The GM LWN Duramax is a turbo-diesel engine produced by General Motors for use in mid-size pickup trucks and SUVs. Displacing 2.8 liters in an inline-four (I-4) configuration, the LWN is part of GM’s global family of turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines. It is a variant of the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel XLD, although tuned for North American market, specifically the United States and Canada.
The GM LWN engine features a variable-geometry turbocharger for optimal power and efficiency across the rpm band and a balance shaft for smoothness. Power is SAE-certified at 181 horsepower (135 kW) at 3,400 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque (500 Nm) at 2,000 rpm. It’s also the cleanest diesel truck engine ever produced by General Motors, and meets some of the toughest U.S. emissions standards, thanks in part to a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.
A broad torque band makes the 2.8L Duramax very powerful at low rpm, while the turbocharged performance provides a confident feeling of immediate and smooth horsepower on demand.
Additional engine features include:
- Iron cylinder block and aluminum DOHC cylinder head
- Forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods
- Oiling circuit that includes a dedicated feed for the turbocharger to provide increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery
- Piston-cooling oil jets
- 16.5:1 compression ratio
- Common rail direct injection fuel system
- Ceramic glow plugs for shorter heat-up times and higher glow temperatures
- Balance shaft that contributes to smoothness and drives the oil pump
- Laminated steel oil pan with upper aluminum section that contributes to engine rigidity and quietness
- B20 bio-diesel capability.
| Type | 2.8L I-4 Turbo-Diesel |
| GM RPO Code | LWN |
| Combustion System: | Compression ignition |
| Induction System: | Variable-geometry turbocharger |
| Displacement: | 2776 cc |
| Engine Orientation: | Longitudinal |
| Compression Ratio: | 16.5:1 |
| Valve Configuration: | Dual overhead camshafts |
| Valves per Cylinder: | 4 |
| Valve Timing: | Fixed |
| Assembly Sites: | Rayong, Thailand |
| Firing Order: | 1 – 3 – 4 – 2 |
| Bore x Stroke: | 94.00 x 100.00 mm |
| Fuel System: | Direction injection common rail |
| Fuel Type: | Diesel / B20 Biodiesel Compatible |
| Engine Mass: | 236 kg (520 lb) |
| Power (hp / kW) @ RPM: | 181 / 135 @ 3400 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm) @ RPM: | 369 / 500 / @ 2000 rpm |
| Maximum Engine Speed: | 5000 rpm |
| Emissions Control: | Close coupled diesel oxidation catalyst, selective catalytic reduction with urea injection, diesel particulate filter, cooled exhaust gas recirculation valve, positive crankcase ventilation |
| Emissions Standard: | Tier 3 BIN 125/ULEV 125 (Colorado/Canyon) Tier 3 BIN 250/ULEV 250 (Express/Savana) |
| Block: | Grey cast iron |
| Cylinder Head: | Aluminum |
| Intake Manifold: | Composite |
| Exhaust Manifold: | Cast iron |
| Crankshaft: | Forged steel |
| Camshaft: | Powdered metal/sintered lobes |
| Connecting Rod: | Forged steel |
| Vehicle | Transmission | Horsepower hp / kW | Torque lb.-ft. / Nm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2022 Chevrolet Colorado | GM Hydra-Matic 6L50 MYB | 181 / 135 | 369 / 500 |
| 2016-2022 GMC Canyon | GM Hydra-Matic 6L50 MYB | 181 / 135 | 369 / 500 |
| 2017-2022 Chevrolet Express | GM 8-Speed Automatic Transmission MQD | 181 / 135 | 369 / 500 |
| 2017-2022 GMC Savana | GM 8-Speed Automatic Transmission MQD | 181 / 135 | 369 / 500 |
The 2.8L Duramax LWN engine is manufactured at the GM Rayong plant in Thailand.
