the 5.3 is alright! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Boog** · 06-03-2009, 09:25 PM

I had my first drive with a 5.3 engine in a '99 1/2 ton truck. This truck was equipped with the 3.73 gear and auto. All stock. I must say I was impressed at the power. Rated at 255 hp I think? In that configuration it will run circles around my 97 5.0. I'll have to get one of those soon.

DirtyLarry · 06-03-2009, 10:04 PM

What until you drive a 6.0L, 8.1L or the new 6.2L that will be in 2010 GM trucks. Those engines make the 5.3L feel like a 4.3L.

**LEEVON** · 06-04-2009, 06:51 PM

Factory rating for the GenIII 5.3L is 295hp I believe. You can see nice gains with some easy mods like intake, exhaust, tune and such.

They surely do beat the crap out of the 5.0L's.

Bigblue29 · 06-17-2009, 12:24 PM

295 hp out of the factory serves my memory correct also. On my 2000 GMC with a 5.3 I have a Hypertec programmer, Volant ram air intake, Flowmaster cat back exhaust, and an eaton posi 4.10 rear end and it all adds up to a nice kick in the pants when you step on the skinny pedal!

**Boog** · 06-17-2009, 08:20 PM

That sounds like a sweet combo there Luke.

Gray Ghost · 07-10-2009, 12:17 PM

I am right behind you...I am selling my 70 to get a 99-02 Extended cab.

That motor really impresses me as does the 6.0.

**Boog** · 07-11-2009, 06:37 PM

Well I went and done it yesterday. I have been mullin over the idea of going with a 2500HD diesel or gas. No more than I presently tow I can't justify the bigger truck yet. So I bought a 2000 GMC 1500 extcab Z71, 5.3 with 3.73 gears. All stock except the cat back dual pipes. Sounds good. And feels strong when I hit the go pedal even with the large 285 tires. I'll have some pics of it soon.
So this engine is rated at 295 hp? I didn't know my 97 305 was so weak...

I don't think you will be disappointed Kelly.

Gray Ghost · 07-11-2009, 08:55 PM

Dang you move fast Boog! So what didja have to give for it?

I've been looking at pretty much the same truck. Hope to sell the '70 soon so I can get one!

**Boog** · 07-11-2009, 09:12 PM

Well I have been doing a lot of looking online and the local lots. I drove up to Heber Springs Tuesday night to check out a 99 Crew cab diesel. It had been worked hard.
The truck I bought is a local 1 owner truck. 124,000 miles, no body repairs. Not a single door dent or scrape. It's just like new. Inside the bed is still shiney new. A meat butcher bought it new and didn't drive much. I got it for less than 10. I am tickled plum with it. I am passing my 97 GMC down to my daughter. It will pull her popup camper better than her little truck.
You've decided you have put enough $ into the 70 now and time to get into something more modern and economical? I can't blame ya. If you're going to work your truck it might as well be comfortable right?

Gray Ghost · 07-11-2009, 10:52 PM

Things have really changed for me the last few months. I have gone from doing most of the work myself to leaving it to others to build the business.

I added an area of advertising that should kick in fairly soon. I also got a preliminary contract agreement to build EVERYTHING at the wildlife center. This means over 36 buildings from the ground up.

My new job description is get the work and keep it coming. This demands a different setup than what I have. I figured since I had about $8k of work to go on the 70 to make it right...and no time to do it in that I had better come up with a new plan.

I've been hawking those gen 3 motors for awhile....it's time to try one out. I will enjoy the AC if nothing else!

**Boog** · 07-12-2009, 09:24 AM

Business truck yes but you can still add some pesonal touches to it. I actually prefer the shortbed shorties myself. My 97 GMC was my first excab. I like it for the back seat area to store a few of my things. It certainly isn't much good for hauling people around. The access with out the 3rd or 4th door is awful.
For a reg cab truck a bed topper is a good idea for inclosed storage for things you don't want or need inside the cab.

Gray Ghost · 07-12-2009, 09:29 AM

Yeah...exactly my thoughts. I can have a truck that can tow a trailer if necessary, but mostly will be for dual purpose....work and fun at the same time.

I spotted a shortbed on AutoTrader that has a bed cover....damn sharp. Seems the shortbed regular cabs are cheaper than the ext cabs. Right up my alley!

