GM Duramax Turbo-Diesel Hits Milestone
It's not often that a production facility makes 2 million of anything, but the Duramax turbo-diesel engine plant in Moraine, Ohio, just hit that milestone today. Groundbreaking at the plant started in 1998, with the first completed engine rolling off the assembly line on July 17, 2000 — that's an average of almost 120,000 engines made each year.
The plant itself is 60 percent owned by GM and 40 percent owned by Isuzu; however, the engines only power Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty, GMC Sierra HD and certain Navistar military vehicles, as well as a few smaller, private companies.
The Duramax plant has almost 700 employees and has received more than $140 million over the last three years to improve both emissions on the engines and productivity at the plant. The most recent version of the 6.6-liter, OHV 32-valve turbo-diesel is the engine of choice for the one-ton Chevy Silverado 3500 or GMC Sierra 3500 pickup trucks, with 445 horsepower and 910 pounds-feet of torque. In fact, for GMC, 90 percent of Sierra Denali HDs are sold with the V-8 Duramax.
We recently test-drove the new Duramax in a GMC Sierra Denali 3500 dually with several types of the heavy trailers through the Rocky Mountains and found it to be quite responsive and powerful. Some of the biggest standout features we liked about the new engine include the more powerful exhaust brake, more responsive throttle feel and the quieter feel on the road. We also like that it now includes a massive hood scoop to allow more — and cooler — air into the engine.
We've already had a chance to see how this new Duramax compares against the other three-quarter-ton competition (called our 2017 3/4-Ton Premium Truck Challenge), but those test results won't publish until May. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, we offer our congratulations to the Duramax plant for its longevity and contribution to the current torque wars raging in the heavy-duty pickup truck segment.
Manufacturer images
Comments
Nicely done, a great non-american engine.
Sweet engine GM, maybe one day Trash Motor Company will be able to build something as nice as the Duramax.
I wish GM would sell off Isuzu and bring all the design and engineering back to the states. See to much Isuzu designs in the trucks, whether Silverado/Canyon/Colorado or Sierra....we can do better
I wish GM would sell off Isuzu and bring all the design and engineering back to the states. See to much Isuzu designs in the trucks, whether Silverado/Canyon/Colorado or Sierra....we can do better
I remember encountering the first Duramax back in late 2000. I was amazed at the level of quietness, refinement and most of all the performance. It took Ford a decade to offer something even remotely close to the performance to of the Duramax.
Thank you GM for pioneering the modern performance Diesel truck engine here in North America.
Just a side note on the new Duramax. The local dealer can't keep the big or little brother Duramax in stock.
Diesel in modern pickups is a big damn deal! Makes for interesting reading.
The automakers are very competitive in this regard. Ford had so much grief over some of their earlier PowerStroke diesels that they ended up taking the whole shebang in-house.
Reading here in this story that GM's DuraMax has rolled out its 2 millionth pickup engine is amazing by itself.
When you total up the number of RAM, Ford and GM HD trucks during just the last 15 years, it's pretty amazing, especially when you consider what it costs to design, build and own one.
Congrats Isuzu!!!
Dear GM,
Build your own f'ken Diesel, friggin chumps. Or better yet, ask Ford.
Isn't the Duramax also used in the oshkosh Defence JLTV?
It is my understanding that Banks was awarded a contrat to "militarize" the Duramax to be suppllied to Oshkosh.
Congratulations
It is my understanding that Banks was awarded a contrat to "militarize" the Duramax to be suppllied to Oshkosh.
@Sparky21
They probably needed somebody smart to help them pull the plug on all of the CAFE and EPA crap that the rest of us are forced to put up with. You can be sure the Pentagon does not give a flying flipper about global warming (except in their press releases).
Can't wait to see the test!
Congrats GM on the 2 millionth engine, more quality products from the #1 truck manufacturer.
congrats Isuzu!
Congratulations, Isuzu.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2014/09/partners-again-gm-and-isuzu-will-develop-a-new-global-midsize.html
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2014/02/gmisuzu-to-invest-60-million-at-duramax-plant.html
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/12/report-gmisuzu-duramax-diesel-joint-venture-at-risk.html
@Frank & Nitro, You two aren't very smart, are you? GM owns 60% of Duramax, and EVERY one ever made was built by AMERICAN hands in Moraine, Ohio. Ford has only been building its own engines since what, 2010? And they are NOT built in the United States!
@Frank & Nitro, You two aren't very smart, are you? GM owns 60% of Duramax, and EVERY one ever made was built by AMERICAN hands in Moraine, Ohio. Ford has only been building its own engines since what, 2010? And they are NOT built in the United States!
