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GM’s New Duramax Diesel 3.0L LZ0 Engine Gets More Power, Torque

GM has released new details on the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel engine, the second iteration of the automaker’s Duramax diesel six-cylinder. The new Duramax diesel engine will be available on select trims of the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500, as GM Authority exclusively covered previously.

The new GM turbocharged 3.0L I6 LZ0 diesel Duramax engine replaces the turbocharged 3.0L I6 LM2 diesel Duramax engine offered for the 2022 model year. The new engine is rated at 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, a 10-percent increase in power and a 7.6-percent increase in torque compared to the 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque produced by the turbocharged 3.0L I6 LM2 diesel Duramax engine offered previously.

As for the hard bits, the new GM turbocharged 3.0L I6 LZ0 diesel Duramax engine features upgraded steel pistons and a revised combustion bowl, as well as a retuned turbocharger compressor, new fuel injectors, and improved temperature control as well.

“These improvements to the popular 3.0L Diesel Duramax build on the already advanced design of the first-generation engine,” said GM assistant chief engineer of diesel engines, John Barta. “We often hear customers express their satisfaction with the outstanding fuel economy and smooth quiet power of the current diesel engine, so we can’t wait for them to experience this advanced engine made possible by the continued design evolution and advances in engine technologies.”

The new GM turbocharged 3.0L I6 LZ0 diesel Duramax engine will be available under the hood of select 2023 Chevy Silverado trim levels, including Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. The new Duramax diesel engine will mate exclusively to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission for retail customers. Engine assembly will take place at the GM Flint Engine Operations plant in Michigan, with availability expected to open up by the end of the 2022 calendar year.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. The 3.0L Duramax is a great engine. It would be even more popular if they can keep production up.

    I bet towing numbers go up quite a bit with this update.

    Reply
    1. This is the best GM news in a while! I hope they have the chips!

      Reply
    2. I waited until 2023 to order an Escalade ESV thinking that GM would obviously put the better & improved diesel LZ0 in their flagship first, yet I was unpleasantly surprised when I found out the new LZ0 had been going into their full size pickups since 2022 but that the 2023 I ordered STILL will come with the lower torque/lower Hp LM2 when it arrives in May/June.

      Even though the ‘old’ LM2 3.0L diesel was a very good unit, I don’t want the LM2 in my new $130,000 Escalade ESV so I’m seriously contemplating cancelling my order and not reordering because I do a lot of towing and I’m my patience is wearing thin with GM.

      Meanwhile, there are 1,000’s of brand new pickups with the improved LZ0 diesel sitting on dealers lots, yet no one seems to be able to order (and get) an Escalade-especially with a diesel!

      Does anyone have accurate info on if I’m hopefully mistaken and that my $130,000 truck will have the best 3.0L diesel in it, or the runner up?

      Reply
      1. Vector interesting comment as I’m in Canada and what you write about is very similar to what happened to me. In 2022 I did order a 2023 which of course were being built with the ‘old’ duramax, and which actually DID get built and, wait for it … actually showed up at the dealership (believe it or it, it’s TRUE!). On the very same day my king awaited baby arrived, it was announced that 2024’s would receive many upgrades & improvements as a refresh, including; the interior had a huge improvement (full door to door dash display) and the exterior had a revised front & rear end as well as much needed new 24” wheel options, AND of course the better LM2. Just like Vector – or, should i say, ‘just like pretty much anybody’ – i was not going to pay over $138k for the ‘old’ looking escalade with the ‘old’ diesel, so I test-drove my ordered ESV around the block, then told the dealer to keep it and as soon as the dealer received the 2024 Ordering Guide I would immediately re-order. Well, here i am without my 2023 which stickered $21,000 less at $117k (black/black Sport ESV with supercruise, touring pkg & upgraded towing) but in the interm GM in all their wisdom announced what I could have if i waited a little longer. A few days later someone else bought MY ESV which I ordered exactly how i wanted it. Well wasn’t it only a few months later GM announces it is putting off offering the refreshed Escalade until 2025. So what’s happened is;
        1. I gave up my truck at $117,000, which back then interest rates for Lease/Finance were affordable
        2. I’ve lost 1 year without a much needed truck
        3. During that year l GM raised prices over $21k for the same build
        4. Interest rates are now insane
        5. So now I can’t afford a ‘2025’

        GM’s games have me seriously thinking about not buying another Escalade (this would have been my 4th brand-new ESV).

        GM’s games have me seriously thinking about not buying another GM vehicle, ever.

