Engine Size and Year

[swathdiver]

That was sort of my point. He wouldn't have to go to the GMT900 -- and the complexities that involved -- because there were GMT800s with 6.0s, with the LQ9 being a really good option.

I thought he was wanting a new vehicle, not a bigger motor???

 

[adventurenali92]

That was sort of my point. He wouldn't have to go to the GMT900 -- and the complexities that involved -- because there were GMT800s with 6.0s, with the LQ9 being a really good option.

he’d be hard pressed to find one with low miles right now..... but maybe he does want a newer rig than his platform.

I thought he was wanting a new vehicle, not a bigger motor???

I think he wants both?!

 

[S33k3r]

I thought he was wanting a new vehicle, not a bigger motor???

OP>> Currently have an 03 4wd with 5.3 flex and looking to upgrade by a few years and

Yeah, I'm unobservant. I originally missed that first sentence. Sorry!

 

[Wylie_Tahoe]

I thought he was wanting a new vehicle, not a bigger motor???

Newer, but not new, but was hoping that by moving up a few years newer, I could also get a larger engine.

So outside of a few unicorns, it seems that the 5.3L is still the engine in the Tahoe? The Denali or escalade may be a trim level im not wanting to spend that much for. Dont need a fancy work truck.

For what I do, I prefer an SUV to store my tools dry and safe, so a pickup is out. Also, the bed of a 4x4 pickup seems a bit high to lift my stuff up and into. The back of the Tahoe is a little higher then my Trailblazer, but manageable.

 

[swathdiver]

Newer, but not new, but was hoping that by moving up a few years newer, I could also get a larger engine.

So outside of a few unicorns, it seems that the 5.3L is still the engine in the Tahoe? The Denali or escalade may be a trim level im not wanting to spend that much for. Dont need a fancy work truck.

For what I do, I prefer an SUV to store my tools dry and safe, so a pickup is out. Also, the bed of a 4x4 pickup seems a bit high to lift my stuff up and into. The back of the Tahoe is a little higher then my Trailblazer, but manageable.

Tahoe's often command more money than the lessor known Denalis and Yukons because of their popularity. If you're not in a hurry and willing to travel to get one, look for a 6.2 Tahoe from 2009. From 2007 through 2009 the Suburbans and Yukon XLs also had the option of the 6.0 L76 all aluminum motor. This motor had VVT and AFM and is NOT the same engine used in the 2500s. The longer trucks are often less expensive than the shorter Tahoe too.

 

[Wylie_Tahoe]

Tahoe's often command more money than the lessor known Denalis and Yukons because of their popularity. If you're not in a hurry and willing to travel to get one, look for a 6.2 Tahoe from 2009. From 2007 through 2009 the Suburbans and Yukon XLs also had the option of the 6.0 L76 all aluminum motor. This motor had VVT and AFM and is NOT the same engine used in the 2500s. The longer trucks are often less expensive than the shorter Tahoe too.

Good info. Not in a hurry this time around and can likely purchase the new rig without the need to sell the old one before.

The burbs and XLs are too long for me, but agree it would likely be an easier find and at a good price for one with the larger motor.

 

[adventurenali92]

Newer, but not new, but was hoping that by moving up a few years newer, I could also get a larger engine.

So outside of a few unicorns, it seems that the 5.3L is still the engine in the Tahoe? The Denali or escalade may be a trim level im not wanting to spend that much for. Dont need a fancy work truck.

For what I do, I prefer an SUV to store my tools dry and safe, so a pickup is out. Also, the bed of a 4x4 pickup seems a bit high to lift my stuff up and into. The back of the Tahoe is a little higher then my Trailblazer, but manageable.

Yup, unless you can find a 2009 LTZ package Tahoe with the L9H 6.2L, most tahoes you will be looking at will have the 5.3L.

 

[Bill 1960]

You want a bigger engine because...?

If towing or hauling, a 2009+ with a six speed trans will perform better.

 

[Wylie_Tahoe]

You want a bigger engine because...?

No replacement for displacement, right? In all seriousness, If spending the money to upgrade, why not make a larger engine, if available, part of that upgrade plan? The larger engine is available in the burb chassis and pickup for a reason.

Yes, my truck tows for a living. Are the actual tow specs better due to the 6 spd, or is the drivability just better?

 

[Bill 1960]

The experience is a lot better. Much lower first gear in the six to get a load moving. Closer splits between gears so you’re in the sweet spot between peak torque and hp more of the time. The rpm difference 3-4 is huge with the 4L transmissions.