New 3.0L I6 Duramax Available on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Posted on July 8, 2019September 9, 2019 by Kamil

Chevrolet just announced details on their new 3.0L Inline-six Cylinder Duramax engine that will be available on the 2020 Silverado 1500. While GM is the only manufacturer with diesel options in the light truck market in the 2.8L LWN Duramax in the Colorado or Canyon trucks, they are the last of the big three to have a diesel option in the 1/2 ton truck market. Ford already has a 3.0L V6 Powerstroke engine available on F150s while FCA has their 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine that will also be available in 2020 on the Ram 1500. The new 3.0L Duramax engine will produce a class-leading 277 horsepower and only fall slightly behind Ram with 460 lb-ft of torque.

Chevrolet Chooses An Inline-Six Design for the 3.0L Duramax Engine

3.0L Duramax Engine Available on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — New Inline-six 3.0L Duramax Diesel engine available on the new Silverado 1500. Photo courtesy of Chevrolet Media

Chevrolet’s engineers wanted to create an engine that provides Silverado 1500 owners with a world-class experience and unmatched durability. The inline-six design is a favorite amongst heavy-duty Ram truck owners who have an inline-six Cummins engine. Will Chevrolet’s new 3.0L inline-six Duramax turbodiesel engine offer the same reliability though?

The 3.0L Duramax engine block is made from cast aluminum alloy that reduces engine mass by up to 25% according to Chevrolet. The engine block features a deep-skirt design in which the block casting extends below the crankshaft centerline. Iron cylinder lines are present within the block to increase durability. 7 iron main bearing caps also add strength to the block and allow for accurate location of the rotating assembly.

The engines rotating assembly features forged steel connecting rods, a forged steel crankshaft, and aluminum pistons. These aluminum pistons are made of an aluminum-silicon blend to increase heat resistance and reduce engine noise.

The 3.0L Inline-Six Duramax engine will also contain an aluminum cylinder head, with a composite cam cover. This engine uses a Dual Overhead Camshaft design (DOHC). Unlike many other trucks, the camshaft drivetrain will be located on the rear of the engine. According to Chevrolet, this was done for greater refinement and packaging considerations.

10L80 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

The 10L80 10-speed Automatic transmission originally came from a joint-venture by GM and Ford. Ford’s variant is known as the 10R80 and has been used in many of the F-150 trucks. The 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission used on the 3.0L Duramax-equipped trucks will feature a centrifugal pendulum absorber torque converter. This torque converter improves smoothness by reducing vibration.

Towing With the 2020 Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax Diesel

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax Towing — The 2020 Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax will offer max tow capacity of 9,300 lbs.

Towing numbers are a bit disappointing compared to the tow capacity of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel or the 3.0L Powerstroke engine found on the new F-150s. Max tow capacity for the 2020 Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax is roughly 9,300 lbs. Keep in mind, actual tow capacity differs depending on different features of the trucks. While the numbers don’t help Chevrolet claim the throne in the towing wars, the new Duramax should still meet the needs of most Silverado 1500 owners. Chevrolet did a good job at making sure the 3.0L Duramax gets torque early. The trucks reach 95% of peak torque at just 1,250 rpms. The truck then reaches peak torque 1,500 rpms maintains peak torque until 3,000 rpms. A water charge air cooler along with a new, low pressure EGR help achieve torque earlier.

The new Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax will feature exhaust braking to reduce brake wear and slow the vehicle quicker. Exhaust braking occurs in tow/haul mode, courtesy of the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT).

How Much Will A 2020 Silverado 1500 with the New 3.0L Duramax Cost?

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2020-Chevrolet-Silverado-Diesel-077-1024x683.jpg — Under-the-hood picture of the new 3.0L Duramax

Chevrolet considers the 2020 Silverado with the 3.0L Duramax as an upgrade over the standard 5.3L V8 engine. Therefore, 3.0L Duramax prices will be similar to the 6.2L V8. The 3.0L Duramax models will cost $2,495 over the 5.3L V8 and $3,890 more than the 2.7L turbocharged I-4 engine. Unfortunately, the 3.0L Duramax Silverado 1500 will only be available on LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country models. If you’re going to want this new light-duty diesel, you’re going to have to opt-in for a slightly nicer trim.

When will the new 2020 Silverado 1500 Be Available?

Expect the new 2020 Silverado 1500 to hit dealerships later this year! The new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks will be available later this year too! Click here to visit Chevrolet’s Media Article about the new 3.0L Duramax.

