QuestionIs the 5.3l have a enough power to haul and pull things such as a boat?
Is the 5.3L some what equivalent in power to the 5.7L?
Does the 5.3l have cast iron block and heads or aluminum?
I am looking at a stock long bed 2005 GMC Sierra with 38,000 miles with a 5.3l i was wondering how reliable and good the motor was for that year.
AnswerPlenty of power to haul a boat. I haul a 25' fiberglass all over the place with no concerns.
Equivallent power to a 5.7 (350ci) depending on what year, more power
Cast iron block and aluminum heads, which used be a source of fluid leaks due to the different expansion rates of the two materials, but this has been virtually eliminated with the evolution of gaskets and gasket materials. Only gasket I would say is common on that engine is a water pump seal, which seals the pump to the block, they are not uncommon to seep, however they are cheap and easily replaced with an updated gasket which corrects any concerns, the 2005 may already have the update gaskets installed.
As for reliability, I have owned three different trucks with the 5.3 (327ci) one I tweaked up a bit and was getting 380 hp and 18mpg with and never a break down on any of them.
Maintenance is always a factor on anything when talking about reliability. I change my oil every 3000km's and the rest of my fluids I change annually, whether they need it or not. But I get my parts cheap and I know a good mechanic ;)
Hope this helps
