The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD II, specifically the Crew Cab Standard 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 variant falls within the GMT900 platform’s facelifted generation, offering a blend of capability, comfort, and technology aimed at the demanding North American truck market. This particular trim level occupied a sweet spot in the Silverado 3500 HD lineup, providing substantial power and towing capacity without the premium price tag of the diesel options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 3500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 3500 HD II (GMT900, facelift 2011) Crew Cab Standard 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 kg/Hp, 125.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm, 179.9 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 | 15.5 l, 16.38 US qt | 13.64 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 2863 kg, 6311.83 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 4762 kg, 10498.41 lbs. |
| Max load | 1899 kg, 4186.58 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1718 l, 60.67 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 | 6101 mm, 240.2 in. |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm, 80 in. |
| Height | 1966 mm, 77.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3904 mm, 153.7 in. |
| Front track | 1748 mm, 68.82 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1709 mm, 67.28 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 213 mm, 8.39 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 15.4 m, 50.52 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado 3500 HD II lies the Vortec L96 6.0-liter V8 engine. This engine, a staple of Chevrolet’s truck lineup for many years, is a cast-iron block, overhead valve (OHV) design. It utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery and features variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize performance and efficiency across the rev range. The L96 produces 360 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 515 Nm (379.84 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm. This power is channeled through a six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, known for its durability and smooth shifting. The transmission was specifically tuned for heavy-duty applications, providing appropriate gear ratios for towing and hauling. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive configuration are typical for traditional American pickup trucks.
Driving Characteristics
The 6.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic combination delivers a robust, if not overly refined, driving experience. While not as quick as some of the lighter-duty Silverado trims, this configuration excels at providing consistent, usable power for demanding tasks. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios are well-suited for towing, offering ample low-end torque. Compared to the available diesel engines, the 6.0L V8 offers a more responsive throttle feel, but sacrifices the diesel’s superior fuel economy and ultimate towing capacity. The manual transmission variants, when equipped, offered a more engaging driving experience, but the automatic was favored by many buyers for its ease of use, particularly when navigating traffic or towing heavy loads.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab Standard Box 6.0L V8 trim typically included features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and cloth upholstery. The Crew Cab configuration provided ample space for passengers, making it a popular choice for families and work crews. Optional extras included upgraded audio systems, leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, a navigation system, and various towing packages. The Standard Box length offered a good balance between cargo capacity and vehicle maneuverability.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 3500 HD II features a robust chassis designed to handle heavy loads. The front suspension utilizes an independent torsion bar and double wishbone setup, while the rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring configuration. This setup provides a comfortable ride, even when the truck is heavily loaded. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The rear brakes are slightly smaller in diameter than the front brakes, reflecting the weight distribution of the vehicle. Steering is accomplished via a cone worm with recirculation balls system.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 6.0-liter V8-equipped Silverado 3500 HD II received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its strong towing capacity, comfortable ride, and user-friendly features. However, fuel economy was a common criticism, as the large V8 engine is not particularly efficient. Compared to the Duramax diesel variants, the 6.0L V8 offered a lower initial cost but lacked the diesel’s superior fuel economy and towing prowess. Against competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram Heavy Duty, the Silverado 3500 HD II held its own, offering a compelling combination of capability and value.
Legacy
The Vortec L96 6.0-liter V8 engine has proven to be a remarkably durable and reliable powertrain. While not without its potential maintenance needs (such as occasional Active Fuel Management issues), the engine is generally well-regarded for its longevity. Today, used Silverado 3500 HD II models with this engine configuration remain popular choices for those seeking a capable and affordable heavy-duty truck. The combination of a proven engine, durable transmission, and spacious Crew Cab configuration makes this variant a practical and dependable workhorse.