5 New Convenient Features of the 2020 L5P Duramax

Posted on February 8, 2019December 4, 2019 by Kamil

Whether you’re a Duramax, Powerstroke, or Cummins fan, you know that there are some small details that can really be a pain in the a$$ or a serious eye-sore when it comes to your truck. Unfortunately, you usually don’t notice these minute details until after you buy. While you put up with them, life would be a lot easier if they just had a better design from the manufacturer. GM just released their 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD, and 2020 GMC Sierra HD Duramax trucks. While you may not appreciate the new body style yet, you will appreciate these 5 small, convenient features that make a BIG difference on the 2020 Duramax.

DEF Fill Location

When it comes to Duramax trucks, I have always HATED how the DEF fill location is under the hood. While you don’t have to deal with it that often, it’s just so inconvenient. No matter what precautions I take, I ALWAYS manage to spill some DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid). I can actually remember one distinct occasion when the cheap spout of my BLUE DEF bottle actually came off. Diesel exhaust fluid went all over my truck, and I was angry to say the least. Well guys and gals, GM finally moved the inlet under the fuel cap. Now, just like your Cummins and Powerstroke friends, you can fill your DEF tank from under your Fuel Door. Hooray!

GM’s Biggest Eye Sore: The DEF Tank Location

It took me a while to get accustomed to the new LML trucks when they came out. The only thing I noticed was how huge the DEF tank was and how awkwardly it was located. It was actually why I waited until the L5P to get another Duramax. I just couldn’t get past it because I knew it would drive me nuts. Then, the L5P was released, and I just couldn’t resist buying the truck because of their sheer performance numbers. But guess what? That DEF tank still made me bitter every time I approached my truck, until finally, I bought some running boards. While they helped, it still didn’t resolve my issue as the DEF tank was still glaringly obvious. GM finally moved the Diesel exhaust fluid tank, and relocated it further back on the Frame and out of sight.

New Bed Steps: Easier access to the front of your Bed

GM’s corner steps integrated into the Duramax trucks’ rear bumpers are an awesome feature that make getting into the bed a lot easier. What about accessing the front of the bed without hopping in though? This is something every truck has struggled with. Running boards or nerf bars were the only solution! Not any longer! GM just introduced new bed steps that are located in front of the rear wheel openings to make accessing this area much easier.

2020 Duramax Bed Step — 2020 Duramax New Bed Step

New Easy-Access Engine Block Heater Outlet

Because I live in Florida, this isn’t one of my pet peeves, but i’m sure it drives a few guys up north bonkers. Engine block heater outlets are an eye sore when situated behind the grille or near the bumper. We’re uncertain if this issue was resolved on GMC trucks. However, Chevrolet placed the engine block heater on the lower, side portion of the front bumper. The new Engine block heater outlet is unnoticeable and better protected from the elements. You no longer have loose hanging cords or have to open the hood for plug-in.

New Snow Prep Package

Snow plows aren’t something we use every day in Florida. I know how important they are to you guys up north though. We’re not sure about GMC, but Chevrolet introduced a new snow prep package. Chevrolet designed the front end of these trucks for easy removal of the Air Dam and skid plate for easier installation of snow plows and their hardware. You don’t even have to drill additional holes in your front bumper! We can all appreciate the goodness of a bolt-on design. When you take the plow off your truck, your truck will now maintain its clean, aesthetic appearance.

Chevrolet took many of the photos used in this article. You can find them here.

Looking For More Information on the L5P?

Check out some of our other helpful resources for diesel owners and enthusiasts. Our l5P Duramax Specifications resource will give you all the nitty-gritty details you want to know about these new trucks.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD Debuts Next Month

Posted on January 28, 2019January 30, 2019 by Kamil

Chevrolet has made some significant investments into diesel technology when it comes to their line of pickups. A couple of years ago, they added the 2.8L Duramax engine to their Colorado truck line. Last year, they released their new Medium-Duty pickup trucks in their 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD. Now, Chevrolet just announced their new body style 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD Duramax trucks will debut in February. Chevrolet says the 2020 Silverado HD will be the most capable and advanced Silverado Heavy Duty to date.

A Truck Built Specifically For HD Silverado Owners

Chevrolet’s Chief Engineer of the Silverado HD, Jaclyn McQuaid, said, “We know the needs and priorities of heavy-duty owners are different than those of light-duty or medium-duty customers”. McQuaid continued, “As such, we built a heavy-duty truck tailor-made for them that has more differentiation than ever before from light-duty models, offers advanced towing technologies to improve towing confidence and includes new features such as the integrated Bedstep, which makes it easier to access the bed while pulling a fifth-wheel trailer.”

