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- Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006 GMT800 5.3 L V8 vs. 5.7L V8 Engine Differences
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5.3L versus 5.7L V8 "Vortec" Engines
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Joined: Sep 2013
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I have a 2000 5.3l and im pushing 220k and shes running just as strong as the day it rolled off the lot. I have only done routine maintenance on it. 2000
We all know and love the venerable Chevrolet 'small block' V8 engine that has been under the hood of many different GM cars and trucks - as well as being offered in various displacements from 265 to 400 cubic inches throughout the past five decades.
The best-known and most-beloved has to be the "350" or 5.7-liter version; especially with Chevrolet and GMC trucks. They are powerful, tough, reliable and it is relatively easy to "soup up" or increase their performance.
Now, at least with full-size Silverado & Sierra trucks, the times have changed and GM replaced the 5.7L with the newer 5.3L back in 2001 or so. I own a (purchased used) 2004 Silverado with the 5.3L and have about 84,000 miles on it. It runs strong, doesn't burn oil and has the low-end grunt for which the Chevy small block is famous.
The 5.7L and 5.3L are both OHV engines, two valves per cylinder and use timing chains rather than belts (Yes!). Aside from what appears to be a coil-on-plug (hence, the short wires), are there any other major differences? Are they still made with both two-bolt and four-bolt main blocks? Is it true they now are using aluminum cylinder heads rather than cast iron? Are they similar on the inside of the engine?
Does the 5.3L have the longevity of the venerable 5.7L? I have a friend with an '02 5.3L and he is approaching 150,000 miles with it - and with no engine trouble at all. Sounds like the old 350 to me!!
I take good care of my vehicles and use Mobil-1 synthetic oil; which I change every 3,000 to 3,500 miles whether it needs it or not. I also change the oil filter every time - and intend to do so as long as I have this truck.
Can I realistically expect 250k from my 2004 without an engine or tranny rebuild? I drive about 70 percent highway and 30 percent city and my engine has about 3,200 hours on it so far (again, I bought it used last February with 74,000 miles). I don't drive like an old man, but don't beat on it either.
I have had a "BG" fuel-injection service done, a DexCool radiator flush; as well as a "BG" transmission flush back at 76,000 miles. At 90k, it is going to get a power steering fluid flush done (again - last done at 40k) and the rear differential will be serviced. I am also considering new shock absorbers and a wheel alignment when I get the next set of tires installed. Once I hit 100k, I am going to have the sparkplugs replaced - as recommended by Mr. Goodwrench himself.
Anyone here have more than 150k on the 5.3L engine? Any problems? I have always been a "Ford" guy (hey, I admit it) and still love the Mustang and their Super Duty trucks - although they are WAY TOO EXPENSIVE; but I like my Chebby and plan on keeping it for a long time (since it will soon be paid off).
I appreciate any advice or input! Thank you so much!!
P.S. It is 2wd Silverado LS 1500, although it is shod with 4x4 rims (17-inchers) that a previous owner must have installed.
The best-known and most-beloved has to be the "350" or 5.7-liter version; especially with Chevrolet and GMC trucks. They are powerful, tough, reliable and it is relatively easy to "soup up" or increase their performance.
Now, at least with full-size Silverado & Sierra trucks, the times have changed and GM replaced the 5.7L with the newer 5.3L back in 2001 or so. I own a (purchased used) 2004 Silverado with the 5.3L and have about 84,000 miles on it. It runs strong, doesn't burn oil and has the low-end grunt for which the Chevy small block is famous.
The 5.7L and 5.3L are both OHV engines, two valves per cylinder and use timing chains rather than belts (Yes!). Aside from what appears to be a coil-on-plug (hence, the short wires), are there any other major differences? Are they still made with both two-bolt and four-bolt main blocks? Is it true they now are using aluminum cylinder heads rather than cast iron? Are they similar on the inside of the engine?
Does the 5.3L have the longevity of the venerable 5.7L? I have a friend with an '02 5.3L and he is approaching 150,000 miles with it - and with no engine trouble at all. Sounds like the old 350 to me!!
I take good care of my vehicles and use Mobil-1 synthetic oil; which I change every 3,000 to 3,500 miles whether it needs it or not. I also change the oil filter every time - and intend to do so as long as I have this truck.
