GM L3B engine

General Motors L3B engine
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	2018–present
Layout
Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	2.7 L; 166.4 cu in (2,727 cc)
Cylinder bore	92.25 mm (3.63 in)
Piston stroke	102 mm (4.02 in)
Cylinder block material	380 T5 Cast Aluminum
Cylinder head material	356 T5 Cast Aluminum
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 valves/cyl with VVT and VVL
Compression ratio	10.0:1
RPM range
Max. engine speed	6100 RPM
Combustion
Turbocharger	Single BorgWarner Dual-Volute w/ electrically actuated wastegate
Fuel system	Gasoline direct injection
Fuel type	Gasoline
Oil system	Wet sump
Cooling system	Water cooled
Output
Power output	237–325 hp (177–242 kW)
Torque output	259–430 lb⋅ft (351–583 N⋅m)
Emissions
Emissions target standard	Tier III, Bin 50
Emissions control systems	Three-way catalytic converter, wide-band heated oxygen sensor

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.

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.

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.

History

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). Parts are cast at Bedford Casting Operations in Indiana. Assembly is at Spring Hill Manufacturing, Tennessee, USA. The L3B is the successor to the 3.6L V6 LGX, 3.6L V6 LGZ, and 4.3L V6 LV3 engines.

Specifications

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. The Active Fuel Management system can shutdown the middle two cylinders under low-power conditions.

Cylinder liners are spun nodular iron.

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.

Applications

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

2.5L LK0

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