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What transmission does a 5.3 Chevy Silverado have?

The 5.3-liter Chevy Silverado is equipped with a 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is a heavy-duty unit designed to handle the power and torque of the Silverado's V8 engine.

Overview of the 6L80 Transmission

The 6L80 transmission is a hydra-matic six-speed automatic transmission developed by General Motors. It was first introduced in 2006 and has been used in a variety of GM vehicles, including the Chevy Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban. The 6L80 is known for its durability, smooth shifting, and ability to handle high levels of torque.

Key Features of the 6L80 Transmission

Six-Speed Automatic: The 6L80 has six forward gears, providing a wide range of gear ratios for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Hydraulic Torque Converter: The transmission uses a hydraulic torque converter to transfer power from the engine to the drivetrain, providing smooth and seamless acceleration.

Electronic Controls: The 6L80 is electronically controlled, allowing for precise shifting and adaptive programming to match driving conditions.

Robust Design: The transmission is built with heavy-duty components to handle the high torque output of the 5.3-liter V8 engine in the Chevy Silverado.

The 6L80 transmission in the 5.3 Chevy Silverado is a reliable and capable unit that helps deliver the truck's impressive performance and towing capabilities.

How do I tell if I have a 4L60 or 6L80?

Control like the other GM automatics the easiest way to identify a 4L80 is to look at the shape of the pan. And you can see compared to this 4L60 pan that the 4L80 pan is just enormous.

Which Silverados have the 6L80E transmission?

2009-2021 Silverado 1500 with 6L80E transmission. 2007-2021 Sierra 1500 with 6L80E transmission.

How do I tell what transmission my Silverado has?

You can find your Silverado's transmission by checking the driver's side door jamb sticker, which lists RPO (Regular Production Option) codes, by using your VIN to look up the vehicle's specs online, or by checking the owner's manual. For some models, you can also identify the transmission's model number directly on a sticker or casting on the transmission itself, and for automatic transmissions, you can count the gears when using the manual mode on the shifter.
Method 1: Check the door jamb sticker

Open the driver's side door and locate the white sticker, usually on the door jamb or on the side of the door itself.
Look for a three-character code that starts with the letter "M" for the transmission, such as "MYC" or "MW3".
You can use this code with a chart online to confirm your transmission model.

This video demonstrates how to find the RPO codes on the sticker in the glove box: 57s612 MOTORSPORTSYouTube · Oct 6, 2024
Method 2: Use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Find your VIN, which is typically on the driver's side dashboard.
Use an online VIN decoder or a service like EpicVIN to look up your vehicle's specifications.
The decoder should provide details about your specific transmission.

Method 3: Check the transmission itself

For some automatic transmissions, a sticker or casting with the model number is located on the side of the transmission housing.
For example, a casting that says "8L90" indicates an 8-speed transmission.

You can watch this video to see where to look for the transmission model number casting: 59sPSI ConversionYouTube · Dec 8, 2020
Method 4: Use the gear shifter (for automatic)

Put your gear shifter into manual mode (sometimes labeled "M" or "L").
While on a flat surface, push the "+" button on the side of the shifter to count the available gears.
For example, if it cycles through six gears, you likely have a six-speed transmission.

This video shows how to identify the transmission by counting the gears using the shifter: 55sCodemans autoYouTube · Nov 2, 2023
Method 5: Consult the owner's manual

The owner's manual contains the most comprehensive information about your vehicle, including the transmission.
The specifications section should list the transmission type and model.

What transmission comes with a 5.3 Vortec?

The 5.3L Vortec engine can be paired with several transmissions, depending on the vehicle's model year and application, but common options include the 4L60E for earlier models or lighter applications, and the 6L80E for newer models with 6-speed automatics. Other options are available for custom swaps, like the 4L80E for higher-performance builds, or manual transmissions like the T56.

This video explains the difference between 4L60E and 4L80E transmissions: 28sSpeedway MotorsYouTube · May 15, 2025
Common factory transmissions

4L60E: This is a common 4-speed automatic transmission found behind many 5.3L Vortec engines, especially in trucks and SUVs from the 1999 to mid-2000s.
6L80E: Newer 5.3L Vortec engines, particularly in 2014 and newer model trucks, are often equipped with this 6-speed automatic transmission.

Other options for swaps

4L80E: A heavier-duty 4-speed automatic that is a popular upgrade for 5.3L engines with high-horsepower builds, like those with superchargers or turbochargers.
Manual transmissions: For those who prefer a manual, a T56 transmission is a common choice for an engine swap.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.