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GM 4.8 vs. 5.3 vs. 6.2: Which Engine Is Better?

The main difference when it comes to GM 4.8 Vs. 5.3 Vs. 6.2 engines is the engine size, bore, and stroke. The numbers denote their engine size (in liters), making the GM 6.2 the biggest. GM 4.8 gasoline engine has a bore of 3.78 inches and a 3.3 inches stroke, and GM 5.3 has 3.78 inches bore and a 3.62 inches stroke, while GM 6.2 comes with 4.06 inches bore and a 3.62 stroke.

The GM 4.8L engines lack block features available in most GM 5.3 engines like VVT (Variable Valve Timing). The GM 6.2 engines are the most advanced, with features missing in the 4.8 and 5.3 like dry sump oil systems and hybrid port/direct injection.

This article will highlight the critical difference between the GM 4.8, 5.3, and 6.2 engines throughout their respective generations. The included comparison chart summarizes the differences to help you make a better choice when getting one of the engines.

What are the GM 4.8, 5.3, and 6.2 Engines

4.8 Engine Specs

A 4.8 engine is part of the General Motors’ Generation III and IV small-block V8 engines.
Credit: motortrend.com

A 4.8 engine is part of the General Motors’ Generation III and IV small-block V8 engines that came with a 4.8-liter engine size, a bore of 3.78 inches, and a stroke of 3.3 inches. These engines were offered between 1999-2012. The engine codes (VIN code) for the GM 4.3 lineup include the LR4(V), LY2(C), and L20(A). 

These engines were later replaced in 2013 by the GM 5.3 engines, which featured Active Fuel Management (AFM). The size difference between the two is small, and you can expect a slight change in mileage between the two. If you wonder how many miles a Chevy 4.8 engine can last, the answer is about 250,000 -300,000 miles. 

A video about GM 4.8L engine

5.3 Engine Specs

A 5.3 engine is part of the General Motors’ Generation III, IV, and V lineup with a bore of 3.78 inches and a 3.62 stroke.
Credit: motortrend.com

A 5.3 engine is part of the General Motors’ Generation III, IV, and V lineup with a bore of 3.78 inches and a 3.62 stroke. These small-block V8 truck engines are considered one of the most reliable engines in the market by enthusiasts and experts. 

Most users have reported that they could drive the engine for up to 220,000 miles without any issues. If you want to know how long a 5.3 engine lasts, experts estimate it at around 200,000 – 300,000 miles. However, this is the case if you properly maintain the engine; otherwise, you will start experiencing some fuel system issues and engine misfires. 

Read more: 1999-2022 Chevy/GMC 5.3 Oil Capacity & Oil Type Free Lookup

6.2 Engine Specs

A 6.2 engine is a V8 General Motors 6.2-liter (379 cu in) engine with 4.06 inches bore and 3.62 inches stroke. The engines are part of Generation IV and V of the GM family tree. The GM 6.2 engines were first produced in 2008, featuring Variable Valve Timing (VVT).

It was first used in vehicles like the GMC Yukon Denali, Sierra Denali, Hummer H2, and Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ. The 6.2 engine is one of the most powerful, most reliable, and efficient engines you will find in the market. You can expect the 6.2 engine to last up to 500,000 miles, provided you regularly maintain it. 