Posted by: mark49 | Mar 24, 2017 3:21:11 PM
mark49,
GM bought 60% of Isuzu when the Duramax was already built and designed by Isuzu.
I'm having a great day today. Later.
GM reminds of Heavy D from the show Diesel Brother. They pay others to build there trucks.
@mark49
Guess where these are built.
The Cadillac Escalade EXT and SRX, Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Silverado and Silverado Hybrid
To all you muppets saying the duramax Isn't American- lets not forget the 6.7L scorpion is built in Mexico. Wow you people are thick.
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/08/ford_announces_new_diesel_truc.html
http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/general-6-7-discussion-2011-2016/147793-6-7-made-mexico.html
Posted by: Trucky048 | Mar 24, 2017 3:48:32 PM
It can be built in Mexico, NOT A PROBLEM. Remember a few things.
The 6.7L Scorpion was designed and engineered by American Engineers in the good 'ole US of A. The Duramax was designed and engineered by a Japanese Co.
Have a nice day.
120,000 engines per year? Ram does more than double that and Ford closer to quadruple.
Most GM HDs are gas powered 2500s
Ford builds their engines in Mexico instead of employing US workers and Frank is just fine with that.
But if GM partners with a Japanese company that's been making diesel engines for nearly 100 years, and builds them right here in the US, Frank has a problem with that. What a childish hypocrite.
@Frank, the topic is diesel engines. Stay focused. The LML, which was in production for 7 years was developed entirely by GM. Didn't Ford have help from an Austrian company (AVL) in the design of the 6.7? From what I can find, in the 90's Isuzu was working on an engine to be released in 2003 but GM took interest in it and Duramax LTD. was formed in 1998 to fast track development. At the time, Isuzu had 60% stake and GM had 40. Don't forget that at the time GM owned something like 80% of Isuzu's heavy truck division. So to sum it up- the original Duramax was co-designed with a company that GM owned 80% of, and they are all built in Ohio. Ford went to an outside firm for help with its diesel which is built in Mexico. Have a good evening!
Ford builds their engines in Mexico instead of employing US workers and Frank is just fine with that.
But if GM partners with a Japanese company that's been making diesel engines for nearly 100 years, and builds them right here in the US, Frank has a problem with that. What a childish hypocrite.
Posted by: Dapper Dan | Mar 24, 2017 4:37:44 PM
What is it to you who Ford Employs, it's there money it's there business.....stay out of it.
In addition, GM can never build there own engine. PERIOD!!!
My comments are just that, my opinion, if you can't handle that...then that's your problem.
There's alot of butt hurt in the comments on this one. Here's a good read about the development of this project from the engineer at GM. Its a great motor designed by a Japanese company that GM and chose to design it. Two companies formed a new company DMAX LTD to build them in Ohio. According to this article 60/40 split Izuzu.
I dont see why people would be bothered about this engine for not being American. Its built there. That employs Americans. Ford employs mexicans in Chihuahua MX for their competition with 6.7.
history.gmheritagecenter.com/wiki/index.php/The_Duramax_Diesel_6600_Story
@mark49.. you couldn't tell a Ford fan the sky was blue on a clear day.. they would find something to dispute... Point is since the LML there has been ZERO Input from Isuzu. The engine has been built in America, by Americans since Day 1.. Period.. no one else can say that.. and let's remember what the "others" HP/TQ was before GM started this power war when the revolutionary LB7 Duramax debuted with 300hp and 520 lb ft of TQ...
Jason out...
[Mic drop]
Once again GM fails. GM needs Isuzu for its Diesels and needs Allison for its transmissions. Too bad they can't outsource the remainder of the truck because GM quality sucks.
Just your typical 2 or3 Ford fans on this site spewing thier crap. They should be embarrassed of thier comments ... I'm glad that they do not represent the rest of Ford followers. SAD
Stick to the point no matter if you're a ford,Chevy ,Nissan ,etc. is made in the USA. Great engine.
Anstalt für Verbrennungskraftmaschinen List sounds real American.
Is it true gm has a military grade drivetrain? Now that's funny!
Better thank Isuzu for this engine!
Thanks Isuzu, what would shaky GOVT motors do without you?! :-)
Cummins is what chevy owners run after their maxi pad takes a $#!^.
Thanks Isuzu, what would shaky GOVT motors do without you?! :-)
Posted by: Lionel | Mar 24, 2017 11:29:41 PM
Ahhh, even Lionel is respectful to the Duramax ability to continually embarrass the powerstroke .
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2GxztJit22A
After reading the flotsam of some of the Ram and Ford fans, an old axiom came to me: "Never argue with an idiot, he will wear you down with enthusiasm and bludgeon you with experience".
I had a 2002 Duramax Allison combo 4x4 crew cab.
