Engine longevity?

[TyLord]

Hey guys, this is my first post and I'm about to be the owner of a Tahoe

I'm currently looking at a few different models/styles/years and have been trying to find a website on engine longevity and expectancy, without much luck.

Basically, i was curious about a comparison chart of some sort between the 4.8 and 5.3 liters between 2000-2006. Like true life expectancy, mileage and HP.

I just came across a 2005 Tahoe with a 4.8L, with about 130,000 miles on it and was wondering how many i can expect out of it?

Any info would be great. Thanks!

 

[01yukonslt]

a lot of the silverados around here are used as transport trucks and are driven up to the 250k mark and sold off then still running pretty strong. biggest flaw in these trucks is the transmission which tend to go out around 120-150k but other than that they are pretty good trucks.

 

[TyLord]

a lot of the silverados around here are used as transport trucks and are driven up to the 250k mark and sold off then still running pretty strong. biggest flaw in these trucks is the transmission which tend to go out around 120-150k but other than that they are pretty good trucks.

Wow, really? 120K is pretty brutal. I don't think i've come across a used Silverado without at least 120K on it...

 

[LTZboy]

Well the engines on the pre 07 models had 200K mile durability. The new ones are stated to be 250K.

 

[AquinoSteven]

i got a 5.3 and 160,000 with no problems. Treat them right and thell last forever

 

[blueflamed03]

my 03 4.8 has under 90K, but the 'good' thing, is the 4.8 and 5.3's are so plentiful, you can find a low mileage 5.3 later, longblock for under $500 and swap it right in.
Dont let the motor set you back.
120K on a truck that was well taken care of with maintenance, is ok to trust.

 

[91RS]

These are very good engines, they've been around more or less since 97 when the LS1 came about so the bugs have pretty well long been worked out of them. I would highly recommend against a 4.8L though, its a pig and the gas mileage is the same as the 5.3L which will be much more enjoyable to drive and especially if you plan on towing any.

 

[mkaresh]

For what it's worth, this is the subforum for the 2007+.

Engines tend to last forever these days with regular oil changes. As 01yukonslt points out, transmissions are much more often a source of trouble as the miles add up.

I conduct a car reliability survey and engine replacements are rare in just about any car or truck. Some Nissans have had their V6s replaced, but because of excessive oil consumption, not because they failed.

I know some GM V8s are prone to piston slap--not sure which model years. Not sure how much piston slap reduces the life of an engine. Someone else here should have more info.

 

[Jay]

I have a stock 2000 Z71 w/ 5.3 with 198,*** miles. Doesn't smoke, use oil, make odd noises, etc etc. Never had a single problem, even the transmission and transfer case are untouched from the factory. I pull a 20ft pontoon on a 100mi round trip the lake 10-15x a year too. I've always used either Mobile 1 or Supertech synthetic motor oil (6k mile oil change intervals) and changed the transmission fluid and filter every 50k miles.

Two 5.3s around my area have the same mileage or more. One I think has around 240k with no problems.

These engines are very tough if properly taken care of. I've noticed the transmissions like to go out around 150-170k miles, but I think mine has lasted so far since I've always changed the trans fluid/filter every 50K.

If I knew the history of the truck (owner, maintenance, etc.), I wouldn't have a single problem buying one with 130k. These things will last. Even Ford builds a good one... my dad has a 2001 F-150 5.4L with 260k miles and she still runs like a top. Eats about a quart of oil every 5k miles, but still runs good and doesn't smoke.

 

[Spanky7]

I just bought an 04 LT with 5.3 79K and the engine and engine bay looks as clean if not cleaner then when it was new! This thing is SPOTLESS on the inside. Most of the ones I found had 95-130K. I just got lucky with this one. I did see an 02 with 30K miles, but none of the options I wanted! I am hopeing to get well over 200K on this vehicle. As I love the ride/room inside and options!