        Note: over the past year there’s currently a growing inventory of new escalades sitting on lots for the first time in many years. Maybe i’m not the only one who doesn’t want a brand new $138,000 truck that is outdated? or maybe it’s because of GM’s crazy msrp increase? despite being a celebrated CEO, i can’t for the life of me understand why GM gives people what they don’t want (1,000’s of pickups with the NEW diesel sitting, of killing Bolt EUV’s) & does not put out what customers really want. Maybe part reason why Tesla is a huge success is Elon has figured out what Mary can’t?

        Reply
  2. And hopefully, this new diesel will spread to GMC and the full-size SUV line.

    Reply
    1. The order guide I’ve been working off of includes the GMC’s – not sure why this excludes those.

      Reply
      1. It’s excluded so it can be reported a GMC exclusive tomorrow or over the weekend – you don’t want to give all the news away a once, keep them coming back for more.

        Reply
  3. Nice bump in power, crazy to think that the original LB7 duramax debuted with 300hp/520tq.

    Reply
    1. I love my lb7!! 2002 crew cab long bed. Sittingat 220k original miles and original drivetrain.

      Reply
      1. Their injectors were bad.

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        1. some not all, and it still a good engine regardless. Better than a 6.0 any day

          Reply
          1. It is an awesome engine, but all components make an engine, not just pistons.
            It has to be a total pkg, and admit it they had injector issues.

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        2. We have 29000 miles on our 2020 Sierra 1500 3.0. We love it! 30 mpg hi way, 24 in town, if not towing.

          Reply
  4. No word on reworking the belt driven oil pump?

    Hope the fuel efficiency stays the same or gets better, but I feel the focus of efficiency is moving to EVs and not ICEs, body design and construction.

    With these power numbers, a 4-cylinder version could make an almost equal replacement for the recently retired 2.8 duramax using P/L.

    Reply
    1. The 2.8 minimax was a 4 cylinder.

      Reply
      1. i think dmac is referrign to a 2.0l 4 cylinder likely looking at about the same power output as the current 2.8 dmax, maybe a bit more horse power.

        Reply
    2. I think fuel efficiency will improve by 4-8%. It looks like the main performance change is moving from aluminum to steel pistons. Aluminum pistons suck heat out of the combustion chamber and are used 1, to allow you to increase the compression ratio, 2, to reduce weight for a faster rev.

      Moving to steel pistons keeps more heat in the chamber to push down on the piston and more in the exhaust to blow against the turbo. Should net increase the efficiency by a bit, but might not feel much faster off the line with more reciprocal mass

      Reply
      1. honest question…wouldn’t steel pistons (stronger) be able to handle higher compression ratio than Aluminum?

        Reply
        1. Structurally, yes. But there are more considerations that just structure.

          Reply
        2. Steel pistons are in every way superior. Problem is to keep their weight down they require significant machining on the underside and already are more expensive because the intense machining of their faces. They are stronger, maintain combustion heat better, and have less thermal expansion.

          Aluminum tends to be used because it’s cheaper.

          Reply
    3. I don’t see fuel mileage increasing, but if it stays the same and the torque maxes out at 2000 rpm or below, I’ll be happy. As for the belt drive, they should’ve switched it to a chain, but I think if GM did that, it would have been the lead off to the intro. I don’t think the diesel will be here in 10 years, so GM is focusing more on the future. The buyers interests are much less of a concern.

      Reply
  5. So do I change my order to a 2023 and wait more, or do I keep my 2022 and pray the Banks derringer makes it to production

    Reply
    1. I’m in the same boat…
      Decided to wait the 2023 😉

      Reply
    2. Wait until 2023. Factory power is always better than aftermarket (Banks) powe adders.

      Reply
  6. Wow they really squeezed some good stuff out of that- buddy has the LM2 and loves it. Waiting to order mine and this will be awesome

    Reply
  7. Would have been nice for the toque to break the 500 ft lb mark, but this is a nice bump nonetheless. Enough to feel on the pedal I think.

    Reply
  8. Would be logical and nice to bring these updates to Cadillac Escalade too, especially ESV. To move that big boy around extra hp and torque would only make big caddy even better. Thinking to order one in ESV length and 3 l turbo diesel. Trying to wait till October or November to place the order and see if these changes will make it there and would love to get that ultra Cruise. If ultra Cruise will not be available for 2023 , if not-super Cruise it is.

    Reply
    1. Ultra cruise is a totally different system. It’ll debut in the Celestiq before anything else.

