2023 lz0 bought November of last year. Have 50k mile and go from central VA to WVA 2-3 times a week across the mountains and average 30-31mpg 70-75mph. Wind and rain lowers that of course. Best truck i have ever had and have had a bunch of diesels.
Same exact experience here. I used to be a Tacoma die hard, I've had 3 of them, and sometimes I still miss them as if I dropped off my old dog to be euthanized. My 2021 manual Taco at best maybe got 20 mpg if I REALLY tried, which I'm really good at by the way, and more often it was more like 17 mpg or even less. This GMC regularly gets me 28 mpg while CITY driving without even trying that hard. It's amazing. And when I DO try, I can easily break over 30 mpg and sometimes even get in the 40+ mpg range. All while having a crazy amount more torque, horsepower, and size. Blows my mind sometimes. The truck has been an upgrade in every conceivable way except for turn radius and parking, which is just part of the deal. I haven't been this satisfied with a truck I've bought ever before.
Great job. Thank you. You didn’t get all side-tracked by the infotainment system or the moonroof. Your title was about the engine and your content was about the engine. New subscriber.
I agree. Great info with few points missing. The revised turbo and boost change the power curve but it's good. Hopefully the cold start issues can be tuned out. Overall a very good truck I would recommend.
This guy did the best review job I have ever seen. He is obviously extremely technical and comprehends the design and performance aspects of this engine. GM should hire him!
I hope The LZ0 beats my 2021 sierra LM2. I got a whole 2750 miles before getting the engine changed. Oil leaks from every corner...66 days in the shop. Then lemon law took over. Still a great looking and driving truck!
I have a ‘23 Silverado LZ0 and have over 10k miles. Zero issues. Tow 6k travel trailer in high winds of southern texas and get 12-15 mpg. Not towing gets 26 combined. Diesel has been cheaper here than gas and I can’t begin to complain. Best power train in a truck I’ve had. Traded for a 21 f150 that was beginning to have issues. Very happy with what I traded up to.
@@DeeRizzley There's no reason to think these engines won't go hundreds of thousands of miles. There are plenty of guys that are already approaching 200k miles on their truck. It's mostly up to the person that owns it to maintain it, change the oil often enough, use the right oil, check the oil level from time to time, keep the fuel filter clean, don't use junk diesel from some run down old gas station, etc.
@@Stonehorn81 no that’s your problem, not ours. Sorry you can’t believe it but I guess facts aren’t your friend. Maybe you’re the problem. The way you drive. Why would people lie?
Just bought one at the end of July, and absolutely love it. Took a trip from Victorville CA to Las Vegas, and averaged 36.2mpg. Granted, I do drive with a soft foot. But still amazing mileage nonetheless. Now a little over 2K miles, I still enjoy driving it, like the first day I bought the Truck. Around town I am still averaging over 24mpg, and over this period of time, I’ve topped off my DEF, only using 1 gallon. As far as oil consumption, I havent experienced any issues at all. At 1K miles I did change the oil (definitely early, but I am very compulsive with my maintaining the vehicles I own). So far this truck has been everything I had hoped it would be. As mentioned above, I am out of California. So with that, this truck has been drinking nothing but Renewable Diesel since day one (with the exception of a fill while in Vegas). I would recommend this truck for anyone in the market for a 1500 sized vehicle.
36.2 freeway driving from Victorville to Vegas???? I would have to see it to believe it. Maybe 34 going down hill all the way on I 80 from Reno to Sacramento. Otherwise 29 to 30 in a 2 wheel drive 1500 on the freeway unloaded.
My best 50 plus MPG driving from Boise Idaho to North Bend Oregon was 52.9 MPG! Total for that trip was 31+ MPG. The interesting thing was there was more down hill that direction but on the return trip I averaged over 32mPG!!! I have a 24 AT-4 . I have had 3 Dodge Eco-diesels and this thing is by far superior to them.
I've been researching these trucks because I'm going to buy one this year, this is the best video review I've seen by far and I've watched a ton of them. Great Job.
This engine has a timing belt that cost $8000.00 to replace, the cab has to come off to get to it. I found out after I bought it. I know own a Tundra. I’ll never buy G.M. Again. Good luck with your 3.0 Durajunk..
have pretty much the exact truck. Love it, pulls the boat, and camper much better than my 5.3 did. Fuel economy is amazing. I hope it's more reliable then my last two 5.3s were.
I have a 23’ GMC LZ0 MaxTow 4x4 crew cab with the 6’7’ bed. Averages between 26 and 32 mpg. Pulling my 22’ enclosed trailer that is a foot taller than standard. And around. 9000lbs. It pulls the hills at 70mph in Kentucky without losing any speed or laboring. My old 15’ GMC V8 would struggle to maintain 45mph. Also, averaged just under 50% better fuel economy than the gas V8 pulling. On the 600 mile round-trip. It did use 2 1/2 gallons of DEF. New truck has just over 6000 miles now. It seems to use last year the more miles I get on it. I have also not noticed any oil consumption. First oil change was 1700 miles second was 5000. Both times was still ride on the full mark.
I read an article someplace that the LZ0 makes the same 460 torque at 1500, then builds to 495 at higher RPM's to reduce strain on the drivetrain. The torque curve is intentional.
Love the 2021 baby duramax. I have had great service in and around the farm. 1600 gallon water wagon and 1000 gal fuel tank has no issues pulling either. Getting 22 miles to the gallon all day every day. 78000 miles and no shop time at all. It is a very efficient truck for what we do with these trucks on this farm. We have a 2021 and a 2022. The DEF pump has been replaced on the 2022 model. Satisfied customers
Do you think it'll make a good landscape truck? I already have a Silverado HD for the very heavy stuff but I have second truck for more light duty projects. I'm think of getting this as my next work truck for smaller stuff
If you notice any oil consumption, there is a TSB for the valve cover and yours may or may not be affected. GM redesigned it to avoid the issue that the supplier had when making it. There was a internal defect in the cover that the supplier didn't notice and it can allow engine oil to leak into a ventilation tube and get pulled into the engine. It causes glow plugs to eventually fail and the DEF/EGR cooler to get clogged if it's bad enough. Hopefully yours doesn't have the original valve cover. It doesn't sound like it but I thought I should mention it.
We bought the GMC new 18 months ago. 40,000 miles later and no complaint at all. Lifetime MPG of 18.2. We have a outdoor power equipment Toro dealership and routinely have a 14ft trailer behind it and lots of running around town. We change the oil every 5k miles and never pull the dipstick between changes.
Currently have a '23 Silverado 1500 LTZ with the LZO coming up on a year now with no problems whatsoever, and I absolutely love it! I would have never considered a diesel until I test drove this one just to get it out of my system, and I fell in love. Amazingly strong engine and great fuel mileage!!
I'm enjoying my '23 Silverado RST Z71. I get 15-17 mpg towing a 3500 lb. trailer and recently did a 1900 mile round trip without the trailer and averaged just under 30 mpg. According to the driver info center my best mileage over 50 mi. was 39.6mpg! The engine is also very smooth and quiet for a diesel. A huge upgrade from a 2013 Frontier.
I’ve got a ‘22 GMC AT4 with LM2. Got about 13,000 miles on it and loving it. Just got 29.6 MGP on a 5 hour trip a few weeks ago. Would I like the extra HP and new features yes but this will serve my needs well for many years. Like your videos from a mechanical standpoint, too many people talk about vehicles online and never pop the hood.
I've got 41,000 and the truck has been perfect besides the extended start issue. Sometimes the starter just turns over and I have to take my foot off the brake and hit the start button twice to get it to stop turning over. As soon as I hit the button again it starts. They never did figure out why it happens.
I have a 2024 1500 and the highest I got is 44.3 mpg for at least an hour drive. I look forward to that drive just to say something about it. So far averaging around 24 mpg. Great truck at over 10,000 miles.
Bought a new Sierra AT4 in March 2021. The power and fuel mileage is super. That's why we bought the Yukon diesel 2023, this year in July. After driving them both, side by side, there's a noticeable difference. Where the power in the truck comes on immediately, the Yukon is a bit more delayed, but it is much more at home at 85 mph (ya wife has heavy foot), with better fuel mileage. We love them both.
I own a 2021. Absolutely love it. Best GM diesel yet. I might have to look at trading. Because at 13,000 lb tow capacity. I am not sure I need my 6.6 dueamax any more.
I had a 2022 LM2 and now I have the 2023 LZ0. Only thing I will say that I think you missed on is DEF consumption. I got 6000 plus miles out of my first tank of DEF on my LM2, this lZ0 doesn't even get half of that, I have to fill it up every 2000-2500 miles now. So she drinks DEF like crazy compared to the Lm2. Also they made some subtle exhaust changes, they added a backpressure valve halfway down the exhaust, which failed on me within the first 1000 miles. It was making a very annoying ringing noise after the exhaust heated up to operating temperature, the dealer had to replace the exhaust from the valve back. Other than that I'm pretty happy with it, no other issues! 7500 miles on it now.
As mentioned in the video, heating up the emissions components quickly is key to their operating well. GM put the DPF as close as they could to the exhaust ports. This created challenges with managing the heat under the hood, but apparently doing so paid huge dividends in emissions system reliability. The DPF also filters much of the EGR before it goes back into the intake stream, which also helps reliability and cleanliness of the engine. A friend has a Sierra with a 1st gen 3.0, it has 75K miles on it and it has been flawless to date. It also drives really well. Have been in it while towing an enclosed 7x16 trailer loaded with dirt bikes and gear, and it stays in 10th gear on flat ground at 70. It has amazing torque, and it is quick when it is unloaded.
@@brettreid5949 Always the best option to "put it on a diet" if local registration allows that. Of course that requires a tune. From what I hear, the new ECM's on the 3.0 are locked down tight and can't be re-fllashed with Live EFI by tuners.
Excellent technical description of the engine. I just got my new Silverado with Duramax diesel 3.0. Only have 900 miles on it but so far very pleased I went with diesel vs. gas (excellent fuel economy). Also, I expect it will hold its value very well. Thanks again for your review.
I traded my 2018 6.2 and went to the 2023 Elevation with the 3.0 LZ0 engine. I have been very impressed so far I really thought I would have missed the power of the 6.2 however I have not at this point. I put the truck on a four hundred run it averaged 30.1 MPG. The truck has about 2000 miles on it I have checked the oil several times it appears to holding steady. I have not added any oil as of yet . I found the video very informative Thanks. Paul T.
I have a '16 LTZ with the 6.2 that I love but am putting a ton of miles on the vehicle on the interstate. The 6.2 is an extremely good motor and I'm still getting 20mpg's average on the interstate if I stay just over 70mph (93octane)... all things considered, that's not too bad especially since I'm on 35's, and a coilover King lift low lift kit. I love the character and power of the 6.2 which is one reason i bought the unit. However, I'm seriously considering trading/retiring my '16 and getting a new LTZ/High Country considering the miles I'm driving. My question is... how vastly different does the 3.0 feel vs the 6.2V8 gasser? I'll be doing the same with the new truck making it an overlander (King coilovers, 35's, low lift kit, camper shell, roof racks, etc.). Cheers! edit: Also, can you tune these 3.0l's to get a little more power/torque? I'm sure these aren't as bulletproof as the 6.6's but there's no harm in asking ;)
@@freidrichnietzsche6643 Yes, lots to love about the 6.2. I just had the dreaded lifter/camshaft/pushrod combo on our 21 Denali. GM came through on a +100k mile component coverage letter, so I am going to drive it until the wheels come off. I have a ZR2 at 37,000 miles and I don’t see myself keeping it beyond the powertrain warranty, even though the gear ratio seems to do even better with the 6.2 than the Denali for how I drive. I had a ‘21 Suburban 3.0 that I traded for the truck because I needed a bed, but I really liked it, so I picked up a Yukon XL with the 3.0 when the Denali went down. I think the 10 speed and the diesel match up so well along the torque curve that there really isn’t a noticeable difference in performance under almost all circumstances. The diesel is just so darn smooth. That said, it will drink DEF when towing moderate to heavy loads - at least my Suburban did, and I’ve heard the new revision is even worse, so that’s worth keeping in mind. Maybe a software revision has or will fix that. I haven’t towed with the Yukon yet. There’s also something to be said about having 600 miles of range on a tank that I really like. All said, I’m a big fan of the little diesel. Good luck to you!