GM 4.8 Vs. 5.3 Vs. 6.2 Engine Specs: Comparison Chart

Size (L)Gen III/IV/VYears offeredEngine code (VIN code)Power (hp)Torque (lb.-ft.)Fuel typeBore (in)Stroke (in)Compression ratioBlock & headsBlock features
4.8III1999-07LR4 (V)255-285285-2953.783.39.45:1Iron/Alum. heads
4.8IV2007-09LY2 (C)260-295295-3053.783.39.08:1Iron/Alum. headsno VVT
4.8IV2010-12L20 (A)260-302 @ 5400295-305 @ 4600E85-capable3.783.38.8:1Iron/Alum. headsno AFM, VVT
5.3III1999-07LM7 (T)270-295315-3353.783.629.49:1Iron/Alum. heads
5.3III2002-07L59 (Z)285-295320-335E85-capable3.783.629.9:1Iron/Alum. heads
5.3III2003-04LM4 (P)2903253.783.6210.0:1Aluminum
5.3III2005-08L33 (B)310 @ 5200335 @ 44003.783.6210.0:1AluminumOnly available on 4WD ECSB trucks
5.3IV2005-09LH6 (M)300-315330-3383.783.629.95:1AluminumAFM, VVT*
5.3IV2007-09LY5 (J)315-320 @ 5200335-340 @ 40003.783.629.95:1Iron/Alum. headsAFM, VVT*
5.3IV2007-13LMG (0)315-320 @ 5200335-340 @ 4000E85-capable3.783.629.6:1Iron/Alum. headsAFM, VVT*
5.3IV2007-12LC9 (3) or (7)315-320 @ 5400335 @ 4000E85-capable3.783.629.95:1AluminumAFM, VVT*
5.3IV2005-09LS4 (C)303 @ 5600323 @ 44003.783.6210.0:1AluminumAFM, FWD
5.3IV2008-09LH8 (L)300 @ 5200320 @ 40003.783.62Aluminum
5.3V2014–presentL83 (C)355-376 @ 5600383-416 @ 4100E85-capable3.783.6211.0:1Aluminum/Alum. headsVVT | DI | AFM
6.2IV2008-17LS3 (W)426-436 @ 5900420-428 @ 460093rec4.063.6210.7:1Aluminum/Alum. headssodium exhaust valves
6.2IV2010-15L99 (J)400 @ 5900410 @ 4300E85-capable4.063.6210.4:1Aluminum/Alum. headsAFM, VVT,
6.2IV2009-15LSA (P)556-580 @ 6100551-556 @ 380093req4.063.629.1:1Aluminum/Alum. heads1.9L Supercharger
6.2IV2010-14L94 (F)403 @ 5700417 @ 4300E85-capable4.063.6210.4:1Aluminum/Alum. headsAFM, VVT
6.2IV2007-08L92 (8)4034154.063.6210.5:1AluminumVVT
6.2IV2009-13L9H (2)403415E85-capable*4.063.6210.5:1AluminumVVT
6.2IV2009-13LS9 (R/T)638 @ 6500604 @ 38009240653.629.1:1Aluminum/Alum. heads2.3L Supercharger | Ti connecting rods | forged pistons | dry sump
6.2IV/VAftermarketLSX376473 @ 6000444 @ 5000Regular4.063.621970-01-01 09:01:00Iron/Alum. heads
6.2V2014–presentLT1455-460 @ 6000460-465 @ 460093rec4.063.6211.5:1Aluminum/Alum. headsVVT | DI | dry sump(Corvette) | AFM
6.2V2020–presentLT2490-495 @ 6450465-470 @ 51504.063.6211.5:1Aluminum/Alum. headsVVT | DI | dry sump | AFM
6.2V2015–presentLT4640-650 @ 6400630-650 @ 36004.063.621970-01-01 10:01:00Aluminum/Alum. headsVVT | DI | 1.7L supercharger | dry sump(Corvette) | AFM
6.2V2018–2020LT5755 @ 6400715 @ 36004.063.621970-01-01 10:01:00Aluminum/Alum. headsVVT | Hybrid port/direct injection | 2.6L supercharger | dry sump
6.2V2014–presentL86 (J)420 @ 5600460 @ 4100NOT E85-capable4.063.6211.5:1Aluminum/Alum. headsVVT | DI | AFM

Download the full comparison chart here

4.8 Vs. 5.3 Vs. 6.2: Detailed Comparison

The Generation III 4.8 engine produced 255-285 hp and lasted two generations up to 2012.

Generations and Years

GM 4.8 engines began production in 1999 and lasted two generations up to 2012. The Generation III 4.8 engine produced 255-285 hp and was manufactured till 2007 when its Gen IV predecessor replaced it. GM 5.3 engines were made alongside the 4.8 starting from 1999 with the Gen III 5.3. Gen III 5.3 also got replaced by its Gen IV predecessor in 2007.

The two engines (4.8 Gen III and 5.3 Gen IV) are manufactured at St. Catharines, Ontario, and Romulus, Michigan.

Generation IV engines began with the 5.3 in 2005. The Gen IV 5.3 was upgraded for several years with a gradual increase in horsepower and torque until 2009 when they were discontinued for the 5.3 Gen V (active till present).

