GMS 4.5L V8 Duramax

[moosc]

Mark your calendars, because we're calling today a watershed moment for the advancement of diesel's acceptance in the U.S. General Motors has just announced a new 4.5L V8 Duramax turbo-diesel powerplant it plans to use in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra half-ton pickups, as well as the HUMMER H2. The new oil burner is expected to produce at least 310 horsepower and 520 ft-lbs. of torque. It features dual-overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, a variable-vane turbocharger and aluminum cylinder heads with integrated manifolding that helps keep the overall package small enough to fit in the same space as the automaker's small-block gas V8s.

That's right, just imagine the possibilities. Wherever GM uses a small-block V8 gas engine, it could potentially use the 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel. In a few years we could be driving diesel Impalas, diesel Camaros, maybe even a diesel Corvette! To quote GM's press release, the engine's small size gives it "the flexibility to introduce this engine in a wide variety of vehicle applications should there be future market demand." Indeed

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/15/gm-announces-clean-diesel-v8-for-pickups-and-the-hummer-h2/

 

[teksavy]

Thanks for posting this! I have been waiting for a diesel AV. I will upgrade my AV to diesel when it is available. It will join my 2006.5 VW TDI that gets 45 MPG and has 250 ft-lb of torque. Totally fun to drive and very comfortable. Plus I run BIODIESEL in it.

 

[Chopped_Burban]

There may be hope yet!!! I'd still prefer the 6.6L with the Allison, but with the 6.6L getting around 22MPG in it's lighter configurations (less towing capability, higher gear rations, blah blah) I can only imagine what a 4.5L would get. Maybe an Av that gets 30-32 mpg. Would be nice. Thanks for posting this moosc

 

[PerfectReign]

Does this mean I no longer need to figure out how to squeeze a 6.6L into a 1500??

Thanks for the link. I'd been reading rumors about a 4.x diesel but hadn't seen anything definite yet.  I still think I'm gonna buy an old CJ and drop a Cummins 4-banger in for a first try at diesel, but this gives me hope for my AV.

 

[moosc]

Does this mean I no longer need to figure out how to squeeze a 6.6L into a 1500??

Thanks for the link. I'd been reading rumors about a 4.x diesel but hadn't seen anything definite yet.? I still think I'm gonna buy an old CJ and drop a Cummins 4-banger in for a first try at diesel, but this gives me hope for my AV.

i read some where that a custom shop was dropping the duramax into the 1500 burbs complete turn key if i rember they had to add a 3inch body lift and other stuff....

 

[PerfectReign]

i read some where that a custom shop was dropping the duramax into the 1500 burbs complete turn key if i rember they had to add a 3inch body lift and other stuff....

Yeah, if you got the $$$ you can get one...

http://www.duramaxsuburban.com/

 

[JohnBChef]

    You know if it happens, AND they make it available for the Avalanche this opens up the AV's to live forever. Could you imagine an avalanche with half a million miles! With the 25,000miles a year I drive on my Avalanche I'd be a happy camper

 

[stingray502]

I would buy an dieselanche in a heart beat.

 

[moosc]

if GM builds it ill buy it ill have free fuel just sipon from my tractor

 

[eeaton5]

Just the news I wanted to hear

 

[sperry]

Cummins just recently lifted their warranty voiding if one uses BioDiesel in them. The catch is B20 - no higher. At least to date.

Too bad that 50? to 70?/gallon Bio fuel may void the GM warranty. Who knows?

Then again, better not get caught with the off-highway red stuff in the system. States pose a bit of a fine for that!

 

[nscr6]

I'll get you some pics of what bio does to your fuel system. I just pulled a bosch VE pump apart fit 88-93 dodge 5.9l cummins. NASTY STUFF I don't recomend it and will never run it in anything. the only time I would even consider it would an engine that runs 24/7 and never sits for any period of time.

 

[sperry]

Bad processing. Likely cheapened the methanol, filtering and/or not enough lye.

Bio gels easier in cold weather and additives will reduce the problem there.

In addition, animal fats can get into the batch and varnish-like goo can result.

Some engines take it easily; in fact can burn just pre-heated filtered vegetable oil.

My GM-Detroit Diesel generator burns it just as well as Dino-Diesel.

 

[Brian]

I doubt GM will ever attach any other transmission other than the Allison 1000 to the 6.6L Duramax. So the smaller version more than likely will use the newer 6L*** series. Probably the 6L90E.

