The vortec and ecotec motors are totally different animals. Almost no shared parts between them.

The 5.3 and 6.2 will have similar issues, mostly stemming from the AFM system. Failure rates aren't super high, but they definitely do happen failed regularly.

Really the only issues the 6.2s have that the 5.3s really don't see are the oil pumps, and cracking/destroying pistons.

 

So hopefully by the time I buy a newer vehicle in a few years they will hopefully have the issues already fixed on them, I couldnt afford brand new so a used one will have to get me by

 

AFM has been an issue since it's inception, and will always be an issue. Every manufacturer that has done it, it has failed.

 

Yeah I know GM has issues with that. I have 2 trucks now with it. knock on wood they havent acted up yet.

 

afm is like the modern equivalent of an electronic carburetor, and guys disabling afm are the modern equivalent of a guy slapping a holley on their car to replace their junky elecronic carburetor.

 

Yeah i would like to disable mine sometime but eh I dont have the garage space to do it in and cash is tight rn

 

I would really like to upgrade vehicles in a couple years though. I have wanted a 14 and newer silverado for a while. i would like to get a 6.2 but if they have issues that are more prone to them then the 5.3 motors besides AFM ill just buy a 5.3

 

right now there is a 6.2 in my area for sale for 38k! It is a high country truck and is really nice but I dont have the money rn to purchase one as of now but i would like to go take it for a ride lol

 

The fact that you need to use premium fuel for the 6.2 would be a big hinderance for me buying one.

 

Yes using premium fuel in my 6.2 sucks. Gas prices shot up right after I bought mine. It does get expensive driving around town. But I average 17 to 22 on highway. In my personal opinion from owning several 5.3s and this 6.2, if you can afford the difference it's been worth it to me. Both on and off road.

 

Definitely consider traveling to get it and driving it home. I did a search for you on autotrader and found several around $20-25k

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

 

Thanks for sharing but it will be a while till i can afford another one especially at $24,000 and up

 

How many miles should I look for in buying a 6.2 v8? under 100k??

 

I have to agree i wouldn't hesitate to get one with over 100k miles. I have also been impressed with the 10 speed transmission, and manual shift option on the steering wheel. They are pricey though, I dropped $65k cash on mine, then $5000 sales tax. Add in about another $5k on wheels, tires, and exhaust. Right at $75k. But it's my first and probably only brand new truck I'll ever own lol. I am not disappointed. I hope you find one for a steal, man are they fun. And talk about turning heads, it's a chic getter lol

 

I wouldnt hesitate to get one over 100k, as long as it has a catch can on it. You will probably have to refresh the suspension as with any vehicle over 100k though. But that provides a good opportunity for upgrades

 

The 93 premium/ higher octane fuel is gonna be a pain if I have to run that everytime though! I could get the 5.3 eco tech and run 87 in it. Plus I don't really tow much so the 6.2 would be more of a luxury for me although I don't really need the power lol

 

In my town we have so many guys that want to prove their truck is the shit at stop lights lol. I've only been beat 1 time and that was by a 700hp jeep lmao 🤣. Not to mention when my brother got his f250 powerstroke on 40s stuck, I had a sense of pride when my trail boss pulled him out without any problem. I still give him hell over it lol. I just like knowing i have the power if I need it. It will also pass big trucks very fast, I hate getting stuck behind them. I'm not sure where it shuts off though, I've had it to 110mph and didn't shut off 🤔. Weird, but I like it lol

 

In a few years i am wanting to purchase a used or new SUV or truck full size for both. Is the Eco tech 5.3 v8 reliable? Is there many issues with these newer style motors other than the AFM? Would you consider the 5,3 over the 6.2??

 

Engine wise the main difference between vortecs and ecotecs is direct injection. Pro is more power. Cons are carbon buildup and injector wear. Best thing is to run a catch can to keep oil out of the intake. I would test drive the 5.3 first and see if the boost in power from an older truck is good enough for you. Otherwise you can get the 6.2 for a premium

 

i have 3 older trucks already rn. I have 2 GMT900 platforms and one GMT800. They all have the 5.3 and they have good power! I like the 5.3 trucks they are nice motors but I just was curious about the 6.2 see if that would be a plus or a minus on my part. Thanks for the feed back!

 

6.2 is always a plus. Having more power is never a bad thing. I've never heard anyone buy a 6.2 and then say they wish they had went with the 5.3 because this 6.2 has a little too much power lol.

But I do see people all the time wishing they had gotten the 6.2, or spending all sorts of money to make their 5.3s run better.

 

Absolutely well said. I test drove a 2022 trail boss with the 5.3, loved it. Then drove the exact same truck with the 6.2.. I couldn't stop smiling after and ended up taking the 6.2 home. Absolutely do not regret going with the big boy.

 

i may not even need the 420 hp it offers lol. the 5.3 puts out 355 thats pretty decent as well.

 

No replacement for displacement.

 

More is always better.

 

Amen! I mean we're guys, more power is our goal isn't it lmao 😂

 

Not for everyone. Lots of people are happy with the 5.3 v8. and of course its the most common V8 in any GM truck. Everyone has one they are a dime a dozen.

 

I mean you wanna get technical you can do more to a 4.8 to create more power and boost, if you want to drop an ass load of money in it. Or you can just get a 6.2 lol

 

I have a 5.3 in my '13. Do I wish I had a 6.2? Youbetcha! I've always thought it best to get the biggest/most powerful motor available in a given vehicle.

BUT... I'm glad I don't have to buy premium fuel when it's $4.50 a gallon. It's already over $3.00 'round these parts. It will be pushing $4.00 come July. And with creepy Joe in the big chair, it could be $5.00 next year.

 

Man, I really hope that doesn't happen. But if 87 octane is $5.00 and 93 octane is $5.50, its only about $10/tank difference still

 

Thank you lol not many realize it's just a few dollars more. Worth it in my opinion

 

I saw a 6.2 blow apart a piston i was like hmm that aint good. Which is why i am a little concerned

 

I've spent a good amount of time behind the wheel on nearly every iteration of these engines. The new 10 speed behind the 5.3 is nice but the 6.2 even with the old 8 speed just rockets. The 6.0 is hearty but bagless. You can run regular in a 6.2 but you will lose a little performance from retarded timing unless you run it cooler. The 6.2 tows better than the 5.3 or the 6.0 but if you want 6.2 power and 6.0 longevity, the new 6.6 gas is your answer.