Chevy 1500 5.3L V8 vs 2.7L TurboMax I-4 | ULTIMATE Engine TOWING Comparison
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Published 2024-07-23
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This was a video I was very excited about making. I was very curious to see how well the 5.3L Ecotech 3 V8 in the chevy 1500 pick up trucks performed when towing my enclosed trailer. last week we towed with the 2.7L turbomax engine and I felt like that engine was just underpowered.
I felt that the turbomax with only 2.7L of displacement was at its limit and revving very high and working very hard. this would result in premature wear and probably effect longevity of the engine if someone was to tow this much weight constantly.
So I thought it would be fun to compare that smaller turbo inline 4 engine to GM's flagship V8 the 5.3L and well as you guys saw there is no replacement for displacement.
the 5.3L V8 was better in almost every performance metric, including acceleration, RPM control, pulling hills, fuel economy and transmission temperature control.
I think the biggest surprise for me was just how much more fuel efficient the 5.3L V8 engine was over the 2.7L turbomax. It used almost 25% less fuel running the same distance with the same trailer. something you don't expect.
I think the 2.7L turbomax engine is great but there is still great value in a N/A larger displacement V8 engine that gives better throttle response and can put in larger duty cycles.
00:00 - Intro
01:19 - Engine Specs
02:36 - Acceleration Test 1
03:37 - Throttle Response
04:11 - Acceleration Test 2
05:15 - Predictions
06:01 - Hill Pull 1
07:26 - Driveline Specs
09:00 - V8 RPM Control
09:32 - Fuel Economy
09:50 - Hill Pull 2
10:29 - Transmission Temp
11:18 - 5.3L V8 Underpowered??
12:50 - Large Hill Pulls
16:05 - Conclusion
All Comments (21)
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I just towed my 7000lb camper through the Appalachian mtns last week. 3.0 duramax. It just ripped up those hills. So impressed. Also ripped through def. That sucked.
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My take on it is this: Honestly, ask yourself how often and how heavy you tow. If I had an 8000 lb (or heavier) enclosed trailer that I towed regularly, I would buy a 2500. If I towed a 3000 to 5000 lb trailer every day I'd go with a 1500 with a V8. If I only tow a small or light trailer occasionally, the 2.7T is fine. When it comes to towing, it's not so much about fuel mileage as it is safety; it's safer to have more truck than not enough truck.
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The 6.2 and 3.0 Duramax need to be tested with this trailer on this loop. I can only imagine how well those engines will do
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Love what you are doing with these tests. Very good info. Excited to see the 6.2. Also would love to see the 5.7 Hemi and new Hurricane. Also. A website with all your test results! Then bring on the HD and midsize tests!! Thank you!
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Great videos! Friendly reminder, the 2.7 is meant to replace the old v6, and is the base engine. Perfect daily driver! (Also no lifters!)Thank you!
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Love your videos, buddy. I appreciate your perspective from a diesel mechanic. Keep them coming.
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Awesome video. Keep it going love v8 s Hard to believe we live in a time where a 4cly is in full size trucks
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The V8 all day long
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Is the 3.0 dmax next?
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How about a head to head 2.7 vs 2.7. Ford vs Chevy
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I have the 2.7 TurboMax in my 23 Canyon AT4 and the transmission temp stays in the 200-210 range for everything. Great video.
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Excellent video Alex and im not surprised with the results, the 5.3 is a work horse for sure!!
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2.7l was never meant to be the engine choice for towing. At least not consistently or on long distances. The 2.7l was designed for a light duty work truck or daily driver to HD(90%) of truck owners these days. GM does a great job of engine choices to match your need. I am honestly surprised they haven’t deleted the 5.3l with the 6.2 and 3.0 Duramax available for max payload and towing.
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Hi Alex, Thanks for the video. This is the same drivetrain that I tow with. I have a 5000 lb travel trailer and it does a fine job with it. I was a little worried about the 3.23 rear gear, but the 10-speed transmission makes the magic happen. I did test drive the 2.7 8-speed but it just didn’t feel right. Everything was too busy. I think the 10-speed would be a nice option for the 2.7 to reduce the drama. Love my V8, loved the video!
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I love your videos so much!! I like that chart of data thats cool and can't wait to hopefully see a 5.7 Hemi in these test with that big tall trailer!! show us the descend too and trans temp everything 👋🤟
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Towed a 30ft rv over my 2023 3.0 duramax tow rating and it did it like a champ gotta test it out
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Time to see the ram!!! The 5.7 and there new hurricane engine. Very curious how they stack up against the other guys. Love the videos. Good work!
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I would love to see this 5.3 vs 3.0 diesel engine. Please compare them if you can. Thanks.
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honestly, for probably 70% ish of half ton truck owners, they’re never gonna pull loads like this. the fact the 2.7 can in a pinch is what matters. hell, for people consistently pulling that heavy they’re prolly gonna go 3/4 ton anyways!
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I have been saying for 10 years now, since they came out with the new 4.3L V6, that they should be using the same 3.921" piston in the base V8 making a 350ci 5.7L V8 to match the 5.7 Hemi and 5.0L Coyote more closely, especially since they came out with the 6.6L in HD trucks now, they could have made a 5.7L base V8 and put the L8T crank in the 6.2L aluminum block to offer a 6.6L option in 1/2 tons. They could have even sold a 5.7L in 3/4-1T Express vans and W/T pickups. Huge missed opportunity.
