The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a full-size pickup truck, has been a mainstay of the American automotive landscape for decades. The third generation, introduced in 2014 and receiving a significant facelift in 2016, continued this tradition. This article focuses on the 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Short Box configuration equipped with the 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This particular variant occupied a key position in the Silverado lineup, offering a balance of capability, fuel efficiency, and affordability, appealing to a broad range of truck buyers. It served as a step up from the base 2.7L four-cylinder engine, while remaining more accessible than the larger 5.3L and 6.2L V8 options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 1500 |
| Generation | Silverado 1500 III (facelift 2016) Crew Cab Short Box |
| Type (Engine) | 4.3 V6 EcoTec3 (285 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5-6 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 285 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 414 Nm @ 3900 rpm (305.35 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LV3 |
| Engine displacement | 4293 cm3 (261.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 15.1 l (15.96 US qt | 13.29 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2284 kg (5035.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3130 kg (6900.47 lbs.) |
| Max load | 846 kg (1865.11 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1512 l (53.4 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 98 l (25.89 US gal | 21.56 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2495 kg (5500.53 lbs.) |
| Length | 5843 mm (230.04 in.) |
| Width | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1884 mm (74.17 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3645 mm (143.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 222 mm (8.74 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/70 R17; 265/70 R17; 275/55 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17; 9J x 20 |
Introduction
The 2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Short Box with the 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 engine and six-speed automatic transmission represented a sweet spot in the Silverado lineup. Following the mid-cycle refresh in 2016, the Silverado received updated styling, enhanced interior materials, and improved technology. The Crew Cab configuration offered ample passenger space, making it suitable for families and work crews alike, while the Short Box provided a practical bed length for everyday hauling needs. This variant was designed to appeal to buyers who needed the capability of a full-size truck but didn’t necessarily require the higher cost and fuel consumption of the larger V8 engines.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Silverado variant is the 4.3L (261.97 cubic inches) EcoTec3 V6 engine, designated as the LV3. This engine is a naturally aspirated, 90-degree V6 featuring direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VVT), and aluminum cylinder heads. The direct injection system optimizes combustion efficiency and power delivery. The EcoTec3 family of engines was designed with fuel efficiency in mind, utilizing features like active fuel management (cylinder deactivation) to improve gas mileage during cruising conditions. The six-speed automatic transmission (likely the 6L80) was chosen for its smooth shifting and ability to handle the engine’s torque output. This transmission features electronically controlled shifting and is designed for durability and reliability. The engine produces 285 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 305 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.3L V6-equipped Silverado 1500 offered a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not as quick as the V8 models, it provided sufficient power for most everyday tasks, including towing lighter trailers and hauling moderate loads. The six-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, offering smooth and predictable shifts. The gear ratios were optimized for both fuel economy and towing capability. Compared to the 5.3L V8, the 4.3L felt less powerful, particularly when accelerating with a load. However, the V6 offered a noticeable improvement in fuel economy. The ride quality was typical of a full-size pickup, providing a comfortable experience on most road surfaces. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provided a traditional truck feel, while four-wheel drive was available as an option for improved traction in inclement weather.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 offered a range of trim levels, with the 4.3L V6 engine available on most of them. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rearview camera, and a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display. Higher trim levels, such as LT and LTZ, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies. Optional extras included a navigation system, a sunroof, and various trailering packages. The interior design was functional and durable, with a focus on practicality. The Crew Cab configuration provided generous rear-seat legroom, making it a comfortable option for passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 1500 featured a fully boxed frame construction, providing a solid and durable foundation. The suspension system consisted of independent front suspension with coil springs and a multi-leaf rear suspension. The rear brakes on many models were still drum brakes, a cost-saving measure compared to the available four-wheel disc brake option. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. Steering was rack-and-pinion with electric power steering. The chassis was designed to provide a balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capability. The standard tire size was typically 255/70R17 or 265/70R17, with larger 275/55R20 tires available on higher trim levels.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 4.3L V6 Silverado 1500 was generally well-received by critics and consumers. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and ample interior space. However, some reviewers noted that the V6 engine lacked the power of the V8 options, particularly when towing heavy loads. Compared to the 5.3L V8, the 4.3L offered a significant improvement in fuel economy, making it a more attractive option for buyers who prioritized efficiency. Against competitors like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 offered a competitive combination of features, performance, and price.
Legacy
The 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine proved to be a reliable and durable powertrain. While not as iconic as the Silverado’s V8 engines, it provided a solid and efficient option for buyers who didn’t need the extra power. On the used car market, these Silverado variants generally hold their value well, particularly those in good condition with low mileage. The 6L80 automatic transmission is also known for its reliability. The 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a capable and affordable full-size pickup truck.
