Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet K20 or the Chevrolet K20?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Chevrolet K20 is cheaper to maintain — about $67 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 4.3L V6 and the 305ci V8?

Across 25 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Chevrolet K20 or Chevrolet K20?

The Chevrolet K20 has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Chevrolet K20 has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1989 Chevrolet K20 vs 1989 Chevrolet K20 — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1989

Engine

4.3L V6

305ci V8

Drivetrain

4WD

Transmission

manual

automatic

Fuel

gas

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$6,968

0.12 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$7,035

0.12 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEChevrolet K20 — Saves you $67 over 5 years (1% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$1,020 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$460 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.0 hrs$380 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

12V battery

0.4 hrs$260 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$245 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

0.3 hrs$210 / 5yr

0.4 hrs$255 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.0 hrs$162 / 5yr

5.5 hrs$275 / 5yr

Coolant flush

0.8 hrs$170 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$230 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

3.5 hrs$226 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

1.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

1.8 hrs$195 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

4.2 hrs$170 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Alternator

1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr

0.8 hrs$105 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$110 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$110 / 5yr

Ignition coil

0.8 hrs$80 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$92 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$76 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.4 hrs$80 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$65 / 5yr

Thermostat

0.8 hrs$56 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$67 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

Chevrolet K20

brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 4

coolant16.00 qt · GM 6277M / ASTM D3306

engine_oil7.50 qt · API SN

front_diff1.50 qt · API GL-5

power_steering1.00 qt · GM P/S Fluid

rear_diff2.00 qt · API GL-5

transfer_case2.50 qt · ATF or manufacturer specific

transmission_auto11.50 qt · GM DEXRON-III

washer3.50 qt · All-season or winter-rated

Chevrolet K20

brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 4

coolant10.00 qt · GM 6277M / ASTM D3306

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SN

front_diff1.50 qt · API GL-5

power_steering1.00 qt · GM P/S Fluid

rear_diff2.00 qt · API GL-5

transfer_case2.50 qt · ATF or manufacturer specific

transmission_auto11.50 qt · GM DEXRON-III

washer3.50 qt · All-season or winter-rated

The Verdict

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Across cost of ownership and recall count, neither vehicle pulls decisively ahead. Pick on personal preference — drivetrain, transmission feel, brand loyalty, or the engine that puts a smile on your face.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.