2.7 Turbo Winter Driving

[fsuboy75]

I know, it's June!!    Hear me out....I just traded my lease for a 23 Silverado 2.7 Turbo.  I never thought about things being different in the winter, as I live in Michigan.  So snow driving could come any day now lol.

 

This thing has all kinds of options....stabilitrak, driving modes (snow/sport/sand), and now I noticed it just has 2wd or 4wd.   No low or high either.   So that adds to my confusion.   How do all these things work together!?

 

My old truck i just put it into 4 high and drive like normal.  For deep snow, 4 low.   So when the time comes what modes or options do I use for:

 

Icy roads

 

Slush

 

8" of snow

 

Highway driving?

 

 

So far I can't say I'm totally regretting this truck, but I wish I would have just bought out my old truck!!!   

Edited June 15, 2023 by fsuboy75

[newdude]

9 hours ago, fsuboy75 said:

I know, it's June!!    Hear me out....I just traded my lease for a 23 Silverado 2.7 Turbo.  I never thought about things being different in the winter, as I live in Michigan.  So snow driving could come any day now lol.

 

This thing has all kinds of options....stabilitrak, driving modes (snow/sport/sand), and now I noticed it just has 2wd or 4wd.   No low or high either.   So that adds to my confusion.   How do all these things work together!?

 

My old truck i just put it into 4 high and drive like normal.  For deep snow, 4 low.   So when the time comes what modes or options do I use for:

 

Icy roads

 

Slush

 

8" of snow

 

Highway driving?

 

 

So far I can't say I'm totally regretting this truck, but I wish I would have just bought out my old truck!!!   

 

 

Did one winter in mine so far (2022 HO).  Zero concerns other than the stock 18 inch Goodyear "AT" tires suck.  They do "okay" in snow at best, braking traction blows.    

 

If yours is not a Trail Boss, it has the single speed transfer case.  Single speed case has 2HI, 4HI and AUTO, as well as Terrain Mode. 

 

If the roads are dry or wet but no slush/snow, 2HI is all you need.    

 

If the roads are wet but there is slush or light snow, AUTO would handle 99% of that type of driving.  AUTO 4x4 engages the front axle, but will only power them when needed, so think of AUTO as AWD.  Traction to the front wheels is applied as needed.

 

If there is unplowed accumulation, 4HI should do the trick.  

 

In all winter situations, if there is the snow/ice mode in the drive control settings, turn that on as it will alter the operations of the traction control to aide better.    

 

Terrain Mode is ideal for low speed driving as anything too fast can overheat the transfer case and take it out.  Terrain Mode = Single speed case's "4 LO".  So pulling a boat out of a launch, slow off road driving, etc.  Terrain Mode uses the ECM, TCM, ABS and traction control/stabilitrak to "mimic" a 4LO range but you don't get the actual gear reduction of 4LO.  Read in the quote box below on Terrain Mode:

  

Quote

 

Traveling on very rough roads at very low speeds, such as a two-track or heavily rutted road.

Traveling slowly in grassy fields.

Pulling a boat out of the water on a trailer.

Using the vehicle for public off-road recreational driving. See Off-Road Driving and Hill and Mountain Roads.

 

Using terrain mode in extreme conditions that cause the wheel(s) to slip can lead to excessive heat in the transfer case causing four-wheel drive and terrain mode to automatically turn off, leaving the vehicle in two-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive will automatically re-engage once the transfer case has cooled, then terrain mode can be turned back on.

 

When in Terrain Mode, the vehicle will shift automatically but may hold a lower gear longer to maximize engine torque. A unique pedal map, transmission shift pattern, and rpm control are utilized to give better control at lower speeds and over rough terrain. When the vehicle comes to a stop, Vehicle Hold is engaged. TCS will be optimized for maximum torque transfer across axles, and Active Braking During Lift Throttle will be engaged.

 

Active Braking During Lift Throttle:

Automatically applies light braking, similar to heavy engine braking of four-wheel-drive low.

Applies light braking in D (Drive) until the vehicle is at idle speeds. In Manual L1 and Manual L2, moderate braking may stop the vehicle.

Reduces trailer braking.

 

 

My advice if you are keeping the truck is a good set of winter tires or 3 peak snowflake AT tires for winter use.    

Edited June 15, 2023 by newdude

[redwngr]

Despite having (since 1995) 4wd trucks with 4LO, I just put it in 4HI and turn off the traction control in deep snow, sand or mud. 

Traction control is an assist on hard but slippery surfaces (think about why drag racers want to be 'hooked up' instead of spinning wheels), but traction control WILL get a vehicle stuck in deep material where it is often a must to have the tires spinning to maintain forward movement. 

Bonus is that 2HI-4HI shift and traction on/off can be done 'on the fly'.  No need to stop and mess around in shift into or out of 4Lo shift.

 

I realize there are conditions where Auto is recommended, but I always run either 2HI or 4HI.

