What to buy. 5.3 or 6.2

Looking to purchase either a 2012 and up Tahoe LTZ. Or either a 2008-2009 or 2012 and up Yukon Denali/Escalade.

looking for this specific years because I read the 2012 and up have the updated valley cover to help with AFM oiling. Or 2008-2009 6.2 engine vin code “2” wasn’t equipped with AFM components at all.

Anything else I should be looking for in these? Common problems? First time purchasing a GM honestly. (Converted lol). Downside to either engine? Leaning towards a 6.2 for the 80 more hp. But idk.

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of folks here with lots of experience, some of whom have owned multiple numbers of these trucks and engine sizes. They will chime in with their experiences and perspectives.

Personally, I like the extended bed vehicles, as they have significant more cargo capacity available when I need it. I cannot comment specifically on the 6.2 versus the 5.3, since I have not owned a 5.3. I can tell you that the 6.2 has far more power and responsiveness that the 5.7 had in my previous Yukon.

Good luck on your final decision.

When we had our 2007 Denali with a 6.2L, I had a lifter lock up and scrub the cam at 270K. I was planning on rebuilding it and selling it so I bought a 2009 Suburban LTZ with a 5.3L and 120K on the clock for my wife to drive. Once I got the 2007 back up and running, she wanted the 2007 back as she thought the 5.3L was a “gutless wonder” in her words. She wouldn’t even let me look at anything but 6.2’s when we bought our next two Denali’s.

wjburken said:

When we had our 2007 Denali with a 6.2L, I had a lifter lock up and scrub the cam at 270K. I was planning on rebuilding it and selling it so I bought a 2009 Suburban LTZ with a 5.3L and 120K on the clock for my wife to drive. Once I got the 2007 back up and running, she wanted the 2007 back as she thought the 5.3L was a “gutless wonder” in her words. She wouldn’t even let me look at anything but 6.2’s when we bought our next two Denali’s.

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Yeah I’m leaning towards the 6.2. But right now I’m driving an expedition with 225hp. So both will probably impress.

NIk B said:

Yeah I’m leaning towards the 6.2. But right now I’m driving an expedition with 225hp. So both will probably impress.

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Damn, even my 2001 5.3l is like 285hp

2001 Yukon SLT
2012 Yukon Denali XL
2011 Yukon Denali RIP 5/20/18

Regardless of which one you buy, whats the mileage? I have a 12 Hoe 5.3L - 140k, and I hv to rebuild the top half anyway. So, I recently bought this upgrade, for more HP & Torque, and it includes new valley cover, from Texas Speed. Best of all, it didnt break the bank, $2350, for all of these upgrades. I get it, you want a bigger engine, bc of HP - but dont stress over that, you will need to rebuild the engine anyway, if she has a lot of miles on her...

TSP 2007.5-2013 GM Truck/SUV, 2WD & 4WD 1-3/4" Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers w/ ARP Hex-Head Bolts
(@powder coater now)!!

Melling High Volume/High Pressure Oil Pump

VVT Delete Kit

DOD / AFM Delete Kit for 5.3/6.0/6.2 Engines

• Vehicle: Chevrolet - Tahoe - 2012
• Morel LS Drop In Lifters
• Mahle MLS 5.3/5.7 Gasket x2
• ARP Head Bolts
• Include L92 Valley Cover w/o PCV Provision
• ARP Crank Bolt

Circle D Specialties High Perfromance GM 6L80 LS Torque Converter, 2600-2800 RPM 1A

Texas Speed Beehive Spring Cam Package for Cathedral Port Heads (LS1/LS2/LS6)

• Stage 2 5.3 Truck Cam 212/218, .600"/.600" (112 LSA)
• Standard 5150 Cam Core
• PAC 1219 Single Beehive Springs (For Cams Under 230 Duration)
• Seals
• 7.400"
• GM OEM LS2 Timing Chain Set - 4x Cam Gear
• Include Crank Bolt/Gasket Kit w/ ARP Bolt

If you have the time and patience look for an 09 Tahoe ltz with the 6.2l. not a lot of them out there. But a perfect combo of the 6.2 and 2wd / 4wd vs awd. I found an 09 Yukon Denali for my wife for the same reason....no afm. The awd is perfect for her. It drives great, is loaded etc. If I were shopping for me it would be the Tahoe with 6.2. it may take a while to find one without lots of rust or accidents.

wjburken said:

When we had our 2007 Denali with a 6.2L, I had a lifter lock up and scrub the cam at 270K. I was planning on rebuilding it and selling it so I bought a 2009 Suburban LTZ with a 5.3L and 120K on the clock for my wife to drive. Once I got the 2007 back up and running, she wanted the 2007 back as she thought the 5.3L was a “gutless wonder” in her words. She wouldn’t even let me look at anything but 6.2’s when we bought our next two Denali’s.

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She's a keeper!

Tonyrodz said:

She's a keeper!

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Yes she is.

Wait, you’re referring to my wife right?

wjburken said:

Yes she is.

Wait, you’re referring to my wife right?

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Both