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6.2 Reliability

107K views 68 replies 21 participants last post by  Diesel man 645  
#1 ·
In the next few years I was thinking of upgrading to a Tahoe, Yukon, or another Silverado or Sierra. I have heard a lot about the 6.2 v8 motors and I see some posts about some issues people are having. Are these motors pretty good or would it be wise to steer clear from them? I do have 3 trucks in my possession right now with the Vortec 5.3s. Of course the Vortec and Ecotech engines are similar but I am just curious as to how reliable the Ecotechs are. Sure all vehicles will have some issues but I would like to try a 6.2 I hear they are beasts and the 5.3 Eco tech are very nice too but not as much power of course, but they still get the job done!!
 
#2 ·
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.
 
#43 ·
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
 
#44 ·
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
 
#17 ·
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
 
#19 ·
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.
 
#23 ·
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.
 
#26 ·
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.