Just a few years ago, an all-new, clean-sheet-designed 3.0-liter Duramax Diesel engine made its debut wowing journalists and consumers. Now, it seems, a new version of this engine is coming called the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel LZ0.
The current LM2 3.0-liter turbodiesel is an inline-6 with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque at just 1,500 RPM. This engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and has returned nearly 30 MPG with 2WD Sierra and Silverado trucks. New for 2022 is the upgraded max towing at 13,300 pounds with 1,930 pounds of max payload.
Plus, the LM2 is inherently balanced and provides a very smooth and powerful driving experience. It is one of my top five favorite engines on the market.
What is a Duramax Diesel LZ0?
The new engine is reportedly in the works according to GMAuthority.com. It is expected to retain the same inline-6 design while taking things up another notch. Specifically, it is expected to have more performance, better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Exact details on this engine will be out later this year with the engine reportedly going into the 2023 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado as well as GM full-size SUVs.
Why replace it so soon?
One of the big questions for the media and consumers is why GM would replace the LM2 after a short run of just three years.
I theorize this is likely due to a variety factors — such as the two ongoing issues with the long crank, slow start and the need to drop the transmission to access the timing belt.
These factors have long been a concern among consumers and a redo of the LM2 with a new name could put those negative concerns behind it.
Finally, the LM2 doesn’t fit in the redesigned Chevy Tahoe Z71. This off-road designed Tahoe has better ground clearance to handle the trails yet has been limited to the 5.3-liter V-8. The reason? Chevy engineers couldn’t route the cooling lines correctly for the diesel to fit into the new Z71’s curved front fascia. Maybe the LZ0 addresses that issue as well.
The bottom line on the Duramax Diesel LZ0
Let’s see. Better fuel economy, less emissions, more performance and possibly fixing the shortcomings of the LM2 engine? Yeah, I’m all in on this LZ0 if it can achieve those goals. You should be, too. It’s a great engine.
Related posts:
- 3.0L Duramax diesel has known long crank start issues, but no recall
- 2020 GMC Sierra 3.0L Duramax Diesel towing MPG
- Does the Chevy 3.0L Duramax diesel have a design flaw?
10 comments
Scott Peterson
does a California 3.0L 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesel Engine have different emmisions componants on it from ones sold in other states
Fred
GM is poor quality product, this Duramax is proof again.
Nolan
The real issue is the rear main oil seal leak. It’s starting to plague the LM2. Let’s hope the “redesign” is addressing this design/manufacturing flaw. As mentioned the LZ0 could be part of a marketing rebranding to restore faith in the 3.0 engine.
William D Davis
Someone mentioned max towing across all lines, the max towing only exists on 2wd quad cab 6 ft bed not in other configurations, with either the 3.0 Duramax or the 6.2 gasser or is it the 5.3, only interested if they use the new redesigned LZO motor.
Kevin wade hedgecoth
What’s the total horse power and is it the Allison tranny!!!
Tim Esterdahl
Nothing official yet so no horsepower specs. Current 3.0L doesn’t use Allison transmission.
Livingston morrison
The l z o I love thank you guys for making
Change now I can get the 2023 gmc.
Ml Ake
No one outside of GM even knows what the changes truly are, so how could you possibly love the new engine?
Rob
Tim,
Interesting news on the 3.0 diesel. You mention the two ongoing issues. What are the redesign expectations to address the access to the timing belt?
Also, while the max trailing package was offered for the 3.0 Duramax in 2022 – it was not offered across all product lines. Strategic or was there a shortage for the max towing package too? If so, any details?
Thanks for your informative coverage, always.
Rob
William D Davis
I think you
meant oil pump belt not timing belt, l thought it had a timing chain, which doesn’t have any issues like the ram half ton diesel. The GM oil pump belt runs through the oil in the oil pan, but has to pull the tranny out to replace or for visual inspection, which is very pricey.