GM 4.3L LV3 ECOTEC3 V6 Rated at 285 HP, 305 lb ft torque

[FenwickHockey65]

2014 Sierra’s New 4.3L Tops in Standard V-6 Pickup Torque
New EcoTec3 engine continues rich GMC V-6 heritage
General Motors

May 6, 2013

DETROIT – When the all-new 2014 GMC Sierra full-size pickup arrives this summer, its standard 4.3L EcoTec V-6 it will offer the most torque of any standard V-6 in the segment – 305 lb-ft (413 Nm).

Buyers will choose from three new, advanced EcoTec3 engines – a 5.3L available at launch, followed by the 4.3L and 6.2L versions available later this year. All are designed specifically for the high trailering and hauling demands unique to truck buyers.

Torque is the turning force that generates off-the-line acceleration and confident trailering performance. Sierras equipped with the 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 will have trailering ratings up to 7,200 pounds (3,266 kg) for a regular cab, short bed, four-wheel-drive model – 500 pounds more than the most capable Ford F-150 3.7L and 700 pounds more than a Ram 1500 3.6L. Sierra’s standard V-6 produces an SAE-certified 285 horsepower (212 kW) and is matched with a proven, efficient six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates will be released later.

Like Sierra’s optional 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 engines, the new V-6 features three state-of-the-art technologies – direct injection, active fuel management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing – that have been proven and perfected through 6 million hours of computational analysis by engineers studying the combustion process. In all, 10 million CPU hours were spent refining and making the most of the Sierra’s EcoTec3 engines.

“This is technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every EcoTec3 engines, for every customer,” said Jordan Lee, GM Powertrain chief engineer. “It is a standard feature, so our drivers get our best and most sophisticated technology regardless of trim level.”

Although they share only a handful of parts with previous Sierra engines, the new EcoTec3 V-6 builds on experience gained from millions of trucks and billions of real-world customer miles resulting from a half-century of leadership in V-6 engine development. In 1960, GMC debuted the first V-6 pickup truck ever and offered it exclusively through most of the ’60s.

That engine, offered in various displacements starting at 5.0L, was designed with aluminum pistons, improved cooling and a stout crankshaft and bearings designed for unprecedented durability.

“The family of V-6 engines introduced in 1960 was designed to last, and I’ve heard of some owners going more than 450,000 miles on the original engine,” said Donald Meyer, GMC truck historian. “They had really high torque and pulled loads well. GMC engineers know how to build durable, reliable engines that never quit.”

Like the 2014 engine, the 4.3L V-6 introduced as standard equipment for GMC half-ton pickups in 1985 used geometry and engineering from the brand’s proven Small Block V-8. As with today’s V-6, engineers studied the combustion chamber, developing “Vortec” technology that swirled the air and fuel inside the engine to create a more homogenous mix, improving power and efficiency. That engine was the basis for new generations of engines through the 2013 model year.

2014 Sierra models with the 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 go on sale later this year with a suggested starting price of $25,085, including a destination charge of $995 but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees.

[rayhawk]

Considering the latest 4.3L was rated at 260 ft-lbs at 2800 and 195 hp at 4600 rpm, this is pretty significant. Curious what the red line is on this new motor.

[FenwickHockey65]

I was hoping for 300 HP but this is plenty powerful for my needs.

[Camaro Lives On]

Wow that's a heck of a jump from the current 4.3 Vortec.

[NASTY99Z28]

I know it's built more for torque but dang the HP is a little low for today's standards. I was thinking it would be 300-315hp. Oh well looks like the 5.3 is the way to go for the basic needs.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by NASTY99Z28

I know it's built more for torque but dang the HP is a little low for today's standards. I was thinking it would be 300-315hp. Oh well looks like the 5.3 is the way to go for the basic needs.

Not really. The 4.3L is more than adequate for most buyers. The Ford/Dodge V6s have better horsepower ratings but fall flat when it comes to torque. It's because they're built from car engines. The LV3 was built from the start as a truck engine.

And it's kinda ridiculous what E85 does with these new engines.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Not really. The 4.3L is more than adequate for most buyers. The Ford/Dodge V6s have better horsepower ratings but fall flat when it comes to torque. It's because they're built from car engines. The LV3 was built from the start as a truck engine.

And it's kinda ridiculous what E85 does with these new engines.

Even then, scaling from the 450ish hp from the LT1 from which this engine is based, you'd still end up at 300 hp, give or take, on the 4.3L. Its a good engine I'm sure, but it just seems like they should have been able to squeeze a few more ponies out of it without much hassle.

[GretchenGotGrowl]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

Even then, scaling from the 450ish hp from the LT1 from which this engine is based, you'd still end up at 300 hp, give or take, on the 4.3L. Its a good engine I'm sure, but it just seems like they should have been able to squeeze a few more ponies out of it without much hassle.

I would be suprised if the truck version of the LT1 has 450 HP. It will probably be just above 400 and probably make gobs of torque.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by GretchenGotGrowl

I would be suprised if the truck version of the LT1 has 450 HP. It will probably be just above 400 and probably make gobs of torque.

The current truck 6.2 is already just above 400, I imagine that it will get a nice bump with the new engine. I wouldn't be surprised if the final numbers for the LT1 put it at 465-470 for the Corvette and its truck equivalent were down around 440

[GretchenGotGrowl]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

The current truck 6.2 is already just above 400, I imagine that it will get a nice bump with the new engine. I wouldn't be surprised if the final numbers for the LT1 put it at 465-470 for the Corvette and its truck equivalent were down around 440

Maybe so, but I wouldn't be suprised it they give up a big boost in HP and give it 500+ TQ as a trade off. Guess we'll see.

[CamaroSkooter]

Can I swap this in for the 4.3 in my S-10 Blazer?

[KMPrenger]

Well I was hoping for a bit more HP as well, but don't take that the wrong way...I'm not dissapointed. In fact, the power and TQ are right in line with what I was predicting.

The power this V6 makes will more than cover the basic needs....certainly don't need the 5.3 for basic stuff. Hell, my 2005 Ram with the 4.7 V8 only made 240HP and 300TQ. This V6 is a better performer in every way compared to that.

Originally Posted by GretchenGotGrowl

Maybe so, but I wouldn't be suprised it they give up a big boost in HP and give it 500+ TQ as a trade off. Guess we'll see.

I fully agree. Well, maybe not 500TQ, but still. Look at Ford and what they have done with the 5.0 in their F-150. Less HP, more TQ at a lower rpm range than the Mustang.

[mikeyg36]

Great job GM!

[Silverlsinva]

Its pretty decent output I was hoping for 300hp as well doesn't the Ram v6 have about the same hp and tq so they are in the ball park for the moment. Now seeing the 5.3 output and the 4.3 I bet the 6.2 is gonna have atleast 415 to 430 hp but prolly not more than that.