The GM L3B engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine designed by General Motors. It is an undersquare aluminum DOHC inline-four displacing 2.7 liters (165 cid) and tuned for strong low-end torque.

General Motors L3B engine
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2018–present
Layout
ConfigurationInline-4
Displacement2.7 L; 166.4 cu in (2,727 cc)
Cylinder bore92.25 mm (3.63 in)
Piston stroke102 mm (4.02 in)
Cylinder block material380 T5 Cast Aluminum
Cylinder head material356 T5 Cast Aluminum
ValvetrainDOHC 4 valves/cyl with VVT and VVL
Compression ratio10.0:1
RPM range
Max. engine speed6100 RPM
Combustion
TurbochargerSingle BorgWarner Dual-Volute w/ electrically actuated wastegate
Fuel systemGasoline direct injection
Fuel typeGasoline
Oil systemWet sump
Cooling systemWater cooled
Output
Power output237–325 hp (177–242 kW)
Torque output259–430 lb⋅ft (351–583 N⋅m)
Emissions
Emissions target standardTier III, Bin 50
Emissions control systemsThree-way catalytic converter, wide-band heated oxygen sensor

In addition to GM's active fuel management, start-stop system, and variable valve timing, which are already featured on GM's other full-size pickup truck engines, this engine also features GM's Intake Valve Lift Control which has 3 different intake cam profiles that are electromagnetically actuated to provide improved fuel economy and performance at a wider range of operating conditions.[1]

The BorgWarner developed turbo can produce up to 27 psi (1.9 bar) of boost thanks in part to its unique dual volute turbine housing and an electrically actuated wastegate. Instead of two side-by-side exhaust passages like on a regular twin-scroll turbocharger, in this design the two exhaust passages are concentric and allow for better use of the exhaust pulse energy.[1]

History

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The L3B was first used in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, with an output of 310 hp (231 kW) at 5600 RPM and 348 lb⋅ft (472 N⋅m) at 1500 RPM. With the unveiling of the 2022 model year Silverado, GM announced a significant revision that stiffened and strengthened the engine allowing for a GM-estimated increased maximum torque rating of 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) while also improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).[1] Parts are cast at Bedford Casting Operations in Indiana.[2] Assembly is at Spring Hill Manufacturing, Tennessee, USA.[3] The L3B is the successor to the 3.6L V6 LGX, 3.6L V6 LGZ, and 4.3L V6 LV3 engines.[3]

Specifications

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The engine is the first GM truck engine to feature an active thermal management system. This system consists of an electrically driven water pump and a 3-way rotary valve which allows the engine to maintain proper operating temperatures and quicker warm-ups. Also, a continuously variable oil pump helps to lower parasitic losses as well as providing proper lubrication and cooling to the engine, especially under high-load conditions.[1] The Active Fuel Management system can shutdown the middle two cylinders under low-power conditions.[2]

Cylinder liners are spun nodular iron.[2]

The low-output work truck variant runs 10 psi of boost, the 390 lb⋅ft variant runs 20 psi, and the 430 lb⋅ft variant runs 27 psi.[2]

Applications

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Year(s) Model Power Torque Notes
2019–2021 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 231 kW (310 hp) @ 5600 RPM 348 lb⋅ft (472 N⋅m) @ 1500 RPM
2022–present 231 kW (310 hp) @ 5600 RPM 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) @ 3000 RPM TurboMax name
2020–present Cadillac CT4 231 kW (310 hp) @ 5500 RPM 350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) @ 1500 RPM
2020–present Cadillac CT4-V 242 kW (325 hp) @ 5500 RPM 380 lb⋅ft (515 N⋅m) @ 2000 RPM
2023–present Chevrolet Colorado 177 kW (237 hp) @ 5600 RPM 259 lb⋅ft (351 N⋅m) @ 3000 RPM detuned with different components, RPO code L2R
2023–present 231 kW (310 hp) @ 5600 RPM 390 lb⋅ft (529 N⋅m) @ 2000 RPM
2023–present Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon 231 kW (310 hp) @ 5600 RPM 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) @ 3000 RPM
2024–present Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon 223 kW (300 hp) @ 5500 RPM 369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m) @ 2000 RPM TurboMax name, Mainland China market only

2.5L LK0

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Year(s) Model Power Torque Dyno Chart
2024–present Chevrolet Traverse 328 hp (245 kW) @  rpm 326 lb⋅ft (442 N⋅m) @  rpm
GMC Acadia

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Sherman, Don. "All-new four-cylinder for 2019 Chevrolet Silverado". www.sae.org. SAE.org. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d Interview with Kevin Luchansky, GM Assistant Chief Engineer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU-bhEjflwo, Aug 18, 2023
  3. ^ a b Staff writer. "GM 2.7 Liter I-4 Turbo L3B Engine". Retrieved 19 August 2023.