how to tell engine in gm truck (4.8 or 5.3)

[ulmanb]

How can you tell which smaller V8 is in a newer gmc truck (2004)?

I was told mine had a 5.3 when I bought it used. When I was looking at my oil change receipt they listed it as a 4.8. I want to know if the oil change place knows more than I do or if they goofed.

I looked on the block/intake but saw nothing visible.

i assume there is probably some coding in the glovebox, but I am not sure what to look for.

Thanks in advance

[Rip Wheeler]

In the VIN, I think its the 4th digit. This is the engine code

[DC_Excitement]

look under the hood, there will be a white sticker on the fan shroud or somewhere around there, possibly on the back of the hood also, its written pretty small but its there

[YFZ439]

It should say it rite on top of the engine, the 04 1500 I had had the 5.3 and it said Vortec 5300 on the plastic cover over the intake runners. I know the truck I have now says Vortec 8100 on the plastic cover.

[Kx250FRiDeR651]

i have a 03' silverado and its is acually hard to find out...all it sais on theengine cover is vortec...unless the vrotec is only 5.3 and up you cant find out....i bought mine used last year with low miles and they guy was confused with what engine it had too because it sais nowhere on the truck

[fast426]

On GM it's the 8th digit. I beleive the 4.8 is a V for a VIN and the 5.3 is a T. I think the 5.3 actually has 2 VIN designations. Can't remember the other one

Your VECI decal on the rad shroud should also have the displacement.

[fast426]

In the VIN, I think its the 4th digit. This is the engine code

On GM the fourth or fifth (depending on year) is the body code. The eighth is the engine VIN. ?

[ulmanb]

found it on a white label on my airbox cover. 4.8 ? was told when I bought 3 months ago it was a 5.3. oh well, live & learn

[d3crypt]

found it on a white label on my airbox cover. 4.8 ? was told when I bought 3 months ago it was a 5.3. oh well, live & learn

Better gas mileage at least? Besides I'm sure that 4.8 has got plenty of kick.

[JSanfilippo]

Better gas mileage at least? Besides I'm sure that 4.8 has got plenty of kick.

I've driven both and there is barley any difference (1500 ext. cab shortbed) in power delivery. The 4.8 runs out of breath in the mid range quicker but thats about it.

[WheelsUp]

On GM the fourth or fifth (depending on year) is the body code. The eighth is the engine VIN. ?

Mine's a "2", but she's making more power than a "D" ?

Dyno last weekend.... 350hp @ 3050, 679.9ft/lbs @ 2300

[JSanfilippo]

What about a Z??

[ulmanb]

Better gas mileage at least? Besides I'm sure that 4.8 has got plenty of kick

Actually the best mileage I have been able to get out of it is 17mpg at around 60 mph with a 3.73 rearend.

Actually I cant tell much difference powerwise between it and my prior 2000 suburban that had the 5.3. I was just dissappointed as I wanted the larger engine for the rare case in which I am towing something large. I did check out the HP though and it is higher than that of the last year 350 which my dad uses to pull his carhauler with a med sized tractor on.

[fast426]

Actually the best mileage I have been able to get out of it is 17mpg at around 60 mph with a 3.73 rearend.

Actually I cant tell much difference powerwise between it and my prior 2000 suburban that had the 5.3. I was just dissappointed as I wanted the larger engine for the rare case in which I am towing something large. I did check out the HP though and it is higher than that of the last year 350 which my dad uses to pull his carhauler with a med sized tractor on.

Yeah. It's funny that people scum the 4.8L and praise the old leaky Vortec 350 when the HP is around the same and the torque is pretty close to the same. Plus they are better on fuel. Believe it or not, the regular cab half tons STILL have the 4.3L option. At least you dont have one of them...

[JSanfilippo]

Yeah. It's funny that people scum the 4.8L and praise the old leaky Vortec 350 when the HP is around the same and the torque is pretty close to the same. Plus they are better on fuel. Believe it or not, the regular cab half tons STILL have the 4.3L option. At least you dont have one of them...

Its all about perception. That old leaky vortec 350 made more torque at a lower RPM and it makes it feel like the truck can pull a stump out of the ground. The 4.8L and 5.3L are midrange motors IMHO...damn good midrange motor ?

[Bach Rider]

Its all about perception. That old leaky vortec 350 made more torque at a lower RPM and it makes it feel like the truck can pull a stump out of the ground. The 4.8L and 5.3L are midrange motors IMHO...damn good midrange motor ?

very true

[mikerides33]

My old 97 Z71 is still pretty tight. Sure the gaskets aren't what they used to be but still no drops yet. The 5.7 has the bottom kick but it flattens out. You guys know what you are talking about. What do the new 2500HDs have? ?

[Chevy_Cowboy]

What do the new 2500HDs have? ?

Choice between a 6.0 gas, 6.6 diesel or 8.1 gas.

For a truck that'll be towing/hauling 50% of the time, the diesel is the way to go... for a daily driver go with the 6.0 ?