2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado 2.7 Turbo Engine: What You Need To Know 

I'm still waiting for the one cylinder supercharged engine that deactivates its single cylinder when it blows up after 3 miles.

I am late on this, but i just got a Canyon and holy shit is the engine a little monster!

I'm in love with this engine and the colorado. I want to get a trailboss next year

I'm still enjoying my 3.7 naturally-aspirated five-cylinder engine from 2011. It has more horsepower than the base engine in this 2023 Colorado. No cylinder deactivation, no turbo, no auto-start/stop, and it has plenty of long-lasting durability.

I wonder if the polished crank was also for display here or is the factory item ground out? Amazing motor. Great technical review.

to bad they don't offer the 5.3 in the Colorado i would buy one in a second

Thanks Sam Great Review

That is good to hear, Made and sourced from N. America !! Thankyou for the info...

Wow great review very informative.

Great info!

Done subscribing. Thank you

I ordered a Colorado LT 4x4 with the L3B - HO. I Can't Wait !!! I didn't want to pay the ZR2 price so I got a lower trim level with all the power. We test drove a 4x4 Ranger and compared it to the 4x4 Colorado. The Colorado won "Hands Down" ! The hard part is waiting three months for the build and delivery.

When you said fuel management, that is all I needed to hear.

has a 2023 canyon at4, when on a road trip,, from calif, to idaho, montana, n dataka and south, wyoming, came home 4800 miles avg 19.9 mpg,,, great truck

Glad you pointed out the differences, I'll either buy the zr2 or special order the ho motor now

Great job GM !

Love that display engine. Lots of powdercoated bits and polished tubing.

Thanks!

Very useful info not seen anywhere else. The L3B HO is clearly the best choice. Thanks very much.

Trifecta claims this motor can achieve 350hp/500trq to the crank! Can’t wait for this tune!

I remember when Ford came out with a v6 turbo in the F150. Everyone thought they were crazy. People drove them like they were mad and then bitched about bad mpg. I bought a new 2016 F165 and I have a video of me getting 30 mpg @ 55 mph.

A 4 cylinder turbo, with cylinder deactivation ? I have had a very successful, 40 years career with forced induction, sounds like to me the drinking water from Flint has found its way into the Powertrain Engineering Dept. at G.M.

I have a 2016 Colorado Z71 crew cab and so far it’s been a reliable daily driver. I bought it new and it’s paid off. It still works and looks great. I have the V6 and with only 89k miles on the odometer it’s still got plenty of life left in it. The v6 should have been left as an option.

Thanks for the info, I wonder why they even bother with the PLUS version

Thanks for getting more specific than I have seen elsewhere, about exactly how the base engine is "de-contented". The lack of piston-squirters and the weak-sauce transmission explain the lower towing rating, and the missing foam explains why people have observed that the base engine sounds "coarser". We know the price difference, once we see fuel efficiency we'll have the whole picture.

Don't like plastic crap but as a whole I like the heavy design and high torque. I'm too poor to buy anything but interesting.

this is all nice and cool, but I would rather have a 3.5 v6 naturally aspirated, that will last a lot longer than a turbo charged or supercharged engine. I will take longevity over a couple miles per gallon anyday

I like the idea that they pump coolant through the turbo to help keep it at a much lower temperature taking some of the stress off the oil but I’m sure it’s still a good idea to let it idle for two minutes before shutting it off

GM reliability is very questionable in the last few years, especially cylinder deactivation.

Pretty cool it has forged internals.

If it's easier to do your own general maintenance I'm all for it.

So what is the difference between the low output and higher output models? Tuning or different components?

Thanks for this video. I just went to Chevy's Colorado Build page and looked at the base engine (L2R) paired with the (N8R) transmission vs the optional higher output (L3B) paired with the (MFC) transmission. My question is, is the (N8R) transmission code = 8L45 transmission, and is the (MFC) transmission code = 8L80 transmission? I would assume so. It seems that if you custom order a LT trim variant with the 310hp engine, the vehicle will be built with the (L3B). However, if you want to "flash" the base engine after production, the vehicle will be delivered with the (L2R).

Just go the 2024 WT with the Turbomax engine and towing package. Coming from a VW golf. Lol. The torque delivery is extremely different in the Colorado from what I’m used to. The power band is pretty evenly distributed on this engine/transmission set up. I don’t feel the pull very much of the turbo, but I’m at 75 on the highway before I realize it. So far so good on the Colorado! It’s the best looking Colorado in a decade, inside and out. A very capable truck.

How did it perform?

This dude needs more subscribers!

