Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 1500 |
| Generation | Silverado 1500 III (facelift 2016) Regular Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 5.3 V8 EcoTec3 (355 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 2-3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6 kg/Hp, 166.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 243.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 355 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 519 Nm @ 4100 rpm (382.79 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | L83 |
| Engine displacement | 5326 cm3 (325.01 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| 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 | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 15.7 l (16.59 US qt | 13.81 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2130 kg (4695.85 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3084 kg (6799.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 954 kg (2103.21 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 2161 l (76.31 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 129 l (34.08 US gal | 28.38 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3084 kg (6799.06 lbs.) |
| Length | 5701 mm (224.45 in.) |
| Width | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1867 mm (73.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3378 mm (132.99 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 212 mm (8.35 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 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
The 2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab Long Box equipped with the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine and automatic transmission was a workhorse pickup designed for customers needing a robust and capable vehicle. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it bridged the gap between the more affordable V6 models and the higher-performance V8 trims. This configuration was particularly popular with fleet buyers, farmers, and individuals who required a dependable truck for hauling and towing without the premium price tag of the top-tier models. The facelifted Silverado brought updated styling, improved interior materials, and enhanced technology features, making it a more competitive offering in the crowded full-size pickup segment.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado variant lies the 5.3L L83 EcoTec3 V8 engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated, direct-injected powerplant featuring Active Fuel Management (AFM), a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down four cylinders during light-load driving to improve fuel economy. The engine produces 355 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm. The EcoTec3 family of engines were designed for a balance of power and efficiency, utilizing aluminum cylinder heads and a cast iron block. The direct injection system contributes to improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (6L80-E), known for its smooth shifting and durability. This transmission features electronically controlled shifting and a tow/haul mode for optimized performance when towing heavy loads.
Driving Characteristics
The Silverado 1500 5.3L Automatic offered a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not as quick as the 6.2L V8 models, the 5.3L provided ample power for everyday driving and hauling. The six-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, offering smooth and predictable shifts. The AFM system was generally seamless in operation, though some drivers reported a slight vibration when transitioning between V8 and V4 modes. The long bed configuration provided a generous cargo area, while the rear-wheel-drive setup offered a traditional truck feel. Compared to manual transmission versions, the automatic offered greater convenience, especially in stop-and-go traffic. However, the manual transmission provided slightly better fuel economy and a more engaging driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Regular Cab Long Box 5.3L Silverado typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels, such as the 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 towing packages. The interior materials were generally durable and functional, with the facelifted models featuring improved trim and a more modern dashboard design.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 1500 utilized a fully boxed frame for enhanced rigidity and durability. The suspension consisted of independent front suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs up front and discs in the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The rear axle ratio varied depending on the specific configuration, impacting both towing capacity and fuel economy. The steering system employed a rack-and-pinion setup with electric power steering, providing responsive and precise handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 5.3L Automatic was well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its comfortable ride, capable engine, and spacious interior. Compared to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the Silverado offered a competitive combination of features and value. The 5.3L engine provided a good balance between power and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for a wide range of buyers. However, some reviewers noted that the interior materials were not as refined as those found in some competitors. Fuel economy figures were respectable for a full-size pickup, averaging around 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Legacy
The L83 5.3L EcoTec3 engine has proven to be a reliable and durable powerplant. While some early EcoTec3 engines experienced issues with oil consumption, these were largely addressed through updated engine control modules and improved piston ring designs. Today, used Silverado 1500s with this engine are readily available and generally offer good value. The 6L80-E automatic transmission is also known for its longevity, provided it has been properly maintained. This combination of engine and transmission continues to be a popular choice for buyers seeking a dependable and capable full-size pickup truck.
