The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD III (K2XX) Double Cab Long Box, equipped with the 6.0-liter V8 engine producing 360 horsepower and paired with a four-wheel drive system and automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineage. Produced from 2015 to 2019, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the Silverado 3500HD lineup, offering a balance of capability, comfort, and technology aimed at buyers needing serious towing and hauling capacity without the expense of the diesel options. It was part of the third generation of the K2XX platform, known for its enhanced strength and refinement compared to its predecessors.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 3500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 3500 HD III (K2XX) Double Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.0 V8 (360 Hp) 4WD SRW Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp, 118.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 169.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 360 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 515 Nm @ 4200 rpm, 379.84 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 6000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Vortec L96 |
| Engine displacement | 5967 cm3, 364.13 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 101.6 mm, 4 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm, 3.62 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l, 6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt |
| Coolant | 16.1 l, 17.01 US qt | 14.17 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 3031 kg, 6682.21 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 4990 kg, 11001.07 lbs. |
| Max load | 1959 kg, 4318.86 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2162 l, 76.35 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 136 l, 35.93 US gal | 29.92 UK gal |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 6305 kg, 13900.15 lbs. |
| Length | 6321 mm, 248.86 in. |
| Width including mirrors | 2045 mm, 80.51 in. |
| Height | 1980 mm, 77.95 in. |
| Wheelbase | 4017 mm, 158.15 in. |
| Front track | 1748 mm, 68.82 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1709 mm, 67.28 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 223 mm, 8.78 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 16.2 m, 53.15 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Hydra-Matic |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 355×40 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 373×34 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 235/80 R17; 265/70 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado 3500 HD variant lies the Vortec L96 6.0-liter V8 engine. This engine is a member of Chevrolet’s well-regarded Vortec family, known for its robust construction and relatively simple design. The L96 features a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, contributing to its durability. It utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery and overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize performance and efficiency. The VVT system adjusts the timing of the intake and exhaust valves based on engine speed and load, improving low-end torque and fuel economy. The engine produces 360 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 515 Nm (379.84 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm. The Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission was the standard pairing for this engine. This transmission is known for its smooth shifting and durability, and its six forward gears help to keep the engine operating in its optimal power band.
Driving Characteristics
The 6.0L V8 and 6-speed automatic combination in the Silverado 3500 HD offered a different driving experience compared to the available diesel options or even the 6.2L gasoline engine. While not as powerful as the diesel, the 6.0L provided ample power for most towing and hauling tasks. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly quick to downshift, meaning drivers often needed to anticipate passing maneuvers or uphill climbs. The gear ratios were tuned for towing, prioritizing low-end torque over outright acceleration. Compared to a manual transmission equipped Silverado 3500HD, the automatic offered greater convenience, especially in stop-and-go traffic, but sacrificed some driver control and fuel efficiency.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Silverado 3500 HD Double Cab Long Box with the 6.0L V8 typically came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and vinyl upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as the LT and High Country, added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, navigation, and advanced safety features. Optional extras included a trailer brake controller, a fifth-wheel hitch, and various appearance packages. The Double Cab configuration provided comfortable seating for five passengers, making it a practical choice for both work and family use.
Chassis & Braking
The K2XX platform provided a solid foundation for the Silverado 3500 HD. The front suspension utilized an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, while the rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring design. This configuration was optimized for heavy-duty use, providing a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent load-carrying capacity. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power even when towing heavy loads. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard equipment. The rear axle was a solid axle, designed for strength and durability.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the Silverado 3500 HD’s overall capability and refinement. The 6.0L V8 was seen as a good option for buyers who didn’t need the extreme towing capacity of a diesel engine but still wanted a powerful and reliable truck. Fuel economy, however, was a common criticism, as the 6.0L V8 consumed significantly more fuel than the diesel alternatives. Compared to the 6.2L gasoline engine, the 6.0L offered more low-end torque, making it better suited for heavy towing, but the 6.2L provided slightly more horsepower and quicker acceleration. The diesel variants, while more expensive, offered superior fuel economy and towing capacity.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD III (K2XX) with the 6.0L V8 and automatic transmission has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain combination. The Vortec L96 engine is known for its longevity, and the Hydra-Matic 6L90 transmission is generally considered to be a durable unit. In the used car market, these trucks remain popular choices for buyers seeking a capable and affordable heavy-duty truck. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and transmission fluid flushes, is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain. While not as fuel-efficient as newer trucks, the Silverado 3500 HD with the 6.0L V8 continues to offer a compelling combination of capability, comfort, and value.