The only reason for the 4 cyl turbo engines is cheapest way to meet the EPA fuel consumption targets. All at the expense of the consumer.

Love it Thx 🙏

Hmm... GDI, turbocharging, cylinder deactivation and GM's 8L trans... This should be a safe bet outside of your powertrain warranty. Yep, nothing to worry about.

Thanks for the reporting on this truck's most worrisome aspect.

Now if they'd make an I6 version of it...

Needs port injection too, will keep intake valves clean. Ranger has same problem. New Tacoma engine will have both

I love my 23 turbo

Looks decent, but its just catch-up to common practice today. Bottom end doesn't look very beefy (no girdle or cross bolted mains etc)

Great engine, just trade it in before warranty ends and your golden 😊

Shutting down cylinders on a 4 banger? turbo motor's aint for me as long as i can avoid them

At work we have a 12 gmc sierra 2019 with this engine my truck has 357,497 km with no problems look like they put some thought into it

Those engines are like those messages from Mission Impossible at the beginning of every movie or series.

Run Forest Run!

Also #gm #gm needs to crate the h.o. motor with ecotec adaptors if it doesn't bolt right up to the older ecotec platforms like the LNF/LSJ!

Hope it works out BUT I will bet it does not pull as well as my 2017 Diesel and will not get nearly the mileage I get. GM never advertised the small Duramax. It is a great combination.

Did I hear, " Active Fuel Management" !

If only all that would work as advertised, it would be fantastic. If only.

Be kind of cool to have these as crate motors in both FWD and RWD applications

The next best 4 banger engine swap !

Is the L2R built as tough ? Forged crank, longer head bolts etc?

lots of things in common with the Toyota 2.5 liter Dynamic Force engine. Such as the electric water pump, variable oil pump. I like the Toyota engine better though because it does not have the 2 cylinder deactivation thing and also Toyota's port and direct injection fuel system to keep the valves clean.

Seems like a pretty nice setup, definitely a nice break down you did there thank you. I want to see what Toyota's setup is going to be on the Tacoma maybe not the most torque is the best idea cuz 20-27 lb of boost that's quite a bit, makes me concerned about heat soaking the turbo 🤷 Toyota uses air-water intercooler instead. I'll b looking forward to what's going on in midsize 🛻💨 segment

Maybe this is the test bed for hybrid in the future.

Pretty high-tech! Amazing they've done as well as they have. Long term though, LOTS of weak points.

I have zero confidence in the longevity of little engines with turbos. Unless it says "Toyota" or "Honda" on the cam covers. If you sell the car after 4-6 years, you might dodge the bullet headed your way. Keep it any longer, and you will be spending lots of money.

It is a complex engine and while it works it is impressive but how long will it last and when it does need repairs will it be able to be fixed without breaking the bank or will it be more likely replaced instead of repaired because of the cost.

Noticed the chain in the rear of the engine to drive the oil pump. Just like the 3.0 diesel and has a 100k mile service life.

Wondering if carbon buildup on the back of the valves might become an issue on account of the direct port injection. Otherwise, looks like a strong, light engine. Interesting that they charge you $395 to "uncork" the rest of the torque, lol. Probably takes a 5 minute firmware update.

The calibration through the parts department was 390 dollars but they charged me 180 dollars to install, someone on You Tube said I wasn’t suppose to pay for the labor that it was included in the price of my new Colorado Trail Boss, is this true, if so I’m taking my receipt and getting the labor money back!

What one needs to know is the defective 8 speed transmission carries over. Forget it. Don't let the next gen talk fool you. Hell, don't take my word for it, consider this: 2023 Chevy Colorado Chief Engineer, Nick Katcherian, told GM Authority Executive Editor, Alex Luft, when asked if the eight-speed was all-new from the ground up. “We learned a lot from the first-gen eight-speed on this truck, we’ve taken all those learnings and added more componentry, and really tried to move the eight-speed to a position where we could be proud of. We know what the customers have been complaining about on the current generation and we fixed everything that we could within reason,” Katcherian added. That means, GM couldn't fix ALL of the issues but they are happy to sell a mediocre product to you. GM - what a company.

Great review of the engine package. What brand and weight engine oil does GM prescribe for these 2.7 turbos?

Sounds like it would be awesome, for as long as the factory warranty lasts

When I see something like this from GM I can’t help thinking Vega and Quad-4.

3:35 plastic intake manifold…Is that common now? Appreciate the technicals of the truck. Most seem to just want to hit the high points of big screens and wheels.

Thanks for the info. I have heard conflicting MPG and reliably issues though. I really want to like this engine. I have a family member who works at a Chevy dealership with trucks and these engines and they can't get rid of them.

