I'm wanting to be schooled on the 6.2L V8 for the '09 chevy 1/2 4x4 Crewcab trucks. I'm about to order a new truck and can either get the 6.2 or the 5.3 and am wondering which would be better over all? Unfortunately it looks like I may have to have 3.42 gears. Also what kind of MPGs is the 6.2L getting and how well does it tow? I have searched and if there are threads with this info please post. Thanks, Rankin
Kind of a late post, but... Unless things have changed for 09, the 5.3 will be your standard 1/2 ton truck, with a 10 bolt rear axle, and the 6.2 will only be available in the Vortec Max trucks that have the 14 bolt SF rear, as well as a beefier tranny, etc. My 07 5.3 has plenty of power empty, and gets anywhere from 15-20 unloaded with 3.23's. I would assume the newer engines might do a touch better, maybe, but the extra displacement is going to use a little more fuel if you get the 6.2, plus the newer style trucks are heavier to boot. If it were up to me, I would get the 6.2 and the deepest gearing available. A friend of mine has an 08 GMC K2500 with the 6.0 and 6 speed, and he gets a minimum of 14 MPG hauling a light plant (probably 1500 lbs), and 16+ not towing in mixed Phoenix metro driving, he's got almost 100K on it and has not had one problem or complaint.
