Word is out on L4 as standard full size pickup engine for GM

[bucky]

Reported in May 21st issue of Automotive News.
L4 with 310 HP will be standard engine in upcoming full size Chevy and GMC pickups. GM expects that the V8 will be the overwhelming choice however. The 4.3 V6 with it's lower hp and torque numbers will go away.

[ShinerBock]

ramyankee wrote:

Dick_B wrote:
I'd rather have my old 8.1L engine that didn't have to downshift going up the slightest rise when towing.

With you there... I LOVE my 8.1.

I am guessing you two have never driven a turbo vehicle before. They don't hardly downshift either.

[ramyankee]

Dick_B wrote:
I'd rather have my old 8.1L engine that didn't have to downshift going up the slightest rise when towing.

With you there... I LOVE my 8.1.

[ShinerBock]

I wonder how long it will be before they put particulate filters on these engines due to how much PM they produce.

[Lessmore]

I like the idea of the 2.7 liter turbo 4 cylinder as the base engine in the new Chevy pickup. As the previous poster indicated a turbo is good for higher elevation and the hp/torque ratings coming out of that 2.7 turbo '4' look good.

Earlier, I felt that a turbo was almost a service item, something that might have to be replaced before the life of the engine was over. But in the past few years I've changed my mind, given the durability of the Ford 3.5 turbo...that engine from what I've read seems to be durable and reliable.

The other thing I like about the Chevy turbo gas engine is from what I've watched on video, read, etc...this motor seems to have very good torque...low end and mid range...good for a truck. Now I'm waiting to see what MPG will be...city, highway, combined, towing.

I also had the older 4.3 liter V6...the Chevy 350 V8 with two cylinders cut off. Good torquey engine..I had the Vortec heads (1997) variety...very reliable, durable and for it's small cubes..towed reasonably well.

[colliehauler]

gbopp wrote:
I've had several 4.3 V-6 engines in different vehicles, including a full size truck. I thought they were great engines and always worked well.
I'm sure the new 4 cylinder will be as good and, probably better.

I had a 4.3 in a 94 GMC and it did fine solo on flat lands but when you got to high elevation it was anemic. With a turbo elevation should not be as big of a problem.

[gbopp]

I've had several 4.3 V-6 engines in different vehicles, including a full size truck. I thought they were great engines and always worked well.
I'm sure the new 4 cylinder will be as good and, probably better.

[drsteve]

colliehauler wrote:
It's amazing the HP they can get out of these small engines. Not only do they make a lot of power they seem to hold up, hope that's the case with the new GM 4 cylinder. These engines are producing the power of a small V-8 from just a few decades ago.

They have definitely figured out the turbocharging thing. Just bought a 2014 Chevy Cruze with 1.4L four cylinder turbo. This thing makes its best power in the low-mid range. It runs great, no turbo lag, plenty of juice from idle on up. The only issue I have is the small displacement motor doesn't warm up very quickly in the dead of winter.

[ScottG]

Makes sense, I think they sold very few V6's in full sized P/U's.

[colliehauler]

It's amazing the HP they can get out of these small engines. Not only do they make a lot of power they seem to hold up, hope that's the case with the new GM 4 cylinder. These engines are producing the power of a small V-8 from just a few decades ago.

[blt2ski]

My 81 with a 292 I 6 would out pull my 89 with a mountain climbing 454 in it. Quite frequently mind you. At low speeds, up steeper grade etc. Due to better gearing in the trans, and RA. Just because it has a small disp motor, does not mean it will not pull well. Set it up with the right transmission, it will do fine. Probably getting twice to three times the empty mpg than a BB8 too!

marty

[drsteve]

The truck in my sig is rated 300/350 and it pulls fine.

[Dick_B]

I'd rather have my old 8.1L engine that didn't have to downshift going up the slightest rise when towing.

[hone_eagle]

Its a very sophisticated engine ,bet it will do fine.

[RasMouSein]

that gaz 4 cylindre with a diesel torque curve !!!

[Ductape]

Cue up the objections from the traditionalists.

My first Dodge 3500 only had 215 hp.