Thanks for making this video Alex. Alot of good info. on a vehicle I'm considering. All of the items you described as internal engine improvements such as the connecting rods, pistons, and wall thickness, indicate that GM is looking at much higher outputs for this engine. If anyone else knows of reliability issues with these engines please let me know. Until you mentioned it, I hadn't heard about the oil pump belt replacement access issue. Thanks for that.
Highly recommend ! While I've only had my 2023 1500 AT4 3.0 for 3 months I love it ! I've had just about every brand of truck and I can honestly say this is the best I've ever seen , updated interior is amazing, AT4 options are great , I traded in my 2021 6.2 AT4 due to terrible gas mileage, was fun to drive though ! I'm more then happy with my decision to go diesel so far.
Great Video, just bought my 1st GM Duramax last week. 2024 Elevation, 4x4, Black and loved it from day 1. Until it broke down & left me blocking the car wash after it didn't start/crank. 1 week, 490 miles & broke down. Towed to dealership and had to get a loaner. Starting my new job with need of my truck & it's in shop with BAD ECM. SO DISAPPOINTED and I regret buying it already. Been driving Ram for many years, no issues & decided to try an economical GM because the tow capacity, economy & look. But 490 mile break down & I'm really doubting I'll male it until my loan is paid off without problems.
I bought a 2020 Chevy Silverado with the LM2. I love it! I get great mileage. I bought it in July of 2024 with 35,000 miles. I have 54,500 on it now. I love it. I do a ton of highway driving. I live in Arizona and it loves the mountains. I average about 24 to 25 mpg.
21 3.0 with 40k on the odometer. Put a lift, tires and a S&B cold air on it. Still getting 24-26 highway. 22 city. 16-18 pulling a travel trailer. Love the engine so much I talked my dad and a few local farmers into switching over to this platform. Love the truck, driving her tell she dies.
@@David-yy7lb As will every F-150 built in the last few years. Seems like Ford is determined to use rubber bands to turn all their oil pumps, only they're vindictive enough to put that the rubber band BEHIND the timing chain. And it turns out unburned gasoline in the engine oil breaks those belts down way faster than anyone would ever expect. So to change that rubber band on one of the F-150's variety of engines, you're pulling the cooling fans, all the accessories, the harmonic balancer, the timing chain cover, and the timing chain itself just to change the belt at 100k. I say 100k because having seen a ton of these belts at that mileage. I wouldn't wait any longer because all the debris that was coming off those belts was getting sucked into the pickup screen molded into the bottom of the cheap plastic oil pans Ford insists on using.
Barely breaking in my new sierra slt with this engine but so far I love it, I don't miss my old 5.3 v8 at all, I pull my bass boat without problems, and I get better mileage than my wife's subaru outback on daily basis. What's not to like!!!
My wife owns 2023 Tahoe with lm2, she put 15,000km on it so far with zero issues, knock on wood. No oil consumption that I noticed. We don’t see large consumption of DEF, I filled DEF tank twice and the second fill still full, so we used manufacturer’s full tank and one of ours. Most of the year she drives around town and in the summer is when we do 1000km trips to our lake lot. Fuel consumption is amazing and the power is great. My wife use to hate diesels and now she is in love. Also worth mentioning our winters are cold and long here in Calgary, Alberta, -46C at times for a week or so and no issues starting or running with this diesel.
As a first time viewer of the channel, im very impressed with your presentation style. Great flow and clear, easy to understand speech. Combined with your knowledge, i think you have a winner here. Oh, and the truck is nice too. Ill wait for yesr three though. Too many new parts for me trust right off the start.
Buying a '25 Custom Trail Boss with the Duramax tomorrow, and I am so stoked! Shoud have watched this first, but now I know I made the right decision (my '21 Trail Boss had the 5.3L V-8, and my '22 Bronco, which I'm trading in, has the 2.3L, but I'm going to miss the MT! Thanks for this video!
The emission systems "magic" is that the low pressure EGR is AFTER the DPF. Clean gasses go back to the intake manifold. There is a high pressure EGR coming off the exhaust manifold that is used during warmup, but once up to temp, the engine switches over to the clean low pressure EGR. Also, as you mentioned, the DPF and DOC being so close to the exhaust manifold helps them to get up to temperature quicker and therefore they get more passive regen and active regen is more effective. These two design elements come from many years of SCR diesel engines and looking at what causes emission system issues in them over the life of the engine.
My LZ0 has been an absolute DREAM. Tons of towing power, tons of "around town" power, unreal fuel economy, unreal engine braking (especially given the small displacemnt), quiet and smooth, and 0 issues. The def consumption can be a bit annoying, but thats a small nitpick. I really havent noticed any oil consumption either. Keep in mind, I live in Colorado and regularly drive / tow in the high country with this pickup, so it gets put to the test.
I have the LZ0 also and was just in Colorado towing a 7000+ lbs rv with no issues in high altitude and steep dirt roads. Love the torque. The mileage was at least 50% higher than my 5.3 in my Avalanche.
We have the 3 .0 LZL in our 2024 Chevy Tahoe, ( after driving Ford's legendary 7.3 Litre Diesels, a F-250 and a F-350, both Crew Cab, Long Bed Lariat's, with Automatic Transmission's, that I LOVE)...Back to the new Chevy. First, this thing is like riding on a cloud ( and it's a 4WD Car), second is driver visibility. No blind spots. 3rd, Fit and Finish. Really nice F&F. 4th Turn Radius. EZ to park in today's tiny car parking lot's...BUT this should have been my first thing, is the 3.0 Litre Diesel/10 Speed Automatic transmission. We're getting 32-36 MPG @ 70-85 MPH, Highway, 20-24 City. This engine is almost silent, it shifts really smooth, it has buckets of Torque, it's really quick, it's fast. It only has about 3000 miles on it now, so I'm still in the Honeymoon phase, of what I hope will be a long term relationship, like I have with my Ford F Series 7.3 Litre Diesels. I am going to install an oil/water vapor seperater (sp?) made by VSE, as the 3.0's crankcase is vented directly into the Turbocharger, causing early oil fouling of the Turbo Vanes, and this a costly repair/replacement. This does not void any warranties, and as I understand, an oil/water vapor seperater is a Factory installed part, on the 2025 GM 3.0 Diesels.
Hey Ben been looking at your videos for some time now you may find this unusual but I traded my 21 ram 2500 6.7 Cummins after having shit of issues with it didn’t like the changes made to it after owning a 18 2500 I had issues with lifter tick and issues with transmission and transfer case squealing I work for a dealership I traded her in and bought a 23 1500 rst Silverado 3.0 lzo and I’m in love with it fuel mileage and power is not that bad I don’t pull as much no more but mine has the tow package and 13k is not that far from 16k tow from the Cummins making the change for me went down in insurance and also cost of diesel fill up not to mention the 10 speed transmission your video is by far the best I’ve seen keep up the good work man
I have the 2024 3.0, just hit 35,000 miles. I changed my oil, hit the road through 4 states & put 2000 miles in about 4 days. Checked the oil & down 1 quart.
I was excited forged this , forged that. Then he got to the backward design and fuel pump, oil pump. ... That was short lived. It's almost.. Like they dont want to make a engine that will do 300k without lots of engine repair expense. You know if they really wanted to they would. Earlier straight 6s and many 4 cyl would do 300k. Almost like the earlier duramaxes where we all had the joy of buying new injectors
@@itsallminor6133 The 4.5 v8 baby dmax GM shelved in 07 or 08 was the little brother of the 6.6, the 4.5 has the same output as the LB7 and would have been perfect for the 1500
Would absolutely LOVE a cab-over light duty truck! Would give you opportunities to have a third row and/or longer/different bed configuration......plus, better vision.
Great review! In December, I will be one year into my AT4 with (LZ0) 3.0 Duramax engine. I waited based on reading and viewing info on the many mods they made to the Gen 2 motor. I think most of those changes will pay off in the long run. It seemed clear the team was passionate about simplifying and strengthening the engine is meaningful ways. I think the LZ0 benefits from millions of miles and a lot of engineering know how. What's obvious right now is the engine is an awesome performer right now in so many ways. the I-6 is smooth like my BMW. The power rolls on instantly and smoothly. It's quiet...just enough noise at idle for the cool factor of a diesel. Looks? I have so many compliments on the looks of the truck...plenty of luxury and way nicer looking than the Denali...but super cruise (on Denali) is intriguing and desirable for longer rides. The design of the interior is stunning and beautiful. Screens are "right sized" and don't need to grow further for practical people. The whole software experience is simple and straight forward...I think they got it right. Bose stereo is superb. The milage? Holy Moly. Well it's over all incredible, but worth noting how the "brick" that a pickup is makes milage highly speed and flat (vs hill) dependent. I went out on a quiet Saturday on a flat highway and drove in the right lane with cruise at 65mph. Over a 30 mile distance, the trip meter measured 30.2 mpg. On the way back, I pulled back to to 55 mph (in honor of Jimmy Carter? 🙂) and the trip meter vasilated between 39.9 and 40.1. However in "real world" driving at 70-75 mph going up to 7,000 feet at lake tahoe (aggregate climbing must be
Price a timing belt replacement! Sell it ASAP.. the belt is a $8000.00 maintenance item… they don’t brag about that in any of these info videos… imagine that
@@92226 the oil pump belt you mean is 6 shop hours plus the belt which is 65$…. So around $1200. Please call your local Gm dealer and get the facts before you try to scare owners hahah
@@92226 First of all you're a liar, its roughly $1000 including parts and labor, second its per 200k miles or in his case 321k kms so he has years and years left before needing to.
@@92226 LMAO you're so full of it. The highest estimate I've seen is $3000 and most were under that. If we used your number, you're gonna really be hurting when you change the oil pump belt on a newer F-150 with the 2.7 EB or 5.0 Coyote. Ford started using oil pump belts on those engines but they're at the front. Turns out I was right and there is WAY more labor required to change that kind of belt when it's on the front of the engine and most shops are going to tell you to do timing chains/phasers/guides since you have to pull timing chains to get the belt off.
Best engine you can get in the half ton segment! Nothing beats it over all. Would of been my next truck but I had to go with 2500 to get the payload I needed.
