mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Chevy Colorado High-Output Engine Calibration To Become An Accessory Item

The 2023 Chevy Colorado made its big debut last July, showing off a brand-new third generation complete with a long list of updates and changes. One of the biggest updates was a new powertrain lineup, with three power levels available. Now, GM Authority has learned that the Chevy Colorado’s High-Output engine calibration will be offered as an accessory item available for purchase later this year.

Badging on the third-gen Chevy Colorado.

For those readers who may be drawing a blank, here’s a quick refresher. The third-generation Chevy Colorado offers three powertrain options, including the base-level turbocharged 2.7L I4 L2R gasoline engine, rated at 237 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm, the mid-range turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B Turbo Plus gasoline engine, rated at 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm, and finally, the range-topping turbocharged 2.7L L3B Turbo High-Output gasoline engine, rated at 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 430 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm.

The range-topping turbocharged 2.7L L3B Turbo High-Output gasoline engine is available for Chevy Colorado LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 trim levels, and included as standard on ZR2. For those customers that want to upgrade their Chevy Colorado LT, Trail Boss, or Z71 from the turbocharged 2.7L L3B Turbo Plus to the 2.7L L3B Turbo High-Output engine, GM will offer the High-Output engine calibration as an accessory item available for purchase at the dealership starting later this year, per GM Authority sources.

In other words, the High-Output engine calibration is available not only during the vehicle ordering process, but it will also be available for purchase after the truck is delivered.

The High-Output engine calibration is tagged with RPO code RWQ, and is currently listed at $395 for Chevy Colorado LT, Trail Boss, or Z71 trim levels. Obviously, the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine is required beforehand when it comes to upgrading the Chevy Colorado LT trim level.

As a reminder, the Chevy Colorado rides on the updated 31XX-2 platform and is produced at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.

Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Colorado news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

[nggallery id=1162]

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

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. This was announced the same time as the engine specs last year. In fact you guys even reported on back in December

    Reply
  2. What exactly is the High Output engine calibration accessory?

    Reply
    1. It says in the article; bumps peak torque from 391 to 430lbft, which should provide for a very nice mid range pull when towing.
      I’d be curious to see the dyno and also test back to back with a 5,000lb trailer

      Reply
      1. Yet the GMC Canyon already comes standard across the board.

        Reply
        1. At a much higher price point, amazing how that works 🫨

          Reply
    2. A downloaded software map that should have been included on the mid-range engine.

      Reply
      1. my guess it that there is probably a 1 mpg mileage penalty for the H/O, so they want the volume models to avoid that

        Reply
  3. They should bring back the 3.6.

    Reply
    1. The high output 2.7L makes 150 lb/ft more torque than the 3.6L, that would be going backwards.

      Reply
      1. Backwards????
        NA 3.6 will outlast that Turbo 2.7 any day of the week, burn less oil, and no turbo lag.

        Reply
        1. Multiple Generations do the 3.6 had oil consumption issues. And the 2.7 is designed very stout, who’s to say it isn’t more reliable and long lasting. You’re just all speculation and conjecture

          Reply
          1. I have had several vehicles with the 3.6 and never issues with oil. I don’t beat my vehicles and maintain them on a regular basis.

            Reply
            1. Whenever someone says they have had several vehicles under this context it leads me to believe each vehicle was replaced in a relatively short timeframe and mileage.

              The tail end of the second gen Colorado finally had oil blow by figured out with the addition of baffling

              Reply
              1. I just traded in my 18 Z71 with the 3.6 for a 23 Z71. There’s no comparison. This 2.7 beats the 3.6 in pretty much every way. The only thing I could complain about is the 4cyl sound, and not enough turbo whistle.

                I don’t miss it a bit.

                Reply
  4. Dealers are already charging for this and they have no clue what it is

    Reply
    1. It’s not like a dealer tune is a new idea, Mustang has one right now for the 2.3, and Cobalt SS/Solstice GXP/HHR SS/Sky Redline had one

      I know someone that had their dealer flash their ‘23 Colorado, so it is available to the public

      Reply
    2. I guess you slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

      Reply
  5. If it was like my GM tune on my 2.0 LNF it is more power and boost but it will make the engine Premium only.

    This way the customers can decide what best works for them.

    Not only is the Turbo more torque than the V6 but more low and mid range torque.

    Reply
    1. No, the high output is still rated and recommended to run regular 87. The tune in question is literally just to get you the same spec engine that is standard in the ZR2 and ALL canyons. It’s the same 2.7 in the Silverado which is also to use 87 octane

      Reply
  6. is there a real mileage difference between the standard and high output engines ?

    Reply
  7. I’m reading this on a phone. Scrolling down just now i noticed a lot of pictures. A lot. More, I think, than in any illustrated article I’ve ever read. A lot of pictures.

    Reply
  8. I just ordered a 24 colorado LT with an upgrade to the TurboMax engine. Can I run regular 87 or do I need premium. Als, If I almost never tow is the larger engine a good idea or not

    Reply
  9. with the high cost of vehicles you would be able to build the way the buyer wants NO 4cyl. NO ELECTRIC !i will look else where

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel