Americans still prefer big cars with big engines. And yes, we're going to have to change that in the near future because the era of electric vehicles is upon us, but when you have that seductive option of the monstrous 5.3 liter V8 engine in the new 2023 Chevrolet Suburban, nobody can think twice about it. twice, just do it. shopping, right?
Well, today we're going to talk more about the 5.3-liter gasoline engine that you'll find under the hood of the new Suburban SUV. And we will cover not only its main specifications, but also its problems and weak points that can spoil your mood while driving this great SUV. It's time to put things in order and learn more about that V8 engine that still seems so tempting to buy.
We are going to talk about:
- What kind of V8 engine does the new 2023 Chevy Suburban have?
- What is the estimated life of the Chevy 5.3L LS engine?
- What are the most common problems you may encounter when driving this vehicle?
- How to extend the life of the Suburban's 5.3 liter V8 engine?
Let's begin!
What you should know about the Suburban SUV's new 5.3-liter V8 engine?
Well, this is Chevy's fifth generation small-block engine. It's not the old Vortec 5300, but this is actually his son. There are many similarities between these two engines, but the differences are key. Firstly, due to the implementation of additional environmentally friendly equipment, the newer engine is much less durable and reliable.
In addition, you should notice some changes in the fuel supply system, exhaust system, valves, lubrication, etc. The fifth generation of LS engines was released in 2013, the new 2021 Suburban has had this engine from day one, so it will still be available in the 2023 model year. You should also know that the engine is codenamed EcoTec3.
Here are some key facts about the engine:
- this is the V8 engine with a huge displacement of 5.3 liters without turbochargers or really complicated technologies;
- This is FlexFuel engine, which means it can easily run on ethanol fuel, making it a little cheaper than other engines of this type.
- It is not the biggest engine in the new Suburban, there is another option with a displacement of 6.2 liters, and the third option is also the 3.0 Duramax diesel;
- The only type of transmission available with the 5.3-liter V8 is the Chevy 10-speed automatic, a very good unit.
- The engine delivers 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque; More can be expected from this displacement, but it's still not bad;
- The worst news for those on a tight budget is the mileage: the advertised 20mpg on the highway and 15mpg in the city are nearly unachievable in real life;
- Cheaper versions of the 5.3-liter Suburban V8 come with rear-wheel drive, which we think is a shame for this vehicle.
Anyone buying the Suburban should get a great bang for their buck. This is a big SUV with a lot of interior space. It's quite comfortable, has a great design, and lots of great features. But the engine can be considered too weak for the vehicle. Yes, 5.3 liters sounds like a lot, but 350 horsepower is not the dream of every buyer of an SUV of this size.
You could opt for the 6.2 liter 420hp engine, but that will cost a lot more. In addition, the Duramax diesel appears to be a more interesting option with its 277 hp and 460 lb-ft well ahead of the gasoline ones. So before you decide to buy a Suburban V8 5.3L, just take it for a spin, test drive it and ask a dealer about the different versions to compare and make the best choice.
How long should the Suburban's 5.3 liter EcoTec3 V8 engine last?
Well, in terms of durability, this is one of the best gasoline engines in the world still in production. The engine will last over 280,000 miles, and sometimes much longer if properly maintained. But some things can surprise you during the trip.
Firstly, the 10-speed Chevy and Ford automatic transmission (HydraMatic 10L80, to be precise) is not that durable. To drive your Suburban 280,000 miles, you'll likely need to replace the transmission at least once.
Secondly, the 5.3 liter EcoTec3 engine comes with a rather expensive catalytic converter system and an EGR valve that will make you jittery after 100,000 miles or 10 years. Replacing converters and cleaning EGR valves doesn't come cheap, so be prepared.
Also, the 2013 Suburban's 5.3 liter Ecotec3 engine is in need of wonderful maintenance. Otherwise, it will wear out a lot and eventually cost thousands of dollars in repairs.
What are the most common problems with the Suburban 5.3L V8 engine?
We won't talk much about the expected issues such as: B. Carbon buildup. This is a direct injection engine and you can expect any of these engines to have some carbon issues at about 80,000 miles or sooner. Just clean the valves to go another 80,000 miles. But there are issues you wouldn't expect from an engine with that much displacement and history.
Here are some of the most common problems with the Suburban's 5.3 liter EcoTec3 engine:
1) Fuel injection problems
The fuel injectors on these vehicles are pretty bad. They can fail long before the warranty period expires. And that's a good thing, too, because you don't have to pay to replace them. But eventually they will fail again and this is not the cheapest part of your engine.
Whenever you experience rough idle and engine misfire in your V8-equipped Suburban 5.3L, check the fuel injectors. You will likely lose some money replacing them.
2) Problems with the high pressure fuel pump
Fuel injectors aren't the only bad thing about the fuel delivery system. There are two fuel pumps on this engine - the high pressure one will be the nuisance. Well, it will go about 50,000 miles, which isn't too bad, but it will eventually fail. And the worst part is that it is insanely expensive.
Yes, many direct injection engines are prone to HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) failures, but you can't expect your Suburban's pump to shut off so quickly and cost so much.
3) AFM - Active Fuel Management
Whenever you hear that a vehicle is equipped with a cylinder management system, you can be sure that this system will cause problems, especially on a high mileage engine. Your Suburban's AFM system is designed to save fuel by shutting off 4 cylinders when not needed. However, the problem is that it communicates poorly with other parts of the engine and causes extremely low oil consumption in most engines.
Also, the system may crash, which can lead to unstable driving, RPM issues, performance issues, etc. Therefore, the AFM system introduced in EcoTec3 engines is not GM's best invention.
4) Overheating issues
Like its ancestors, the Suburban's new 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 hates overheating. Although it has a reliable cooling system, it can sometimes malfunction. Also, the engine may overheat if you run it at high speed for a long time. So be careful with it and avoid overheating at all costs.
These engines fear excessive heat; This can affect road bearings, crankshaft, pistons and some other important parts of the design. Keep an eye on the coolant level and make sure the cooling system is working properly.
How to extend the life of your Suburban's 5.3L engine?
The Suburban is not the vehicle for aggressive drivers. Also, it's not designed to pull a lot of weight. This is a good SUV with lots of room, but that's about it. Never buy if you need to tow a huge boat or if you plan to drive at high speeds on highways.
You must understand all the limitations this vehicle has with its engines and other parts. Here are also some other important considerations:
- Be sure to follow all regular maintenance procedures;
- Buy good oils and filters, don't try to buy cheaper parts either;
- Have the vehicle checked if you suspect a problem;
- Avoid driving at high revs for a long time.
last words
We know the Suburban can be a frustrating vehicle for some buyers. This is an SUV for calm, confident people who know what they want from a car. And yes, the entry-level 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 is certainly not the best choice for this vehicle. But if it feels right for your needs, then you can do it - this is still a reliable and capable engine with many benefits.