Wish they would offer these smaller diesels in the HD line. I don't need to pull 3000 lbs with over a thousand foot pounds of torque. I would rather have the payload and some towing but have the better fuel economy
Assuming you don't get a lemon. Diesels are nightmares when it's a lemon. Luckily my LM2 has been pretty solid. Well minus the fluid pump gear of the transmission. LMAO
I own the 2023 AT4 1500 LZ0, been back to the dealership 7 times so far, and need to go back yet again for emissions. Only 10.000 miles. Love the truck, but I'm not very happy to keep go back. Will sell before warranty is up!
Great video. Had a 2021 Silverado RST with the 3.0. Only trip we made was from Texas thru Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. Never had any problems towing 7500 lb trailer and averaged around 13MPG. Highway mileage was around 25 average with as high as 29. Most of the highway was at 75 or a little over. Replaced the STOLEN '21 with a 2023 Silverado LTZ with the new 3.0. Only have a little over 4,000 miles and over all getting about 24 mpg on the highway. Have not had any issues and no issues with oil consumption. Have not had a chance to tow the TT yet but looking forward to having the extra power with the new motor.
Nice Vid. I've had a 21 Elevation for a couple years now & currently @ 41k miles & it's been a great truck. I really hope GM keeps this platform around.
I’m currently in a 2017 Sierra 5.3L 1500 All Terrain Crew with 92,000 getting an average of 19MPG. The truck is used as a daily driver and to tow a 20ft boat in the summer months, the only issue I’ve had was the brake booster. Thanks for a great review of the new 3.0L, I’ve been looking at this new 2023 engine setup and after watching several videos including yours I plan on pulling the trigger this week.
When not trailering, no consumption at all. When I trailer my heavy rv, then I experienced some over the 3000 trip. It’s back to zero when driving with no trailer. I can live with that.
Apart from the challenges when it gets down around -40, I'm very impressed with our first gen 2021 Elevation. Having worked on heavy duty diesels for years, this little inline 6 has really surprised me, especially with its towing ability and its fuel economy. I've hauled heavy tailer loads of building materials over long distances with NO troubles. The only big difference I've noticed when trailering heavy loads is a major increase in the amount of DEF it uses.
My 2023 model uses 2.5 gallons of DEF every 500 miles, pulling an 8000+ lb Jayco White Hawk travel trailer. Without the load, DEF consumption is hardly noticeable. Oil usage has been low, about 1 quart per 5K miles. Best tow vehicle ever. The previous truck, a 6.2L gasoline Silverado, died of lifter failure. The LZO diesel tows so much better.
I have a 2022 Silverado. On a roll over a nonstop 65 mph 25 mile drive I got 43 mpg. I do notice on long trip while towing it consumes DEF at a high rate. Went to half tank DEF towing 4000 lb boat 650 miles. No other issues. Love this truck.
If you get a chance, take a look at the smaller 2.8L GM Diesels. They are quite remarkable too...Colorado, Bison, etc., in the smaller trucks are very capable too. Colorado has a 7,700 towing capacity with 1500 payload. Half ton territory 10 years ago.
@@philipjohnson882 Looks like you're right for 2024 models. I hope its not the way of all diesels in general in anticipation of 2027 emission restrictions? Too bad! Nevertheless, plenty of used ones on the market from 2016 thru 2023, I'll be looking for one.
@@SergioDickerson-hw3ox The vibe I got from the chief engineer of the 3.0 Dmax is that they're pretty committed to keeping it going and making improvements to meet emissions requirements. Probably the same kinds of improvements they do with the big diesel trucks.
I have a 23. So far I love it coming from a 3/4 ton. Don’t buy this truck for the fuel economy alone. Buy if for a balance of fuel economy, towing, power. It’s efficient but not as efficient as a 5.3 when you factor fuel cost and def. But if you tow intermittently it will be a better fit for you bridging that gap of daily driver and toy hauler. Or the 5.3 and 6.2. After using a 3/4 gmc duramax for 10 years this truck pulls amazing and is a way better family vehicle than the 3/4 ton. Can actually take it places and everyone is comfortable. Fuel economy is just a bonus.
I get about 10mpg better with mine then my Suburban or one of my other Silverados that have the 5.3 so I guess that offsets the difference in fuel price and DEF. Diesel here isn't much more then 87 its less then $0.50 difference. My truck is an Ultimate too so only other engine I could have got was the 6.2 and those are tuned for premium and that is every bit as much or more then diesel is around here.
Love my LM2 first gen duramax.... zero issues... great powertrain. Only thing with the LZ0 it has a second DEF injector now, so it will consume more DEF naturally.
Great video. I have the same engine in my Tahoe and the best mileage I got so far was 38. Yes! 38 mpg. Overall average is 25 to 30 depending on the days.
18000 miles on my 2023 lz0. No problems. No oil consumption and only used like 4 jugs of def. I get 33 mpg back and forth to work. Low 20s in town. (13000 max tow package. ) I don't have. I have had the v8 and wouldn't go back. Great for my boat and small dump trailer. As far as the belt it service life is now 200,000 miles. I have changed many timing belts. Transmission removal I believe would be easier then a transverse engine timing belt. Just my opinion. Loving it. I also have owned a built 6.6 duramax and loved it. Just didn't need that much truck anymore
Being a GM diesel tech the first gen 3.0 have almost 0 issues. Only ever put a couple glow plugs in them. This new 3.0 has so far been plagued with coolant leaks from the thermostat bypass hoses, had a motor mount leak out it's hydraulic fluid, and currently have another one that needs a 7.0 hour front crank seal replaced, along with a bad Def heater already. All these trucks have 15,000 miles or less on them
so this is why some people say the opposite to "first year is guinea pigs year" the first year probably being the better one cuz they still havent cut all the possible corners yet
Gm just called me saying they want to replace my motor due to them not being able to figure a nox sensor issue. Truck at 6.4k miles on it, getting lemon lawed right now
@@Velkanis True with the older Duramaxes too, the LB7 was very strong and reliable with one critical flaw (injectors), the LLY fixed that but introduced new problems, the LBZ fixed the problems of the LLY, the LML added emissions and new issues, etc.
I'm considering ordering this engine in a 2025 Silverado RST double cab. I rarely tow at all, but I will be using it mainly to haul a 1200 pound slide-in camper and this seems like the perfect setup for that use case. The fuel economy and emissions reliability are what initially got my attention, but the more I learn about this engine, the more interested I become.
I love my 2021 LM2. I get 38mpg highway and locally 27 mpg and got 23mpg towing a 5000lbs trailer. I may trade up to this newer version ina year or two. Looks like GM is listening to the diesel customers
I love my lz0 have had it almost a year now and on a good day on the highway I get 36mpg witch is crazy for a truck but I want to delete the emissions crap and tune it and give her a little more power
I’m impressed with this 2nd gen engine. Seriously thinking of buying this in my 2024/2025 truck. My major issue is fuel prices. Who can say if the oil companies don’t go jacking up the fuel to $7 or$8 per gallon again. Plus here in the northeast we’d need to add a fuel treatment each fill up to keep it from jelling. And also the DEF fluid is an added cost. If I knew for sure about the fuel issue then it would be a sure thing on a purchase.
DEF is $20 at most for 2 gallons. I'm getting about 5K miles before needing to refill on my 2023. thats .004 cents per mile. No worries on that cost really.
Excellent and informative info. I found it very helpful for making a future diesel purchase. I am getting a Tahoe and I am waiting for the 24/25 mid life redesign to get this engine.
Just bought one of these with the max tow package a week or so ago. So far I love it. I was a bit concerned about the reports of excessive oil loss I’ve seen, but saw quite a few other comments that said they had no such issues. Too early to tell on mine. The tow capacity at 13k is amazing for a 1/2 ton. One of the only things I wish they’d have done is provide a larger fuel tank. Think it’s only 24 gallons, which is too small in my opinion. I am looking at the Titan 43 gallon replacement, but my understanding is the fuel gauge will not work correctly after it is installed, and there is no fix yet, which is concerning. I’m also puzzled by the oil pump belt, why not a chain or even better, gears?
ya wow 24 gallons is small! I mean I get that the Duramax is amazingly efficient but even with a 32 gallon tank you would have incredible range. I get those 3.73 gear pull very nice. would be interesting to see that set up against the ford ecoboost.
@@GettysGarage I think gear size is over thought, I have the trailboss so higher gear ratio, what people off overlook is you have a 10 speed transmission, so even with the higher gear ratio it won’t make a huge difference.
I bought the Denali over a month ago and I get 24-25 mpg around town and over 33 on the highway. Very smooth and quiet power delivery and very comfortable ride!
Haven't towed with mine yet, but I just took my first real trip, around 500m round trip. Not interstate, but rural highways, various speeds and the best 50 mile mpg was slightly over 35. Really surprised, and not broke in yet, I'm just over 700 miles.@@davidcerce
I love the information here. I’m choosing between the 3.0 diesel and the 6.2 gas. Both max towing. I appreciate the technical details you talked about in both those engine reviews. I feel much better that either option is going to be good and I can just focus on the tech in the cab
2 things I would add is gm made the bore smaller and stroke longer in the lzo, although minimal differences. The move to steel pistons also helps with aluminum erosion from the pressures the injection pump is running.
If anyone has dealt with timing belt covers on any v6 engines, go watch a video of how easy it is to drop a trans and change the belt on these. You also don't have to pay the over inflated diesel mechanic prices to work on it. Not as easy for someone doing it themselves but if its a shop it's easier then front mounted setups
If this belt was in the front of the engine, you would probably still need to drop the oil pan, which would most likely mean dropping front differential. So likely the time to do both jobs wouldn't be much different at all. And pretty solid chance are you may need a transmission by 200,000 miles anyway so you may as change the belt when doing the transmission!
@@MADAmechanical Labor estimates for servicing the oil pump belt on the F-150 2.7 Ecoboost and 5.0 Coyote are higher than the 3.0 Duramax. It's wrapped around the crankshaft so you're pulling cooling fans, accessories, harmonic balancer, timing chain cover, timing chains, etc. If only it was just a matter of dropping an oil pan. GM borrowed this design from BMW (N57/M57) and BMW did the same, the pump is driven at the rear of the engine. It's probably the right call.
Long live the L6 engine! 3 outta 4 of my vehicles have an inline 6. Very cool they're putting all of those forged goodies from the factory. I'm super interested in this engine for our next family vehicle!
It's a legitimate candidate to replace a 2500 truck and that's saying a lot. My issue is the 2023's are more than the 2024 GM 2500 6.6 gas (in equal models) and not much less than the GM 2500 6.6 diesel. Pretty common for some people to sweep cost under the rug these days...
Yaa I've been seeing that in all the manufacturers. The 1500 prices are skyrocketing and in some case more expensive then a similar trim 2500 which is wild
I have the 2023 GMC 1500 Denali that I bought new. I have 22,000 miles on it now. Between the last oil change I had to add 1.5 quarts of oil. Still monitoring this and will keep you posted. I had a transmission line leak at 6,200 miles that took 2 weeks to repair. It nearly left me stranded. The service writer told me he had never seen this issue before. I talked to the mechanic and he said it was the 4th one he had done. The leak apparently occurred at a manifold where the are several lines coming into a machine body. I have had no issues since this repair. Some mpg notes: pulling a 23’ Tritons boat is got 16 mpg. Pulling a Jeep Wrangler I got 19 mpg. Average mileage is over 27 mpg with highway only, not towing, as high 34 mpg.