4.3 engines of generation IV were offered from 2007 to 2012 with just one upgrade in 2010. 

The year 2012 marked the end of the GM 4.3 engines and ushered in the golden era of 5.3 engines. The Vortec 5.3 is the most—produced displacement engine in the Gen III, IV, and V GM lineup. They made many upgrades to this model until Gen V came along in 2014. We will discuss them later.

Gen IV Vortec 6200 (GM 6.2) came into the family tree in 2008 before Gen V 5.3 engines. It would stay in the market from 2008 to 2013 with several upgrades after each year. 2014 brought about the Gen V 5.3 engines that are still being offered to date. Subsequently, GM made the Gen V 6.2-liter engine upgrades in 2015, 2018, and 2020.

Engine Codes

GM 4.8 engines are categorized into three categories in their engine codes (VIN codes). These include:

  • LR4 (V) – Gen III (1999-2007)LY2 (C) – Gen IV (2007 – 2009)
  • L20 (A) – Gen IV (2010-2012)

Vortec 5.3, on the other hand, has more modes and upgrades than GM 4.8 engines. Starting from the first one in 1999, we have eleven GM 5.3 engine models in terms of their engine codes:

  • LM7 (T) – Gen III (1999-2007)
  • L59 (Z) – Gen III (2002 – 2007)
  • LM4(P) – Gen III (2003 – 2004)
  • L33 (B) – Gen III (2005 – 2008)
  • LH6 (W) – Gen IV (2005 – 2009)
  • LY5 (J) – Gen IV (2007- 2009)
  • LMG (0) – Gen IV (2007 – 2013)
  • LC9 (3) or (7) – Gen IV (2007 – 2012)
  • LS4 (C) – Gen IV (2005 – 2009)
  • LH8 (L) – Gen IV (2008 – 2009)
  • L83 (C) – Gen V (2014- present)

The 6.2-liter General Motor engines began with the Vortec 6200 (RPO L92) which was first put in the 2007 Cadillac Escalade. GM 6.2 engine codes include:

  • LS3 (W) – Gen IV (2008-2017)
  • L99 (J) – Gen IV (2010 – 2015)
  • LSA (P) – Gen IV (2009 – 2015) 
  • L94 (F) – Gen IV (2010 – 2014) 
  • L92 (8) – Gen IV (2007 -2008)
  • L9H (2) – Gen Iv (2009 -2013) 
  • LS9 (R/T) – Gen IV (2009 – 2013) 
  • LSX376 – Aftermarket
  • LT1 – Gen V (2014 – present)
  • LT2 – Gen V (2020 – present) 
  • LT4 – Gen V (2015- present) 
  • LT5 – Gen V (2018 – 2020)
  • L86 (J) – Gen V (2014 -present) 
A video about the difference between 4.8 and 5.3.

Power Output

The power output of these small-block V8 truck engines increased over the years with each upgrade. You will find that the horsepower was upgraded more significantly in the GM 6.3 engines more than in the GM 5.3 or the 4.8. The GM 4.8 is the less powerful of the three, with the first alteration having a power range between 255 hp and 285 hp (LR4 (V) engine).

The power was increased in the 2007 model (LY2 (C)) to 260 – 295 hp. The last version of this Vortec 4.8 engine could only output a maximum of 302 hp at 5400 pm. The minimum power output was rated at 260 hp.

Gm 5.3 defeated the 4.8 in horsepower from the start with its bigger capacity and unique features. The first model was rated between 270-295 hp. The 2014 GM 5.3 engine significantly improved the power getting a maximum of 376 hp at 5600 pm. Regardless of the prowess of the GM 5.3 engines, the 6.2 is the most powerful of the three.

The 2007 L92 model began at 403 hp, which was pumped up in the 2008 LS3 model to 426 hp with maximum output reaching 436 at 5900 pm. To those who are power-hungry, this is the engine for you. IF you are looking for the best among the 6.2 engine models, then pick the LT5 from 2018-2020; it has a power output of 755 at 6400 pm.

Read more: LS1 Vs. LS2 Vs. LS3 (With Comparison Chart)

Torque Output

The more powerful the engine, the higher the torque. The GM 6.2 engines feature the highest torque ratings at the highest RPMs. However, higher torques allow more increased horsepower at lower RPMs, so it largely boils down to the combination of the two. 

