quite expensive to replace. Remember the timing belts, they are now going away in favor if chains that run plastic guides. Yep plastic for a metal chain to wear across. Now that you now all this oil changess just got a lot more important huh?
 
A buddy of my neighbor stopped by yesterday at his place with his beautiful GMC Sierra Denali that had a 6.2L! He advised on getting the 6.2L. Said you get the same gas mileage but have more power. He also said to get a Diablo Predator programmer to disable the Eco crap and give you a mild tune.

DS
 
The 6.2 motor rocks! I have a 2008 Yukon Denali with it and the freaking thing will fly. My friends 2016 Denali truck has it too and it is even better in that one. It was originally a vette motor they just use different cams and tunes for different bodies. The only down side is it has a drinking problem but that is kind of to be expected with over 425hp.
 
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DirtySCREW said:
A buddy of my neighbor stopped by yesterday at his place with his beautiful GMC Sierra Denali that had a 6.2L! He advised on getting the 6.2L. Said you get the same gas mileage but have more power. He also said to get a Diablo Predator programmer to disable the Eco crap and give you a mild tune.

DS
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I have a 2010 Sierra 4x4 with the 6.2L , 6 speed auto and towing axle. The damn thing will really move. Mileage is 16 if I'm not playing with it. I'm happy with that as it's only 2MPG less than my YJ got and it's way more vehicle. It does drink premium though.

I love it and even though it's rated 400+ HP from the factory, I gotta wonder what a turbo would do for it. It's a small engine in a huge engine bay.
 
JohnFreeman said:
I have a 2010 Sierra 4x4 with the 6.2L , 6 speed auto and towing axle. The damn thing will really move. Mileage is 16 if I'm not playing with it. I'm happy with that as it's only 2MPG less than my YJ got and it's way more vehicle. It does drink premium though.

I love it and even though it's rated 400+ HP from the factory, I gotta wonder what a turbo would do for it. It's a small engine in a huge engine bay.
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Liginfelter makes a real nice super charger set up for it if you have about 6k sitting around. It's supposed to bring it up to almost 600hp out of the box.
 
I had an eco boost. Got rid of it because every time I towed my camper it went into limp mode. One time a waste gate froze on the turbo, next time the intake it was always something. I had traded a small v8 f150 for it I wish I had it back.
 
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