Offering the ideal blend of utility, performance, and versatility, the Chevy Silverado 1500 might be one of America’s best-loved trucks, which is clear when you see the vast selection we offer as your pre-owned Silverado dealer. It’s hard to believe it’s been over 20 years since the full-size pickup first hit the market, but that milestone also presents the perfect opportunity to look back on some of our favorite Chevy models of the past. From the groundbreaking 1999 model all the way up to today’s all-electric Chevy Silverado EV, there is no shortage of noteworthy Silverados to revisit, so let’s narrow it down a little further.
Given the pickup’s reputation as a powerful work truck capable of hauling even the heaviest loads with ease, the Silverado’s powertrain has never been an afterthought, but which Silverado engine is the best? We’ll take a look at Chevy Silverado engines over the last couple of decades to see where we started, which ones stand the test of time, and where Chevy is going from here.
A Powerful Legacy
While the Silverado technically debuted in 1999, it wasn’t entirely new to the lineup. Chevy has been using the Silverado name to describe a specific trim as far back as 1975, but as the millennium edged closer, the automaker decided it would serve as the perfect moniker for a new, more powerful version of its current pickup offerings. That power would come courtesy of a new 5.3-liter V8 dubbed the Vortec 5300. Known in GM-speak as the LM7, this engine used the proprietary Votect technology first developed in 1985.
The original Vortec was a 4.3-liter V6 which improved air/fuel atomization within the combustion chamber by creating a small vortex of air. The 5.3-liter V8 wasn’t the base engine option on the debut Silverado––Chevy opted to go with a slightly smaller 4.8-liter V8––but it was the perfect complement for the exciting new pickup. With the ability to produce 270 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque to the 4.8-liter’s 255 hp and 285 lb-ft the engine represented a noticeable if not drastic step up from the base engine.
The LM7 quickly earned praise from drivers and critics alike, who appreciated the power and versatility of the massive new V8. With its ability to easily accept performance upgrades such as turbos, high-flow cylinder heads, intake systems, and the like, the LM7 soon became a favorite of tinkerers and motorheads the world over who saw the engine as the ideal platform on which to build the motor of their dreams. All-in-all it was a home run for Chevy, which quickly garnered attention for its new pickup thanks to the inclusion of the powerful new performance engine.
The 1999 Silverado 1500’s engine represents the third generation of Vortec technology, with the LM7 also being deployed on GM models like the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon and Yukon XL, Chevy Suburban, and Tahoe. The LM7 would later grace GM models such as the 2022-2005 Cadillac Escalade and Chevy Avalanche, becoming GM’s go-to V8 for some of the largest vehicles in its fleet. The third-generation Vortec would get a bit of an upgrade on Silverado 1500s produced from 2005 to 2007 when Chevy offered an upgrade over the garden variety LM7 with a new aluminum block version that increased horsepower by 15.
Little Engine, Big Impact
When it comes to pickup engines, bigger isn’t always better. Sure, some drivers want as much power as can fit under the hood, but for the rest of us, fuel efficiency and cost are equally important factors. First introduced on the 2014 Silverado 1500, Chevy’s 4.3-liter EcoTec3 4300 V6 is notable for both its size and efficiency. The engine is not only lighter than the average V6 thanks to its aluminum construction, but it’s also one of the most economical engines in its class without making any major sacrifices when it comes to performance.
The EcoTec engine offers 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway in its two-wheel drive configuration: impressive numbers in general but especially compelling when one considers that the engine was first produced nearly a decade ago. This sort of fuel efficiency goes a long way in broadening the Silverado’s appeal amongst a broader driver base, with the lower operation cost standing as a compelling factor for budget-conscious drivers.
The 4.3-liter V6 also uses a cylinder deactivation system known as Active Fuel Management (AFM) to further improve the pickup’s efficiency. The system is not quite as advanced as Chevy’s newest cylinder deactivation system known as Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), which would hit the scene starting with 2019 models, but it was a good start. The AFM system monitors the engine load and has the ability to deactivate the same two cylinders when less power is required. DFM takes this one step further with the system selecting from 17 different cylinder deactivation patterns, maximizing fuel economy based on ever-changing driving conditions.
Despite being one of the smaller standard engines on offer in a full-size pickup, the 4.3-liter EcoTec still holds its own when it comes to power. With 285 horsepower and a V6-class leading 305 lb-ft of torque, drivers are unlikely to miss the gas-guzzling heft of the traditional V8. In fact, the EcoTec outperforms many other V8s on the market, offering more horsepower than the Ford F-150’s 4.6-liter V8 and Ram’s 4.7-liter option. With its 4.3-liter displacement, the Silverado’s engine also bests the competition when it comes to torque, with 10 more lb-ft (305 in total) than both the Ford and Ram options. Better torque means better towing capacity, and the EcoTec is a standout in this category as well, with over 7,600 lbs to its name.
