Does Chevy Silverado come in a 6 cylinder?
Yes. The Silverado currently offers a six-cylinder option in the 1500 lineup: the 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbodiesel.
The question concerns whether a six-cylinder configuration is available in the Silverado family. Today, GM’s Silverado 1500 blends four-cylinder, V8, and diesel options, with the six-cylinder choice provided by the Duramax inline-six diesel. The historic gasoline six-cylinder option (the 4.3L V6) is not part of the current lineup.
Current six-cylinder option
Here is what you should know about the six-cylinder engine that is offered with the Silverado today, including its designation, output, and where it fits in the model range.
- 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six: the present six-cylinder option for the Silverado 1500. It delivers about 305 horsepower and around 495 lb-ft of torque, paired with GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission. It is available across multiple trim levels when equipped with the Duramax.
- Performance and capability: the inline-six diesel emphasizes strong low-end torque for towing and daily driving, with towing ratings that can approach roughly 9,000 pounds or more depending on configuration and equipment.
- Efficiency and context: the six-cylinder diesel typically offers better highway efficiency than comparable V8 gasoline engines, making it a popular pick for customers prioritizing both work capability and fuel economy.
In short, the six-cylinder option centers on the 3.0L Duramax inline-six diesel, designed to balance torque, towing capability, and efficiency within the Silverado 1500 lineup.
What about other Silverado variants?
Silverado 2500/3500 Heavy-Duty engines
The Silverado HD models (2500 and 3500) do not offer a gasoline or inline-six six-cylinder option. They are equipped with V8-based configurations, including a 6.6L gasoline V8 and a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8, both of which are V8 layouts rather than six-cylinder engines. These heavy-duty variants are tuned for higher payloads and towing capacities.
Summary
Bottom line: if you’re seeking a six-cylinder Silverado today, the available choice is the 3.0L Duramax inline-six turbodiesel in the Silverado 1500. There is no current gasoline six-cylinder option in the 1500, and the heavy-duty Silverado HD lineup does not offer a six-cylinder engine. For more power, GM offers V8 options (gas or diesel) in both the 1500 and HD families, but those are V8s rather than six-cylinders.
Does Chevrolet have a V6 truck?
This generation of the Silverado/Sierra 1500 has three all-new gasoline engine options: a 4.3 L EcoTec3 V6, a 5.3 L EcoTec3 V8, and a 6.2 L EcoTec3 V8, all featuring cylinder deactivation and aluminum blocks, while dropping the 4.8 L V8 from the last generation.
Is the Chevy 4.3 L V6 a good engine?
Yes, the Chevy 4.3L V6 is generally considered a good and reliable engine, known for its longevity and durability, especially with proper maintenance. While older versions can have issues with fuel injection systems, and newer versions have had some problems with Active Fuel Management (AFM), the core engine block and internals are very strong. It's a dependable and easy-to-maintain engine, with many owners reporting high mileage without major issues.
Pros of the 4.3L V6
- Reliable and durable: The engine is known for its solid and reliable design, with many examples reaching 250,000 to 300,000 miles and beyond on the original block and internal parts.
- Easy to maintain: It is relatively simple to work on, and parts are readily available and affordable.
- Good for its class: It provides ample power for daily driving and light hauling, though it may not be the fastest engine on the market.
Common issues and considerations
- Older models (TBI/CPI): Some older versions with the Central Point Injection (CPI) system can have issues with the "spider" injector, but replacing the system is often straightforward and inexpensive.
- Newer models (EcoTec3):
- Active Fuel Management (AFM): Newer versions of the engine feature AFM, which has been known to cause lifter and other issues, though the 4.3L generally fares better than the larger V8s. Disabling AFM with a device is recommended to prevent potential problems.
- Direct Injection: Direct injection can lead to carbon buildup on intake valves and issues with the fuel system. Installing a catch can can help mitigate these problems by reducing oil recirculation.
- Fuel efficiency: While not as poor as some other engines, its fuel economy isn't considered great by modern standards, especially on the highway.
How to ensure longevity
- Maintain proper maintenance: Regularly changing oil and filters is crucial for the engine's health.
- Address issues promptly: Be sure to replace any worn or failing components, such as the water pump or distributor, as they wear out.
- Consider disabling AFM: On newer models, disabling AFM can prevent potential long-term engine damage.
Is there a 6 cylinder Silverado?
On the 1500 models, the 4.3 L V6 was standard on trims up to LT and SLE, and flex-fuel capability was included.
Is the 2.7 turbo Chevy motor any good?
This is a great engine, a real work horse. If you are having some sort of problem, odds are it is the pcv vent, which is easy to access and clean. The engine has tons of access under the hood.