Nice video. This would be the only half ton engine I would consider at the moment. The DFM V8s have not had a good start with lifter problems. It does seem to have slowed down from what was happening in 2021 model year trucks but still. With how this thing is built you think there would be a market for GM to go with an iron block and make this an optional engine in the HD segment? It’s power numbers are pretty well in line with the original 6.6 Duramax. I could see it being a cheaper option to get a diesel and it could potentially get a boost in fuel economy. I feel like we all use to make it with 240 hp/440 ft-pounds of torque big blocks so why not?
You're thinking of GMs AFM (2003-2017), the DFM (2018-current) has been pretty damn reliable, the issue in 2021 had nothing to do with the DFM, they had issues with about 2% to 3% of the valve springs, during COVID GMs valve supplier couldn't produce enough springs so they used a different supplier, some of those were the bad springs. The new DFM is a clean sheet design by Tula Technologies, the same DFM in the GM trucks is being used in some semi truck diesels along with other brands.
@@baracktrump1410 I think you’re wrong about the 2021 issue. There was a valve spring problem too but there’s a TSB stating trucks built from September 2020-March 2021 potentially have bad lifters from a known bad batch of lifters. It was just the DFM engines and not the AFM engines which were still offered on some 5.3s. But anyways the 2021 model trucks with a DFM engine were dropping like flies with bad lifters. I had one. 8400 miles. And per the TSB it didn’t meet the criteria to get both banks of lifters replaced. The cut off was 8000 miles. 8000 miles and down they would replace both banks of lifters. 8001 miles and up they only replaced the side that had the failure. It’s still on going even on the 2023 DFM engines which is all that is offered at this point but nowhere near the frequency of the 2021s.
If you want/need an HD, you want/need the 470 HP, 975 lb/ft torque. The baby Duramax is perfect for the 1/2 ton market, not so much for the HD line. Especially if you live in Colorado and pull in the high country.
@@boblaws9851 I don’t know. I think we have all became spoiled with the ridiculous power all the trucks make now. Like I said, the big block gas trucks of the 90s made 220-240 HP and 420-440 foot pounds of torque all backed up by a 4 speed auto. I think the 3.0 would do just fine. It makes more power than the 7.3 Powerstroke and everyone loved them. Now sure having the new engines are nice and all the power they have but for what most of us are towing the new diesels are way overkill. I’d personally take less power if it meant they would be more reliable.
@@matthewanderson9912 Nah, I had a '96 3/4 ton Suburban with the 454 and used to pull a 7,500 lb camper behind it up in the mountains. (we're talking over 8,000' elevation) and it wasn't great. It was low gear, slow and high rpm's. Now I pull doubles, around 13,000+ lbs, up the same roads without breaking a sweat. I guess you are right in that for many the new diesels are overkill. I would drive a 1/2 ton but it's just not enough truck for what I use a truck for. Like I said before, if you need a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, (actually need) then you also need the HP and torque.
Excellent review. I'm watching this one year after you did it. Is there anything to add at this point? Do you have any more videos on this? I'm seriously thinking about buying one and I'm doing my homework right now. Thank you 👍
I just watched a tear down video on the TH-cam channel "I do cars".. this diesel engine has a rubber belt and not a chain for the oil pump. While he stretched it to some extremes after getting it out, you could already see cracks in it.
@@cesarrodriguez5413 If I had to guess (only a guess) manufacturers are doing it because of CAFE standards. Doing every little thing to save weight, etc..
Thanks for your report, confirms many of my suspicions and thoughts. Sub 8L/100k on highway empty, 14.5L/100k 4500lb car hauler + 4 quads, under 18L/100k with a 5500lb, 25’ travel trailer. New to diesel market, used 30+ L DEF in first 7500k, might be normal might be a break in we’ll see. Quiet, smooth running engine. Happy with it so far. Sold on this diesel.
Yea cool, just got about 8000k so about 5000 miles on that tank off DEF. Not looking to Mike the truck out, but looking forward to warranty (160,000k I assume 100,000miles) being done with a solid engine then deleting DEF/EGR and letting this engine run like it should
Excellent review! Really like you how you go into details about the engine - it shows that you did your research and I appreciate it. Looking forward to seeing your opinion after you tow with the truck. I currently drive a F350, 6.7 Powerstroke, but in the future, I might downsize and I'm really looking hard at this truck. Great work as usual!
I'm telling you, you won't be disappointed. I had to downsize, too. My 2007 lBZ was stolen, and I couldn't afford to replace it with a new(er) 2500. I got this LZ0, and it has been just fantastic. I really do miss the capability of a heavy-duty truck, but this little diesel had helped ease the pain ALOT! Mark my words, 10-15 years for now, people will be paying top dollar to get their hands on good / well maintained examples of the LZ0
'22 Trail Boss Silverado owner and while I love my truck, it's been in the shop for weeks waiting on a transmission valve body repair. It's still under warranty but it definitely sucks being without your family's vehicle for weeks on end.
Not sure where you got your info from but as a tech for GM I can tell you they’ve all been plague from issue with harness chafing particulate filter’s exhaust pressure differential sensors, not to mention the 10speed oil pump gear issue’s. These engine are difficult injection pump is chain driven in the rear have to drop the transmission or lift the cab for almost any major repair.
That's a bummer. I was trying to figure out other claims about having to lift the cab for repairs. Those sound extremely costly. Is this just with GM? Or the particular engine design?
Same on F150. My 2018 f150 has had the cab removed to replace bad CVTs… it has also been plagued with oil pressure issues, water pump leaks and some strange bumping noise in front end. Oh. And the 4x4 doesn’t disengage at the axles. Fronds fix is to plug the vacuum lines and forget about it. I have had both 5.0 and 3.5 ecoboost.
The torque curve is the exact same up to 1500 rpms. After that, you have even more power. Turns it into a much more drivable engine after 2k rpms. It's all a big plus.
I can confirm when I drove the LZ0 there is no low end torque loss. feels just as torquey but has way more upper end. to me just looking at the curves on paper it looked like there would be a difference but the LZO pulls very nicely from a stand still!
Have a 24 RZ2 around 4000 miles on it. Even with a rooftop tent average 22mpg. Burned DEF pretty quickly during break in. Seem to be going through less now. Hope to enjoy the truck for a long time to come.
The best way to check and see if the LZ0 engine maintains its 460lbs of torque at 1500 RPM like the LM2 is to get a LZ0 truck and an LM2 truck and drag race them from a start. I know I am not the only person here that wants to see that race.
Do you have a video on how to properly own/drive a diesel? Maybe you already do. I love this truck and may be in the market for one. I’d like to hear from you directly on what you can or shouldn’t be doing with a diesel. Cold startup to warm it up, or starting up cold and driving right away etc. just tips on how to own a diesel as I’m considering one for the first time. Thanks!
@@WBOS72getting a 6.7 Cummins to 200-300k is not a cheap venture by any means either. Generally a good engine but can have some fairly major issues as well
Any of them can cost a fortune the longer you keep them. Doesn't matter if its gas or diesel. 200k miles before worrying about the belt really isn't that big of a deal to me. I think you are supposed to replace the cam phasors on the ecoboosts at like 100k miles.
I’m a diesel mechanic from the uk but I absolutely love the American trucks from old to new and small pick ups and vans to big HGVs
Roads too small in UK for them
@@frenchonion4595 The roads are too small in the uk that is true but I lived in Canada for seven years Surry bc when I was younger
2023 lz0 bought November of last year. Have 50k mile and go from central VA to WVA 2-3 times a week across the mountains and average 30-31mpg 70-75mph. Wind and rain lowers that of course. Best truck i have ever had and have had a bunch of diesels.
Same exact experience here. I used to be a Tacoma die hard, I've had 3 of them, and sometimes I still miss them as if I dropped off my old dog to be euthanized. My 2021 manual Taco at best maybe got 20 mpg if I REALLY tried, which I'm really good at by the way, and more often it was more like 17 mpg or even less. This GMC regularly gets me 28 mpg while CITY driving without even trying that hard. It's amazing. And when I DO try, I can easily break over 30 mpg and sometimes even get in the 40+ mpg range. All while having a crazy amount more torque, horsepower, and size. Blows my mind sometimes. The truck has been an upgrade in every conceivable way except for turn radius and parking, which is just part of the deal.
I haven't been this satisfied with a truck I've bought ever before.
That's awesome, what's your city mpg?
How's it still running? Thinking of picking up a AT4X with the diesel very soon.
Thanks for sharing. I go from charleston to richmond constantly so it's nice to hear real world MPG on I-64 with those elevation changes
I love mine it's ahwsome.no problems so far.im at 24000 miles it's a 2023
Great job. Thank you. You didn’t get all side-tracked by the infotainment system or the moonroof. Your title was about the engine and your content was about the engine. New subscriber.
I agree. Great info with few points missing. The revised turbo and boost change the power curve but it's good. Hopefully the cold start issues can be tuned out. Overall a very good truck I would recommend.
This guy did the best review job I have ever seen. He is obviously extremely technical and comprehends the design and performance aspects of this engine. GM should hire him!
Also my clear impression.
A brand new shiny billboard rolling down the highway.Yahh grait aerodynamix.
I hope The LZ0 beats my 2021 sierra LM2. I got a whole 2750 miles before getting the engine changed. Oil leaks from every corner...66 days in the shop. Then lemon law took over. Still a great looking and driving truck!
Do you still have the 2021? Any issues on the swapped engine?
I don't believe you
That’s insane
I have a ‘23 Silverado LZ0 and have over 10k miles. Zero issues. Tow 6k travel trailer in high winds of southern texas and get 12-15 mpg. Not towing gets 26 combined. Diesel has been cheaper here than gas and I can’t begin to complain. Best power train in a truck I’ve had. Traded for a 21 f150 that was beginning to have issues. Very happy with what I traded up to.
Engines used to go hundreds of thousands of miles without issues 10k is brand new
@@DeeRizzley There's no reason to think these engines won't go hundreds of thousands of miles. There are plenty of guys that are already approaching 200k miles on their truck. It's mostly up to the person that owns it to maintain it, change the oil often enough, use the right oil, check the oil level from time to time, keep the fuel filter clean, don't use junk diesel from some run down old gas station, etc.
93,000 miles in 30 months. It's a pleasure to drive. Pulls 7K trailer with ease. Best 50 mile mpg is 42.9.
Mine scored a 39.9mpg over 50miles, but that was coming down a mountain. NICE TRY 😅
Any issues with oil consumption?
No, theses trucks do not get 42mpg. Best I’ve seen is 36, and that’s across 4 new trucks between me, my father, and friends.
@@Stonehorn81 no that’s your problem, not ours. Sorry you can’t believe it but I guess facts aren’t your friend. Maybe you’re the problem. The way you drive. Why would people lie?
I've been able to pull 55mpg cruising around 60mph in 50 mile
Just bought one at the end of July, and absolutely love it. Took a trip from Victorville CA to Las Vegas, and averaged 36.2mpg. Granted, I do drive with a soft foot. But still amazing mileage nonetheless. Now a little over 2K miles, I still enjoy driving it, like the first day I bought the Truck. Around town I am still averaging over 24mpg, and over this period of time, I’ve topped off my DEF, only using 1 gallon.
As far as oil consumption, I havent experienced any issues at all. At 1K miles I did change the oil (definitely early, but I am very compulsive with my maintaining the vehicles I own).
So far this truck has been everything I had hoped it would be. As mentioned above, I am out of California. So with that, this truck has been drinking nothing but Renewable Diesel since day one (with the exception of a fill while in Vegas).
I would recommend this truck for anyone in the market for a 1500 sized vehicle.