So, what does this all mean? Chevrolet is creating an almost entirely new product from their regular Silverado 1500 pickup trucks. In fact, the only exterior component shared in common between the two is the roof panel. This new 2020 Silverado HD is built on the wants and needs of their Heavy-Duty consumers, and will feature new trailer technology features and both a higher payload and towing capacity. The interior will also stand to benefit from the body-style change. There will be an added 3 inches in leg room and a new seating position in crew cab models.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD Front End

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD Performance

The new 2020 Silverado HD has several changes performance too. An all new direct injection Gas Engine will be introduced. This new motor will work in conjunction with a Six-Speed transmission. The L5P Duramax engine will also be paired with a new Ten-Speed Allison Transmission, producing a whopping 910 lbs/ft of torque.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD Exterior

If you’re familiar with the 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado HD Duramax Trucks, you can point out the differences fairly easily. Chevrolet has changed these new 2020 Silverado HDs from top-to-bottom. In the pictures above, you can clearly see the new body styling, grille, lighting, bumpers, and the mirrors that have been Instagram’s latest truck controversy. Steps have been added to the side panels of the truck’s bed. This allows easier access to the bed of the truck. Now, we have only seen Chevrolet’s High Country edition HD so far. We’ll be updating our posts as soon as we have more information.

Keep In Touch With Us

While the new Silverado HD is making its debut In February, it won’t be for sale until mid-2019. We should have a lot more information about these trucks in the next two weeks. GMC and RAM are also releasing their new Heavy-Duty trucks. Make sure you stay posted!

All Photos Courtesy of Chevrolet.

New 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD

Posted on January 27, 2019January 31, 2019 by Kamil

I know, we’re a little bit late to the party. GM released their new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD last year. But we’re writing this article as these new trucks are finally being shipped to dealers nationwide. I actually just saw my first one in person the other day driving down I-75, so I decided now is as good a time as ever to bring some attention to these new workhorses Chevrolet designed to meet the needs of their Commercial customers.

Features of Chevrolet’s New 2019 Medium-Duty Trucks

As an avid diesel truck enthusiast, I love when auto manufacturers release a diesel truck that just seems to be a little bit badder than the rest of them. Chevrolet just released their brand new 2019 Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD, and no, they don’t look anything like their new 2020 Silverado 2500HD and Silverado 3500HD relatives. The only exterior feature these two different segments share is the iconic Chevrolet bowtie.

Chevrolet claims that this truck is the most customer-centric Medium Duty truck of any major competitor. Powered by a 6.6L Duramax Motor, and an Allison transmission, these new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HDs, 5500HDs, and 6500HDs are up to whatever task you throw at them. Not only do they feature GM’s legendary Allison-Duramax Powertrain combination, but they also have many of Chevrolet’s latest connectivity innovations. These include OnStar, 4G Wi-Fi, Wireless cell phone charging, Bluetooth, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto Support. Optional factory-installed rear air suspension gives the truck a more comfortable ride both on and off-road. Triple-sealed, inset doors dampen noise while driving, and at the job site. These features make Chevrolet’s new 2019 Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD not only a very capable work truck, but a very capable mobile office as well.

As you can imagine, trucks this large can oftentimes be difficult to drive because of their poor turning radius and the driver’s lack of visibility. With these trucks, Chevrolet introduced up to 50-degree wheel cuts, to make sure these trucks can maneuver easily. The lightweight, contoured hood was designed to make sure the driver has maximum vision of the road. Speaking of the hood, they were designed with a front hinge, resulting in a “Clamshell” design. When opened, instead of opening up and to the rear, the hood pulls forward. This makes working on these trucks vastly superior to trucks featuring a standard hood design. Technicians can easily access everything under the hood, and service these trucks without having to use a ladder or climb on top of the truck.

Showing Off Under the hood
New 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500-6500HDs
Side View
Front end view of 2019 Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500HD
Side View /w Hood Open
Silver 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD

The New 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500 HD, and 6500HD are Highly Customizable.

The new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD allow for a wide variety of cargo boxes and flat beds. They did this by creating seven different Cab-To-Axle choices, from 60 inches all the way to 162 inches. Chevy’s new medium duty trucks also have five different axle-to-back-of-frame lengths. These trucks also come in a single cab, or crew cab configuration. No matter what your business needs, these new medium-duty trucks can be outfitted for you.

Make Sure You Stay Tuned

Stay tuned! We will be writing about and featuring the new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HDs on our site as soon as we possibly can. All photos used are courtesy of Chevrolet. Find out more about these new Medium-Duty trucks on Chevrolet’s Site here.

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