Offering five different engine options, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a powertrain to suit any driver’s needs, whether it’s heavy towing or class-leading fuel economy.
Key Points
- The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers five different Vortec engine options: a 4.3-liter V6; 4.8-liter, 5.3-liter, and 6.2-liter V8s; and a 6.0-liter V8 hybrid. Both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available across the range.
- More affordable 4.3-liter and 4.8-liter engines are both simple, rugged, and reliable. However, neither performs especially well in terms of fuel economy.
- The 5.3-liter V8 is the most advanced engine in the lineup and offers a great blend of performance and economy. Excessive oil consumption and PCV issues are known problems though.
- 6.2-liter V8 models boast a strong 403 hp, which enables them to tow up to 10,700 pounds. However, the 6.2 is only available in Extended or Crew cab models in LT or LTZ trim.
- The Silverado Hybrid might offer class-leading economy, but it’s to the detriment of payload and towing capacity. Silverado Hybrid was discontinued after 2013.
2013 Silverado’s Base 4.3-liter V6 is an Affordable Workhorse but is Certainly Underpowered
At the bottom of the 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 engine lineup is the LU3 4.3-liter Vortec V6, the only non-V8 on offer. In production since 2002, the LU3 certainly shows its age, still using a distributor rather than ignition coils. Cast iron was used for the cylinder head and block, making it strong but also heavy.
Power is hardly this engine’s strong suit, producing just 195 hp at 4,600 rpm, although its 260 lb.-ft. of torque is available at a relatively low 2,800 rpm. It comes paired with a four-speed automatic, and either rear- or four-wheel-drive as with all engine options.
Fuel economy is middle of the pack: 2WD models achieved 15 mpg city, 20 highway, and 17 combined; 4WD models get 14 mpg, 18, and 16 respectively. It also requires 4.5 quarts of fully synthetic oil, either 5W-30 or 0W-30, the latter preferred for colder climates.
Aimed at those seeking a basic, affordable work truck, the 4.3-liter V6 is only offered on Regular Cab and Extended Cab models. A replacement engine is likely to cost up to $2,099 used and $2,312 rebuilt according to Car Part Planet.
2013 Silverado’s 4.8L V8 may Offer E85 Compatibility, but it is Very Thirsty for Fuel
Positioned as the entry-level V8 engine, the L20 4.8-liter Vortec V8 comes in all body styles, making it the entry point for Crew Cab buyers. A substantial upgrade over the V6, it makes 302 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 305 lb.-ft. at 4,600 rpm. It also features an aluminum cylinder head on its cast-iron block. However, it still comes with a basic four-speed automatic.
What’s more, the 4.8-liter has Flex Fuel compatibility, meaning it can run on E85. Despite this, fuel economy was not its strength. The 2WD models achieved just 14 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined; 4WD models saw those numbers drop by one. Running on E85 only saw fuel economy drop another four miles per gallon combined.
This, and all other V8 engines, required six quarts of fully synthetic oil. Again, 5W-30 for all climates, or 0W-30 for colder climates. Used engines aren’t much more than the V6 at $2,250, but rebuilt engines cost a heftier $3,145.
2013 Silverado’s Popular 5.3L V8 Engine Sports Cast Iron or Aluminum Block, and Cylinder Deactivation Technology for Improved Economy
While all 5.3-liter 2013 Chevrolet Silverados may look identical on paper, there are actually two 5.3-liter engines offered, though with just one difference between them. “LMG” engines have a cast-iron block, while LC9 engines use cast aluminum. The LC9 is found only in Extended Cab and Crew Cab models; LMG is available across the range.
Power-wise, both produce an identical 315 hp at 5,200 rpm and 335 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm. However, thanks to Flex Fuel compatibility, running the 5.3 on E85 bumps it up to 326 hp and 348 lb.-ft.
All 5.3-liter models feature Active Fuel Management, allowing it to run on just four cylinders when not under heavy strain. This helps it achieve fuel economy figures of 15 mpg city, 21 highway, and 17 combined. A six-speed automatic is standard with a new “grade braking” function.
Used engines will cost around $3,250 for both LMG and LC9 units. Excessive oil consumption is a known issue with 5.3-liter models due to faulty PCV valves, but doesn’t typically occur until it has reached higher mileage. Be sure to check that any necessary repairs to the PCV system have been completed before you buy.
2013 Silverado’s Monstrous 6.2L V8 Produces Beefy 403 hp and can Tow up to 10,700 Pounds
Sitting at the top of the 2013 Silverado 1500 range, the all-aluminum L9H 6.2-liter Vortec V8 made this Chevy a real mean machine. Producing 403 hp at 5,700 rpm and 417 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm, it could tow as much as 10,700 pounds with the Max Trailering package.
While premium fuel is recommended, the 6.2 can run on regular gas and also has E85 compatibility. Unsurprisingly, it was the least economical model, achieving a miserly 12 to 13 mpg city, 18 highway, and 14 combined.
To replace one of these 6.2-liter engines will cost up to $3,866 for a rebuilt unit.
2013 Silverado Hybrid Pairs a V8 with Two Electric Motors to Deliver Best-in-Class Fuel Economy
The most unique offering in the 2013 Silverado lineup is the Hybrid model – the final year it was offered. Well ahead of its time, it managed its goal of achieving class-leading fuel economy figures. It’s at the detriment of payload and towing capacity, though – the two other important factors for pickup buyers.
Power is something it has plenty of, however. At its heart is the all-aluminum LZ1 6.0-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management, paired with two electric motors fed by a 300 volt NiMH battery pack to produce 332 hp at 5,100 rpm and 367 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm. Unfortunately, that power doesn’t help when it came to towing, with it rated for only 6,100 pounds. Payload also only reaches 1,527 pounds; non-hybrid Silverado 1500s can manage up to 1,937 pounds.
For the best compromise between efficiency and drivability, Chevrolet fitted it with its Electrically Variable Transmission. This blended both a four-speed planetary gearbox and a CVT into one and was designed to work seamlessly with the Silverado’s four-wheel-drive system. It clearly did the trick with aiding fuel economy – the 2013 Silverado Hybrid managed 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined.
All Five 2013 Chevrolet Silverado Engine Options Look Promising, But the 5.3L V8 is a Clear Standout
With this breadth of engines across the 2013 Silverado range, it’s clear there’s an option to suit everyone, be it something economical, basic and reliable, or powerful. There is one clear standout in the range: the 5.3-liter V8. The most advanced engine in the lineup, it strikes the best balance between performance and fuel economy. If its PCV system issues concern you, however, the 4.8-liter and 6.2-liter V8s will both be bulletproof workhorses. Just be prepared to pay the price when it comes to fuel economy.
Photos: Chevrolet