36.2 freeway driving from Victorville to Vegas???? I would have to see it to believe it. Maybe 34 going down hill all the way on I 80 from Reno to Sacramento. Otherwise 29 to 30 in a 2 wheel drive 1500 on the freeway unloaded.
@@Mr1963corvette I get 30 mpg in mixed city and highway driving, 36 is easy, I have a short on my channel showing my numbers
@@Mr1963corvette I've gotten more than that (42 MPG) on the East Coast.
My best 50 plus MPG driving from Boise Idaho to North Bend Oregon was 52.9 MPG!
Total for that trip was 31+ MPG. The interesting thing was there was more down hill that direction but on the return trip I averaged over 32mPG!!!
I have a 24 AT-4 . I have had 3 Dodge Eco-diesels and this thing is by far superior to them.
I've been researching these trucks because I'm going to buy one this year, this is the best video review I've seen by far and I've watched a ton of them. Great Job.
Thanks you! Appreciate it
This engine has a timing belt that cost $8000.00 to replace, the cab has to come off to get to it. I found out after I bought it. I know own a Tundra. I’ll never buy G.M. Again. Good luck with your 3.0 Durajunk..
@@92226 Wow, you sound like a FAKE NEWS media biden voter......
@@92226after 150,000 miles you only need to remove the trans and transfer case
You won't be sorry. Just make sure it's the 2nd generation LZO and you can't go wrong.
have pretty much the exact truck. Love it, pulls the boat, and camper much better than my 5.3 did. Fuel economy is amazing. I hope it's more reliable then my last two 5.3s were.
If the emissions system holds up these will be reliable engines!
5.3 engines are damn near bullet proof. You just have to remove the DOD bullshit.
can always delete them😈
All of GM stuff is junk
I have a 23’ GMC LZ0 MaxTow 4x4 crew cab with the 6’7’ bed. Averages between 26 and 32 mpg. Pulling my 22’ enclosed trailer that is a foot taller than standard. And around. 9000lbs. It pulls the hills at 70mph in Kentucky without losing any speed or laboring. My old 15’ GMC V8 would struggle to maintain 45mph. Also, averaged just under 50% better fuel economy than the gas V8 pulling. On the 600 mile round-trip. It did use 2 1/2 gallons of DEF. New truck has just over 6000 miles now. It seems to use last year the more miles I get on it. I have also not noticed any oil consumption. First oil change was 1700 miles second was 5000. Both times was still ride on the full mark.
I read an article someplace that the LZ0 makes the same 460 torque at 1500, then builds to 495 at higher RPM's to reduce strain on the drivetrain. The torque curve is intentional.
NO way that engine makes that much torque at 1500 rpm
Love the 2021 baby duramax. I have had great service in and around the farm. 1600 gallon water wagon and 1000 gal fuel tank has no issues pulling either. Getting 22 miles to the gallon all day every day. 78000 miles and no shop time at all. It is a very efficient truck for what we do with these trucks on this farm. We have a 2021 and a 2022. The DEF pump has been replaced on the 2022 model. Satisfied customers
Do you think it'll make a good landscape truck? I already have a Silverado HD for the very heavy stuff but I have second truck for more light duty projects. I'm think of getting this as my next work truck for smaller stuff
If you notice any oil consumption, there is a TSB for the valve cover and yours may or may not be affected. GM redesigned it to avoid the issue that the supplier had when making it. There was a internal defect in the cover that the supplier didn't notice and it can allow engine oil to leak into a ventilation tube and get pulled into the engine. It causes glow plugs to eventually fail and the DEF/EGR cooler to get clogged if it's bad enough. Hopefully yours doesn't have the original valve cover. It doesn't sound like it but I thought I should mention it.
We bought the GMC new 18 months ago. 40,000 miles later and no complaint at all. Lifetime MPG of 18.2. We have a outdoor power equipment Toro dealership and routinely have a 14ft trailer behind it and lots of running around town. We change the oil every 5k miles and never pull the dipstick between changes.
Currently have a '23 Silverado 1500 LTZ with the LZO coming up on a year now with no problems whatsoever, and I absolutely love it! I would have never considered a diesel until I test drove this one just to get it out of my system, and I fell in love. Amazingly strong engine and great fuel mileage!!
I'm enjoying my '23 Silverado RST Z71. I get 15-17 mpg towing a 3500 lb. trailer and recently did a 1900 mile round trip without the trailer and averaged just under 30 mpg. According to the driver info center my best mileage over 50 mi. was 39.6mpg! The engine is also very smooth and quiet for a diesel. A huge upgrade from a 2013 Frontier.
Damn that’s impressive. During you non-trailer trip, what speed were you driving at? Were you cruising at 80mph or 60mph?
Those frontiers are pretty bad on gas
I have a 2022 with the 1st gen. Hands down the best truck I've owned. Love it so much I'll be getting a 2024 ZR2 Bison with the 2nd gen.
I’ve got a ‘22 GMC AT4 with LM2. Got about 13,000 miles on it and loving it. Just got 29.6 MGP on a 5 hour trip a few weeks ago. Would I like the extra HP and new features yes but this will serve my needs well for many years. Like your videos from a mechanical standpoint, too many people talk about vehicles online and never pop the hood.
That's awesome, what's your city mpg?
My buddy has this in a Yukon XL. So far he loves it.
I have a 2021 with first gen 3.0 and it has been a great truck so far.
I have heard good things so far!
How many miles do you have?
20k kms@@ManuelOOFY
I've got 41,000 and the truck has been perfect besides the extended start issue. Sometimes the starter just turns over and I have to take my foot off the brake and hit the start button twice to get it to stop turning over. As soon as I hit the button again it starts. They never did figure out why it happens.
I have a 2024 1500 and the highest I got is 44.3 mpg for at least an hour drive. I look forward to that drive just to say something about it. So far averaging around 24 mpg. Great truck at over 10,000 miles.
Bought a new Sierra AT4 in March 2021. The power and fuel mileage is super. That's why we bought the Yukon diesel 2023, this year in July. After driving them both, side by side, there's a noticeable difference. Where the power in the truck comes on immediately, the Yukon is a bit more delayed, but it is much more at home at 85 mph (ya wife has heavy foot), with better fuel mileage. We love them both.
I own a 2021. Absolutely love it. Best GM diesel yet. I might have to look at trading. Because at 13,000 lb tow capacity. I am not sure I need my 6.6 dueamax any more.
I just wonder about the transmission and rear differential lasting.
I had a 2022 LM2 and now I have the 2023 LZ0. Only thing I will say that I think you missed on is DEF consumption. I got 6000 plus miles out of my first tank of DEF on my LM2, this lZ0 doesn't even get half of that, I have to fill it up every 2000-2500 miles now. So she drinks DEF like crazy compared to the Lm2. Also they made some subtle exhaust changes, they added a backpressure valve halfway down the exhaust, which failed on me within the first 1000 miles. It was making a very annoying ringing noise after the exhaust heated up to operating temperature, the dealer had to replace the exhaust from the valve back. Other than that I'm pretty happy with it, no other issues! 7500 miles on it now.
As mentioned in the video, heating up the emissions components quickly is key to their operating well. GM put the DPF as close as they could to the exhaust ports. This created challenges with managing the heat under the hood, but apparently doing so paid huge dividends in emissions system reliability. The DPF also filters much of the EGR before it goes back into the intake stream, which also helps reliability and cleanliness of the engine.
A friend has a Sierra with a 1st gen 3.0, it has 75K miles on it and it has been flawless to date. It also drives really well. Have been in it while towing an enclosed 7x16 trailer loaded with dirt bikes and gear, and it stays in 10th gear on flat ground at 70. It has amazing torque, and it is quick when it is unloaded.
Dpf’s filter soot from exhaust to be burned into ash it dosnt go back into intake from dpf. Just through egr back into intake
Meh, just delete the emissions crap. It's not needed and, ultimately, vastly increases reliability.
@@brettreid5949 Always the best option to "put it on a diet" if local registration allows that. Of course that requires a tune. From what I hear, the new ECM's on the 3.0 are locked down tight and can't be re-fllashed with Live EFI by tuners.
I have had my 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax High Country for all most 2 years. I absolutely love it. No problems so far and expect it to run that way.
Excellent technical description of the engine. I just got my new Silverado with Duramax diesel 3.0. Only have 900 miles on it but so far very pleased I went with diesel vs. gas (excellent fuel economy). Also, I expect it will hold its value very well.
Thanks again for your review.
After a year , have you had any issues? Im currently in the market.
@@SuperBigo84 No issues at all - still very pleased. Excellent fuel mileage and torque!
I traded my 2018 6.2 and went to the 2023 Elevation with the 3.0 LZ0 engine. I have been very impressed so far I really thought I would have missed the power of the 6.2 however I have not at this point. I put the truck on a four hundred run it averaged 30.1 MPG. The truck has about 2000 miles on it I have checked the oil several times it appears to holding steady. I have not added any oil as of yet .
I found the video very informative Thanks. Paul T.
I think the 3.0 mates very well with the 10 speed transmission. I don’t miss the 6.2 at all.
I have a '16 LTZ with the 6.2 that I love but am putting a ton of miles on the vehicle on the interstate. The 6.2 is an extremely good motor and I'm still getting 20mpg's average on the interstate if I stay just over 70mph (93octane)... all things considered, that's not too bad especially since I'm on 35's, and a coilover King lift low lift kit.
I love the character and power of the 6.2 which is one reason i bought the unit. However, I'm seriously considering trading/retiring my '16 and getting a new LTZ/High Country considering the miles I'm driving.
My question is... how vastly different does the 3.0 feel vs the 6.2V8 gasser? I'll be doing the same with the new truck making it an overlander (King coilovers, 35's, low lift kit, camper shell, roof racks, etc.).
Cheers!
edit: Also, can you tune these 3.0l's to get a little more power/torque? I'm sure these aren't as bulletproof as the 6.6's but there's no harm in asking ;)
@@freidrichnietzsche6643 Yes, lots to love about the 6.2. I just had the dreaded lifter/camshaft/pushrod combo on our 21 Denali. GM came through on a +100k mile component coverage letter, so I am going to drive it until the wheels come off. I have a ZR2 at 37,000 miles and I don’t see myself keeping it beyond the powertrain warranty, even though the gear ratio seems to do even better with the 6.2 than the Denali for how I drive. I had a ‘21 Suburban 3.0 that I traded for the truck because I needed a bed, but I really liked it, so I picked up a Yukon XL with the 3.0 when the Denali went down. I think the 10 speed and the diesel match up so well along the torque curve that there really isn’t a noticeable difference in performance under almost all circumstances. The diesel is just so darn smooth. That said, it will drink DEF when towing moderate to heavy loads - at least my Suburban did, and I’ve heard the new revision is even worse, so that’s worth keeping in mind. Maybe a software revision has or will fix that. I haven’t towed with the Yukon yet. There’s also something to be said about having 600 miles of range on a tank that I really like. All said, I’m a big fan of the little diesel. Good luck to you!
@@freidrichnietzsche6643did you end up getting your duramax? If so, did you find a difference?
@@jonremkus1630 months later now, and the comments you guys leave really make a difference 🙏
Thanks for making this video Alex. Alot of good info. on a vehicle I'm considering.
All of the items you described as internal engine improvements such as the connecting rods, pistons, and wall thickness, indicate that GM is looking at much higher outputs for this engine. If anyone else knows of reliability issues with these engines please let me know.
