Base Engine Tech Boom – UnderhoodService

Base Engine Tech Boom

The OE base engines in the past were usually low-tech engines that didn't pack the same technology as the optional engines. But, the base 2.7L four-cylinder engine on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado packs a lot of technology.

The OE base engines in the past were usually low-tech engines that didn’t pack the same technology as the optional engines. But, the base 2.7L four-cylinder engine on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado packs a lot of technology.

Developed specifically for truck applications, the new engine delivers 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. 22% more torque than the 4.3L V-6 it replaces. GM claims it has more torque than the 3.3L V-6 in the Ford F-150 XLT and the 3.6L V-6 in the Ram 1500 Big Horn.

This is GM’s first use of Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) on a four-cylinder engine. The valvetrain uses high- and low-lift valve profiles on the camshafts with continuously variable valve timing.

This is Chevrolet’s first application of Active Thermal Management, which uses targeted engine heating and cooling to improve engine performance in hot and cold ambient temperatures. An integrated exhaust manifold that is part of the cylinder head assembly and recovers exhaust heat for faster engine and transmission warmup. Also, the engine has an electric water pump.

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What if there are no codes and a misfire is intermittent? This is where it gets complicated.

What is a misfire? Is a misfire when the cylinder does not fire? Is it when the cylinder fires too soon or too late? The answer is “yes” to both questions. Some misfire complaints are a flashing check engine light, and a P0300 to P0312 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates that one or more cylinders are misfiring. This is the easiest misfire to diagnose. But, what if there are no codes and a misfire is intermittent? This is where it gets complicated. 

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