The 2020 GM vans – the 2020 Chevrolet Express and the 2020 GMC Savana – are set to receive improvements to the transmission, GM Authority has learned.
Specifically, the full-size vans get a new torque converter and centrifugal pendulum-type absorber for their eight-speed automatic transmissions only when mated to the optional 2.8L turbo-diesel Duramax engine.
This latest update applies to the MQD eight-speed transmission. The new hardware should offer benefits such as smoother operation and less overall vibration, along more robustness.
To note, the MQD eight-speed automatic transmission mates to the 2.8L LWN turbo-diesel engine. Output is rated at 181 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm.
Heading into then new model year, both 2020 GM vans will continue to be offered in a trio of body styles, including Cargo, Passenger, and Cutaway. Each is uniquely outfitted to accommodate specific applications and use cases with regard to available seating, cargo room, or the cab/chassis configuration.
Meanwhile, the powertrain lineup for the 2020 GM vans remains identical to that of the outgoing model year, and is as follows:
| Engine | Transmission | Power hp / kW @ RPM | Torque lb-ft / Nm @ RPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| GM 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 LV1 | Eight-speed automatic M5U | 265 / 198 @ 5200 | 295 / 400 @ 4000 |
| GM 6.0L V8 Vortec L96 | Six-speed MYD-6L90 | 342 / 255 @ 5400 | 373 / 506 @ 4400 |
| GM 6.0L V8 Vortec CNG LC8 | Six-speed MYD-6L90 | 282 / 210 @ 4800 | 320 / 434 @ 4400 |
| GM 6.0L V8 Vortec LPG LC8 | Six-speed MYD-6L90 | 332 / 248 @ 4800 | 370 / 501 @ 4400 |
| GM 2.8 Liter LWN I-4 Duramax Turbo Diesel | Eight-speed MQD | 181 / 135 @ 3400 | 369 / 500 @ 2000 |
Note that the two 2020 GM vans, including the 2020 Chevrolet Express and the 2020 GMC Savana, offer all powertrain combinations across the board, with one particular exception: the turbodiesel 2.8L Duramax LWN inline four-cylinder engine is only offered with the Cargo and Passenger van body styles, and is not available with the Cutaway body style.
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Comments
Nobody didn’t notice the return of the 4.3 in the Vans?.
We did, an entire two years ago:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/09/2018-chevy-express-2018-gmc-savana-get-new-base-engine-and-8-speed-transmission/
It’s also technically not the “return” of the 4.3, since the LV1 engine being offered here is based on the fifth gen Small Block, while the prior one was gen four-based.
Is there a good reason why GM is not bringing a new van to challenge or beat the Transit? To make matters worse, the Transit is going to be available in AWD for 2020.. GM better catch up or surpass.
Dale, a lot of us fleet guys prefer the simpleness of the older GM vans. They are incredibly capable and economical to run. As long as we keep buying them in the numbers we are, I don’t think GM will be too quick to update. They never seemed real interested in being number one in the segment anyways.
I do REALLY wish that diesel was available in the cutaway chassis though. I have some older ones with the big Duramax’s in them that are over 500,000 miles and need to be replaced but want to stay diesel…..and I like that 2.8, it punches above its weight!
Are the GM vans so good because everyone loves the 6.0LS/6L90 combo? Something the Transit does not have.
Dave. For the 2020 GM vans, they still list the 6.0 liter with the propane-ready-to-convert engine option. The HP and torque rating is the same as the normal 6.0 liter but from what the GM reps have told me, the rings are a different material and the pistons might also be a different material. It’s costs about $6,000 to have an aftermarket company do the conversion. The LPG engine option of the engine code LC8 6.0 liter, is about $300 when ordered new. Check a local welding supply company or similar gas distributor and ask if they will give you a special price for propane. DO NOT DISCONNECT THE gasoline system. Just add on the propane system which now use LPG fuel injectors. This way, your trucks are not limited to a special area, as they can always use the gasoline system if they are not near a propane filling location. propane runs great because it is 104 octane and contains about 37 percent hydrogen. You will travel about 40 percent further on propane than on CNG, because of the very high hydrogen content in propane. GM shows 40 foot pounds more torque on propane than on CNG on the same engine. You must order the $300 option so that GM will give full warranty. You can get a 12 inch diameter tank of any length you want, if you custom order it. Remember it’s like the BBQ tank, whatever the volume rating is, the tank only fills to 80 percent, where the shut-off valve, stops the overfilling. My three fleets that i have helped manage, have run over 25 million miles on propane since 1981, mostly on GM V8 and Ford V8 engines. Just add on an extra engine oil cooler, as propane burns very, very hot. You can also get a national discount charge card from the major gasoline suppliers, which give you the same LPG price anywhere you travel in the USA. the only difference from one state to the other is the state tax. There is no carbon or varnish build up in the engine, when you run propane, because it is such a clean fuel. Most limo companies have run propane for years and where i live, about 95 percent of the Chev Suburbans used in the limo business use propane, saving about $1.50 to $2.00 a gallon compared to gasoline. Contact me if you want to find out more, especially if you want to lease the propane fueled trucks, instead of buying them.
Dale, the GM vans are selling really well, despite their archaic age:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/05/chevrolet-express-sales-numbers-figures-results-first-quarter-2019/
… so there’s no reason to panic. Meanwhile, there is this…
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/02/chevy-express-gmc-savana-replacement-begins-to-take-shape/
Comparing the GM vans to the Ford Transit is like comparing a Model T to the space shuttle. GM hasn’t done a thing to their offerings in 15 years. Bench seats, no cruise control or power mirrors. The interior looks like it was put together from the GM overstock parts bin. Compare that to the Ford who has bucket row seats, very refined interior and modern accoutrements that make a vehicle look like it was designed for 2019 and not 2000.
Do your homework! Of course you can get cruise control and power mirrors on the GM vans.
That’s why they keep buying the GM . it’s what they want….
I own a 16 transit with the 3.7. Works well but does not have the towing capacity that the GM van does. Plus the amount of electronics is something to be concerned about when out of warranty soon. The 2.8 duramax with 8 speed looks like a nice combo.