The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD II, specifically the Crew Cab Long Box configuration with the 6.0-liter V8 engine and automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration of Chevrolet’s heavy-duty pickup truck lineage. Produced from 2011 to 2014, this model falls within the GMT900 generation, benefitting from a mid-cycle refresh that brought updated styling and enhanced features. Positioned as a robust work truck with a degree of passenger comfort, the 3500 HD series catered to owners requiring substantial towing and payload capacity. This particular variant, with its 360 horsepower V8 and six-speed automatic, aimed to balance capability with relative ease of use, appealing to both commercial and private buyers.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 3500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 3500 HD II (GMT900, facelift 2011) Crew Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.0 V8 (360 Hp) SRW Automatic |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp, 124.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm, 177.6 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 | 15.5 l, 16.38 US qt | 13.64 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 2899 kg, 6391.2 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 4853 kg, 10699.03 lbs. |
| Max load | 1954 kg, 4307.83 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2138 l, 75.5 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 136 l, 35.93 US gal | 29.92 UK gal |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 5897 kg, 13000.66 lbs. |
| Length | 6581 mm, 259.09 in. |
| Width including mirrors | 2436 mm, 95.91 in. |
| Height | 1979 mm, 77.91 in. |
| Wheelbase | 4260 mm, 167.72 in. |
| Front track | 1748 mm, 68.82 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1709 mm, 67.28 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216 mm, 8.5 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 16.7 m, 54.79 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| 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 | 6.5J x 17; 8J x 18 |
Introduction
The 2011-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD II Crew Cab Long Box, powered by the 6.0-liter Vortec L96 V8 and paired with a six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, was a mainstay in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineup. This configuration occupied a middle ground within the 3500 HD range, offering a balance between capability and usability. It sat above the base 6.6L Duramax diesel and the 6.0L gasoline engine with a manual transmission, and below the more expensive diesel options. Built on the GMT900 platform, the Silverado 3500 HD was designed to compete directly with Ford’s Super Duty and Ram’s heavy-duty offerings, providing American truck buyers with a powerful and reliable workhorse.
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 small-block V8 family, known for its durability and relatively simple design. The L96 features a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, utilizing a multi-port fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. The engine employs an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize performance and efficiency across a wider RPM range. The six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission (6L80E) was chosen for its ability to handle the engine’s torque output and provide smooth, responsive shifting. This transmission featured electronically controlled shifting and overdrive for improved fuel economy during highway cruising. The combination of the L96 and 6L80E provided a robust and reliable powertrain capable of handling demanding tasks.
Driving Characteristics
The Silverado 3500 HD II with the 6.0L V8 and automatic transmission delivered a driving experience focused on capability rather than outright speed. While the 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque were sufficient for most towing and hauling needs, acceleration was not its strong suit. The six-speed automatic transmission helped to mitigate some of the engine’s limitations, providing adequate gear ratios for both low-speed towing and highway cruising. The automatic transmission’s shift points were generally well-tuned for everyday driving, but could sometimes feel hesitant when attempting quick acceleration. Compared to the diesel-powered Silverado 3500 HD models, this gasoline variant offered a quieter and smoother ride, but lacked the diesel’s superior low-end torque. The automatic transmission made it more accessible to a wider range of drivers compared to the manual transmission option.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab Long Box configuration of the Silverado 3500 HD II offered a spacious interior with seating for five passengers. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel, and a basic audio system. The LT trim level, commonly paired with this powertrain, added features such as upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and additional chrome exterior trim. Optional extras included a navigation system, a premium Bose audio system, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The interior design was functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. The Long Box bed provided ample cargo space for hauling materials or equipment.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 3500 HD II featured a heavy-duty chassis designed to withstand the stresses of towing and hauling. The front suspension utilized an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbone components, while the rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring design. This configuration provided a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent load-carrying capacity. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The rear brakes were slightly smaller in diameter than the front brakes, reflecting the weight distribution of the truck. The steering system utilized a cone worm with recirculation balls, providing a solid and predictable steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2011-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD II with the 6.0L V8 and automatic transmission received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its robust construction, comfortable ride, and ample towing capacity. However, some critics noted that the gasoline engine lacked the low-end torque of the diesel options, and that fuel economy was relatively poor compared to other trucks in its class. Compared to the Duramax diesel models, this variant offered a lower initial purchase price, but higher long-term operating costs due to fuel consumption. It was often seen as a good value for buyers who didn’t require the ultimate in towing performance but still needed a capable heavy-duty truck.
Legacy
The Vortec L96 6.0L V8 and 6L80E automatic transmission pairing proved to be a reliable and durable combination in the Silverado 3500 HD II. While not as fuel-efficient as newer powertrains, these components have demonstrated good long-term reliability, making these trucks a popular choice in the used car market. Common maintenance items include regular oil changes and transmission fluid flushes. Today, these trucks are often sought after by owners who need a capable work truck without the complexity and cost of a diesel engine. The Silverado 3500 HD II continues to be a viable option for those seeking a robust and dependable heavy-duty pickup.
