Which engine would last longer/ require less repairs in a 2025 Chevy Suburban

[GON]

Lots of discussions lately on BITOG on new vehicles, versus used vehicles, etc.

Here is a question, in a new 2025 Chevy Suburban, which engine would last longer, be more dependable, and over time cost less to maintain:

2025 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine

or a GEN II LT 1 engine with 50k miles, installed in a 2025 Chevy Suburban

The center of gravity for this question-- are new engines with the latest manufacturing technology, most high-tech quality control, and latest design enhancements more reliable long term than the V8s from a few decades ago?

 

[JavierH19]

Gen 2 lt1? i thought those were from the early to mid 90's. The hard part would be be getting the new ecu in there and other wiring related things to make it all work with everything else nicely. I think i'd bet on the new 5.3 but with afm disabled. I like to run tcw3 in my 2021 and others. Shuts up the high pressure pump and injectors good.

 

[supton]

Can you install a Gen II LT1 engine into a 2025? Legally or even feasibly (I'm thinking of various sensors etc).

Is this just a hypothetical question, like, what will last longer, a brand new engine today, or yesteryear's engines if given modern oils?

 

[Jetronic]

I think the safe bet would be the devil you know... LT is a known quantity

one the other hand, the 5.3 would have warranty, the refit won't.

 

[macarose]

"are new engines with the latest manufacturing technology, most high-tech quality control, and latest design enhancements more reliable..."

No. CAFE requirements and other environmental regulations have more than offset whatever quality improvements you would expect from the latest GM V8 engines.

I have a stock answer for everyone who asks me for a full-sized GM or Ford SUV.

Go test drive a late-model Nissan Armada Platinum instead...

A 5.6 Liter coupled with the 7-speed automatic is a fantastic powertrain.

 

[4wd]

Lots of discussions lately on BITOG on new vehicles, versus used vehicles, etc.

Here is a question, in a new 2025 Chevy Suburban, which engine would last longer, be more dependable, and over time cost less to maintain:

2025 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine

or a GEN II LT 1 engine with 50k miles, installed in a 2025 Chevy Suburban

The center of gravity for this question-- are new engines with the latest manufacturing technology, most high-tech quality control, and latest design enhancements more reliable long term than the V8s from a few decades ago?

I got a 2022 5.3L with extended warranty …
The 2017 is @ 105k with no issues …
My friend has a 2015 @ 200k with no issues …
I yield the balance of my time to BendanC …

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The new one doesn't have Opti-Spark

If you're going to swap the engine, get a supercharged LT4

 

[fantastic]

"are new engines with the latest manufacturing technology, most high-tech quality control, and latest design enhancements more reliable..."

No. CAFE requirements and other environmental regulations have more than offset whatever quality improvements you would expect from the latest GM V8 engines.

I have a stock answer for everyone who asks me for a full-sized GM or Ford SUV.

Go test drive a late-model Nissan Armada Platinum instead...

A 5.6 Liter coupled with the 7-speed automatic is a fantastic powertrain.

This is a great option! Considering the other two have very lousy safety, which is a priority for me. Car & Driver shows a V6 though? Is the 5.6L the standard engine? Infiniti QX80 is the same model & wonder engine options? Thanks!

https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/armada/specs
Engine: 3.5L DOHC 24-Valve Direct Injection V6 -inc: Twin turbo

 

[duck__dodgers]

This is a great option! Considering the other two have very lousy safety, which is a priority for me.

https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/armada/specs
Engine: 3.5L DOHC 24-Valve Direct Injection V6 -inc: Twin turbo

the 5.6L v8 is in the prior generation Armada (up to 2024). the twin-turbo V6 is the latest generation. Both have their positives (QX80 as well)---it all depends on how you're going to use the truck.

 

[fantastic]

Lots of discussions lately on BITOG on new vehicles, versus used vehicles, etc.

Here is a question, in a new 2025 Chevy Suburban, which engine would last longer, be more dependable, and over time cost less to maintain:

2025 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine

or a GEN II LT 1 engine with 50k miles, installed in a 2025 Chevy Suburban

The center of gravity for this question-- are new engines with the latest manufacturing technology, most high-tech quality control, and latest design enhancements more reliable long term than the V8s from a few decades ago?

Simple, the 2025 5.3L since that is standard equipment in the Suburban. No need to reinvent the wheel if you don't have to.

the 5.6L v8 is in the prior generation Armada (up to 2024). the twin-turbo V6 is the latest generation. Both have their positives (QX80 as well)---it all depends on how you're going to use the truck.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[joekingcorvette]

I would go with the 2025 5.3. I have never had to replace an engine and maybe I am lucky. I tried to wear out my old 2012 Honda Civic and gave up after 153,000 miles. It failed to have any problems or cost me any money. I got to the point I sold it just because I wanted something different. I think if I had a brand new Suburban and took care of it the vehicle would outlast me. BTW I always liked the Suburbans and the Ford Expeditions.

 

[97prizm]

Lots of discussions lately on BITOG on new vehicles, versus used vehicles, etc.

Here is a question, in a new 2025 Chevy Suburban, which engine would last longer, be more dependable, and over time cost less to maintain:

2025 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine

or a GEN II LT 1 engine with 50k miles, installed in a 2025 Chevy Suburban

The center of gravity for this question-- are new engines with the latest manufacturing technology, most high-tech quality control, and latest design enhancements more reliable long term than the V8s from a few decades ago?

If you're in an emissions state installing an engine that's older than the vehicle is an epa violation from my understanding being an emissions inspector. Second I don't think an LT1 will work well with a newer EcoTec 3 V8 ecu and electronics, as their I think completely different.

 

[grasscutter]

If it's got the multi cylinder deactivation, run away as fast as you can.

 

[clinebarger]

Gen II small blocks are getting harder & harder to get OE parts for, The Gen V is the better engine minus the AFM/DFM & the manufacturing issues with the L87.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Your comparing a 2 valve per cylinder pre OBD2 cast iron engine with 100 less horsepower to a modern over-engineered engine that makes 100 more horsepower while weighing less and getting better mileage and much lower emissions.

I wonder what we would get if they tried to make a modern 350 engine with ~275 Peak HP? Might be really good actually - but no one would buy it - they would claim it was a dog.

My question is what was the best ever engine put in a full size Chevy pickup. My guess is that it was designed / first used between 1996 and 2008. So was the Vortec a good engine?

 

[clinebarger]

My question is what was the best ever engine put in a full size Chevy pickup. My guess is that it was designed / first used between 1996 and 2008. So was the Vortec a good engine?

The Iron block 6.0L Gen III & IV LS engine.

 

[MaximumMini]

If it's got the multi cylinder deactivation, run away as fast as you can.

They ALL do, be it caused by dropped valve seats, lack of lubrication, broken cranks, no keyways, poor QC or planning etc etc etc. But here and there some get lucky. (for a while).

In the near future, DMV's will need to revise the defintion of "Antique car" to mean any vehicle that makes it to two years or 25,000 miles.
(Not necessarily on the Original engine or transmission)

 

[JimPghPA]

A new F150 can be ordered with the coyote 8 cylinder engine. Just remember to have the transmission valve body upgraded to a machined one made by next gen drive train in California, instead of the stamped junk all manufacturers are using nowadays.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Just reporting in. My 6.0 Gen IV LS engine has 280,000 miles and has never been opened up for any repairs. Would that fit the bill?

 

[Jetronic]

I only ever had to open up 1 engine I owned.

I cracked a sump by slamming it on a boulder and had to repair the crack as it would dump all but 1 quart of oil out overnight.

So not opening up an engine seems like it shouldn't be a goal it should be a standard feature.