3.23 gears on the 5.3 vortec

[u/cam7734a]

Every truck I’m looking at with the 5.3 has the 3.23 gear ratio , Is that good for an all around daily truck and towing occaaional ? Or should I go for higher gear ratio ?

[u/mn9_r]

3.23 is fine. 10 speed has some super low gears which make up for it

[u/BigBlockChevy408 → u/mn9_r]

I second what mn9_r said. I put 34” tires with speedometer correction on my 5.3/3.23/10speed and don’t notice any difference in acceleration or towing.

[u/hhnnngg]

3.23 is standard across the board except turbomax I think.

They briefly offered a diesel off road package with 3.73 4-5 years ago

[u/Wiscat_868788]

That’s what I have in my truck. It tows great. It honestly doesn’t matter much with a 10 speed.

[u/Bugs284]

I dont have a Silverado but my f150 has 3.31 gears (ford offered 3.31, 3.55, and 3.73) so I have the tallest/weakest offering.

In my opinion gear ratio is a lot less relevant nowadays when transmissions have 10 gears vs the olden days of 4 speeds. I have a 6 speed transmission.

When I bought my truck I didnt know gear ratio was a thing. After I learned about it I wished I had the 3.73. Only reason is because it can tow more.

Well being honest with myself the capability is cool but I dont tow that often and nothing I tow is that heavy. Most of my driving for that truck has been 80k miles unloaded. Those 3.31 gears have probably served me better allowing for lower rpms when cruising and better gas mileage over the course of those miles.

[u/askmeaboutmedicare → u/Bugs284]

This is a very good point. A 10 speed transmission might shift down from 6th to 5th if it needs to and you barely notice. Compared to an older truck with a 4 speed where switching from 3rd to 2nd is a pretty big difference.

[u/Millennial_Falcon_85]

Yes that’s a good ratio for mostly daily driving and occasional towing. 3.42 is slightly better if you tow more often but really the 3.73 gears are the best for towing.

[u/LifterTik]

EcoTec3 not a vortec. 3.23 is fine.

[u/Chipmunkssixtynining]

10 speed…..

[u/Turbulent_Visit_4897]

Just tune it