98Trans

Hey everyone!
I'm thinkin about gettin a Tahoe '01 to '05, I'm just wondering how the 4.8L is??? Is it worth it to go with a 5.3L?
I know there isnt much difference between the two (just rods, pistons and stroke from what I've heard) Kinda sucks cuz I dont think I'll be able to tell if I'm getting a 4.8 or 5.3 in a Tahoe.
I just dont want an under-powered engine is all, thanks in advance!

GTObsessor

iTrader: (2)

Never ridden or driven a 4.8 tahoe but there's an 03 5.3 Tahoe in the family that I drive often and that engine is sufficient at best IMO. Say hello to incredibly high gas bills!

djsanchez2

iTrader: (14)

Simple answer.

If you will be towing often 5.3L

If it will be more of a DD 4.8L

My mom has a 4.8L and it does a decent job of towing, but it gets good gas mileage. (well alot better than the 5.3L.

98Trans

Thanks for the info! As far as incredibly high gas bills, well I was looking at a Jeep Wrangler and Nissan Xterra. Both 6 cylinder engines that get worse mileage than a V8 in a Tahoe.
I just dont see the point of having a 6 cylinder engine and I want to stay in the GM family
Tahoes actually get pretty damn good gas mileage for what they are IMO

XpEdItIoUs

iTrader: (44)

Get the 5.3

98Trans

Well, thats the problem.....is there any real definite way to tell if its a 5.3L or 4.8L??? I will be buying used, only way to tell is internally from what I've read. Maybe a different stamp number on the block???
Any dealer can go "oh yeah! its a 5.3!" ...my *** lol
.........dude, theres a turbo stuck in your head! Thats so bad ***! haha

Braunbeck

iTrader: (4)

When we purchased our '05 I drove the 4.8 and the 5.3, needless to say I purchased the 5.3. I don't tow nor have a tow package, but the thing drives great up hills and can somewhat get out of it's own way.

How much are you looking to spend? The wife has been dropping hints about getting a Euro based car, not my cup of tea but she likes them. So we may be selling our Tahoe in the near future.

It's an '05 White LS w/5.3, has Nissan Armada 18's with new tires, 46k miles, a DVD w/drop down 10.5 screen. Grayish cloth interior, third row, stock. Think that's it.

Thanks

2 FASST SS

I was thinking the same thing. I used to own a 4.8 and it did the job for me at the time. It moves out pretty good at times also. I never had a real complaint, but I wanted my SS and I let the Tahoe go to get it. Now I want another one because I get the feeling my car is not going to see much street time anymore so I need a puller. I think the 4.8 is sufficient to pull our cars around, but the 5.3 is much more responsive than the 4.8 obviously. What do you guys think?

02NHRAtransAm

iTrader: (17)

4.8 < 5.3

m6ttop

iTrader: (18)

you can tell by the sticker in the engine bay.usually with the belt diagram. 4.8 isnt enough.you need the 5.3

X-running

iTrader: (-1)

I have an 06 4.8 Tahoe moves pretty good, a volant intake makes a big diff. on it. I know mine has electric fans not sure what models that became standard, but enough power for a DD and an occasional towing.

01black

iTrader: (4)

my family is lookin' to buy an 08 model after the first of the year....was going 5 series bimmer but now that we have another kid on the way its the tahoe/yukon hands dwn...5.3 allday tho

whatsgrip?

+1

theslow00

iTrader: (3)

i had a 4x4 4.8 and didnt have power for crap. the gas mileage wasnt that great either. go with a 5.3 i got one now and love it. it gets about 2 mpg less than the 4.8 but i love it.

BigDaddyBry

iTrader: (15)

If you're looking in that year and price range, why not think about another vehicle? That Tahoe is comparably priced and underpowered compared to the Dodge Durango. I test drove them all and the Durango was better than what Ford and Chevy had to offer, hands down. More towing capacity, more power, and cheaper.

You really are limiting yourself if you want to stay brand-loyal, IMO.

67RSCamaroVette

iTrader: (63)

5.3 > 4.8.. the bigger stroke makes a difference.

stickboy31

B18C1

haha jk

cruiSSin LS1

iTrader: (2)

dont get a chevy!!! i heard they r pieces of crap!!! haha

stickboy31

seriously.. who would own one of those??? buy a pontiac...lol or a honda for a DD

bu01

my mom has a 03 tahoe 4.8 and it enough engine for her.it is her DD