Buying new Tahoe...5.3L vs 6.2L

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tahoe7689

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I'm selling my '03 Tahoe and looking to buy an '08 Tahoe. I'd like to get one with the 6.2L engine, but I don't know if its worth the extra gas for the hp gain. Can you guys give me some opinions on how you all like your 5.3 (and 6.2 if you have one in a TAHOE) and if you all think its worth getting the 6.2L? I plan on tuning the new Tahoe, adding a K&N FIPK, and that's probably about it. I know the 6.2L isnt offered anymore on new tahoes, was there a reason this was discontunued besides maybe mpgs (like mechanical issues or the like). Thanks guys!
 

soulsea

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The 6.2 option was only available in 2009 as far as I know.

I loooove the 6.2 in my Denali, thing is a beast ... but it's really thirsty!
 
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tahoe7689

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ya, my dad has the 6.2L in his 07 escalade, but diff hp ratings from the tahoe so I was wondering if it was worth it. I have been reading about oil consumption problems in the 5.3L, does anyone know if this was corrected after 07 and would I avoid this issue by getting the 6.2L? and 6.2L was available from 08-09 in the tahoe, I have found 08 and 09 tahoes with the 6.2L for sale (verified by the VIN number).
 
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soulsea

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I think you are right about the 08 ... I keep forgetting about it cause I think the 09 was available in 4WD, whereas I believe the 08 6.2 Tahoe was only in 2WD. For some reason the Tahoe 6.2 were rated about 20hp less that the esky/denali 6.2s.

I looked for one a few months ago before I bought the Denali and couldn't find one at the time with low enough miles. :shrug:
 

HOE-N-IT

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2009 was the first year that the six-speed was available in the Tahoe. I assume it was also available with the 6.2 but haven't checked. This would help a little with the MPG and is a better transmission.
 

07Burb

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All other things being equal I'd get the 6.2 equipped Hoe. The power increase is substantial.
 

Big Bad Allis

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Another vote for the 6.2 if you can get it. The HP gain alone gets me excited. I really don't think the average driver will notice the fuel economy difference anyways. I think those that say the 6.2 is more thirsty it's because it's a lot more fun to mash on the pedal of the 6.2
 
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tahoe7689

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I agree haha, 6.2L sounds the most exciting. Are there any issues I need to keep an eye out for (Since im going for the 6.2L I only have the option of 08 or 09, so hopefully any bugs for the new body style would be taken care of by then)?
 

AmazinglySmooth

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I have the 6.2 in my Denali XL AWD, which I had in for service recently. They loaned me a Yukon SLE with the 5.3. There is no comparison. The 6.2 blows it away. The 5.3 feels like it is trying too hard and always downshifting. However, the 5.3 used much less fuel 17MPG vs. 12MPG in mine.
 

Fast55

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I have a 2009 6.2 4X4. I've never seen another one in person. There is no difference between the 395 HP rated 6.2 in the Tahoe VS the 403 HP rating on the Esky 6.2. It's all marketing. This thing would run cirlces around my '07 5.3 2WD even before tuning. All 6.2's are thirsty. The new ones have cylinder deactivation like my '07 had and it helps, but my '09 averages 14.6 mpg after intake and tuning, the '07 averaged 16.
 

THE-HOE

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we all know the 6.2 will be thirsty, but its up to you on what you want man? personally, im broke, but i would get the 6.2 with no questions asked. You only live once, and from riding in a few of my friends 6.2s its worth the mpg loss. also, in SOME cases you can get a few modifacations and make the mpg better. so do what you want but in my opinion 6.2 wins
 

felixgun

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I has a 5.3L Tahoe and now have a 6.2L escalade and it's a world of difference. If you have the option going 6.2L then do it!!!!
 

dieselp

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If you are a CAR GUY GET the 6.2L. :party52: if your a guy with a car 5.3 L.:shrug:
 

fire105

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I cant say I have ever driven a 5.3 but I just bought a denali this past weekend and I an overly impressed with the 6.2. We went on a road trip through the hills of MD and PA and the beast barley went over 2k on the tac when pulling the hills, unless I felt like playing lol
 

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