The EcoTec3 4300 is built using a V-shaped layout that allows the engine to pack more power into a smaller space. This also makes for a more balanced design which, by concentrating weight towards the center of the engine, reduces the Silverado’s center of gravity, resulting in a more comfortable, safer ride. Since the 4.3-liter V6 has been on the market since 2014, there’s no shortage of driver feedback to help you make an informed decision. One particular highlight is the engine’s reputation for reliability, with an estimated lifespan of more than 400,000 miles.
Building On Success
That brings us to today. Despite the meteoric rise of crossover SUVs, pickups are as popular as ever, though they had to play to their strengths to help differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded market. Chevy is a prime example of the trend, leaning into the Silverado 1500’s versatility to produce one of the most customizable full-size pickups on the market. The 2022 model is available with a class-leading powertrain selection that includes four different engines and three transmission options. The pickup is also available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, allowing drivers the opportunity to build their ideal Silverado from the ground up.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Chevy’s had success with the 5.3-liter V8 right from the start, and it’s not looking like that’s going to change in 2022. Silverado 1500s in the LTZ and High Country trim come standard with another beefy V8 which is a standout at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque and should provide more than enough juice for all but the most hardcore towing jobs or off-road adventures. The engine is also the most flexible of the current lineup when it comes to transmissions, as it can be mated with six, eight, or ten-speed automatic options.
The 5.3-liter option also features Chevy’s unique Dynamic Fuel Management system, which uses cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy. The system can monitor driving habits and power requirements, deactivating specific cylinders when all eight start to feel like a bit of overkill. The Silverado won’t win a longest-range test with an EV anytime soon, but the DFM tech is sufficient enough to boost the pickup’s expected fuel economy into the 16 to 18 MPG range, depending on whether drivers opt for two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
For drivers seeking the ultimate in fuel efficiency from the full-size pickup, look no further than the 3.0-liter turbodiesel. Available on the Trail Boss trim and above, the ultra-efficient will have you passing by the pump time and time again, thanks to its stellar 26 MPG when paired with the two-wheel drive setup. Those opting for the four-wheel experience will only see a 2 MPG reduction, with the off-road-ready version holding strong at 24 MPG. While it’s a little less powerful than some of its contemporaries at 277 horsepower, it more than makes up for it when it comes to torque where the diesel engine allows the pickup to produce 460 lb-ft.
The base engine is a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that offers 310 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque––72 lb-ft more than the 2021 version––but it’s the lineup leading 6.2-liter V8 that really caught our attention this time around. Reserved as the standard engine for the off-road-ready ZR2 and offered as an upgrade for the RST, LT, LTZ, Trail Boss, and High Country trims, this behemoth of a V8 puts power at the forefront. While only available with the 10-speed automatic setup, drivers probably won’t even notice as they’re flooring the pickup from zero-to-sixty in 5.4 seconds or hauling a class-leading 13,300 pounds.
Capable of producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, the V8 is the perfect complaint to the ZR2, which includes a host of upgrades that, along with the engine, are just begging for a little off-road fun. Fuel efficiency understandably suffers a bit on the ZR2 version due to the pickup’s grippy all-terrain tires, but on other models, the V8 records a respectable 17 MPG.
There Are a Lot of Engines Out There for You to Find
From the fuel-efficient EcoTec engines to the massive new 6.2-liter V8, there’s a Silverado engine out there for every type of driver. Whether you’re looking for a work truck, weekend adventure vehicle, or a solid all-around choice for everyday driving, the Silverado can be customized to fit nearly any role you can imagine. Want to learn more about what makes the Silverado one of America’s most popular pickups? Stop by Parkway Chevrolet today and see what surprises are in store.
We offer a full lineup of both new and pre-owned Chevy vehicles, from the Silverado 1500 to the family-friendly Equinox crossover SUV, next-generation Bolt EV, and hair-raising Corvette Stingray. Every vehicle we sell comes with a unique perks program called the Parkway Advantage. It includes lifetime access to free loaner cars during service, free state inspections for the life of your vehicle, six months of free car washes, and a transparent pricing process that’ll have you leave knowing you got the best deal possible. Come experience the top-tier customer service you can only find at Parkway Chevrolet and discover why we’re one of the most popular dealers in the greater Houston area.
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