Why should I buy a 2.7L vs a 5.3L Truck?

January 26th, 2023 by

If you’re looking for a powerful new pickup truck in the Houston area, you can’t go wrong with the legendary Chevy Silverado! This iconic work truck is an American mainstay, boasting powerhouse performance specs, impressive capabilities, and next-generation features inside and out. There are several differences between the 5.3L and the 2.7L Silverado 1500s. As you can see on the chart below the two trucks are only separated by 45 HP difference. However, the two configurations are 47 feet lbs. of torque. The 2.7L High Output Silverado 1500 gives you low-end torque to provide you with a quick acceleration even under heavy trailering conditions. This motor was designed and built to only work in the Silverado 1500 configuration, not adapted to fit.

 

 

The high-output 2.7L leads with more torque than any base engine in its class and offers smoother shifting, along with quicker downshifts, for a greater feeling of refinement and power on demand. The engine maintains its fully forged bottom end as well as technology used in diesel engines to deliver on truck durability, these enhancements enabled engineers to reduce noise and tune the engine for greater torque production, particularly in the usable low-mid RPM range.


Torque is a crucial part of generating power from a car’s engine, as it represents the load an engine can handle to generate a certain amount of power to rotate the engine on its axis. Higher torque ratings are more important than high horsepower ratings if you pull a trailer, haul heavy loads, or drive on roads with long, steep grades. Torque will provide quick acceleration off the line. Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):  430 / 569 @3000 (GM est.)

 

3.23 Axle 

  • 5.3L V8  9,500-9700 lbs
  • MPG 17 city 22 highway
  • 0-60 6.1 Seconds.

The 3.23 gears are a highway gear, allowing you to cruise on the highway at lower RPM, therefore lowering the gas needed to cruise long distances. This gear has become more common over the years and is available on every model of truck. There is not a lot of loss between a 3.23-gear ratio truck vs a 3.42-gear truck, but the additional benefits outweigh the loss.

 

3.42 Axle “Max Trailer Pkg” (NHT)

  • 5.3L V8 w/ NHT 11,100-11,500 lbs
  • MPG 15 city 20 highway
  • 0-60 6.4 Seconds.

The 3.42 gears are a towing gear configuration, it is not available on every model of the Silverado. This gear ratio on highways will run at higher RPM’s causing loss of MPG’s. But the added Tow Capacity and other items found in the NHT package far outweigh the limited loss of MPG.

 

 

Below are the added benefits of Max-Trailer Package:

  • Automatic locking rear differential – This forces both of the rear wheels to turn in unison regardless of traction. When in use, it’s a lot easier to keep larger loads in control.
  • Handling/trailering suspension package – Adding these refinements leads to a more steady drive with less pressure on the suspension.
  • Enhanced cooling radiator – Extra stress on the engine from towing is lessened with an extra cooling system from the radiator.
  • Revised shock tuning – This prevents the size and weight of tow loads from jarring the vehicle that’s pulling them.
  • Heavier-duty rear springs and increased RGAWR – With this gear on your vehicle, you can trust a stronger link between the truck and the trailer.
  • 9.76″ rear axle – This is used to boost pulling power.
  • Integrated trailer brake controller – With better brake control, you can rest assured the control of your vehicle and cargo load is in your hands.
  • Trailering Equipment – All models with this package equipped come standard with trailering equipment like a tow hitch.

 

We welcome everyone to check out the next biggest thing GM has to offer, the 2.7L engine in a 1500 Truck! Take it out around the block with one of our Sales Professionals. With more torque than ever and a 3.42 gear ratio – you wouldn’t want to miss this. Contact us to schedule a test drive, our salespeople will be more than happy to assist you and show you the new Silverado 1500  and Sierra 1500 2.7L Trucks.

 

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