I have seen those getting 22mpg or better and that all depends on your driving habits and how much highway without towing applys. The average is closer to 17mpg. That just my average with 20% city, 40% highway 60mph and 40% interstate at 70mph. Would say gearing will help but only the 3.73 is used in the 2500HD platform. Would have to check to see if the 4.10 is an option in the 3500 and greater series.

Brian

 

[nscr6]

Bad processing. Likely cheapened the methanol, filtering and/or not enough lye.

Bio gels easier in cold weather and additives will reduce the problem there.

In addition, animal fats can get into the batch and varnish-like goo can result.

Some engines take it easily; in fact can burn just pre-heated filtered vegetable oil.

My GM-Detroit Diesel generator burns it just as well as Dino-Diesel.

Bad mixture possibly, what I know to be fact about this pump is this I built it last summer for this customer, he brought it back this month for a no start and no run condition, after I pulled the top cover I found everything basicaly glued together, After everything sat in the soak for 24 hours I ended up having to scrap 70% of the parts. According to him he was buying his fuel from a vendor here in town. This was not the first failure from bio fuels just the first I kept the parts from. Also to be fair we have seen more catastrophic failures that can be attributed to the new ultra low sulfur diesel than to the bio fuels. it's great for us but bad for the consumers. If you are having good luck with bio keep using it after all the first diesel engine built ran on peanut oil.

 

[teksavy]

I couldn't agree with Sperry more. We run quality BIO in our VW TDIs with the PD engine (injects fuel at 28000 psi) and they are very picky but run fine on BIO. All we use is commerical grade ASTM stuff.

Bad processing. Likely cheapened the methanol, filtering and/or not enough lye.

Bio gels easier in cold weather and additives will reduce the problem there.

In addition, animal fats can get into the batch and varnish-like goo can result.

Some engines take it easily; in fact can burn just pre-heated filtered vegetable oil.

My GM-Detroit Diesel generator burns it just as well as Dino-Diesel.

 

[Brian]

With the emission stuff applied to the new LMM 6.6L duramax it says B5 or 15PPM Ultra Low Sulpher. If one uses 500PPM it can cause problems with the Particulate Filter that is on the new diesel engines. Talking to local dealer and they have had one guy so far not using 15PPM fuel. After 7 tanks of 500PPM the engine is locked up. Not sure if GM will warranty since marked on the fuel cap and on the gauge cluster. Also must use low ash oil CJ-4 or better.

Brian

 

[nscr6]

I couldn't agree with Sperry more. We run quality BIO in our VW TDIs with the PD engine (injects fuel at 28000 psi) and they are very picky but run fine on BIO. All we use is commerical grade ASTM stuff.

All I am saying is I see the aftermath of bio and several other alternative fuels (we had one company that the fuel would actualey solidify). Most as long as they don't sit for an extended preiod of time (more than a week) will be fine as long as they are vegetable based. warmer climates fair much better, the guys that run it up here have to have heated tanks and filters over the winter which kills the cost savings. I am not trying to bash or start a war over bio vs dino fuel just giving some info on what I see dailey. I build diesel fuel injection, pumps, injectors, and turbo's.


Hey ed, What kind of mileage are you getting with your VW ? Ive had customer tell me between 45-55 mpg. any problems with the elctrical? heard rumors of dashes just quit working. I am trying to convince my wife she needs a toureg with the V10 tdi.

sorry for the  with all that said if gm put a diesel in the av I would buy one.

 

[Waz]

I doubt GM will ever attach any other transmission other than the Allison 1000 to the 6.6L Duramax......

Um, I guess you missed this one. It's a little de-tuned but, it's still a 6.6L.

The Duramax 6600 delivers 250 horsepower (186 kw) and a class-leading 460 lb.-ft. of torque (624 Nm). It is teamed with the Hydra-Matic 4L85-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, which is specially tuned for diesel-engine compatibility, giving the Express and Savana exceptional towing and grade capability.

From '06 Chevy Express And GMC Savana Full-Size Vans To Offer Duramax 6600 Turbodiesel

Not trying to be a smart azz.
Just offering the info.


Oh yeah, the 4.5L Diesel in an AV,,,,? ? ? I want one!
Now I just have to make the AV last until they come out with it.
Shouldn't be a problem. I had a '94 1500K blazer for 8 years.

 

[Aries]

I wouldn't get to excited about this because I bet they won't offer it in the Burbs or AV's at first if they offer it in them at all... They will probably run the Silverados with it for a year or two at least to see how many sell. And even if they offered it in the AV it will cost at least $55,000 for one because the diesel will most likley be about a $4,000-6,000 option and require some special Package like the LTZ or something making the 2009 AV's like $58,000+... Hell a fully loaded 2007 goes for just over $48,000...