Can I realistically expect 250k from my 2004 without an engine or tranny rebuild? I drive about 70 percent highway and 30 percent city and my engine has about 3,200 hours on it so far (again, I bought it used last February with 74,000 miles). I don't drive like an old man, but don't beat on it either.
I have had a "BG" fuel-injection service done, a DexCool radiator flush; as well as a "BG" transmission flush back at 76,000 miles. At 90k, it is going to get a power steering fluid flush done (again - last done at 40k) and the rear differential will be serviced. I am also considering new shock absorbers and a wheel alignment when I get the next set of tires installed. Once I hit 100k, I am going to have the sparkplugs replaced - as recommended by Mr. Goodwrench himself.
Anyone here have more than 150k on the 5.3L engine? Any problems? I have always been a "Ford" guy (hey, I admit it) and still love the Mustang and their Super Duty trucks - although they are WAY TOO EXPENSIVE; but I like my Chebby and plan on keeping it for a long time (since it will soon be paid off).
I appreciate any advice or input! Thank you so much!!
P.S. It is 2wd Silverado LS 1500, although it is shod with 4x4 rims (17-inchers) that a previous owner must have installed.
CF Beginner
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1
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From: Upstate of South Carolina
I just purchased a 2000 1500 LS Z71 with 103000 miles on it. This is my 2nd Chevy and 3rd GM truck. I had a 1998 S-10 that was rock solid. The 1500 does have a bit of lifter knock first thing in the am. But other than that she is tight. I don't know who owned her before. But they took real good care of her. I hope to get 300,000 plus out of it myself.
CF Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: Southwest Minnesota
I just purchased a 2000 1500 LS Z71 with 103000 miles on it. This is my 2nd Chevy and 3rd GM truck. I had a 1998 S-10 that was rock solid. The 1500 does have a bit of lifter knock first thing in the am. But other than that she is tight. I don't know who owned her before. But they took real good care of her. I hope to get 300,000 plus out of it myself.
CF Beginner
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I recently passed on my 2000 silverado to its new owner. it had the 6.0 and it had 242k and still running strong. original clutch and all! I would assume the 5.3 is capable of the same or better as mine was very abused but well maintained
CF Beginner
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1
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I have a 02' Chevy Silverado 1500 LS 5.3L 4x4 with 312670 original motor rebuilt tranny 60,000 ago and I just put a new rear end in it and she runs strong dosen't burn a drop of oil I'll never own anything but a heavy Chevy it was a J&E pile driving escort truck that was loaded at all times with a big stick welder and torches and countless tools now its retired to just a daily driver
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
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From: Oklahoma
5.3 has been a great motor for me. I've gone through two other trucks and a suburban, all at over 125K when I moved on. Never a problem. I changed oil like a nut before I trusted synthetics, every 2500 miles. Progressed to synthetics and 4000 miles changes. Own an '06 2x4 Silverado with 223K and it's just in the last 8000 miles starting to 'use' a bit of oil. Around 1/2 qt between changes. Not a leak in sight. My 2011 well, verdict is still out. 35K on it and I'm interested see how she does with this VVT crap. It is a 4x4 and I do get 17.5 mpg, but will it last or will those 4 cyclinders wear out quickers than the others? Time will tell but with the toughness shown in the past, I'll trust it. For a long time because I hate the new models look. LOL
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 20
5.3 has been a great motor for me. I've gone through two other trucks and a suburban, all at over 125K when I moved on. Never a problem. I changed oil like a nut before I trusted synthetics, every 2500 miles. Progressed to synthetics and 4000 miles changes. Own an '06 2x4 Silverado with 223K and it's just in the last 8000 miles starting to 'use' a bit of oil. Around 1/2 qt between changes. Not a leak in sight. My 2011 well, verdict is still out. 35K on it and I'm interested see how she does with this VVT crap. It is a 4x4 and I do get 17.5 mpg, but will it last or will those 4 cyclinders wear out quickers than the others? Time will tell but with the toughness shown in the past, I'll trust it. For a long time because I hate the new models look. LOL
I mean, you can't check your own tire pressure, really?
CF Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Princeton, MN
I have a 99 Silverado with the 5.3 V-8 and 222,xxx miles on it. It runs great and starts in MN -20 degree weather. Doesn't burn or use oil. Tranny is good and doesn't slip. Planning on a FL trip sometime this year. Should be fun.
201,000 and still going