I liked the truck, put 298,000 Miles.
Went through 3 sets of injectors, 2 I had to pay for.
Ill never buy another diesel engine vehicle. Injectors are too expensive to replace, emissions urea cost too much. Diesel fuel cost more than gas. The cost benefit ratio no longer favors diesel.
I have a 2004.5 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Over 502,000 miles and still runs like a champ! Best truck I have ever had.
I have been shopping new trucks for a week now and I always sneak in the back shop and talk to the mechanics that work on the cars and trucks. After visiting 3 local GM dealers they all said if I want a diesel find a pre 2011. 2011 GM diesels they said were junk. Nothing but issues with the emissions stuff and they are constantly getting towed in. GM only pays them to fix what is wrong at that specific time and won't pay for anything else that is a know failure. So they said they will see the same truck several times a year fixing it. The Ram mechanics said something similar but they did not seem to be as bad as GM. The Ford guys seemed to like them the most. So it is between Ram and Ford for me.
Ram wins again. Looks like Ford and Chevy are full of crap again. First it was their tow haul numbers now their best in class torque numbers. lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emJcrYuJArg
Ram wins again. Looks like Ford and Chevy are full of crap again. First it was their tow haul numbers now their best in class torque numbers. lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emJcrYuJArg
Posted by: HEMI V8 | Mar 25, 2017 12:11:07 PM
See below for what happens when you feed the Duramax some air. Sorry
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8TdzB4-15d8
The amount of inaccurate information in here is astounding....
Ford got help from an Austrian Company, AVL to design to 6.7L which there is no problem with that, but it's not a completely Ford designed engine like most want to believe.
GM had help from Isuzu to design the Duramax and it's maunfactured in Ohio and the Allison 1000 is owned by GM.
6.7L has certain design pieces that came from the Duramax.
If it wasn't for the huge move GM made to bring out the Duramax, I highly doubt we'd have great engines like the newest 6.7L PS and 6.6L L5P.
@HEMI V8, I found the results of both PTC and TFLs truck dyno sessions interesting. Especially since both GM trucks (6.0 and 6.6) showed numbers far below what would be acceptable driveline losses. The anti-lock brake harness melting on the 6.0 truck I believe has something to do with the results. It is likely that the computer is seeing a difference between front and rear wheel speeds and is pulling power out of the engine and/or applying the brakes. Another shop made sure to turn off the traction control on a '17 Duramax and it put down 403/879- much more in line with the results of the Ike Gauntlet test. I believe the Ford suffered from the same issue in this test.
Chebbie was smart to use isuzu engines in their trucks because we all know how horrible the diesel engines they tried to build in the 90's were. GM(government motors) would not have been able to keep this plant open if it werent for american tax payer dollars!!!!! MILITARY GRADE!!!WOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH!!!!!!!#
See below for what happens when you feed the Duramax some air. Sorry
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8TdzB4-15d8
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Mar 25, 2017 12:33:25 PM Cummins is the choice of champions in truck pulling. Just like the Hemi is.
http://www.scheiddiesel.com/scheid-diesel-motorsports-pulling-team.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVGwi4Vnlqs
Kenny
The Ford / Navistar engines are some of the worst diesels out there. Probably why the two companies seperated. So I believe your views are completely bias and meaningless.
@What the heck, That is a fact.
Ford settles class action over Navistar diesels.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20131024/OEM10/131029950/ford-settles-class-action-over-navistar-diesels
Merica Cummins and Duramax!. EL cheapo Mexico Ford Powerturd Stroker! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kenny
The Ford / Navistar engines are some of the worst diesels out there. Probably why the two companies seperated. So I believe your views are completely bias and meaningless.
Posted by: What the heck | Mar 25, 2017 1:35:07 PM
What rock are you living under. Since 2011 Ford has been using their own Diesel engine, not navistars. But don't worry, GM partnered up with them. Good luck hahahahaha
Good work GM, #1 Again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GxztJit22A&app=desktop
@Alberta_Oil
Correct Isuzu designed the engine and as it is their property, they actually update it.
Production is a 60/40 split with GM primarily responsible for producing the engine and adding the ancillaries.
The engine is on Isuzu's website for engines they have designed and are being produced.
Interestingly it is classified as a Light Duty engine. Smaller 3 Litre Diesel is a heavy duty engine, as it is used in their Pickup and Light/ Light MDT trucks
@Dave,
GM has no holdings in Isuzu. They are cooperating on what you would call a Medium Truck. Actually Isuzu's light Truck range with a CrewCab. Basically badging and adding a 6litre Gas V8 are the only difference from their Japanese a Truck.Also changing the trucks from RHD to LHD
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