Take a look at the comparison table to see which one fits well for you in terms of RPM and Torque ratio.

The less powerful GM 4.8 engines start at 285 lb. ft and can go all the way to 305 lb. ft at 4600 pm. This is nothing compared to the starting torque of the Gm 5.8 lineup that has the lowest torque at 315 lb. ft. 

The LY5 and LMG 5.8 engines have the best torque output of the group, with a rating of 335-340 at 400 pm.

The best torque output of the Gm 4.8, 5.3, and 6.2 engine family tree is the GM 6.2 LT5 that outputs a torque of 715 lb. ft at 3600 pm.

A video about 5.3L vs 6.2L comparison.

Cylinder Bore Size

GM 6.2 engines have bigger cylinder bores compared to GM 5.3 and 4.8. The 4.06 inches bore produces more engine power, especially when paired with the smaller piston strokes. The bore is the same for each of the three regardless of the upgrades done over the years.

Gm 5.3 features a 3.78 inches cylinder bore similar to its predecessor, GM 4.8. In terms of power output regarding the size of the bore, 4.8 and 5.3 are identical. However, the story is different when you consider the piston stroke size.

Piston Stroke Size

Credit: s1tech.com

The 5.3 and 4.8 share the same cylinder bore size, which can play a vital role in the engine’s power. However, 4.8 engines have a smaller piston stroke size than the 5.3. The 3.3 inches stroke in the 4.8 engines is shorter than the 3.62 inches in the 5.3 engines.

So, you may be asking; Can you put 4.8 pistons in a 5.3 engine? It is an excellent idea since the 4.8 pistons are cheap and dependable. 

But you have to consider things like 4.8 engines have flat top pistons, and the 5.3 ones come with dished pistons. 

With that in mind, rest assured that your 5.3 engine will normally perform with the 4.8 pistons. The switch is a common upgrade that most people apply to save a few bucks.

Compression Ratio

The compression ratio varies widely across the board for these three engines. The 6.2 engines are still the best in terms of the compression ratio, but it is not hard to find a 5.3 engine with better CR than the 6.2. For example, the 5.3 L33 (B) has a 10.0:1 compression ratio that is higher than the 9.1:1 of the LS9 (R/T). The 4.8 engine has a compression ratio of 9.45:1, which is also larger.

Block and Heads Material

The early models of the LS engines used a combination of iron blocks and aluminum heads. This is the case for the Vortec 4.8 engines and the 5.3 LY5 and LMG from 2007. 

The rest of the 5.3-line up use aluminum heads and blocks carried into the 6.2 engine categories. 

The only 6.2 LS engine that does not use aluminum is the Aftermarket LSX376 that combines an iron block with an aluminum head.

Fuel System

The three engines use fuel and direct injection in their systems. The Vortec 5.3 engines were the first in this family tree to introduce variable valve timing in the fuel system. This upgrade ensured that the engine’s intake valves were opened and closed appropriately to feed an air-fuel mixture into the engine. This depended on how the vehicle was being driven and under what conditions.

Some 5.3 engines like the included active fuel management (AFM) will also find that. The AFM system helped improve fuel mileage by letting the engine cylinders operate at reduced power levels, which reduced the amount of fuel consumed per load.

The Vortec 6.2 engines tool this fuel system up a notch more than the 5.3 engines with the addition of hybrid port/direct injection in models such as the LT5. They also used gasoline direct injection.

Fuel Type

The 4.8 Vortec uses fuel comprising 85% ethanol alcohol when it comes to the fuel type. Gasoline in the system is only 16%. The ethanol alcohol emits only a few greenhouse gasses, which is impressive for an old engine. Moreover, ethanol can be renewed in the combustion engine, making it economical.

A good number of the 5.3 engines are E85 capable which implies the fuel type comprises blends of high-level ethanol and gasoline. The ethanol alcohol is usually 51% – 83%, which will vary depending on where you are in the world and the season.

These engines are flex-fuel engines that can also utilize regular standard gasoline. The E85 capable engines make these 5.3 engines (L20, L59, LMG, LC9, and L83) safer than the 4.8 engines that aren’t E85 capable.

