What is the firing order of a 2.7 Chevy?
The firing order for Chevrolet’s modern 2.7-liter inline-four engines is commonly 1-3-4-2. This sequence is used on the EcoTec 2.7L family found in Silverado and related models. Always verify the exact order for your year and model in the official service manual.
Overview of the 2.7L engine lineup
Chevrolet’s 2.7L EcoTec family is a turbocharged four-cylinder designed to balance efficiency with strong torque. It powers light-duty trucks such as the Silverado 1500 and related models, and it has evolved through standard and High-Output variants. These versions share core architecture, but tuning, turbo boost, and fuel delivery can differ by model year and market.
Variants to be aware of
While most 2.7L engines use the same firing order, internal revisions and different ignition layouts across years can affect how the sequence is labeled or wired. Always refer to the exact factory documentation for your engine code (for example, the EcoTec 2.7L High-Output family) to confirm the firing order for your vehicle.
Firing order specifics
Here is the firing order most commonly cited for the 2.7L inline-four engine family. The order describes the sequence of ignition events as the crankshaft rotates.
- 1-3-4-2
- This order generally corresponds to an inline-four layout with cylinder numbering front-to-back; confirm the exact orientation in your service manual for your year/model.
- Some revisions or markets may use the same order with different coil-pack wiring; check the wiring diagram if diagnosing misfires or ignition issues.
In practice, the 1-3-4-2 sequence is standard across most Chevrolet 2.7L engines, making it a reliable reference for maintenance tasks like spark plug changes or ignition component service. Always verify with the exact factory documentation to avoid mis-timings on a specific vehicle.
How to verify for your vehicle
Because engine designs can vary by year and market, the safest approach is to check the exact ignition layout in the proper manual. Use these sources to confirm the correct firing order for your vehicle:
- Official owner’s manual or service manual for your model and year
- GM service information portal or workshop manuals that cover the EcoTec 2.7L family
- In-engine diagrams on the timing cover or cylinder head showing cylinder numbers and spark plug connections
If you cannot locate the exact specification, contact a Chevrolet dealer or a qualified mechanic. Incorrect firing order can cause rough running and potential engine damage.
Summary
For Chevrolet’s current 2.7-liter inline-four EcoTec engines, the firing order is typically 1-3-4-2. This sequence is standard across many model years, but variations can occur between different 2.7L variants or markets. Always verify with the vehicle’s official service documentation to ensure accuracy for your exact engine configuration.
Where is the cylinder 1 on a Chevy Cruze?
On a Chevy Cruze, cylinder 1 is the front-most cylinder, closest to the front of the engine (near the timing belt or chain). You can identify it by looking at the engine from the front of the vehicle, where the accessory belts are; it's the first cylinder on the passenger side.
This video shows the location of cylinder 1 on a Chevy Cruze: 55sSTEVE ROB REVIEWSYouTube · Feb 27, 2022
- Location: Cylinder 1 is the cylinder at the very front of the engine block.
- Identification: Stand at the front of the vehicle and look at the engine. The first cylinder on the passenger side is cylinder 1.
- Function: On most 4-cylinder Chevy engines, the firing order is 1-3-4-2, meaning cylinder 1 fires first.
What engine has the firing order 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2?
Mopar V8 engines
Mopar V8 engines, from the Small Block Mopar (SBM) to the Big Block Mopar (BBM) and HEMI families, adhere to the 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 firing order. However, distributor rotation can vary: Small Block Mopar Distributor Rotation: Clockwise. Big Block Mopar Distributor Rotation: Counterclockwise.
Does the Chevy 2.7 have cylinder deactivation?
Yes, the Chevy 2.7L engine has a cylinder deactivation system, which GM calls Active Fuel Management (AFM). This system allows the engine to shut down two cylinders (numbers two and three) to improve fuel economy when high power is not needed, running on two cylinders for light loads like highway driving.
This video explains how cylinder deactivation works in the Chevy 2.7L engine: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Jul 2, 2024
- How it works: The engine's design allows it to run on four cylinders for power and switch to two cylinders for efficiency. It uses a unique three-phase sliding camshaft system to achieve this by deactivating cylinders two and three.
- Benefits: Cylinder deactivation helps improve fuel efficiency compared to engines without the technology.
- Distinction: This system on the 4-cylinder engine is different from the AFM systems used on older V8 engines. Instead of collapsible lifters, it uses a sliding camshaft to control valve lift and deactivate the cylinders.
- Technology combination: The 2.7L engine also combines cylinder deactivation with other technologies like variable valve timing, direct injection, and auto stop-start to boost performance and efficiency.
What is the 2.7 L I4 engine?
A 2.7L i4 engine is a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine, typically turbocharged, that produces high torque at low RPMs for a truck, while still providing good fuel efficiency. A prime example is the General Motors (GM) 2.7L engine, found in trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado, which uses innovative technology like cylinder deactivation, a dual-volute turbocharger, and a long piston stroke to generate power comparable to a larger V6 engine.
This video explains the features and benefits of the GM 2.7L Turbo engine: 57sAlderman's Chevrolet GMCYouTube · Jul 29, 2022
Key features of the 2.7L i4 engine
- Engine configuration: The "i4" stands for inline-four, meaning the four cylinders are arranged in a single straight line. The "2.7L" indicates the engine's displacement, or the combined volume of all cylinders, is 2.7 liters.
- Turbocharging: It is often turbocharged, which forces more air into the cylinders to increase power and torque beyond what a naturally aspirated engine of the same size could produce.
- Power delivery: The engine is engineered to provide a strong low-end torque curve, which is crucial for trucks that need to pull heavy loads from a standstill.
- Technology for efficiency: It uses advanced features to save fuel, such as cylinder deactivation, which shuts off two cylinders under light-load conditions to improve efficiency.
- Construction: Many modern 2.7L i4 engines feature an aluminum block and cylinder head, making them lighter than many other truck engines.
This video demonstrates the features of the GM 2.7L TurboMax 4-cylinder engine: 55sGetty's GarageYouTube · Jul 2, 2024
