There has been some debate about the performance of the 5.3 gm engine and the magnums. I thought that i could possibly clear up some misconceptions through my experiences. I know a couple friends with silverado 5.3's. Last night i raced a buddy with a 2001 silverado z71 5.3l with dual exhaust and cold air intake in my 95 dodge ram 5-speed 5.2 with cold air and exhaust. we raced twice from 0-60 and i won by around a truck length. then we raced three times from 60-100 and i consistently pulled ahead by around a truck length or more. both trucks had same mods and both trucks weighed around the same because i had sand bags and a passenger in my truck and the chevy did not (accounting for 4x4 difference) also chevy's are lighter trucks to begin with. Anyway i was tired of hearing this rubbish about how the 5.3s are so much better can outperform magnums so i really put it to the test.

 

been there, done that.

 

It feels like my 5.2 4x4 could not beat a scooter.

 

I don't look at how fast the engine can power the truck, but rather durability. Chrysler's 5.2L engines (past and present) are bullet proof. Mine has a rear main leak and I've literally driven with 1.5 quarts of oil in the pan. My truck has literally been so hot that the temp needle was going to push the radio before I shut off the engine. The high amount of nickel in those engines is what makes them indestructible. Chevy can't match that.

 

Was his a stick also? If not, I bet your transmission had more to do with your win than your engine. Auto trannies FTL.

 

i think the reason the 5.2L feels sluggish to many is because of the weak auto transmission. It's not only unreliable, but you probably experience a lot of power loss through it too. Ask people with a 5.2 and a 5-speed, and many say their truck feels downright peppy.

 

How does yours feel with the 285's on it? I have 3:55's also but with 265's right now. Just curious, because I want to put on 285's when these tires are all done.

 

I have 285's w/3.55

Here is your answer, I am shopping for 4.11s

 

5.2 < 5.3

imo

 

That's what I figured, I'm happy now with the 265's along with all the mods I've done. Maybe I'll just stay with that size. Sorry for the thread jack.