 

I only ever use 4LO if in a 'crawling speed' situation and then only if it's going to continue for more than a minute or so. 

Last time I used 4LO was just to go thru the shifting exercise. Don't think I even bothered to did that in any of the last 4 or 5 trucks. (yes, I use 4HI on them all)

 

 

I agree that good 4PMSF winter tires will be a much bigger benefit than having 4LO.

 

 

[repairman54]

Only time I use 4 Lo is to idle up the ramps doing an oil change or pulling a bush out of the ground. 

4 Hi for snow driving. I put it in auto if the wife is going into town on a snowy day, so she doesn't have to mess with anything. Her vehicles are AWD. 

Tried auto on the boat ramp, too much delay engaging the fronts, 4 hi is best on a boat ramp. 

Most GM traction controls will reengage automatically when speedo hits 30 - 35 mph, a real pain when you need to keep'em spinning like in snow uphills. Stupid Stabil Trak. Fought that in Express vans for years. 

[fsuboy75]

Thanks for the replies guys.  I figured mostly about treating it like AWD.   Understanding all the modes and how things can work together is key.  

 

I have pretty good "nubby" 20" tires on mine.   The engine is really where I was forced into going skimpy.   

 

I dunno, it is just as fast I guess, but I just don't like the lean sound of the engine.   It just sounds small.   

[Gangly]

To keep it very simple, though not quite right, AUTO is like AWD with different amounts of power going to the front and rear of the vehicle at varying percentages.  4 Hi locks in the transfer case and 50% goes to the front while 50% goes to the rear, regardless of the situation.

 

In rain, light snow, ice, etc.,  AUTO is your best friend.

In mud, sand, sloppy stuff, 4Hi is your best friend.

 

In conditions where you're maneuvering your vehicle over terrain that is so rough you have to go slow and be technical about it, 4Lo is your best friend.  Though I find myself using 4Lo often enough to justify having it, most people will NEVER have a need for it.  One example I can give is backing a dump trailer up and on top of a concrete slab.  I backed in the trailer to where the tires were up against the slab and tried to roll the trailer tire up and onto the slab.  In 4Hi, the drivetrain would load up once i got against the slab and the tires would just spin in place once the torque converter locked up.  I couldn't get the trailer axles over the curb because the truck tires would just spin in place once the transmission started putting power to the ground.  I put the transfer case into 4Lo and the truck slow rolled the trailer up and onto the slab with near zero tire spin.  That was the first time I experienced anything like that and it provided me with an "Ah-ha" moment.  If there is ever an option for a 4lo, I will always take it.  I may only use it 3-4 times a year, but its a lifesaver when you need it.

Edited June 20, 2023 by Gangly

[Gangly]

On 6/16/2023 at 7:18 PM, fsuboy75 said:

Thanks for the replies guys.  I figured mostly about treating it like AWD.   Understanding all the modes and how things can work together is key.  

 

I have pretty good "nubby" 20" tires on mine.   The engine is really where I was forced into going skimpy.   

 

I dunno, it is just as fast I guess, but I just don't like the lean sound of the engine.   It just sounds small.   

My father just purchased a 2023 with the 2.7.  He has always owned V8's because of their torque, and is a diehard GM guy with a Corvette Z06 in the garage.  He absolutely HATES the sound of his 2.7, but he loves the performance of the truck with the 2.7.  With a 4 banger that good, he says there is no need for him to get the V8.

 

That being said, the sound is definitely anti-cathartic, but it's a darn good engine that gets the job done.

[redwngr]

On 6/16/2023 at 9:00 AM, repairman54 said:

Only time I use 4 Lo is to idle up the ramps doing an oil change or pulling a bush out of the ground. 

4 Hi for snow driving. I put it in auto if the wife is going into town on a snowy day, so she doesn't have to mess with anything. Her vehicles are AWD. 

Tried auto on the boat ramp, too much delay engaging the fronts, 4 hi is best on a boat ramp. 

Most GM traction controls will reengage automatically when speedo hits 30 - 35 mph, a real pain when you need to keep'em spinning like in snow uphills. Stupid Stabil Trak. Fought that in Express vans for years. 

 

Operators manual says

- stablitrac re-engages at 35 mph.

- traction control stays off until button pressed to re-engage or until re-started 

 

When wheel speed is needed for deep snow/mud/sand/etc there is no worry about traction control re-engaging. 

 

My problem was sometimes forgetting to turn off traction control.... 

 

 

 

 

Press and release to disengage traction control.

'Traction control off' light should come on. 

 

T shut both off, press and hold, til lights for both 'TC off' and 'Stabilitrac off' have come on.

.

 

 

 

[repairman54]

TNX, I learned something new. At least they updated the TC system to stay were you want it on that drive cycle. 

I don't miss the old programming, yet to need it in the new truck. 

