Hybrid AWD

So I am really in the market to purchase a new 07 Sierra but I am having issues determining the best engine to go with.

Vortec 5.3L iron block - 315hp @ 5200rpms / 338 lb-ft of torque @ 4400rpms
~No Additional Cost~

Vortec 6.0L with active fuel management - 367hp @ 5500rpms / 375 ft-lb of torque @ 4300rpms
~Additional $1,695~

MPG Est.

Vortec 5.3L with Active Fuel Management - 16/22

Vortec 6.0L - 15/19

What is weird about this is that these come straight from GMC's website. What is missing though? If you look at the engine option I had planned on going with above, it states the Vortec 6.0L with active fuel management but in the Est. MPG on their site, it's not listed. So I used the regular Vortec 6.0L.

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So now the question is this... is it worth spending an extra $1695 for 29hp / 37 lb-ft of torque? Not only that but spending the extra $1,695 for the 6.0L will lose me estimatedly 1mpg city and 3mpg highway.

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So lets assume 15,000 miles are driven each year with the truck and we will say the average gas cost is $2.50/gallon with a 26 gallon tank ($65 a fill up).

Vortec 6.0L average of 17mpg (15+19/2=17mpg) ---- 15000 miles/17mpg = 882.35 gallons x 2.50 = $2,205.88 total in fuel cost

Vortec 5.3L average of 19mpg (16+22/2=19mpg) ---- 15000 miles/19mpg = 789.47 gallons x 2.50 = $1,973.68 total in fuel cost

6.0L Gas Charges vs. 5.3L Gas Charges

$2,205.88 - $1,973.68 = $232.20
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So now we can add the difference in the fuel cost per year to the cost of the Vortec 6.0L as well giving us a total of around $1927.20.

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I don't really pull much equipment behind my current truck now, but when I do, there is a lack of power. I don't want to spend close to $40,000 on a new truck and down the road have the same problem. I plan on towing a car around to the tracks, a utility trailer every now and then, but that is pretty much it.

So what is your opinion? Spend the extra cash and just get the 6.0L and worry about the gas charges as they come, or just get the 5.3L and do a few minor mods to get some more torque out of it?

Bandit

with the power ratings of the new 5.3, you should be fine. my old 5.3 was the 285hp engine, and it had pleanty enough for i would estimate 6-7k lbs i would pull, cept for in the deep hilly areas.

just do a test drive, and drag a trailer with you lol

edit: 5.3, intake, programmer, and longtubes...done

Hybrid AWD

I already drove the 5.3L and it was nice, but they didnt have a 6.0L to drive in 4x4.

05chevyyy

I have the 5.3L in my silverado. I pull a 7000lb dual axle trailer without a problem. Befor I lifted it, it was actualy preaty fast, beat my friends mom's 5 series by like 3 cars. I have intake, exhuast, short tubes, and a programmer. My dads escalade has the vortec max 6.0L and it has all kinds of power. My dads truck stock would take my truck with all my shit on it any day. I would go with the 6.0L if I had the choice, but the 5.3 is all you really need.

Computer_Nerd

You'll spend the extra loot for added resale value later. Won't get it all back, but will get most of it back since the gap will depreciate less than the base.

Computer_Nerd

If you're planning to keep this truck for more than 5 years, get the flex fuel engine which can better handle the ethanol crap as it'll likely increase in % mix from 10 to 15.

xp1ik05

hell if your looking to spend 40k why not get a diesel????

Computer_Nerd

Diesel prices are going to continue to rise because of the hippies requiring cleaner emissions -- like switching from leaded to unleaded (holy crap, I'm old). Flex fuel engines will not be outdated as quickly as they can handle ethanol mixes up to 15%.

05chevyyy

I wouldnt get a diesel unless you realy need the pulling power. Diesel prices are never consistant, especialy in the winter. I havent read much about this flex fuel, but i heard its gonna be huge in the next couple of years

Hybrid AWD

10 years is my limit with a truck. I have had this truck since 96' and it's just time for a new one.

Yeah I agree with you totally here. It's more likely that a lot more 1500 5.3L's will sell vs. 1500's with the 6.0L so it will hold value a tad bit better. Good point though, I hadn't really thought about the value over the years.

Diesel has been a thought, but keep in mind, with a diesel comes the 2500 series which in turn cost a lot more base than the 1500. I have no reasons to buy a diesel, the cost of diesel is expensive, I don't see the future of bio-diesel in the 757 being anytime soon. Like I stated above, I'm not towing anything crazy, so I just don't see the need of it currently.