GMC Sierra engine choices and more

[Distantdrummer]

Looking at a Sierra SLE Crew Cab 2wd 1/2 ton and need some input please.
$32,600 msrp vs $36,800 msrp. (what kind of off list discount do you guys think I can expect)?

Seeking yall's opinions on these two engine options.


GMC 5.3 Vortec Iron Block vs 6.2 Vortec Iron Block.

3:08 on (5.3) vs 3:73 on (6.2)

BTW what does Vortec represent or mean?

Any other thoughts on GMC (or chevy), I wonder why the GMC's are always about $400. higher MSRP?
I know they are the same truck.
I'd prefer GMC, but would never pay an extra 400 dollars for just some badging differences.(That 400 dollars will have to be tossed out after I make my best deal or they'll see me cross street to chevy house).

===========
What Ford 150s would be comparable in engine size and trim level appointments?

[easyride]

I would go with the 6.2 with the 3:73 gears,the 5.3 just isn`t enough for a 31'. Dave

[MTDECK]

The 3.08 gear is not for towing.

[HowieE]

I would question if a 4:11 rear is available. Don't take the dealers word on that check with someone in a mountainous area of the country. They sell different engine rear combinations in different areas of the country.

[Distantdrummer]

In my first post above I stated that the 6.2 Vortec was an iron block engine.
I have now been led to believe that it is an all aluminum block.

If this is correct, what does this amount too? i.e. is there a longevity or expected problem with the aluminum block? For towing vehicle that I hope to be my possibly last truck buy, should I fear the aluminum block?
My source for the aluminum block "data" is Wikipedia, and I never quite am comfortable relying on their accuracy. However I have found a 2nd source as well.
The dealer sales dept. actually has no idea.Although they originally said it was an iron block.
=========================================
6200
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade has a 6.2 L Vortec 6200 (RPO L92) (≈376 cu in) engine. It is an all-aluminum design which, while still a pushrod engine, boasts variable valve timing, a first in a mass-produced non-overhead cam V8 engine. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. This engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 ft·lbf (565 N·m) in the GMC Yukon Denali/XL Denali, Sierra SLT, GMC Sierra Denali, and in the Cadillac Escalade. The Chevrolet Camaro SS automatic produces 400 HP and 410 ft.lb torque (426 HP and 410 ft.lb torque in the manual transmission), and makes an additional 2 ft.lb torque in the Silverado and Sierra Vortec Max pickups, and 390 hp and 419 ft·lbf (568 N·m) in the Hummer . It is also available in the Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ, with power ratings of 395 hp (295 kW) and 417 ft·lbf (565 N·m).

Applications:
* 2007+ Cadillac Escalade
* 2009+ Chevrolet Tahoe
* 2007+ GMC Yukon Denali/Denali XL
* 2007+ GMC Sierra Denali
* 2008+ Hummer H2
* 2010+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Vortec Max
* 2010+ GMC Sierra 1500 Vortec Max
* 2010+ Chevrolet Camaro SS

~Source~ = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Vortec_engine
==============================================

The vortec engine was first introduced by General Motors in the year 1986. The engine was a revolutionary development in the automobile industry in more ways than one. For starters, this was the first major attempt to brand truck engines independently apart from the brand of the truck and the manufacturer. Vortec engines became popular in their own right and did not have to piggyback on the reputation and popularity of General Motors trucks or the company itself.

When new vortec engines were introduced, its most distinctive characteristic was the vortex technology that created a swirl of air and fuel vapor inside the cylinder. The general perception was that this improved the quality of combustion inside the cylinders, generated more power, improved fuel mileage and reduced pollution.

The vortec engine made use of vehicle control module where a computer chip made use of numerous sensors fitted in the vehicle to monitor the performance of the engine. This was a the significant improvement over the use of mechanical devices to regulate the injection of fuel, movement of the piston and allied parts and removal of exhaust.Vortec engine were manufactured primarily for trucks. This had a positive impact on in the entire trucking industry as a whole. Better fuel economy meant not just more profit for the truck driver but led to reduction in prices of foreign goods and materials transported by trucks.

Vortec engines continued to remain popular. However, the name of the engine is no longer associated with electronic sensors used or the vortex technology used inside the engine. Rather, it has become another brand name that signifies good quality and low maintenance truck engines.These engines have evolved over the years and there will be significant differences between a new and recently manufactured vortec engine and used vortec engines manufactured more than a decade ago. These engines are currently in the fourth generation of production.
The new 5.3 vortec engine offers flexible fuel technology feature that enables the trucks to be run on new generation fuels as well. This additional option was not present in vortec engines in the past as well. This flexibility is very useful for truck drivers. The earliest engines made use of solid iron block. Today, these engine blocks are often made with aluminum. The number of cylinders fitted in these engines too has increased. The earliest engines were V6 engines; that is the engines consisted of six cylinders placed in a V shape. The latest generation engines are usually fitted with eight cylinders that generate sufficient power to pull huge trucks over long distances.

The popularity of the vortec engine can be seen from the fact that vortec crate engine is very popular amongst truck owners. These engines are often used in non GM trucks as well. You can buy crate engines on the web as well. As long as you are ready to pay for the transportation, the engine block will land right at your doorstep.
~Source~ =
http://www.vortecengine.com/

[MrBeast]

I had a 1/2 ton chevy extended cab short bed 4x4 with the 5.3, it was very very anemic, I sold it after 6 months and have never missed it, it was gutless, and when you hooked a trailer to it dismal.

Go for the 6.2, the last time I read the tech on them they were still an iron block. The 5.3 is an aluminum block, they made them from aluminum to save weight. Iron blocks are stronger and will last longer.

the 6.2 is a damn good engine from what I have seen, and I havent seen many of them on the hook of my wrecker.

in newer model trucks the GMC's tend to have nicer interior appointments, and they have options available that chevrolet does not at times, like a high idle switch, there are times when you can get one on a GMC but not a chevy, dont ask me why.

Vortec is simply a branding name. in 2006 when GM introduced its new fuel injection system for the small and big block they branded them as a Vortec engine. The Vortec V6 came a few years before.