Until you mentioned it, I hadn't heard about the oil pump belt replacement access issue. Thanks for that.
Thanks for the detailed review. Nice to her it from a diesel mechanic. After looking at everything out there I am inclined to go GMC Duramax 3.0 AT4.
Highly recommend ! While I've only had my 2023 1500 AT4 3.0 for 3 months I love it ! I've had just about every brand of truck and I can honestly say this is the best I've ever seen , updated interior is amazing, AT4 options are great , I traded in my 2021 6.2 AT4 due to terrible gas mileage, was fun to drive though ! I'm more then happy with my decision to go diesel so far.
Great Video, just bought my 1st GM Duramax last week. 2024 Elevation, 4x4, Black and loved it from day 1. Until it broke down & left me blocking the car wash after it didn't start/crank. 1 week, 490 miles & broke down. Towed to dealership and had to get a loaner. Starting my new job with need of my truck & it's in shop with BAD ECM. SO DISAPPOINTED and I regret buying it already. Been driving Ram for many years, no issues & decided to try an economical GM because the tow capacity, economy & look. But 490 mile break down & I'm really doubting I'll male it until my loan is paid off without problems.
I bought a 2020 Chevy Silverado with the LM2. I love it! I get great mileage. I bought it in July of 2024 with 35,000 miles. I have 54,500 on it now. I love it. I do a ton of highway driving. I live in Arizona and it loves the mountains. I average about 24 to 25 mpg.
21 3.0 with 40k on the odometer. Put a lift, tires and a S&B cold air on it. Still getting 24-26 highway. 22 city. 16-18 pulling a travel trailer. Love the engine so much I talked my dad and a few local farmers into switching over to this platform. Love the truck, driving her tell she dies.
The rubber band oil pump belt will pop first before she leaves this planet
@@David-yy7lb As will every F-150 built in the last few years. Seems like Ford is determined to use rubber bands to turn all their oil pumps, only they're vindictive enough to put that the rubber band BEHIND the timing chain. And it turns out unburned gasoline in the engine oil breaks those belts down way faster than anyone would ever expect. So to change that rubber band on one of the F-150's variety of engines, you're pulling the cooling fans, all the accessories, the harmonic balancer, the timing chain cover, and the timing chain itself just to change the belt at 100k. I say 100k because having seen a ton of these belts at that mileage. I wouldn't wait any longer because all the debris that was coming off those belts was getting sucked into the pickup screen molded into the bottom of the cheap plastic oil pans Ford insists on using.
Stop it with the lift. Diesel truck are meant for towing not for grocery delivery
@@hochhaulwhich engine are you talking about
Barely breaking in my new sierra slt with this engine but so far I love it, I don't miss my old 5.3 v8 at all, I pull my bass boat without problems, and I get better mileage than my wife's subaru outback on daily basis. What's not to like!!!
only a mechanic would mention the ease of repair over a v8. Very Cool
My wife owns 2023 Tahoe with lm2, she put 15,000km on it so far with zero issues, knock on wood. No oil consumption that I noticed. We don’t see large consumption of DEF, I filled DEF tank twice and the second fill still full, so we used manufacturer’s full tank and one of ours. Most of the year she drives around town and in the summer is when we do 1000km trips to our lake lot. Fuel consumption is amazing and the power is great. My wife use to hate diesels and now she is in love. Also worth mentioning our winters are cold and long here in Calgary, Alberta, -46C at times for a week or so and no issues starting or running with this diesel.
As a first time viewer of the channel, im very impressed with your presentation style. Great flow and clear, easy to understand speech. Combined with your knowledge, i think you have a winner here. Oh, and the truck is nice too. Ill wait for yesr three though. Too many new parts for me trust right off the start.
Buying a '25 Custom Trail Boss with the Duramax tomorrow, and I am so stoked! Shoud have watched this first, but now I know I made the right decision (my '21 Trail Boss had the 5.3L V-8, and my '22 Bronco, which I'm trading in, has the 2.3L, but I'm going to miss the MT! Thanks for this video!
The emission systems "magic" is that the low pressure EGR is AFTER the DPF. Clean gasses go back to the intake manifold. There is a high pressure EGR coming off the exhaust manifold that is used during warmup, but once up to temp, the engine switches over to the clean low pressure EGR. Also, as you mentioned, the DPF and DOC being so close to the exhaust manifold helps them to get up to temperature quicker and therefore they get more passive regen and active regen is more effective. These two design elements come from many years of SCR diesel engines and looking at what causes emission system issues in them over the life of the engine.
Mechanics are saying it's plagued with problems due to emissions
@@justingill5256 Which mechanics is that the 3.0 has been out for years and so far its been a pretty bullet proof engine.
Yeah, that's what they said about the 3.0. Eco diesel Dodge, and they were junk. The emissions well have problems. Mark my words.
My LZ0 has been an absolute DREAM. Tons of towing power, tons of "around town" power, unreal fuel economy, unreal engine braking (especially given the small displacemnt), quiet and smooth, and 0 issues. The def consumption can be a bit annoying, but thats a small nitpick. I really havent noticed any oil consumption either. Keep in mind, I live in Colorado and regularly drive / tow in the high country with this pickup, so it gets put to the test.
How big is the def tank in them?
Do a def delete
@@JamesMcLaren1000 5 gallons.
@@JamesMcLaren1000not towing, my def tank lasts over 5000-6000 miles. No worries.
I have the LZ0 also and was just in Colorado towing a 7000+ lbs rv with no issues in high altitude and steep dirt roads. Love the torque. The mileage was at least 50% higher than my 5.3 in my Avalanche.
We have the 3
.0 LZL in our 2024 Chevy Tahoe, ( after driving Ford's legendary 7.3 Litre Diesels, a F-250 and a F-350, both Crew Cab, Long Bed Lariat's, with Automatic Transmission's, that I LOVE)...Back to the new Chevy. First, this thing is like riding on a cloud ( and it's a 4WD Car), second is driver visibility. No blind spots. 3rd, Fit and Finish. Really nice F&F. 4th Turn Radius. EZ to park in today's tiny car parking lot's...BUT this should have been my first thing, is the 3.0 Litre Diesel/10 Speed Automatic transmission. We're getting 32-36 MPG @ 70-85 MPH, Highway, 20-24 City. This engine is almost silent, it shifts really smooth, it has buckets of Torque, it's really quick, it's fast. It only has about 3000 miles on it now, so I'm still in the Honeymoon phase, of what I hope will be a long term relationship, like I have with my Ford F Series 7.3 Litre Diesels. I am going to install an oil/water vapor seperater (sp?)
made by VSE, as the 3.0's crankcase is vented directly into the Turbocharger, causing early oil fouling of the Turbo Vanes, and this a costly repair/replacement. This does not void any warranties, and as I understand, an oil/water vapor seperater is a Factory installed part, on the 2025 GM 3.0 Diesels.
Hey Ben been looking at your videos for some time now you may find this unusual but I traded my 21 ram 2500 6.7 Cummins after having shit of issues with it didn’t like the changes made to it after owning a 18 2500 I had issues with lifter tick and issues with transmission and transfer case squealing I work for a dealership I traded her in and bought a 23 1500 rst Silverado 3.0 lzo and I’m in love with it fuel mileage and power is not that bad I don’t pull as much no more but mine has the tow package and 13k is not that far from 16k tow from the Cummins making the change for me went down in insurance and also cost of diesel fill up not to mention the 10 speed transmission your video is by far the best I’ve seen keep up the good work man
I have the 2024 3.0, just hit 35,000 miles. I changed my oil, hit the road through 4 states & put 2000 miles in about 4 days. Checked the oil & down 1 quart.
One of the best half ton truck engines on the market.A winner for GM hands down
I would say the best in the 3.0L class. I think Ford and Ram paid the ultimate compliment when they bowed out of the competition in 2021.
I was excited forged this , forged that. Then he got to the backward design and fuel pump, oil pump. ...
That was short lived.
It's almost.. Like they dont want to make a engine that will do 300k without lots of engine repair expense.
You know if they really wanted to they would.
Earlier straight 6s and many 4 cyl would do 300k.
Almost like the earlier duramaxes where we all had the joy of buying new injectors
@@itsallminor6133
The 4.5 v8 baby dmax GM shelved in 07 or 08 was the little brother of the 6.6, the 4.5 has the same output as the LB7 and would have been perfect for the 1500
@@David-yy7lb wonder why they didn't carry it forward. Engine issue?
@@David-yy7lbThe Cummins V8 that went to Nissan?
Would absolutely LOVE a cab-over light duty truck! Would give you opportunities to have a third row and/or longer/different bed configuration......plus, better vision.
Great review! In December, I will be one year into my AT4 with (LZ0) 3.0 Duramax engine. I waited based on reading and viewing info on the many mods they made to the Gen 2 motor. I think most of those changes will pay off in the long run. It seemed clear the team was passionate about simplifying and strengthening the engine is meaningful ways. I think the LZ0 benefits from millions of miles and a lot of engineering know how.
What's obvious right now is the engine is an awesome performer right now in so many ways. the I-6 is smooth like my BMW. The power rolls on instantly and smoothly. It's quiet...just enough noise at idle for the cool factor of a diesel. Looks? I have so many compliments on the looks of the truck...plenty of luxury and way nicer looking than the Denali...but super cruise (on Denali) is intriguing and desirable for longer rides. The design of the interior is stunning and beautiful. Screens are "right sized" and don't need to grow further for practical people. The whole software experience is simple and straight forward...I think they got it right. Bose stereo is superb.
The milage? Holy Moly. Well it's over all incredible, but worth noting how the "brick" that a pickup is makes milage highly speed and flat (vs hill) dependent. I went out on a quiet Saturday on a flat highway and drove in the right lane with cruise at 65mph. Over a 30 mile distance, the trip meter measured 30.2 mpg. On the way back, I pulled back to to 55 mph (in honor of Jimmy Carter? 🙂) and the trip meter vasilated between 39.9 and 40.1. However in "real world" driving at 70-75 mph going up to 7,000 feet at lake tahoe (aggregate climbing must be
Have a 21’ Silverado with the first gen 3.0, just passed 100,000kms! Amazing truck, amazing fuel economy
Price a timing belt replacement! Sell it ASAP.. the belt is a $8000.00 maintenance item… they don’t brag about that in any of these info videos… imagine that
@@92226 the oil pump belt you mean is 6 shop hours plus the belt which is 65$…. So around $1200. Please call your local Gm dealer and get the facts before you try to scare owners hahah
@@92226 First of all you're a liar, its roughly $1000 including parts and labor, second its per 200k miles or in his case 321k kms so he has years and years left before needing to.
@@92226 LMAO you're so full of it. The highest estimate I've seen is $3000 and most were under that. If we used your number, you're gonna really be hurting when you change the oil pump belt on a newer F-150 with the 2.7 EB or 5.0 Coyote. Ford started using oil pump belts on those engines but they're at the front. Turns out I was right and there is WAY more labor required to change that kind of belt when it's on the front of the engine and most shops are going to tell you to do timing chains/phasers/guides since you have to pull timing chains to get the belt off.
Best engine you can get in the half ton segment! Nothing beats it over all. Would of been my next truck but I had to go with 2500 to get the payload I needed.
Same here. I ended up going with a 3500 diesel, but love this setup.
