Considering an Express: engine questions
 

Hello,

I'm considering getting an Express van (2003-) sometime in the next few months.

I understand that the engine options are the 4.3L V6, the 4.8L V8, the 5.3L V8, and the 6.0L V8.

I will not be filling up the van with too much cargo, or towing anything, so I don't need a ton of power. I know the 6.0 is very powerful but also nets around 10MPG.

Would there be a reason to not get the V6? That model claims 19MPG on the highway (this would be used almost exclusively on the highway). It does seem more scarce. How do the engines compare in terms of reliability and real-world mileage? I'll probably be interested in running this potential van for as many miles as possible.

Thanks.

The 4.3 v6 is the older style pushrod setup. Easy to repair, and cheaper too. But it will mostly be a light duty half ton cargo van only base model. I would prob go with the 5.3. Its a 327 and newer more efficient engine. Plus it gives you more towing, cargo weight and chassis options.
I really depends on what kind of van you want, and what you are using it for.

Light duty would probably be fine for my use.

Maximum load would be six dog crates, six 40-60lbs Australian Shepherds, two coolers, two bicycles, and some photography gear.

I heard the 4.3L used just as much fuel as the 4.8L. I think I would go with the 4.8 in your shoes. I had one, actually two in my life. Both I had since new and I never had any problems, but I hear when they get old they get loud. The last one was a 2015, 2500 Savana. Power was fine. Realistically I never took on anymore weight than you.

I have the 6.0 now. Surprisingly it doesn't really seem much harder on fuel. However, going from a 2.8L Colorado to a 4.8L Savana was a big jump in costs. If I was you I'd just find a good van while retaining a preference for a smaller motor, but I wouldn't let the motor define the purchase. That was my mistake with this van. I considered buying it in January, but I didn't as I deemed the motor too big. Halfway through the year, I swapped vans and bought it anyways. My only regret is not buying it right in the beginning. Would have been cheaper.

The 4.3L may be a little easier to work on as it's shorter in the engine bay, but honestly, I'd fear it a little. It's always going to work! Years ago I had an S10 with that motor. It was great, but this is a much larger, heavier truck.

I have always heard that the 4.3 can't get out of it's own way. With a head wind you are gonna be a rolling traffic jam. The 5.7 seems like a good choice and not to bad on gas. I'll give you a deal on this one.

Express Hi Top van

Where are you at?

You want a 1500 series van with either of the smaller v8s. A 2500 would be fine to if the price was right.

My 90 half ton cargo van with the 305 v8 and 3 spd auto and no overdrive. 3.42 gears. Got 16 mpg. My 95 chev g20 cargo with the same gears, 4 spd auto with overdrive and the 350 got 13 mpg. My 2002 express 2500 passenger with the vortec 350 and 4 spd auto 3.73 gears gets 13 mpg.
There is not a really big diff out there.
If you want cheap....easy to fix, and find and pay for parts.....get an older style. 2002 or older. With the 305 or the v6. But if you go 2003 or newer then you are choosing from the newer more expensive engine line-up.

my '06 3500 w/6.0L average between 13-14. But it isn't a real heavy duty, full floater, etc. More like a heavier 3/4 ton really.

I would go with a 3/4 ton 4.8L in your situation.

I like my 2008 Express 1500 with the 4.3. Bought it in south Florida and drove it back to Cleveland Ohio area, got about 20mpg running empty, in late June. Around town 15 to 17. I've owned many vans, a '76 ½ ton Dodge cargo, a new 84 Econoline ¾ ton 351 cargo, a 92 G20 4.3 cargo (that I accumulated 316,000 miles, original engine & trans), a 95 G30 350. The 08 soaks up the road, rides very nice, and the 4.3 Vortec is much more powerful compared to the 92 4.3.

I have the 2500 series Express with Stabilitrak in it. The V8 has tons of power when needed, including a heavy load. The fuel guzzles at 14.6mpg after 18 months of use. My 2nd oil change at the local dealer surprised me when a salesman came to me and asked me if I was interested in selling the Express! I told him, "I just bought it!" and he told me Florida didn't get enough of the 2500's and I'm still being offered top dollar a year later!