[4banger]

do not fear, you have chosen wisely, I live in Canada and drag a trailer to ice fishing 8-10 weekends a year, I have the same 2h/4h/4auto modes as you, 1st this engine has all kinds of torque down low and deep enough 1st gear from the 8 Spd that I'm not missing low, and so far have only had to use the terrain mode once and I have to say that's impressive, it completely changes how it works, hard to explain but it was almost too aggressive in it's gear holding and ability to engine brake on the downhills etc. as soon as you took foot off gas, not sure how they do that but I was impressed

 

on one ice fishing trip it had warmed up and rained for awhile before we got near the area, the entire area turned into a skating rink and the last few miles to get onto the ice was through a provincial park with rolling hills, we zipped off into the bank on first hill (pulling trailer), so I chained up the front end and we walked it in from there without issue, that terrain mode was something else, didn't think you could do much without low range but it can definitely do stuff, all I remember is that I was impressed and know I will only need that terrain mode in the worst possible times where I'd normally look for 4 lo, I'm pretty handy with taking off traction control once in the snow on the lakes etc.

 

we hunt and fish year round, I have zero regrets no holding out for my trail boss order that was stuck on chip shortages and just grabbing a custom off the lot and adding my own lift...I never really used 4 lo much anyway in the past so with all this torque and low 1st gear...was not worried but terrain mode really is a help when it's scary af imo, I run 33x10 all terrains(snow flake rated) full time, this truck has been amazing through winter conditions, snow and ice and those pizza cutters have proven better than fatties in the forestry muddy lease type roads as well through spring and fall...I'll never run a 12.50 again

 

I don't use the auto mode, just 2 hi or 4 hi

 

happier to have the lighter simpler truck overall, suites the 2.7t all around, no extra fat or dead weight

Edited July 28, 2023 by 4banger

[4banger]

On 6/20/2023 at 7:20 AM, Gangly said:

My father just purchased a 2023 with the 2.7.  He has always owned V8's because of their torque, and is a diehard GM guy with a Corvette Z06 in the garage.  He absolutely HATES the sound of his 2.7, but he loves the performance of the truck with the 2.7.  With a 4 banger that good, he says there is no need for him to get the V8.

 

That being said, the sound is definitely anti-cathartic, but it's a darn good engine that gets the job done.

I got tired of my gm v8 sound after a couple months, this turbo truck however has had the opposite effect, started off thinking it's pretty quiet and lame but kept warming up to the sounds over time, I'm over a year with it and I love the sound of it, every single drive pulling away and hearing that turbo start to sing always puts a smile on my face, I much prefer this hint'o'whistle now to the more obnoxious v8 sounds. I would never muffler this engine but if there was a decent way to open up intake to hear more whistle I would. I would not do the blow off valve mod I saw, sounds like a deer snorting every time you take foot off gas...we hunt...that's a no no lol, every deer would gone as soon as we came into the area lol. But on intake side to hear that 57mm spin whistle ramping up and down would be the only mod I would ever look at. As it is I think GM did a wonderful job of pumping just the right amount of that sound in as it is...it's perfect. We can fire up in campgrounds, or hunting camp, or front street with windows open early in the morning and it's polite to everyone. In fact if you are an outdoorsmen who hunts and spends time in game country the overall quietness of this motor is outstanding while still giving the driver that smile inducing turbo whistle all the time. Your old man may come to really like the sound of his new truck in time. I'm done with na v8's lol. Hooked on boost now.

Edited July 28, 2023 by 4banger

[KARNUT]

I like the sound of all engines, especially factory tuned exhaust on performances vehicles. Nothing above the V-8.

[Silverado4x4]

Nothing like the sound of a cammed V8 or opening up of the 4bbl carb. Never get that from a 4 popper. Turbos have a shelf life and when they go its lights out for the motor, Turbos? not for me.

Edited July 28, 2023 by Silverado4x4

[repairman54]

As the old saying goes, there is no replacement for displacement. 

Less complexity under the hood. I had a '17 2.7 twin turbo Continental that was inherited, traded it in for an AWD Traverse that was more winter useful. The Conti was a really nice car that got out of its own way easily but being my own wrench, the under-hood area was no bueno. 

I'm not a turbo tester, look at the piston issues in 1.5 and 2.0 GM turbo motors as they have aged. Bad enough on having to wait to '23 to hopefully get around the lifter issues. 

[Texcl2]

I have used my 2022 trail boss extensively up here in ND in temps down to -30’s f and in deep snow. I pretty much keep it in auto for not so deep snow and if it gets over a foot or two I’ll put it in 4wd. So far I haven’t been stuck and I live on a farm 2.5 miles from the black top, sometimes it takes 4 days for a plow to get out to my place so these are some serious conditions. The 2.7 has been great I honestly like it better than my 5.3’s. I definitely trust it more, GM v8’s have been having serious problems with their valve trains for years, sort of a roll of the dice whether you get a good one.