The GM L3B engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine designed by General Motors. It is an undersquare aluminum DOHC inline-four displacing 2.7 liters (166 cid) and tuned for strong low-end torque.
In addition to GM's active fuel management, start-stop system, and variable valve timing, which are already featured on GM's other full-size pickup truck engines, this engine also features GM's Intake Valve Lift Control which has 3 different intake cam profiles that are electromagnetically actuated to provide improved fuel economy and performance at a wider range of operating conditions.
The BorgWarner developed turbo can produce up to of boost thanks in part to its unique dual volute turbine housing and an electrically actuated wastegate. Instead of two side-by-side exhaust passages like on a regular twin-scroll turbocharger, in this design the two exhaust passages are concentric and allow for better use of the exhaust pulse energy.
History The L3B was first used in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, with an output of at 5600 RPM and at 1500 RPM. With the unveiling of the 2022 model year Silverado, GM announced a significant revision that stiffened and strengthened the engine allowing for a GM-estimated increased maximum torque rating of while also improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Parts are cast at Bedford Casting Operations in Indiana.Interview with Kevin Luchansky, GM Assistant Chief Engineer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU-bhEjflwo, Aug 18, 2023 Assembly is at Spring Hill Manufacturing, Tennessee, USA. The L3B is the successor to the 3.6L V6 LGX, 3.6L V6 LGZ, and 4.3L V6 LV3 engines.
Specifications The engine is the first GM truck engine to feature an active thermal management system. This system consists of an electrically driven water pump and a 3-way rotary valve which allows the engine to maintain proper operating temperatures and quicker warm-ups. Also, a continuously variable oil pump helps to lower parasitic losses and provide proper lubrication and cooling to the engine, especially under high-load conditions. The Active Fuel Management system can shut down the middle two cylinders under low-power conditions.
Cylinder liners are spun nodular iron.
The low-output work truck variant runs 10 psi of boost, the 390 lb⋅ft variant runs 20 psi, and the 430 lb⋅ft variant runs 27 psi.
Applications Year(s) Model Power Torque Notes2019–2021Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 @ 5600 RPM @ 1500 RPM2022–2026 @ 5600 RPM @ 3000 RPM TurboMax name2027–present @ 5600 RPM @ 3000 RPM2020–presentCadillac CT4 @ 5500 RPM @ 1500 RPMV: @ 5500 RPM @ 2000 RPM2023–2024Chevrolet Colorado @ 5600 RPM @ 3000 RPM detuned with different components, RPO code L2R2023–present @ 5600 RPM @ 2000 RPM2023–presentChevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon @ 5600 RPM @ 3000 RPM2024–2025Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon223 kW (300 hp) @ 5500 RPM369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m) @ 2000 RPMTurboMax name, Mainland China market only
2.5L LK0 Year(s) Model Power Torque Dyno Chart 2024–present Chevrolet Traverse @ 5500 rpm @ 3500 rpm GMC Acadia 2025-presentBuick Enclave
References