The 6.3 engines are also E85 capable like their predecessors, except the L86 Gen V. Vortec 6.3 engines also use premium fuel like the 92 rec and 93 rec. Some may go ahead to call the 93-octane gasoline super-premium, which sets the 6.3 engines higher than the 5.3 or 4.8.

Oil System

GM implemented the first dry sump oil system in the 2009 LS9 with a 2.3L supercharger. LS9 is one of the 6.2l engines using this system to store the extra oil in an external tank instead of the oil pan. All 4.3 engines could only use the latter.

The 5.3 engines incorporated oil pressure monitoring systems connected to the dashboard for maintenance. The oil monitor system was used to monitor oil levels.

Cooling system

The cooling systems in these engines include water-cooling systems and air-cooled systems. The earlier models like the 5.3 and 4.8 mainly use water cooling systems. The 6.2, such as the LT4, comes with an air-cooling system that cools the air entering the supercharger by an integral intercooler to enhance the supercharger’s efficiency.

Connecting Rod Length

General Motors made three categories of connecting rod lengths for their LS engines. Most Gen III and IV engines comprising 5.3 L and 6.2L come with 6.098-inch connecting rods. Press-fit piston wrist pins mainly accompany these rods. The 4.8L Vortec engines are set apart in this regard since they feature longer 6.275-inch rods to accommodate their short strokes.

A video about LS engines tree family.

Interchangeability

The 4.8 engines and the 5.3 are easily mistaken for each other. The differences are not apparent until you get under the hood. You can quickly and easily use the 4.8 pistons on the 5.3 engines, as discussed earlier. However, you cannot do the opposite since the 4.8 has a shorter stroke. However, the two are identical in engine block size and exterior components.

The 6.2 engines are widely different from their predecessors, and most of their parts cannot be used on the smaller engines. The 4.8, 5.3, and 6.2 engines fall under the GM LS engines, which are the successor of the LT. The LS does not share any interchangeable parts with the LT.

Reliability

The 6.2 V8 engines have proven to be the most reliable of the three due to their high efficiency, bigger capacity, and advanced block technology. Regardless of this, they are expensive due to their features and oil consumption.

4.8 engines are also reliable but not so much compared to 5.3 V8 engines. The 5.3 lineup is the best three, with a precise balance between price and reliability. You can expect more than 200,000 miles on the three engines, with the 6.2 getting as high as 500,000 miles.

Common Problems

Engine misfires are the common problem these three engines have. This is because of the engines’ propensity to fail in cold weather. When the engine warms up, these issues tend to disappear on their own, which makes the whole issue confusing. The problem is usually a leaking intake manifold if this does not happen.

Common issues in the 4.8 Vortec engines include:

  • Power hesitation.
  • Grinding noise from the hub and bearing.
  • Revving up around 40-50 mph.
  • Leaking axle seals.
  • A malfunctioning oil pressure gauge.

The prevalent issues in 5.3 engines include carbon build-up, fuel injection failure, transfer case sensor failures, lifter problems, and malfunctioning active fuel management systems.

6.2L V8 engine’s most common issues are oil leaks, rough idling, valve spring failures, lifter problems, and high oil consumption.

Conclusion

The 6.2L GM engines are the most powerful among the three. With their longer bore and stroke and compression ratios, you can be assured of a powerful engine that will last you decades.

The 5.3L V8 engines are superior as they provide a good balance between price and power when it comes to the best bang for the buck. If you want cheap spare parts for 5.3 and a reliable small engine for almost nothing, take the 4.8L.

Read more: TH350 vs. TH400 vs. 4L60E vs. 700R4

Author

  • Randy

    My name is Randy Worner and I am the founder of chevygeek.com. I have been working on cars and trucks for almost 45 years. For the last 36 years I have taught Automotive / Diesel Technology classes for UTI, Snap On Tools, Chrysler, Pepboys, Lone Star College, NAPA and TBC Corporation. I also own a technical writing company known as Supreme Technical Services. It is ASE Gold Seal certified and Blue Seal Certified Author of auto/truck repair information.

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1 thought on “GM 4.8 vs. 5.3 vs. 6.2: Which Engine Is Better?”

  1. Not sure if Randy will get this message or not… but do the 5.3 and the 6.2 accessories mount the same? 2016 Silverado

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