GM 4.8 vs 5.3: What's the Difference?

The GM 4.8L Vortec 4800 and the GM 5.3L Vortec 5300 differ in displacement, bore × stroke, compression ratio, factory rating. The table puts the factory specs side by side; each engine's own page has the full specs.

Specs side by side

	GM 4.8L Vortec 4800	GM 5.3L Vortec 5300
Engine	GM 4.8L Vortec 4800 (LR4, LY2, L20)	GM 5.3L Vortec 5300 (LM7, L59 and Gen IV 5.3)
Displacement	293.3 ci (4.81 L)	325.2 ci (5.33 L)
Bore × stroke	3.780" × 3.268"	3.780" × 3.622"
Cylinders	8	8
Compression ratio	8.8:1–9.5:1	9.5:1–10:1
Factory rating	255 hp–302 hp	270 hp–320 hp
Block	cast iron	aluminum or cast iron
Heads	aluminum	aluminum
Rod length	6.275"	6.098"
Deck height	9.240"	9.240"
Weight (approx.)	—	—
Fuel	gas	gas
Model years	1999–2017	1999–2014

Where versions of an engine differ, the table shows the range across them. Ratings are the makers' published figures.

Which cars got each engine

GM 4.8L Vortec 4800	Years
Chevrolet Silverado 1500	1999–2013
Chevrolet Tahoe	2000–2009
GMC Sierra 1500	1999–2013
GMC Yukon	2000–2009
Chevrolet Chevy Van / Express	2004–2017
GMC Vandura / Savana	2003–2017

GM 5.3L Vortec 5300	Years
Buick Rainier	2004–2007
Chevrolet TrailBlazer	2003–2008
GMC Envoy	2003–2009
Chevrolet Silverado 1500	1999–2013
GMC Sierra 1500	1999–2013
Chevrolet SSR	2003–2004
Chevrolet Silverado HD	1999–2000
GMC Sierra HD	1999–2000
Chevrolet Suburban	2000–2014
Chevrolet Tahoe	2000–2014
GMC Yukon	2000–2014
Cadillac Escalade	2002–2005
Chevrolet Avalanche	2002–2013
Chevrolet Chevy Van / Express	2003–2014
GMC Vandura / Savana	2003–2014
Hummer H3	2008–2010
Chevrolet Colorado	2009–2012
GMC Canyon	2009–2012

More

• GM 4.8L Vortec 4800 specs
• GM 5.3L Vortec 5300 specs
• All engine comparisons