How much horsepower does a 3500 Chevy Duramax have?
The typical horsepower figure for the Silverado 3500HD with a Duramax diesel is 445 horsepower in the modern L5P generation, with earlier generations delivering around 397 horsepower. Exact numbers depend on model year and calibration.
What powers the Silverado 3500HD
The Silverado 3500HD uses a 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Over time, GM has tuned the engine for emissions and performance, which is why horsepower has changed across generations.
Horsepower by generation
The following overview shows the main horsepower figures for the Duramax in Silverado 3500HD trucks across generations.
- Duramax LML (2011–2016): 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque.
- Duramax L5P (2017–present): 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque.
These numbers reflect the standard outputs for US-spec trucks in their respective generations and may vary slightly by market, trim, or emissions calibration.
How horsepower translates to performance
Horsepower, together with torque, influences acceleration, hill-climbing ability, and overall drive feel. The L5P’s 445 hp is paired with a broad torque curve (910 lb-ft), which helps the heavy-duty Silverado 3500HD move substantial loads more confidently than earlier generations, especially when towing or carrying heavy payloads.
Why horsepower matters for heavy-duty hauling
For heavy-duty tasks, torque often plays a larger role than peak horsepower, but both figures matter. The 3500HD’s strong torque output aids launches from a stop under load and maintaining speed on grades, while the horsepower provides the upper-end power for towing and highway acceleration. The exact experience varies with configuration (cab/bed, single vs dual rear wheels) and whether the truck is stock or tuned for performance.
Real-world considerations and caveats
Published horsepower is a baseline specification. Real-world results can differ due to altitude, fuel quality, engine wear, and any aftermarket exhaust or tuning. For used trucks, verify the engine code (LML vs L5P) and the model year to determine the expected power output. Warranty and emissions rules can also influence performance in some markets or trims.
How to verify horsepower on your truck
To confirm the exact horsepower of a specific Silverado 3500HD, check the VIN data and look up the engine code in GM’s official specifications. The engine code (LML or L5P) is typically listed on the under-hood data plate, and GM service resources can provide the precise rated output for that configuration.
Summary
Today’s Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Duramax is most commonly rated at 445 horsepower with 910 lb-ft of torque (L5P, 2017–present). Earlier generations used the LML engine, delivering about 397 hp and 765 lb-ft. Together with the Allison 10-speed automatic, these power figures translate into strong towing and hauling performance across different configurations and model years.
