The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD III (K2XX) Crew 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) Crew 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 | 8.7 kg/Hp, 115.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm, 165.4 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 | 3114 kg, 6865.19 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 4990 kg, 11001.07 lbs. |
| Max load | 1876 kg, 4135.87 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%) | 6214 kg, 13699.52 lbs. |
| Length | 6563 mm, 258.39 in. |
| Width including mirrors | 2045 mm, 80.51 in. |
| Height | 1983 mm, 78.07 in. |
| Wheelbase | 4259 mm, 167.68 in. |
| Front track | 1748 mm, 68.82 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1709 mm, 67.28 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 218 mm, 8.58 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 17.1 m, 56.1 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 | 6.5J 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, utilizing a 9.6:1 compression ratio and a multi-port fuel injection system. The overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, coupled with variable valve timing (VVT), helps optimize performance and efficiency across a range of engine speeds. 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 durability and smooth shifting, offering a good balance between performance and fuel economy. The 4WD system employs an electronically controlled transfer case, allowing the driver to switch between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high, and four-wheel drive low for optimal traction in various conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 6.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic combination delivers a capable, if not exhilarating, driving experience. While not as quick as the diesel-powered Silverado 3500HD models, the gasoline engine provides ample power for everyday driving and towing. The automatic transmission is well-tuned, offering smooth gear changes and responsive downshifts. The gear ratios are optimized for towing, providing strong low-end torque. Compared to the manual transmission option, the automatic offers greater convenience, especially in stop-and-go traffic. However, it does result in a slight reduction in fuel economy and a less direct connection to the engine. The truck’s substantial weight is noticeable, but the robust suspension system helps to mitigate body roll and provide a relatively comfortable ride, even when unladen.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Silverado 3500 HD III Crew 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 LTZ, added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, navigation, and a rearview camera. Optional extras included a trailer brake controller, a fifth-wheel hitch, and various appearance packages. The Crew Cab configuration provided ample space for passengers, making it a popular choice for families and work crews.
Chassis & Braking
The K2XX platform provided a solid foundation for the Silverado 3500 HD. The front suspension utilizes an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, while the rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring design. This combination provides a good balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard. The front brakes measure 355×40 mm, while the rear brakes are 373×34 mm. The truck’s substantial weight necessitates a robust braking system to ensure safe and controlled stopping power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 6.0-liter V8-powered Silverado 3500 HD was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It offered a more affordable alternative to the diesel models, while still providing ample towing and hauling capacity for many users. Fuel economy was a common point of discussion, with the gasoline engine typically achieving lower MPG figures than the diesel options. However, the lower initial cost of the gasoline engine often offset the higher fuel costs for buyers who didn’t require the extreme towing capabilities of the diesel. Compared to competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram Heavy Duty, the Silverado 3500 HD offered a competitive combination of features, performance, and value.
Legacy
The Vortec L96 6.0-liter V8 has proven to be a durable and reliable engine, and examples of the 2015-2019 Silverado 3500 HD equipped with this powertrain continue to be sought after in the used car market. While not as fuel-efficient as newer engines, the L96 offers a relatively simple and straightforward design, making it easier and less expensive to maintain. The Hydra-Matic 6L90 transmission is also known for its longevity, provided it has been properly maintained. These trucks represent a solid value for buyers needing a capable and dependable heavy-duty pickup.