      Reply
      1. I bet open pilot is better the Ultra cruise.

        Reply
    2. Better order NOW. I ordered a diesel Escalade back in December and still don’t have a build date.

      Reply
  9. Would be nice to hear about mpg estimates. Also is there increased pollution devices or did the Lm2 pass these new to come regulations.

    Reply
    1. I believe starting MY 2023, there is a change in emission requirements based on MPG averages. I can’t find the article but I think in 2023 and 2026 are big emission changes years… (correct me if I’m incorrect)

      Reply
  10. Can’t wait to see a marginal improvement on mpg this thing is already amazing for a small diesel.

    Reply
  11. The biggest issue with the original engine is the belt driven oil pump that only has a 150,000 mile belt service life an in order to replace it requires removal of the transmission. My biggest concern is weather or not they addressed this design flaw with the new LZ0.?

    Reply
    1. I read the new service interval for that belt is 200,000 miles. And increase of 50,000.

      Reply
      1. That works for me, I never keep anything that long.

        Reply
        1. Watch the transmission mine let go at 107,00 and i priced out the belt change for oil pump a little over $9,000.00 after having the trans already pulled out witch was $6,000.00 for that!

          Reply
  12. improved temperature control – wonder if this is something that could be retrofit to LM2 if ever an issue, or these changes are many items tweaked throughout the cooling system.

    Reply
  13. About the comment about the belt driven oil pump. It always amazes me when manufacturers build something that anybody would think is a bad design or when it doesn’t fit well in the vehicle. They started with a blank sheet of paper if they don’t make it all work, who will? It’s not like back in the ’70s when they was going to put the rotary engine in the Monza and then it didn’t pan out so they put a V6 in there and you had to jack up the engine to change the spark plugs. I have an equinox with the diesel engine in it great engine great fuel mileage but you have to remove a crossmember underneath to change the oil and filter. A couple clicks of a mouse during the design phase makes it all work, I just don’t understand. Then they go so far the other way next year for the Colorado and the canyon only one engine available I believe it’s going to be a very bad decision to not have a V6 in those trucks.

    Reply
    1. That Chevy Monza got a 262 cid V-8, a high school friend had one. Would love to have it today.

      Reply
    2. GM keeps doing this kind of thing. It is almost like they never, ever heard of “Service and Repair” engineers. It is one of the things that I liked about my early 2000’s Dodge – someone actually paid attention to how mechanics were going to have to fix things at a later date.

      Still- I just purchased a 2023 Silverado with the 3.0L diesel…

      Reply
  14. Ordered a 2023 At4 with the LZ0 Duramax a week ago , I was given a 2 month ETA. Can’t wait !

    Reply
  15. Didn’t I read this engine won’t be able to order until late 2022 , so much for 2 month eta

    Reply
  16. My order sheet from the dealer has LZ0 as engine code , also checked the status code (3000) for my order and it has been accepted by GM. So put in your orders now !

    Reply
    1. I put my order for a 2023 GMC Sierra Denali with the LZ0 in the middle of July. GM accepted the order last week and got a TPW today for 9/17/22.

      Reply
      1. I ordered a 2022 AT4 with the LM2 this spring. Production date was last week, no updates. Anyone know if this will get built or will they wait on the LZ0? I haven’t seen an LM2 for sale anywhere in a couple months. Jus curious, dealer isn’t very helpful.

        Reply
      2. I ordered a 2024 1500 RST Z71 w/LZ0. Factory accepted it right before the strike. Waiting for a build week, and delivery date. Looking forward to driving it. My son ordered and received a 2023 Tahoe RST w/LM2, which does very well.

        Reply
  17. Imagine if they developed I4 and V8 variants of this engine, that would be amazing. 200Hp diesel for the new Colorado/Canyon and 400Hp V8 for full-size trucks and SUV’s, even HD trucks could use it as an entry diesel.

    Reply
    1. Bring back the 4.5 duramax! IMHO, it would be a great “intro diesel” for the HD’s and a top of the liner for the half tons. The 3.0 is just not quite enough for the HD’s. Can ask Nissan about their Cummins in the XD.

      Reply
      1. The cummins in the Titan is actually a very good engine. The problem was they put in the Titan. The engine was i think 98% NoX and particulate matter free. Unheard of at the time. Now if Ram did something with the 5.0l then maybe that would stir things up.

        Reply
  18. fun fact, i called the HP and torque output on the announcement post 🙂

    those are some great power numbers, i’d like to see where peak torque comes in, but we can likely see an increase in max towing as well.. great job GM on an already amazing engine

    Reply
    1. Great point- is max torque at 1500, or way up?