It's a great option in the 1500 lineup. Really like what GM is doing with this 3L. But ya its still a 1500 with relatively limited payload numbers
Wish they would offer these smaller diesels in the HD line. I don't need to pull 3000 lbs with over a thousand foot pounds of torque. I would rather have the payload and some towing but have the better fuel economy
Assuming you don't get a lemon. Diesels are nightmares when it's a lemon. Luckily my LM2 has been pretty solid. Well minus the fluid pump gear of the transmission. LMAO
I own the 2023 AT4 1500 LZ0, been back to the dealership 7 times so far, and need to go back yet again for emissions. Only 10.000 miles. Love the truck, but I'm not very happy to keep go back. Will sell before warranty is up!
Great video. Had a 2021 Silverado RST with the 3.0. Only trip we made was from Texas thru Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. Never had any problems towing 7500 lb trailer and averaged around 13MPG. Highway mileage was around 25 average with as high as 29. Most of the highway was at 75 or a little over.
Replaced the STOLEN '21 with a 2023 Silverado LTZ with the new 3.0. Only have a little over 4,000 miles and over all getting about 24 mpg on the highway. Have not had any issues and no issues with oil consumption. Have not had a chance to tow the TT yet but looking forward to having the extra power with the new motor.
Wow...sorry to hear about the theft...
How the hell does a 2021 get stolen its not a hellcat 😭😭 got me scared now
Its an rst not srt lol😂
Nice Vid. I've had a 21 Elevation for a couple years now & currently @ 41k miles & it's been a great truck. I really hope GM keeps this platform around.
I’m currently in a 2017 Sierra 5.3L 1500 All Terrain Crew with 92,000 getting an average of 19MPG.
The truck is used as a daily driver and to tow a 20ft boat in the summer months, the only issue I’ve had was the brake booster.
Thanks for a great review of the new 3.0L, I’ve been looking at this new 2023 engine setup and after watching several videos including yours I plan on pulling the trigger this week.
When not trailering, no consumption at all. When I trailer my heavy rv, then I experienced some over the 3000 trip. It’s back to zero when driving with no trailer. I can live with that.
Apart from the challenges when it gets down around -40, I'm very impressed with our first gen 2021 Elevation. Having worked on heavy duty diesels for years, this little inline 6 has really surprised me, especially with its towing ability and its fuel economy. I've hauled heavy tailer loads of building materials over long distances with NO troubles. The only big difference I've noticed when trailering heavy loads is a major increase in the amount of DEF it uses.
Yep they guzzle DEF when working hard, but that's pretty rare for most owners.
My 2023 model uses 2.5 gallons of DEF every 500 miles, pulling an 8000+ lb Jayco White Hawk travel trailer. Without the load, DEF consumption is hardly noticeable. Oil usage has been low, about 1 quart per 5K miles. Best tow vehicle ever. The previous truck, a 6.2L gasoline Silverado, died of lifter failure. The LZO diesel tows so much better.
With EGTs often going higher while towing, so do NOx emissions.
I have a 2022 Silverado. On a roll over a nonstop 65 mph 25 mile drive I got 43 mpg. I do notice on long trip while towing it consumes DEF at a high rate. Went to half tank DEF towing 4000 lb boat 650 miles. No other issues. Love this truck.
If you get a chance, take a look at the smaller 2.8L GM Diesels. They are quite remarkable too...Colorado, Bison, etc., in the smaller trucks are very capable too. Colorado has a 7,700 towing capacity with 1500 payload. Half ton territory 10 years ago.
2.8 diesel is gone
@@philipjohnson882 Looks like you're right for 2024 models. I hope its not the way of all diesels in general in anticipation of 2027 emission restrictions? Too bad! Nevertheless, plenty of used ones on the market from 2016 thru 2023, I'll be looking for one.
@@SergioDickerson-hw3ox The vibe I got from the chief engineer of the 3.0 Dmax is that they're pretty committed to keeping it going and making improvements to meet emissions requirements. Probably the same kinds of improvements they do with the big diesel trucks.
@@karlschauff7989
I hope you’re right. I really like the 3.0 Duramax and I’m typically a Ford guy…Chevy got this right!
Got 7100 hundred miles on mine took a 3000 mile trip with it really like it so far.
I have a 23. So far I love it coming from a 3/4 ton. Don’t buy this truck for the fuel economy alone. Buy if for a balance of fuel economy, towing, power.
It’s efficient but not as efficient as a 5.3 when you factor fuel cost and def. But if you tow intermittently it will be a better fit for you bridging that gap of daily driver and toy hauler. Or the 5.3 and 6.2. After using a 3/4 gmc duramax for 10 years this truck pulls amazing and is a way better family vehicle than the 3/4 ton. Can actually take it places and everyone is comfortable. Fuel economy is just a bonus.
I get about 10mpg better with mine then my Suburban or one of my other Silverados that have the 5.3 so I guess that offsets the difference in fuel price and DEF. Diesel here isn't much more then 87 its less then $0.50 difference. My truck is an Ultimate too so only other engine I could have got was the 6.2 and those are tuned for premium and that is every bit as much or more then diesel is around here.
Just broke 1000miles on my trail boss -love it so far - avg 23 mpg . Used very little def - have a long trip coming up and will see how it does.
Love my LM2 first gen duramax.... zero issues... great powertrain. Only thing with the LZ0 it has a second DEF injector now, so it will consume more DEF naturally.
On my LZO, I use about a gallon per thousand miles unless I am towing them it uses 10x as much it’s pretty good so far!
I have the same. But for “zero” issues. Is a lie. I know you have run into the “long start.” Issue.
@@Tiktokrefugee69 You're incorrect man. Never had that one... been a great truck so far.
@@Tiktokrefugee69 Never had it either but GM did a software update to fix it.
Great video. I have the same engine in my Tahoe and the best mileage I got so far was 38. Yes! 38 mpg. Overall average is 25 to 30 depending on the days.
Love mine so far. Really made me feel better when you mentioned the design of the emissions. That had me really worried about buying diesel.
18000 miles on my 2023 lz0. No problems. No oil consumption and only used like 4 jugs of def. I get 33 mpg back and forth to work. Low 20s in town. (13000 max tow package. ) I don't have. I have had the v8 and wouldn't go back. Great for my boat and small dump trailer. As far as the belt it service life is now 200,000 miles. I have changed many timing belts. Transmission removal I believe would be easier then a transverse engine timing belt. Just my opinion. Loving it. I also have owned a built 6.6 duramax and loved it. Just didn't need that much truck anymore
Being a GM diesel tech the first gen 3.0 have almost 0 issues. Only ever put a couple glow plugs in them. This new 3.0 has so far been plagued with coolant leaks from the thermostat bypass hoses, had a motor mount leak out it's hydraulic fluid, and currently have another one that needs a 7.0 hour front crank seal replaced, along with a bad Def heater already. All these trucks have 15,000 miles or less on them
so this is why some people say the opposite to "first year is guinea pigs year" the first year probably being the better one cuz they still havent cut all the possible corners yet
my brother has a 21 lm2 it had to have the front crank seal done and some sensor on the exhaust. He likes it tho gets good milage
Gm just called me saying they want to replace my motor due to them not being able to figure a nox sensor issue. Truck at 6.4k miles on it, getting lemon lawed right now
If it ain't broke don't fix it
@@Velkanis True with the older Duramaxes too, the LB7 was very strong and reliable with one critical flaw (injectors), the LLY fixed that but introduced new problems, the LBZ fixed the problems of the LLY, the LML added emissions and new issues, etc.
I'm considering ordering this engine in a 2025 Silverado RST double cab. I rarely tow at all, but I will be using it mainly to haul a 1200 pound slide-in camper and this seems like the perfect setup for that use case. The fuel economy and emissions reliability are what initially got my attention, but the more I learn about this engine, the more interested I become.
I love my 2021 LM2. I get 38mpg highway and locally 27 mpg and got 23mpg towing a 5000lbs trailer. I may trade up to this newer version ina year or two. Looks like GM is listening to the diesel customers
I love my lz0 have had it almost a year now and on a good day on the highway I get 36mpg witch is crazy for a truck but I want to delete the emissions crap and tune it and give her a little more power
I’m impressed with this 2nd gen engine. Seriously thinking of buying this in my 2024/2025 truck.
My major issue is fuel prices. Who can say if the oil companies don’t go jacking up the fuel to $7 or$8 per gallon again. Plus here in the northeast we’d need to add a fuel treatment each fill up to keep it from jelling. And also the DEF fluid is an added cost.
If I knew for sure about the fuel issue then it would be a sure thing on a purchase.
DEF is $20 at most for 2 gallons. I'm getting about 5K miles before needing to refill on my 2023. thats .004 cents per mile. No worries on that cost really.
What a complete nonsense you just said
In the north your diesel fuel should be being reformulated for winter usage so you shouldn't need any fuel treatment to prevent jelling.
Oil companies? You can blame your wonderful current administration for those prices.
@shaneoaks1923 way to make it political republikaren.
I just got mines 2023 silverado rst 4x4 redline edition and I love it so far same engine ❤
i get about 28/30 mpg anytime i travel up or down mountains and have loved this new engine so far.very responsive
Excellent and informative info. I found it very helpful for making a future diesel purchase. I am getting a Tahoe and I am waiting for the 24/25 mid life redesign to get this engine.
Just bought one of these with the max tow package a week or so ago. So far I love it. I was a bit concerned about the reports of excessive oil loss I’ve seen, but saw quite a few other comments that said they had no such issues. Too early to tell on mine. The tow capacity at 13k is amazing for a 1/2 ton. One of the only things I wish they’d have done is provide a larger fuel tank. Think it’s only 24 gallons, which is too small in my opinion. I am looking at the Titan 43 gallon replacement, but my understanding is the fuel gauge will not work correctly after it is installed, and there is no fix yet, which is concerning. I’m also puzzled by the oil pump belt, why not a chain or even better, gears?
ya wow 24 gallons is small! I mean I get that the Duramax is amazingly efficient but even with a 32 gallon tank you would have incredible range. I get those 3.73 gear pull very nice. would be interesting to see that set up against the ford ecoboost.
@@GettysGarage I think gear size is over thought, I have the trailboss so higher gear ratio, what people off overlook is you have a 10 speed transmission, so even with the higher gear ratio it won’t make a huge difference.
@@GettysGarage Its small but I get 500-600 miles per tank with my truck so it doesn't bother me much
I bought the Denali over a month ago and I get 24-25 mpg around town and over 33 on the highway. Very smooth and quiet power delivery and very comfortable ride!
Haven't towed with mine yet, but I just took my first real trip, around 500m round trip. Not interstate, but rural highways, various speeds and the best 50 mile mpg was slightly over 35. Really surprised, and not broke in yet, I'm just over 700 miles.@@davidcerce
I love the information here. I’m choosing between the 3.0 diesel and the 6.2 gas. Both max towing. I appreciate the technical details you talked about in both those engine reviews. I feel much better that either option is going to be good and I can just focus on the tech in the cab
2 things I would add is gm made the bore smaller and stroke longer in the lzo, although minimal differences. The move to steel pistons also helps with aluminum erosion from the pressures the injection pump is running.
wow great info! I didn't know the bore changes.
And steel pistons don’t expand as much as aluminum so your tolerance are quit tight so makes things better .
great video. I currently have an eco boost f 150, but am very intrigued to try the Duramax GMC for my next truck, or the new I6 Hurricane in a Ram
Great video brother, loving my first Silverado 1500 Duramax!
