Well after reading a lot of the posts on this website, the talk of torque seems to be the biggest topic discussed but for some reason it has only pertained to the new 5.4 liter engine because of its ability to develope 80% of its torque at 1000RPM. Well since people who work their 1500 series trucks and buy the cheaper version usually with a V6 engine (Yes Ford does still make an F150 with a V6) or the base V8, I decided to chekck around and see who made the best base engines for torque since GM Boasts its high horsepower. Tell me what you guys think about these numbers:

CHEVY/GMC
4.3 V6
195HP@4600
260lb/ft@2800

4.8 V8
285HP@5600
295lb/ft@4000

DODGE
3.7 V6
215@5200
235lb/ft@4000

4.7 V8
235HP@4600
295lb/ft@3600

FORD
4.2 V6
202@4800
252lb/ft@3400

4.6 V8
231HP@4750
293lb/ft@3500

It seems as if GM is right with their Horsepower talk, but their base V8 Torque is beat by the Dodge, yes I know the numbers are the same, but as ALL of you have been saying, low end torque is what matters and the Dodge achieves its peak torque 400 RPM lower than the Chevy. In the base V6 category, GM has it won with the most torque at the lowest RPM whereas the Dodge is the weakest with the Ford in the middle. What do you guys think of all this?

 

I think GM is at least trying to do the right thing by using the 5.3L as the highest optional engine for their conventional 1/2 tons. It's not the stongest V8 out there but it's a great 1/2t engine.

Dodge and Ford are using the 5.4 and 5.7 as optional 1/2 ton engines that are also base engines for the 3/4 and 1 tons. As a result you see lots of complaining about the base V8s for those two makes being underpowered for certain jobs.

Most of the guys with GM 6.0Ls in 2500/3500s seem pretty satisfied compared to 5.4L and 5.7L Hemi owners. No flame intended here to the 5.4L owners.

Sorry I veered off topic a little!

 

you overated the 4.8 chevy motor and 285 hp is for the 5.3.

 

Seems I read that the new 5.3 is 295 HP??

Ron
00 Excursion Limited 4x4 V-10

 

I took it directly from the chevrolet site, they upped the output of both their engines for 04, take a look for yourself if you don't believe me www.chevrolet.com

 

No he didn't over-rate the chevy motor. The 4.8 does make just 15 less horsepower than the "high-tech" 5.4 Ford motor. GM has always led the engine catagory, and always will as far as numbers go. What you need to look at in your case is, how long do these engines last when worked hard? That is the most important thing. All of these engines will tow the same trailer...but one might do it for more miles than the next.

 

That is a good point, but I thought I remembered a friend saying that these new GM engines are based off the old 327 and 283 or something like that. Wasn't the 327 one of the most reliable engines made by GM?

 

my bad i don't follow chevy like ford.

 

i think the 5.3L is a 327 but it isnt based off the old one if i have been told correctly. i also think the best base engine was the 300 I6 even tho it was under powered by a lot. its funny it out torques the new base V-6s still...but if i had to choose, it would be a toss up between the *gag* chevy and dodge. i dont think the 4.2L is all its cracked up to be.

 

As for all the new stuff out there i'd go with the 4.3 GM. The goal is to make as much torque as low as possible and as much hp as high as possible, this motor would be the best balace for light towing. As for best base in the past I saw a post about the 300-6. True, it only made about 120 hp at the wheels but show me another small cube motor that can be pushing 270 ft/lbs at 1800 RPM or that can be lugged as low when starting with a load or when needing to travel very slowly, esp. with a manual transmission. Do a mild rub on it and you're over 300 lbs and 150 hp with your torque still around 2000 RPM. Can't beat it for absolute low down grunt or longevity, period. (might have something to do with the fact that the motor will not spin 4000 RPM in stock trim. . .)


Justin

 

Straight 6's seem to have more torque in general, anyone care to explain why?

 

You guys are missing the boat on this one. I posted in another thread about the difference between the 4.2 and the 4.3. The 4.2 has much more off-idle torque than the Chevy because of the split port intake setup reduces volume and increases vacuum at low RPM's. The post:

 

Was the gearing different, because by the numbers the chevy has more torque lower in the RPM range? My buddy has a 97 F150 2wd with the 6 and a 5spd, and it does have decent torque but you can't put anything in the back without it bottoming out. I've only driven a 4.3 in an older chevy, not the newer style body(99+) so I don't have anything really to compare by.

 

umm your right they changed it for 2004 the 4.8L is 285horse and 295 torque the 5.3 L they changed to it is 295 horse and 330 torque

 

no offense man but we've moved past that point a few days ago