General Motors is reopening the Duramax engine plant in Moraine, Ohio in order to produce Banks D866T 6.6L diesel engines, which are used exclusively in defense applications.
GM decided to open the plant after receiving a request to do so from Banks Technologies, which manufactures its D866T at the Moraine facility. The engines power the U.S. military’s Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, which serve as the replacement for its iconic HMMWV utility vehicle.
Gale Banks, chief engineer and founder of Banks Technologies, said GM’s decision to reopen the D866T line is representative of its dedication to America’s national security.
“In an act of unparalleled patriotism, and with health and safety in mind, employees from both DMAX and Banks are proudly stepping up to support our national security in a time of crisis. This is a truly American story,” Banks said.
The rest of the Moraine plant will remain dark for the time being, with the CDC advising all non-essential US companies to remain closed until April 30 to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Moraine facility shut its doors on Friday, March 20 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Banks D866T engine is based on GM’s familiar 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel V8 engine design, though it has a number of military-specific differences, which are not public information. The Oshkosh JLTV that it powers is available in both two- and four-seat variants and boasts a fully modular design that can be quickly and efficiently outfitted for a wide range of missions.
The latest version of GM’s 6.6L Duramax diesel engine, which carries the production code L5P, produces 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. It can be found in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD and 2020 GMC Sierra HD, where it is paired with a 10-speed Allison branded transmission.
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GM should be running ads about this especially with everyone being home glued to the tv/internet right now. I think plenty of people (patriots in particular) would be thrilled to learn there is a connection between their Silverado/Sierra and the U.S. military’s Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicles! GM should make it known THEIR engines are performing this duty.
That's a great idea.
But can they find enough real people to talk about it? I don't think that falls under essential activities right now.
I didn't know they were putting that engine in the Oshkosh truck and I am also surprised that Banks tweaks the motor. That kind of explains Gale Banks YouTube videos on the L5P. I would imagine that a lot of that work of finding the power limit was a part of this project. They just figured out a way to promote. Good on them.
The L5P is one awesome engine. I have one in my 2019 GMC Denali. I didn’t realize it had an application in military vehicles, even if it is a slightly different variation. Great job GM.
It's probably in the president's limo..
GM couldn't make a good Diesel engine so they asked Isuzu to sell them a V8 and branded it Duramax! Before the Isuzu 6.6L Duramax was introduced GM's diesel division known as Detroit Diesel made a 6.5L V8 what a Great Mistake that was! GM made one good diesel engine Detroit Diesel Series 60 an inline 6 monster for large trucks and buses! The rest just great mistakes!
I have to wonder if ever owned one of the other great mistakes? The 6.2 and 6.5 were decent engines which fulfilled there mission. Fairly reasonable cost, fuel efficient and dependable. The 6.5 had issues with the pump mounted driver on the injector pump, move away from the heat under the hood and problem solved. Open up the exhaust so it can breath, increase of power and fuel mileage. I’ve owned my 6.5 pickup for 19 years and haven’t touched the motor for anything except a water pump, 2 starters, alternator and what I said above. That ole truck still earns its keep!
I had a 6.2 in a K-30 that I put 225k on, zero engine issues, starters and glow plugs was the extent. I have had a 93 3500 with a 6.5TD and a 98 2500 with a 6.5TD. Both I put over 100K on, and all of them tow miles. I would not say they were great engines, but they were not mistakes, especially for the time period.
Bill you made a mistake yourself. GM did not produce the Series 60 engine. They had sold Detroit Desiel to Roger Penske and a group of other.
He was right about the 60 Series, Detroit came out with the 4-stroke diesel to meet tougher emission standards. This engine was in production before the sale to Penske.