GM Duramax 6.6 Diesel LP5 - Facts, Figures, Photos

[Gorehamj]

John Goreham
Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com
9-29-2016

Chevrolet and GMC released all the data on the new 6.6L Duramax LP5 Diesel engine today. The engine will be available on the Silverado and GMC Sierra HD models.

The engine features an SAE-certified 445 horsepower (332 kW) and 910 lb.-ft. (1,234 Nm). That torque is up 19 percent over the previous engine it replaces. GM says the new engine is smoother and that engine noise at idle is reduced 38 percent. This torque monster puts out ninety percent of its twist at just 1,550 rpm and sustains that level through 2,850 rpm.

 

Chevy Included the following highlights on the new engine:

-New, stronger cylinder block and cylinder heads
-New, stronger rotating and reciprocating assembly
-Increased oil- and coolant-flow capacity
-New EGR system with single cooler and integrated bypass
-New electrically actuated/electronically controlled turbocharging system
-All-new advanced solenoid fuel system
-All-new electronic controls
-New full-length damped steel oil pan that contributes to quietness
-New rocker cover/fuel system acoustical treatments
-B20 bio-diesel compatibility
-SAE-certified 445 net horsepower (332 kW) at 2,800 rpm
-SAE-certified 910 net lb.-ft. of torque (1,234 Nm) at 1,600 rpm

-Re-melt piston bowl rim
-Venturi Jet Drain Oil Separator
-Closed-loop glow plug temperature control

 

The new engine is an iron block featuring induction-hardened cylinder walls with the same basic dimensions as the previous engine. GM points to its "Deep-skirt design and four-bolt, cross-bolted main caps..." that ensure the block’s strength and enable more accurate location of the rotating assembly.

 

Improvements to the new design include larger-diameter crankshaft connecting rod journals, an enhanced oiling circuit, with higher flow capacity and a dedicated feed for the turbocharger, a new, two-piece oil pan, and the integrated oil cooler has a 50 percent greater capacity.

Stronger connecting rods have a new 45-degree split-angle design that allow the larger-diameter rod bearings to pass through the cylinder bores during engine assembly. The stronger cast-aluminum piston design has a taller crown area and a remelted combustion bowl rim for greater strength. GM says that remelting "... is an additional manufacturing process for aluminum pistons in which the bowl rim area is reheated after casting and pre-machining, creating a much finer and more consistent metal grain structure that greatly enhances thermal fatigue properties."

 

GM has also changed the intake system, and uses a new double-layer water core head casting design that separates and arranges water cores in layers to create a stiffer head structure with more precise coolant flow control. GM points to the heads’ heavily revised airflow passages as a key to the engine’s increased horsepower and torque.

 

A new electronically controlled, variable-vane turbocharger updates the Duramax’s system of variable-geometry boosting. The new system produces a higher maximum boost pressure — 28 psi (195 kPa). In addition to providing more power, these revisions also enhance the capability of the exhaust-brake system.

 

The new Duramax 6.6L will run fine on B20 biodiesel according to GM.

 

Unlike the Thailand-built 2.8L Duramax in the Colorado and Canyon, the 6.6L is assembled in The new Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine is assembled in Moraine, Ohio from parts sourced in N. American and also from imported parts supplied by GM's JV, DMAX Ltd.

[barry G]

the new looks likes like a cooldown attempt to gain on venturi.

 

Temperatures will matter more in the new one.

hence the big boost numbers.. not fooled by them. Volume is the boost, an 87 subaru could to 28psi and still hardly move.

Nice stuff, always interesting.

[Colossus]

Yeah but an 87 Subaru was designed to fail from the start.