**Boog** · 07-12-2009, 10:04 AM

The 5.3 in the lighter weight 2wd shorty ought to scoot really good and get better mpg too. Couldn't be better.

Manbearpig · 07-18-2009, 12:25 AM

Tuning out all the torque management and abuse mode from the PCM's will make you think the engine is more than alright!

Turns into a whole new beast.

67ChevyRedneck · 07-18-2009, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

The truck I bought is a local 1 owner truck. 124,000 miles, no body repairs. Not a single door dent or scrape. It's just like new. Inside the bed is still shiney new. A meat butcher bought it new and didn't drive much.

So, what do you consider driving a lot?

Mine's up to 118K. Love the old beast. The 5.3L is a great motor.

**Boog** · 07-18-2009, 07:41 AM

Jesse around here that is low mileage for the 9 year old trucks I've looked at.

Only a week now but I love the ride n drive. Plenty of grunt though I haven't hooked up to the camper yet I'm sure it will be just fine.
One thing I'm going to have to change on it is the muffler. Someone just put on what looks like a flo with dual 2 1/4 tails. I like the idle and romp on it sound but there is an annoying resonance at a certain rpm in every gear that's got to be dealt with. My wife squints every time it does it. I can only imagine how it will sound off under the trailer pull.
I wonder if a muff swap to a magnaflow would be better?

chuckmc8 · 07-18-2009, 07:53 AM

my 2000 with 70 series flowmaster /w dual 2 1/4" tails sounds great. ihave seen older flos that were 'burnt out' be very loud and have a weird resonance. you prob just need a new muffler

Manbearpig · 07-18-2009, 04:10 PM

My hooker aerochamber has absolutely no drone

Flowmaster's are prone to drone

**Boog** · 07-18-2009, 04:27 PM

The actual exhaust note is great but between 1600 & 1900 rpm it gets real annoying. The droning I'm talking about. Every stop and go in town it does it. I've looked at the muff but cannot see a name on it. It may well be a Flo knockoff. It's that design.
A few weeks ago I was at the muff shop fixin to get a muff deal on my 97 GMC. I asked about the Magnaflo. They have it and a Magnaflo knockoff for half the price. It may be the same muff without their name on it then again it may not be anything like a Magnaflo. I'll be seeing them again this coming week I hope.

Gray Ghost · 07-24-2009, 03:17 PM

Wow...I am very impresssed with mine. I had a bit more HP in the blue truck but this one would stomp it. You oughta feel a 5.3 in a shortbed/reg cab....dang it's fun!

BossHogg69 · 07-24-2009, 05:23 PM

^^ Mine's in a crewcab shortbed with 3.73's, K&N FIPK, Hypertech III (93 octane tune), and true duals with Flowtech Terminators and gets up really well, even for as heavy as the truck is. It would smoke my '92 c1500 xcab 5.7L(all bolt-ons)/5spd/3.73's badly.

Manbearpig · 07-24-2009, 08:03 PM

Trade in that Hypertechcrap for a PCM tune and you'll be happier

73CheyenneSuper20 · 07-24-2009, 10:05 PM

I got this in May...

'00 Sierra 5.3L, it has an exhaust with an 'Aero' muffler, it was kinda how he's describintg, sounds good but a little annoying sometimes. I lifted the truck (6" Fabtech, 35" tires) and I don't even notice the exhaust anymore.

**Boog** · 07-25-2009, 09:03 AM

Oh yeah. Now it's right. I had that flomaster replaced with a Magnaflo. Much better. The wife might even ride with me now.

Kelly you'll be smiling for a long while.

Gray Ghost · 07-25-2009, 01:36 PM

Yeah, I think you are right. This truck is twice what I had planned for the '70. I actually had to go buy a can of wax....hadn't had one around for awhile!

