wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

I've towed with a 2500HD 6.0 and Silverado 5.3. The 6.0 hands down will tow a car hauler better. The other option is to get a F150 with Ecoboost. It will pull every bit as good as a 6.0 and get better mileage when not towing.

Bluecollar Hotrods

iTrader: (18)

My truck 100% stock save for the wheels and tires. I average 12.8 - 13.3 MPG pulling an open trailer with a 3900 lb Chevelle on board. It tows well, but I feel it's going to do MUCH better after the LQ4 & 4L80E swap. I haven't had any issues with my 4L60E, but if I used the truck to the truck to tow more often...

I think an 80E swap is a no brainer.

mikeskiw

My 5.3L/4L60e Avalanche was a dog towing my 5000lb wakeboat until I supercharged it. Took care of the problem, the 105k mile motor lasted to 145k now it's burning oil so I am dropping a 6.0L in there and keeping the supercharger. No towing issues for sure. Still deciding on a stage 3 4L65e tranny or a 4L80e. Seems like the consensus here is 4L80e.

MonkeyRench

Find a 1500HD. The best of both worlds.

Cameron Welch

The towing between the 5.3 and 6.0 are not that dramatical....we had an 03 1500 hd with a 6.0 and I currently have a 2006 5.3 lifted with 35's (which slow it down ALOT). Comparing side by side towing 7000 lbs of trailer and cargo, those steeps *** hills (about the steepest you can come across, the 5.3 only towed the truck about 5 mph slower up the nasty hills without being rough on either one. The 5.3 is down by 40 horse and 40 ft lbs of torque but the constant 12 mpg in the 6.0 isn't worth it. A simple tune, intake and exhaust can gap that 40 horse difference. The 6.0 is rated for another 2500 lbs however. Towing a camaro the 5.3 should be fine with your total weight only being 5000 lbs-ish, but if towing as much as I am (truck is only rated for 8k lbs with stock tires) then steep hills that don't allow a run before hand, you are taking at 20mph. Every other time it tows it's max ability just fine.

CaptCameltoe

iTrader: (3)

I'd worry less about the engine and more about the suspension and brakes. I have a 2000 silverado 2wd ecsb 4.8 with the 3.42's and i think the power is fine in it for pullin, but the suspension is ultra soft and squats with any sort of load in it. I also think the brakes are a little weak, but i'm in steep hilly areas so thats a major concern. I remember the dark days of the smog era 70's cars and trucks where 145 hp 350 chevys were the norm, so power wise, any of the v8's or even the 4.3 has enough to pull a car and trailer IMO. I'd look for a nice 2wd 2500 truck if you plan to tow long distances or very often. good luck

Tuskyz28

I came across this article in a old magazine. I think it would tow nicely... what do you guys think?
Using a procomp 4" crank... making the 5.3 to a 383 ci.*
Stock truck intake*
6.0 heads*
Long tube headers
212/218 cam
Results.... 455 hp/485ft lbs of torque