I haven't even purchased one of these yet, but I'm now subscribed. Great breakdown and clear, concise information. thank you.
Have first gen love it the mileage incredible thanks for the review
If anyone has dealt with timing belt covers on any v6 engines, go watch a video of how easy it is to drop a trans and change the belt on these. You also don't have to pay the over inflated diesel mechanic prices to work on it. Not as easy for someone doing it themselves but if its a shop it's easier then front mounted setups
fair enough!
If this belt was in the front of the engine, you would probably still need to drop the oil pan, which would most likely mean dropping front differential. So likely the time to do both jobs wouldn't be much different at all.
And pretty solid chance are you may need a transmission by 200,000 miles anyway so you may as change the belt when doing the transmission!
@@MADAmechanical Labor estimates for servicing the oil pump belt on the F-150 2.7 Ecoboost and 5.0 Coyote are higher than the 3.0 Duramax. It's wrapped around the crankshaft so you're pulling cooling fans, accessories, harmonic balancer, timing chain cover, timing chains, etc. If only it was just a matter of dropping an oil pan. GM borrowed this design from BMW (N57/M57) and BMW did the same, the pump is driven at the rear of the engine. It's probably the right call.
Long live the L6 engine! 3 outta 4 of my vehicles have an inline 6. Very cool they're putting all of those forged goodies from the factory. I'm super interested in this engine for our next family vehicle!
@@Look_What_You_Did - Inline 6, Not a V6
It's a legitimate candidate to replace a 2500 truck and that's saying a lot. My issue is the 2023's are more than the 2024 GM 2500 6.6 gas (in equal models) and not much less than the GM 2500 6.6 diesel. Pretty common for some people to sweep cost under the rug these days...
Yaa I've been seeing that in all the manufacturers. The 1500 prices are skyrocketing and in some case more expensive then a similar trim 2500 which is wild
👍@@GettysGarage
I have the 2023 GMC 1500 Denali that I bought new. I have 22,000 miles on it now. Between the last oil change I had to add 1.5 quarts of oil. Still monitoring this and will keep you posted. I had a transmission line leak at 6,200 miles that took 2 weeks to repair. It nearly left me stranded. The service writer told me he had never seen this issue before. I talked to the mechanic and he said it was the 4th one he had done. The leak apparently occurred at a manifold where the are several lines coming into a machine body. I have had no issues since this repair.
Some mpg notes: pulling a 23’ Tritons boat is got 16 mpg.
Pulling a Jeep Wrangler I got 19 mpg.
Average mileage is over 27 mpg with highway only, not towing, as high 34 mpg.
Just started working at a GM dralership and drove one of these and man, are they sweet!
Nice video. This would be the only half ton engine I would consider at the moment. The DFM V8s have not had a good start with lifter problems. It does seem to have slowed down from what was happening in 2021 model year trucks but still.
With how this thing is built you think there would be a market for GM to go with an iron block and make this an optional engine in the HD segment? It’s power numbers are pretty well in line with the original 6.6 Duramax. I could see it being a cheaper option to get a diesel and it could potentially get a boost in fuel economy. I feel like we all use to make it with 240 hp/440 ft-pounds of torque big blocks so why not?
You're thinking of GMs AFM (2003-2017), the DFM (2018-current) has been pretty damn reliable, the issue in 2021 had nothing to do with the DFM, they had issues with about 2% to 3% of the valve springs, during COVID GMs valve supplier couldn't produce enough springs so they used a different supplier, some of those were the bad springs. The new DFM is a clean sheet design by Tula Technologies, the same DFM in the GM trucks is being used in some semi truck diesels along with other brands.
@@baracktrump1410 I think you’re wrong about the 2021 issue. There was a valve spring problem too but there’s a TSB stating trucks built from September 2020-March 2021 potentially have bad lifters from a known bad batch of lifters.
It was just the DFM engines and not the AFM engines which were still offered on some 5.3s. But anyways the 2021 model trucks with a DFM engine were dropping like flies with bad lifters. I had one. 8400 miles. And per the TSB it didn’t meet the criteria to get both banks of lifters replaced. The cut off was 8000 miles. 8000 miles and down they would replace both banks of lifters. 8001 miles and up they only replaced the side that had the failure.
It’s still on going even on the 2023 DFM engines which is all that is offered at this point but nowhere near the frequency of the 2021s.
If you want/need an HD, you want/need the 470 HP, 975 lb/ft torque. The baby Duramax is perfect for the 1/2 ton market, not so much for the HD line. Especially if you live in Colorado and pull in the high country.
@@boblaws9851 I don’t know. I think we have all became spoiled with the ridiculous power all the trucks make now. Like I said, the big block gas trucks of the 90s made 220-240 HP and 420-440 foot pounds of torque all backed up by a 4 speed auto.
I think the 3.0 would do just fine. It makes more power than the 7.3 Powerstroke and everyone loved them. Now sure having the new engines are nice and all the power they have but for what most of us are towing the new diesels are way overkill. I’d personally take less power if it meant they would be more reliable.
@@matthewanderson9912 Nah, I had a '96 3/4 ton Suburban with the 454 and used to pull a 7,500 lb camper behind it up in the mountains. (we're talking over 8,000' elevation) and it wasn't great. It was low gear, slow and high rpm's. Now I pull doubles, around 13,000+ lbs, up the same roads without breaking a sweat.
I guess you are right in that for many the new diesels are overkill. I would drive a 1/2 ton but it's just not enough truck for what I use a truck for. Like I said before, if you need a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, (actually need) then you also need the HP and torque.
Excellent review. I'm watching this one year after you did it. Is there anything to add at this point? Do you have any more videos on this? I'm seriously thinking about buying one and I'm doing my homework right now. Thank you 👍
I just watched a tear down video on the TH-cam channel "I do cars".. this diesel engine has a rubber belt and not a chain for the oil pump. While he stretched it to some extremes after getting it out, you could already see cracks in it.
I also seen that video and I can't understand WHY engineers design something so crappy in a Diesel engine???? It's just ridiculous
@@cesarrodriguez5413 If I had to guess (only a guess) manufacturers are doing it because of CAFE standards. Doing every little thing to save weight, etc..
New 2023 chevy duramax owner. This video was great. All the information I wanted to know. Happy I went with the diesel
This engine is a dream to drive. I don't see a reason to go back to a gssser.
Thanks for your report, confirms many of my suspicions and thoughts.
Sub 8L/100k on highway empty, 14.5L/100k 4500lb car hauler + 4 quads, under 18L/100k with a 5500lb, 25’ travel trailer. New to diesel market, used 30+ L DEF in first 7500k, might be normal might be a break in we’ll see. Quiet, smooth running engine. Happy with it so far. Sold on this diesel.
I think this engine will be a solid choice for alot of people.
I get 5000 miles to a tank of def empty about 1000 miles of or less when towing out of a tank
Yea cool, just got about 8000k so about 5000 miles on that tank off DEF. Not looking to Mike the truck out, but looking forward to warranty (160,000k I assume 100,000miles) being done with a solid engine then deleting DEF/EGR and letting this engine run like it should
*Mike the truck out
Ahhh!! Siri…Mile the truck out
Another great video Alex!
Would you consider this engine in a daily driver short trip use?
Or do you think I would be asking for emission problems?
I've got the same question but I drive about 150 miles a day, no towing.
@@mr.adventure6507except not short trip daily driving at all.
I know it sounds like a hippy, but why buy a truck for short trip daily driving? Buy a cheap electric one for that
Absolutely no go on the short trip. Diesels only good if they get up to highway speed and regen
2023 Silverado. Love it. I get a consistent 26 mpg.
Excellent review! Really like you how you go into details about the engine - it shows that you did your research and I appreciate it. Looking forward to seeing your opinion after you tow with the truck. I currently drive a F350, 6.7 Powerstroke, but in the future, I might downsize and I'm really looking hard at this truck. Great work as usual!
Sorry
I'm telling you, you won't be disappointed. I had to downsize, too. My 2007 lBZ was stolen, and I couldn't afford to replace it with a new(er) 2500. I got this LZ0, and it has been just fantastic. I really do miss the capability of a heavy-duty truck, but this little diesel had helped ease the pain ALOT! Mark my words, 10-15 years for now, people will be paying top dollar to get their hands on good / well maintained examples of the LZ0
I downsized from a 2500 HD and have no regrets. The weakest link on these trucks is the payload capacity, so keep that in mind before you switch.
'22 Trail Boss Silverado owner and while I love my truck, it's been in the shop for weeks waiting on a transmission valve body repair. It's still under warranty but it definitely sucks being without your family's vehicle for weeks on end.
Not sure where you got your info from but as a tech for GM I can tell you they’ve all been plague from issue with harness chafing particulate filter’s exhaust pressure differential sensors, not to mention the 10speed oil pump gear issue’s. These engine are difficult injection pump is chain driven in the rear have to drop the transmission or lift the cab for almost any major repair.
That's a bummer. I was trying to figure out other claims about having to lift the cab for repairs. Those sound extremely costly. Is this just with GM? Or the particular engine design?
Same on F150. My 2018 f150 has had the cab removed to replace bad CVTs… it has also been plagued with oil pressure issues, water pump leaks and some strange bumping noise in front end. Oh. And the 4x4 doesn’t disengage at the axles. Fronds fix is to plug the vacuum lines and forget about it. I have had both 5.0 and 3.5 ecoboost.
Bravo!!!! This is what I wanted, an awesome breakdown of the engine to make my choice easier on going with the Duramax Diesel.
The torque curve is the exact same up to 1500 rpms. After that, you have even more power. Turns it into a much more drivable engine after 2k rpms. It's all a big plus.
I can confirm when I drove the LZ0 there is no low end torque loss. feels just as torquey but has way more upper end. to me just looking at the curves on paper it looked like there would be a difference but the LZO pulls very nicely from a stand still!
Man this is such a bummer to hear. My 2023 has minimal torque through the first two gears. High revving and flabby. Dealership has zero answers.
Have a 24 RZ2 around 4000 miles on it. Even with a rooftop tent average 22mpg. Burned DEF pretty quickly during break in. Seem to be going through less now. Hope to enjoy the truck for a long time to come.
The best way to check and see if the LZ0 engine maintains its 460lbs of torque at 1500 RPM like the LM2 is to get a LZ0 truck and an LM2 truck and drag race them from a start. I know I am not the only person here that wants to see that race.
Do you have a video on how to properly own/drive a diesel? Maybe you already do. I love this truck and may be in the market for one. I’d like to hear from you directly on what you can or shouldn’t be doing with a diesel. Cold startup to warm it up, or starting up cold and driving right away etc. just tips on how to own a diesel as I’m considering one for the first time. Thanks!
Great video - thank you. I think I will stwy light duty gas. If i ever need a diesel, will be a Ram 2500 Cummins.
fair enough! can't fault you there. plenty of good gas engine options.
@@GettysGarage Thanks. I tend to put 200,000-300,000 km on a vehicle, that 3.0 sounds like it will be expensive to own.
@@WBOS72getting a 6.7 Cummins to 200-300k is not a cheap venture by any means either. Generally a good engine but can have some fairly major issues as well
Any of them can cost a fortune the longer you keep them. Doesn't matter if its gas or diesel. 200k miles before worrying about the belt really isn't that big of a deal to me. I think you are supposed to replace the cam phasors on the ecoboosts at like 100k miles.