Chevrolet is taking the Silverado HD to the next level in 2017 by adding a redesigned turbo-diesel engine to the features. What makes this newest addition better than any other engine that graced the Silverado? Two words: horsepower and torque. The new Duramax 6.63L engine provides a 19 percent increase over the current Duramax with a quieter and smoother performance. Just these few small refinements are enough to make this next-generation design the perfect fit for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado.
What’s Changed About the Duramax 6.6L?
The design engineers have taken the current Duramax engine and made it more powerful. The redesigned Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engines offer an SAE-certified 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque all with a 38 percent reduction in noise during idle. Duramax is already a big favorite among customers and this new design will empower it even further.
The new engine has the same bore and stroke dimensions as its predecessor but a completely reconfigured GM-designed control system. Customers buying the 2017 Silverado will still enjoy Duramax’s signature low-rpm torque. Both the new and current engines provide 90 percent peak torque with just 1,550 rpm. The engine sustains that through 2,850 rpm.
The new engine’s chief engineer, Gary Arvan, explains that they focused on improving the torque at the lower rpm rate when creating the design. The goal was to develop a powerful engine that provided the driver with a smooth ride no matter what.
Highlights of the Duramax 6.6L
Chevrolet lists the key highlights of their 2017 Silverado engine as:
- Stronger cylinder block
- Stronger cylinder heads
- Improved oil and coolant flow
- Stronger rotating and reciprocating assembly
- Brand new ERG system
- New electronic controls
- A damped steel oil pan that runs the full-length of the engine
- Rocker cover/fuel system acoustical treatments for noise control
- B20 bio-diesel compatibility
The new engine also features an advanced vehicle air intake system. With it, cool and dry air flow through the engine for better performance, especially under difficult conditions. The cooler engine is better equipped to pull heavy loads and to run smoother when the internal temperatures start to rise.
The new Duramax block provides some of the tried and true features of the previous engine generations, as well. You’ll still find the signature cast-iron foundation, induction-hardened cylinder walls and the five nodular iron main bearings. The engine also retains the same-sized bore and stroke dimensions and the familiar 6.6L displacement. The designers did add a larger-diameter crankshaft connecting rod journals to strengthen the unit and increase the bearing area for higher cylinder loads.
If you are shopping for brand new full-sized heavy duty truck, give the 2017 Chevy Silverado a look. The redesigned Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel engine is turning heads of consumers looking for a practical towing vehicle that provides a smooth, quiet ride.
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