And I bet that IF diesels start to catch on over the next year or two that the gas companys will find some excuse to raise the cost of diesel fuel and you can kiss the savings of running diesel good bye...


OK, theres my .02 cents...

 

[sperry]

Yup! Supply & demand may present itself again. Then when you get the Diesel version like others do, more demand. Then the gas gets cheaper (to use, not just the price)

Well, except for Bio, if they approve it's use.. (again) What a world..

 

[PerfectReign]

Well, except for Bio, if they approve it's use.. (again) What a world..

Of course, there's always Mc Donalds! 

Seriously, I read an interesting article in Diesel Power a few months back talking about Bio running in various engines - DMax, Navistar, Cummins.

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/general/0704dp_living_with_biodiesel/index.html

Makes for interesting reading.

The sad part is - I never see an AV in that magazine... 

 

[timfarn]

Thanks for posting this! I have been waiting for a diesel AV. I will upgrade my AV to diesel when it is available. It will join my 2006.5 VW TDI that gets 45 MPG and has 250 ft-lb of torque. Totally fun to drive and very comfortable. Plus I run BIODIESEL in it.

I'm with you, teksavy, I have the 2006.5 Jetta TDI and average 45 MPG with the DSG Transmission.  I believe it will go up when broke in.  As soon as the diesel hits the AVs, I'm in!  I look forward to the towing torque and economy.

 

[Wayne]

I doubt GM will ever attach any other transmission other than the Allison 1000 to the 6.6L Duramax. So the smaller version more than likely will use the newer 6L*** series. Probably the 6L90E.

Brian

I wonder if GM will use the Allison any more in any vehicle.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20070628/gm-carlyle-allison-sale.htm

General Motors Corp. on Thursday said it reached a deal to sell its Allison Transmission unit for $5.6 billion to private-equity firms Carlyle Group and Onex Corp.

 

[Loggie]

Here's the WarsAuto.com article sent to me ther other day

GM'S NEW DIESEL FOR 2009
According to a recent WardsAuto.com article, the Hummer H2 and Chevrolet
and GMC light-duty pickups built after 2009 will come available with an
all-new 4.5L V8 Duramax turbodiesel. The new powerplant will be produced
at General Motors Corp.'s Tonawanda, New York, plant.
   
According to the article, the 4.5L Duramax is a means of improving the
fuel efficiency of some of the automaker's biggest vehicles. The new
engine is expected to emit 13% less carbon dioxide than existing
gasoline engines. It will also reduce the particulates and oxides of
nitrogen emissions by 90% over today's diesel powerplants. Tom Stephens,
group vice-president of GM's global powertrain and quality, says that
the new diesel "is expected to become a favorite among customers who
require excellent towing ability and fuel efficiency." The new Duramax
will meet all 2010 emissions standards in the United States and will be
50-state compliant.

The 4.5L will be a DOHC V8 with more than 310 hp and 520 lb.-ft. of
torque. It will also be the first GM engine to feature selective
catalytic-reduction exhaust aftertreatment and a diesel particulate
filter, which will help it meet the new U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions
standards. The powerplant will feature a graphite-iron block, aluminum
cylinder heads with integrated manifolds, an intercooled
variable-geometry turbocharger and a high-pressure common-rail
fuel-injection system capable of five injection events per cycle.
   
GM officials who were on hand for test drives of the 2008 Hummer H2 and
H3 Alpha declined to confirm any details on the aftertreatment
technology. However, a urea-injection system will likely be needed to
meet future emissions standards, according to the WardsAuto.com article.
One of the most interesting features of new Duramax is its ability to be
mounted in the same space as GM's small-block V8 lineup. This allows for
easier adaptation for a wide variety of vehicles, as the diesel market
continues to grow. Could we see this Duramax in any of GM's passenger
cars?
   
Not only will the new Duramax serve to boost the fuel efficiency of
vehicles such as the H2, but as WardsAuto.com points out, it will also
help to improve the image of the Hummer brand, which is under constant
attack by the environmentalists. The 4.5L Duramax will also be capable
of running on some mix of biodiesel, according to Martin Walsh, Hummer
General Manager. GM will be investing $100 million in the Tonawanda, New
York, plant where the new diesel will be produced. GM will also dispense
an additional $41 million for vendor tooling, containers and investment
at other locations. Output of the new diesel is slated to get underway
in the fourth quarter of 2009, and the project is expected to retain 150
hourly jobs at the plant.

Source: Sutton, Mike. (June 15, 2007). "Hummer H2 to Feature All-New
Diesel After 2009." WardsAuto.com