06-03-2009, 09:25 PM	#1
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,017	the 5.3 is alright! I had my first drive with a 5.3 engine in a '99 1/2 ton truck. This truck was equipped with the 3.73 gear and auto. All stock. I must say I was impressed at the power. Rated at 255 hp I think? In that configuration it will run circles around my 97 5.0. I'll have to get one of those soon. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

06-03-2009, 10:04 PM	#2
DirtyLarry Windy Corner of a Dirty Street Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 2,926	Re: the 5.3 is alright! What until you drive a 6.0L, 8.1L or the new 6.2L that will be in 2010 GM trucks. Those engines make the 5.3L feel like a 4.3L. __________________ Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles Instagram

06-04-2009, 06:51 PM	#3
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Factory rating for the GenIII 5.3L is 295hp I believe. You can see nice gains with some easy mods like intake, exhaust, tune and such. They surely do beat the crap out of the 5.0L's. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

06-17-2009, 12:24 PM	#4
Bigblue29 Thanks 'til you're better paid Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 257	Re: the 5.3 is alright! 295 hp out of the factory serves my memory correct also. On my 2000 GMC with a 5.3 I have a Hypertec programmer, Volant ram air intake, Flowmaster cat back exhaust, and an eaton posi 4.10 rear end and it all adds up to a nice kick in the pants when you step on the skinny pedal! __________________ -Luke 1950 Chevy AD 3100 pickup 2000 GMC Sierra 1970 Jeepster Commando

06-17-2009, 08:20 PM	#5
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,017	Re: the 5.3 is alright! That sounds like a sweet combo there Luke. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-10-2009, 12:17 PM	#6
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: the 5.3 is alright! I am right behind you...I am selling my 70 to get a 99-02 Extended cab. That motor really impresses me as does the 6.0. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

07-11-2009, 06:37 PM	#7
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,017	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Well I went and done it yesterday. I have been mullin over the idea of going with a 2500HD diesel or gas. No more than I presently tow I can't justify the bigger truck yet. So I bought a 2000 GMC 1500 extcab Z71, 5.3 with 3.73 gears. All stock except the cat back dual pipes. Sounds good. And feels strong when I hit the go pedal even with the large 285 tires. I'll have some pics of it soon. So this engine is rated at 295 hp? I didn't know my 97 305 was so weak... I don't think you will be disappointed Kelly. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-11-2009, 08:55 PM	#8
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Dang you move fast Boog! So what didja have to give for it? I've been looking at pretty much the same truck. Hope to sell the '70 soon so I can get one! __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

07-11-2009, 09:12 PM	#9
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,017	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Well I have been doing a lot of looking online and the local lots. I drove up to Heber Springs Tuesday night to check out a 99 Crew cab diesel. It had been worked hard. The truck I bought is a local 1 owner truck. 124,000 miles, no body repairs. Not a single door dent or scrape. It's just like new. Inside the bed is still shiney new. A meat butcher bought it new and didn't drive much. I got it for less than 10. I am tickled plum with it. I am passing my 97 GMC down to my daughter. It will pull her popup camper better than her little truck. You've decided you have put enough $ into the 70 now and time to get into something more modern and economical? I can't blame ya. If you're going to work your truck it might as well be comfortable right? __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-11-2009, 10:52 PM	#10
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Things have really changed for me the last few months. I have gone from doing most of the work myself to leaving it to others to build the business. I added an area of advertising that should kick in fairly soon. I also got a preliminary contract agreement to build EVERYTHING at the wildlife center. This means over 36 buildings from the ground up. My new job description is get the work and keep it coming. This demands a different setup than what I have. I figured since I had about $8k of work to go on the 70 to make it right...and no time to do it in that I had better come up with a new plan. I've been hawking those gen 3 motors for awhile....it's time to try one out. I will enjoy the AC if nothing else! __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

07-12-2009, 09:24 AM	#11
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,017	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Business truck yes but you can still add some pesonal touches to it. I actually prefer the shortbed shorties myself. My 97 GMC was my first excab. I like it for the back seat area to store a few of my things. It certainly isn't much good for hauling people around. The access with out the 3rd or 4th door is awful. For a reg cab truck a bed topper is a good idea for inclosed storage for things you don't want or need inside the cab. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-12-2009, 09:29 AM	#12
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Yeah...exactly my thoughts. I can have a truck that can tow a trailer if necessary, but mostly will be for dual purpose....work and fun at the same time. I spotted a shortbed on AutoTrader that has a bed cover....damn sharp. Seems the shortbed regular cabs are cheaper than the ext cabs. Right up my alley! __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

