A mainstay that was frequently found under the hoods of many HD Chevy trucks, the Duramax has improved quite a bit over time and has undergone continuous and very thorough innovation. It fulfills a very awesome and durable role in the Silverado 1500, having come quite a long way since its early 6.6-liter LB7 days. The pro-grade auto bloggers at Top Speed cranked out a feature last week about the Duramax’s claim to fame, and the many intricacies that subsequently render it so very awesome. They began with the important notion that diesel engines are often mistaken for brutish piston-pounders that wreak havoc on the environment.
The Duramax of today is a thoroughly perfected masterpiece derived from precision engineering, and design solutions that enthusiastically reach for esteemed engine excellence. The most widely known Duramax is the one that is used in HD trucks such as the Silverado 2500 or 3500 HD, boasting its rugged 6.6-liter Duramax Diesel V8. For the 2023 model year, things just got that much better, kicking it up an aggressive notch with an extra 28 horsepower and 35 lb-ft of torque.
The 3.0-liter Duramax is an excellent option for anyone after the torque-rich and high-range capable diesel engine in the very functional shell of a light truck. When the smaller-size Duramax was first created, the engineers hard at work were given a well-fitted blank canvas to dream up the best engine possible. The task was approached with various new technologies, the grade of which had never been seen in a diesel engine application. The addition of a start/stop feature to improve fuel efficiency was received and implemented quite well, as these trucks that the small Duramax must move are quite large.
The 3.0-liter Duramax shows up at the power-rich party with the added convenience of an exhaust brake, which allows for engine compression to slow the vehicle down. This wholeheartedly prevents excessive mechanical braking, which is one of the most common ways to end up in a serious overheating dilemma. This particular engine is always paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, which delivers very consistent and smooth acceleration. It is also known for its surprisingly quiet operation, which is a unique and satisfying feat for any Diesel engine.
The 3.0-liter LZ0 Duramax has excellent fuel efficiency, showing up all decked out and ready to rumble with a 13,000-lb towing capacity. The ingenious inline-six configuration helps phase out vibrations, while the variable geometry turbocharger always “throws the diesel-driven smackdown” with abundant power in its accessible RMP range. A half-ton diesel pickup equipped with a very reliable and seamless engine is an ideal choice for drivers who need a dependable work truck but don't necessarily have hauling demands of over 15,000 pounds. TopSpeed finalized their feature by heartily claiming that this is the “last great diesel engine available for the mass consumer market in the U.S.!”