Heard about GM's new killer torque monster? It's a straight 6...

[dmurdock]

I was watching car and driver last weekend, and they had a big segment about the replacement for the blazer/jimmy coming out in 2002 (or 2003). The big news was the engine: around 280 cubic inches, a 24v straight six with a super long throw (no, it's a gas motor #ad
). They've been testing it for 2 years in off road racing and it has been holding it's own against the v-8's, supposedly it's a real torquey little s. o. b. The best thing about the whole show was when they were talking to one of the engineers who designed the motor... he said they had a clean slate and it didn't take them long to decide that lb for lb, a straight 6 was the only way to go in a truck/suv. (Hope the duramax team across the pond didn't get ticked off... ).

I'm off to find this in print somewhere (hopefully on a gm website), so they guys at the chevy site can hear the gospel from one of their own prophets...

#ad


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'01 Eth 3500 4x4, Amsoil air filter, AutoMeter boost & egt on pillar mount. See My Truck and also be sure to read What tools & methods to use for an easy 1st oil change!!!
"Be happy you don't get all the government you pay for. " -W. C. Fields

 

[COBRAJET]

It is a 4. 2 liter... around 250CID. It makes 270HP and 275ftlbs. The HP is what is impressive for this size inline. It has variable valve timing and DOHC among other things. In the 4X4 versions the front axle shafts pass right through the oil pan. The transfer case is bolted onto the oilpan. Pretty slick packaging, keeping GM from having to have a tall hood or scoop. The engine will be powering all of the midsize GM sport utes... . CJ

 

[bigkid59]

Check out the April issue of Popular Hot Rodding magazine. It has a good description of this engine with quite a few pictures of components.
It is 4. 2 litre (253 cubic inches) and is rated at 270 HP @ 6,000 RPM and 275 lb-ft torque @ 3,600 RPM. Double overhead cams with variable timing on the exhaust. The 7 main bearings have a one piece structure for the caps. It is a 4 valve per cylinder design with 10:1 compression and coil on plug ignition. It weighs 437 pounds. The factory exhaust manifold is one slick piece that really looks as good as any header would.
As an old drag racer who at one time ran the old GMC 302's, I am happy to see such development of these six bangers.
Also, this issue is a Special Viper Issue with several modified Vipers for your pleasure.

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92 D250 Auto Trans-Currently stock except for TCI special torque convertor. Now adding 16cm turbo housing, complete 4" exhaust, tachometer, pyrometer, and transmission temperature gauge. Injectors in the near future.
Also have 1984 Volvo D260 with inline 6 diesel made by Volkswagen.

 

[Sled Puller]

Anyone remember the 3. 8 Jag engines? They ran good for inline sixes.
Most of America is stuck on V-8 or nothin mentality. I would think they'll have trouble sellin it. ?
Gene

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Don't forget about the venerable Slant Six! #ad

 

[Jim Guidry]

And Ford's wonderful 300ci inline six! Definitely the best gas truck motor ever made! #ad


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'96 Regular Cab, 118k, SLT 2WD auto 3. 54, Vista topper, Pillar-mounted Autometer Boost/Pyro, transmission temp and oil pressure guages under dash, starwheel spun, stock plate and housing slid ALL THE WAY!!

 

[Andy Perreault]

Most of America is stuck on V-8 or nothin mentality.

I agree, Gene. This is why the Powerstroke is so popular. People think, "Ford's got a V-8 diesel, and Dodge's is only a 6-cylinder... I'd much rather have a V-8 under the hood than a little 6!"
Andy

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I just love it when people ask what I've got under the hood "a V8" at the fuel pumps? Because it sounds so awesome? Then when I tell them, no it's an inline 6 - a real motor - and they just kind of walk away. I sometimes wait around until they are ready to leave the lot and show em what an I-6 will do!! #ad
LOL It's especially fun to do that to V-10 owners!!

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-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes TDR
'98 QC LB (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, TST Powermax, 275hp RV injectors, Joe Donnelly modifed Sachs Clutch, custom ladder bars, SW fuel pressure gauge, BD exhaust brake, Isspro turbo temp monitor, front Draw-Tite receiver, rear Draw-Tite class V receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's, (all the common stuff clipped)

[This message has been edited by Steve St. Laurent (edited 02-22-2001). ]

 

[WOWZY]

I've heard that the off-road racing guys have been able to pump over 600hp out of these little engines and they hold together real well. It seems like I read where all of them finished the Baja 2000, I think. I don't remember much about the article.

 

[dpuckett]

Jim Guidry- have to agree with you about the 300 Ford. Had one in High School in an 86 F150. Got 20 mpg, and while I could not outdrag the 302s and 350s, I could definitely out tow and haul them. Got high teens, low 20s for mpg. No Cummins, though. I worked for a guy that talked about his PSD (POS- 13 mpg empty) being a V8, and hence, better and more powerful. I tried to explain to him it was all about how much fuel and air you can pump into it, and lost him. I reminded him the 425 Cat in his Pete was an I-6, but "that was different. "

I like having all my cylinders on a single plane, and the fact the parts are a LOT heavier duty than in his puny PSD. Come on, the same power, with a 1. 4L "advantage"? And an I-6 means fewer parts to strain and go out. How many PSDs run like new with 200K? I have yet to see one, but have seen several Cummins with that, running smooth and strong.

Daniel

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Daniel's current truck: 1993 W350 club cab, 5 speed, treadplate aluminum flatbed, 4. 10 rear end, straight pipes, K&N, "slightly" tweaked pump. ISSPRO color coded pyrometer and 50psi boost guage. NRA Life Member (since age 12) and d@mned proud of it. IRBCTS.

 

[dmurdock]

Me too... i'm not a brand brasher. . The 300 six in my 79 f150 was the best gas engine I've ever had.