The Difference Between the Chevy Silverado Engines
Various models of the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 lineup offer customers the option between the two least expensive gasoline engines: the 2.7-liter Turbo and 4.3-liter V6 engines. While one engine over the other does little to affect the overall price of the vehicle, they do have some differences worth considering when purchasing your Silverado 1500.
Origins of the Engines
The oldest of the two, the naturally-aspirated 4.3-liter V6 LV3 engine was originally introduced on the 2014 Silverado 1500. A part of the EcoTec3 General Motors lineup, it is closely related to the 5.3-liter V8 L83 and 6.2-liter V8 L86, which are available for 2020 Chevy Silverado engines. In terms of design, the 4.3L includes two overhead valves per cylinder and is operated via pushrods by a single camshaft in the center of the Vee.
On the other hand, the turbocharged 2.7-liter I4 L3B debuted in the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, so it’s significantly more modern. It has four valves per cylinder and operates more directly than the V6 through double overhead camshafts. In this engine, the dual-volute turbocharger spools up quickly, making it more effective at low engine speeds with minimal turbo lag. The compressor also helps to compensate for thin air at higher altitudes.
Comparing the Numbers
When comparing engines, you’re looking for who they compare in terms of performance, and this can be seen through the output numbers. While the 4.3L V6 engine produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.7-liter turbo engine produces 310 horsepower and 348 lb.-ft. of torque. Moreover, the 2.7-liter turbo engine has a fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (21 mpg combined), while the 4.3L V6 engine only produces an efficiency of 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway (17 mpg combined).
Consistent with the engine’s performance, the 2.7-liter turbo engine has a max trailering capacity of 9,600 pounds with a max payload of 2,070 pounds, while the 4.3L V6 engine has a trailering capacity of 7,600 pounds and payload of 2,040 pounds. Additionally, the 2.7-liter turbo engine beats out the 4.3L V6 engine when it comes from going from 0-60 mph (6.8 seconds and 7.8 seconds respectively).
Similarities and Advantages
Though these engines are quite different, they both feature continuously variable valve timing, as well as Active Fuel Management (AFM). This shuts down cylinders to improve fuel economy when only small amounts of power are necessary, which can be particularly useful on city streets with lots of stops.
However, the 2.7L L3B engine adds to this with variable valve lift, which improves efficiency even more and produces peak torque all the way from 1,5000 to 4,000 rpm. Combined with the AFM and variable valve timing, this variable valve lift is designated the TriPower name by General Motors. With all of this, the 2.7L L3B engine is lighter than the 4.3L V6, which gives it a substantial advantage on 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500s.
Your Chevy Dealer
Visit our Smith Motors store, Smith Chevy of Lowell, Indiana to learn more about the 2021 Chevy Silverado engine options today! Smith Chevrolet is the Chevrolet Northwest Indiana dealer near you. Give us a call or visit us online to learn more about all things Chevy today!
