This category is dedicated to the GM 4.3L, 5.3L, and 6.2L EcoTec3 engines. Our content for the Ecotec3 includes articles like the Chevy 5.3 vs 6.2 EcoTec3 and how to delete/disable Active Fuel Management (AFM). Check out more awesome, helpful EcoTec guides below.
The 6.2 EcoTec3 is the biggest and most powerful engine offered in half-ton trucks. While it’s got a good amount of power, what’s not fun about adding some more? With just a few basic bolt-on modifications you can get the 6.2 EcoTec3 up to around 500whp, at which points aggressive cams or forced induction will…
Wish you bought a 6.2 EcoTec3 instead? Just kidding, the 5.3 is an awesome platform that can be even better with the addition of some performance upgrades. Some tuning and E85 fueling can get the 5.3 EcoTec3 close to the power of a stock 6.2. Toss a few other bolt-ons in there and next thing…
The 4.3 EcoTec3 is the smallest engine of the EcoTec engine family, and also the only V6 available. It’s smaller size of course results in a good bit less power and towing capacity than you get out of the V8’s in the family. While the 4.3 EcoTec3 is built the be heavily modified, there are…
If you’re looking at trucks and need to choose between the 5.3L and the 6.2L, the choice might not necessarily be cut and dry. After all, the best truck for you is equipped with an engine that can handle all you throw at it, so sometimes the most obvious choice isn’t always the best option….
When it comes to powering your Chevrolet pickup truck, deciding between the available engine options can be a challenge. It’s not so much about displacement, but more a question of capability and, like many things automotive, what all can go wrong (and how much it will cost you). To help you decide between the 3.0L…
The 4.3L EcoTec3 engine became the new base half-ton truck option after the retirement of the Vortec engines. As such, it was built to be able to tow a decent amount of weight and provide strong reliability. Unfortunately, GM missed the mark on a few things with this engine, leading to some common problems. The…
AFM or active fuel management is a GM/Chevy technology meant to improve gas mileage. AFM works by deactivating half of the engines cylinders under certain circumstances to reduce fuel usage. It essentially turns your V8 engine into a V4 which saves fuel. GM claims fuel improvements ranging from 5%-15% depending on the engine. So why…
The 6.2L EcoTec engine was released in 2014 to power GM’s performance vehicles and as the highest tier engine option for Silverado and Sierra trucks. Powering some of the most expensive GM vehicles, reliability is a big factor. Unfortunately, the 6.2L EcoTec3 is prone to a number of common and serious problems such as lifter…
The Vortec engine family was plagued by problems with oil consumption and AFM, leading to GM developing the new EcoTec3 engine family in 2014. However, the EcoTec3 engine family, including the 5.3L engine still suffer from AFM related problems. Additionally, the 5.3L engine specifically has common problems with carbon build-up, fuel injector failure, 4WD, fuel…
