5.3 Ecotec

[Mossy]

Let me start off by saying I've never been on a chevy lot in my life so I have 0 experience with them or their motors.
From what I understand they revamped the motor to become the ecotec in 2014. Hoping for some feedback on the motor itself such as real world mpg, towing,maintenance and pros/cons. Thanks!

[BrandonWatts]

I bought a 2014 GMC with the 5.3, so far seems to be a good engine. Mileage is so so. Typical truck mileage. The best I have got is around 20 but that was on the freeway. My normal driving I average around 16.5. I haven't towed with mine yet to see what kind of mileage it will get. There are a couple things that drive me nuts about the truck though. The active fuel management sucks. I can stand it. Seems to make the transmission seem like it shifts goofy. Also I don't really see the benefit of it unless your are on the freeway all the time. It will kick into v4 with light throttle bit as soon as you give it a little more it kicks back to v8. I personally will get a programmer to shut it off.
I had read about these engine having oil consumption problems but I have not experienced any.
Other maintenance on the engine is pretty much the same as the old 5.3.
Next the transmission. Hit 55k on the truck and decide to change the trans fluid. There is no drain plug so I bought a dorman pan for 50 bucks with a plug. I dropped the pan and it was hung up. Found out you ha EA to drop the exhaust to get the pan off. REALLY! COME ON GM.
Other than it has been a great truck. Engine has lots of power and is quite. I am happy with it. I will change a couple thing then I will be really happy with it.

[Bofire]

I have had I think 5, 5.3 motor chevs. they have been using it for many years, it is just a slightly modified chev small block, been around forever. HotRod magazine called it "the most highly evolved pushrod motor on the planet"
Great motor, good power.
Carl

[Mossy]

Thanks for the info guys

[Antlershed]

I realize they made some changes to the motor in 2014, so I don't know how helpful this will be, but I have a 2011 Silverado with the 5.3 (has the technology to switch to 4 cyl) and 6 speed auto. Mine has a 4" lift and 34" tires. My work commute consists of partially highway (50mph) and partially in town (stop and go), zero freeway driving. Driving back and forth to work I consistently get 15mpg. My previous truck was a 2004 with the 5.3 and stock tires, and it got the same mileage on this commute as my 2011 with the lift and tires gets. I have never figured out my mpg on the freeway because I am typically towing a boat or travel trailer on my long distance freeway trips. 

[Mossy]

I bought a 2014 GMC with the 5.3, so far seems to be a good engine. Mileage is so so. Typical truck mileage. The best I have got is around 20 but that was on the freeway. My normal driving I average around 16.5. I haven't towed with mine yet to see what kind of mileage it will get. There are a couple things that drive me nuts about the truck though. The active fuel management sucks. I can stand it. Seems to make the transmission seem like it shifts goofy. Also I don't really see the benefit of it unless your are on the freeway all the time. It will kick into v4 with light throttle bit as soon as you give it a little more it kicks back to v8. I personally will get a programmer to shut it off.
I had read about these engine having oil consumption problems but I have not experienced any.
Other maintenance on the engine is pretty much the same as the old 5.3.
Next the transmission. Hit 55k on the truck and decide to change the trans fluid. There is no drain plug so I bought a dorman pan for 50 bucks with a plug. I dropped the pan and it was hung up. Found out you ha EA to drop the exhaust to get the pan off. REALLY! COME ON GM.
Other than it has been a great truck. Engine has lots of power and is quite. I am happy with it. I will change a couple thing then I will be really happy with it.

Thanks for the honest feedback. I wonder if the 8 speed tranny makes any difference on the feel of shifting with the active fuel management?

I drove a '16 yesterday with the 6 speed and didn't notice any of that but it of course it was only a test drive

[Bofire]

  I can't remember how many trucks I have crawled under to drop the tranny pan and found the exhaust crossover!! seems to be a standard option!
Carl

[BrandonWatts]

I can't remember how many trucks I have crawled under to drop the tranny pan and found the exhaust crossover!! seems to be a standard option!
Carl

This is the first one I have had to do it on. All my other trucks I had have been diesels. Boy did it piss me off.
The 8 speed might be a better trans with the v4. The different gear ratio may help it out.

[Mossy]

Well, I picked up the '16 Z71 today so time will tell. Thanks for the info

[Bofire]

yer gonna love it