      Reply
  19. GMs Detroit Diesel engines were and still are considered some of the best diesel engines ever offered. Daimler still uses an updated version of GMs original design in its over-the-road trucks. It’s to bad GM sold the company, I’d love it if this engine used the Detroit name.

    Reply
  20. Love to see this in the Colorado with an off-road build.

    Reply
  21. I wonder what the numbers will look like with a delete and tune. They should be mighty impressive

    Reply
  22. I have a 2021 got it with 4 miles it and just turned 97,000 Miles on and love everything about it.. but I am ready to get the Trail Boss edition I think.. I’m just trying to justify the extra $15,000 over an LT like what I have now with upgraded rancho shocks and 2-in leveling kit?

    Reply
  23. Did they address the starting issue and the belt driven oil pump?
    My milage has been phenomenal! I love my 2021 lt 1500 with the 3.0. Just wish they would recall for the 2 issues.
    Maybe I should have waited 2 more years.

    Reply
    1. Whatever FB forum I’m on said, the crank no start issue is fixed have an software update to the truck.

      Reply
  24. I have the original engine in a 2021 Sierra. No issues at all … averages 23 mpg around town and 35.3 on a hundred mile trip yesterday. Looking forward to the new 3.0.

    Reply
  25. Did I see the serpentine belt on the FRONT end of the motor?

    Reply
  26. Sweet news! I can’t wait to get one in an LT with the max tow/trailering package!

    Reply
  27. I would much rather have a turbo diesel than an EV.

    Reply
  28. I ordered my 2023 at4 2 months ago, I was a little bit worried about this new engine, but looks like, it’s a nice improvement. I am sure we will get a small bump In mpg as well. I went with the 20 inch tires as the road noise from the 18s is horrible, so I am hoping for a delivery in the next two months…

    Reply
  29. Between fuel prices and having to mess with DEF why ?

    Reply
  30. Ev are ok around town, but on a long run they are a pain in the neck. I went on a trip with my daughter in her Tesla, never again. It added time on our journey and 60 mile trips out of our way to find a charging station. I 100% agree with Carl, you can keep your ev, give me a turbo diesel any day. When you have to put premium gas in your vehicle, the price difference for diesel is not that much and the added mpg then kinda makes it a wash…

    Reply
  31. It would be nice to have an optional 30+ gallon fuel tank for longer distance.

    Reply
  32. If there is a jump in EPA pollution specs for 2023 and that’s why they modified this engine, that my mean there is more soot being collected in the DPF or smaller passage ways in the DPF
    Maybe tighter restrictions on the SCR
    This may make this engine more problematic. Brought to you by the EPA
    I would stick with the LM2 until this engine is proven reliable.
    I do like the addition of STEEL PISTONS not aluminum.
    I have the Colorado with the 2.8 and there has been some that have had holes blown through the aluminum pistons.
    Diesel engine trucks are so amazing to drive. Absolutely blown away by how quiet and smooth they are.
    Barely touch the go pedal and no down shifts for big hills or passing.

    Reply
  33. Wonder if it uses oil like the LM2?

    Reply
  34. I waited until they stopped taking orders for the 2022 and ordered a 2023. My dealer seems pretty well informed and said the order-to-build time WAS about two months without any constraints. The dealers cannot see all of the orders in queue other than their own so there is some guesswork to estimating production of any specific vehicle. They think mine (without more constraints) will be made after the ones already in queue and then take about two months. They are guesstimating late November or December. The LM0 was the only Diesel engine available.

    Reply
  35. Does anyone know if the new Lzo diesel is in production and are trucks getting built with it as of 9-14-22
    Thank you

    Reply
  36. I ordered a 2022 GMC Denali in Dex of 2021 that stop production of what I ordered in April and I had to reorder with a $5500.00 price increase same vehicle with less options. The second order I got a email on in November going into production with wrong color interior. I told dealer I was not taking. The dealer Ben Mynatt in Concord NC still has not refunded my $100.00 deposit. I guess I will have to call GM. I ordered a new GMC Denali with the Diesel. So now I’m waiting on a 2023. Love the way the new diesel sounds. Can’t wait to get under wheel. I have been waiting soon to be 2 years to get a new truck !!! What has gone wrong with the industry !! Fingers crossed!!

    Reply
  37. Can your guys tell me between 6.2L and 3.0 turbo Diesel engines . Which one more powerful? Thank you!

    Reply

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