07-12-2009, 10:04 AM	#13
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,017	Re: the 5.3 is alright! The 5.3 in the lighter weight 2wd shorty ought to scoot really good and get better mpg too. Couldn't be better. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-18-2009, 12:25 AM	#14
Manbearpig Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midland, Tx Posts: 418	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Tuning out all the torque management and abuse mode from the PCM's will make you think the engine is more than alright! Turns into a whole new beast. __________________ 1972 GMC C10

07-18-2009, 07:41 AM	#16
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,017	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Jesse around here that is low mileage for the 9 year old trucks I've looked at. Only a week now but I love the ride n drive. Plenty of grunt though I haven't hooked up to the camper yet I'm sure it will be just fine. One thing I'm going to have to change on it is the muffler. Someone just put on what looks like a flo with dual 2 1/4 tails. I like the idle and romp on it sound but there is an annoying resonance at a certain rpm in every gear that's got to be dealt with. My wife squints every time it does it. I can only imagine how it will sound off under the trailer pull. I wonder if a muff swap to a magnaflow would be better? __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross



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07-18-2009, 07:53 AM	#17
chuckmc8 It's alsways something..... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Douglasville GA Posts: 1,171	Re: the 5.3 is alright! my 2000 with 70 series flowmaster /w dual 2 1/4" tails sounds great. ihave seen older flos that were 'burnt out' be very loud and have a weird resonance. you prob just need a new muffler

07-18-2009, 04:10 PM	#18
Manbearpig Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midland, Tx Posts: 418	Re: the 5.3 is alright! My hooker aerochamber has absolutely no drone Flowmaster's are prone to drone __________________ 1972 GMC C10

07-18-2009, 04:27 PM	#19
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,017	Re: the 5.3 is alright! The actual exhaust note is great but between 1600 & 1900 rpm it gets real annoying. The droning I'm talking about. Every stop and go in town it does it. I've looked at the muff but cannot see a name on it. It may well be a Flo knockoff. It's that design. A few weeks ago I was at the muff shop fixin to get a muff deal on my 97 GMC. I asked about the Magnaflo. They have it and a Magnaflo knockoff for half the price. It may be the same muff without their name on it then again it may not be anything like a Magnaflo. I'll be seeing them again this coming week I hope. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-24-2009, 03:17 PM	#20
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Wow...I am very impresssed with mine. I had a bit more HP in the blue truck but this one would stomp it. You oughta feel a 5.3 in a shortbed/reg cab....dang it's fun! __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. Last edited by Gray Ghost; 07-24-2009 at 03:23 PM.

07-24-2009, 05:23 PM	#21
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: the 5.3 is alright! ^^ Mine's in a crewcab shortbed with 3.73's, K&N FIPK, Hypertech III (93 octane tune), and true duals with Flowtech Terminators and gets up really well, even for as heavy as the truck is. It would smoke my '92 c1500 xcab 5.7L(all bolt-ons)/5spd/3.73's badly. __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!!

07-24-2009, 08:03 PM	#22
Manbearpig Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midland, Tx Posts: 418	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Trade in that Hypertechcrap for a PCM tune and you'll be happier __________________ 1972 GMC C10

07-24-2009, 10:05 PM	#23
73CheyenneSuper20 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Bernardino, CA Posts: 92	Re: the 5.3 is alright! I got this in May... '00 Sierra 5.3L, it has an exhaust with an 'Aero' muffler, it was kinda how he's describintg, sounds good but a little annoying sometimes. I lifted the truck (6" Fabtech, 35" tires) and I don't even notice the exhaust anymore. __________________ '71 C25 Camper Special, 402, TH400, Longbed, Power Loc axle, Figuring out the rest of the details.... '10 Dodge Charger SXT - DD '91 Kasel M101A2 3/4 ton trailer (It has Chevy rims!)

07-25-2009, 09:03 AM	#24
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,017	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Oh yeah. Now it's right. I had that flomaster replaced with a Magnaflo. Much better. The wife might even ride with me now. Kelly you'll be smiling for a long while. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-25-2009, 01:36 PM	#25
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: the 5.3 is alright! Yeah, I think you are right. This truck is twice what I had planned for the '70. I actually had to go buy a can of wax....hadn't had one around for awhile! __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

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