So have the Z71 on preorder (should be here soon). I brought up the option to upgrade the power to the "H0" and my guy at the dealership can not find anything out on this or how it gets done. Can someone please shed light on this how to? Thanks!

Will order my ZR2 in April. Very pleased with this motor.

I like 👍

Drop that 6.2 in there gm and I’m all over it!

It's really great.. IF it lasts like a japanese engine. Period. I would really like to know the actual durability numbers, recalls, bulletins and service call items. Then we would know.

Probably going to have the same issue with intake valves as for due to the direct injection not have fuel pass by the intake valve keeping it clean. Looks very complex and long term reliability is questionable.

After the video I changed the mind to buy Colorado, I like the tacoma hybrid more that this High Output 27 psi engine. In case if turbo fails, and such HO turbo will-the truck won’t bring you home :)

I have a 2018 LT Colorado and has the 3.6 L engine. During the summer it gets close to 28 mpg. Now I am very disappointed that this engine is being done away with in the Colorado. The 2.7 turbo engine gets worst fuel mileage than the V6 3.6 L engine. I think that can be a mistake because many like me really like this engine. I do hope that in 2024 GM decides to also use the 3.6 L engine again. The mileage on the 2.7 tubo is less than the 3.6 engine and fuel costs are high.

where can I get all these parts in chrome as this motor has??

Love this engine in my Colorado ZR2

What octane fuel would be best for this motor?

Hopefully this doesn't bend rods in eco 2 cylinder mode like the v8s. Would have preferred GM left cylinder deactivation out of this engine.

I purchased a new Silverado Trail Boss LT w/ the 5.3 in 2021, at the time these 2.7 L4 were not quite 2 years old so i wasn't even going to consider it for 2 reasons, first it was still a new engine, second it was a 4 cyl in a full size truck. Fast forward to 2024 those 2.7 L4s have been bullet proof as with the 5.3s. But I think the biggest issue with the 2.7s will be resale value.

Active fuel management system is an engine killer and has been a major thorn in GM's side for awhile now. I will not buy GM any longer and I was a hardcore GM guy until around 2008 when the quality and reliability of GM took a major hit with the addition of AFM. Yeah you can deactivate it or have it deleted, but not until after the warranty has expired or you risk voiding the warranty. If you wait to delete or deactivate it for warranty to run out you risk damage being done by that time. Unless there is a way to deactivate it without losing warranty coverage that is. I went to Toyota for purchases in 08' and have not looked back. I still own one of the best trucks GM ever made though a 2003 GMC Sierra with a 4.8l engine.

I like my 2019 With 6 Cyl VVT Engine....I'm sure it will last longer than any 4 cylinder turbo or not.

#GM @GM needs to put this in a cruze or bring back the Cobalt SS and maybe even make it awd huh? lol either way it would be sick in a compact like that with all that torque on tap!

Will be interesting to see how these fair long, long term. By the time we know, we'll be mandated to drive EVs if we want new cars.

Is there any problems with build up of carbon on the valves because of Direct Injection??

Yeah I know some one left their comment on my thoughts about the turbo intake system, well I finally found one of the video's that showed the turbo intake system then I finally understood the intake breather system, but I still think they have the Chevy motor down sized a bit too much, cause this 2.7 liter system is possibly based on the older v8-6-4 that made a few years ago, the hp is being based on only one cylinder, which is probably anyone's opinion probably down sized a little bit too much, the Colorado has a really good body style design, but the engine design system, is anyone else's opinion, maybe a turbo v6 would have been better, but from all the different videos, I think the desert boss is the better design, for the customers who want the base level truck that's their choice but it's not mine, the way I look at it, say I order or buy the top of the line flagship model then I feel I'm getting everything that means it's loaded, what else do I need to say

It’s interesting if this engine will stay together for the long haul. I say that because GM builds an amazing V8 series, some V6 engines are also very reliable. When it comes to 4 cylinders and turbo charging, GM has had a few failure issues with the sonic and terrain series. I. A GM guy, currently owner of a 2021 ZR2 with the v6. I like the idea of what power can come out of this new generation of engines, but just 3 years of so called testing of the 2.7 in the 1500 truck still does not speak volumes of reliability just yet. Time will tell for sure and I hope that this engine really remains a reliable powerhouse, but till then I will gladly be owning my 21 model with the unique front end for a very long time. I could easily supercharge it…. 😊

The 2021 Sierra has this engine however I don’t think they detuned the engine for certain trims I have the 2021 model and at first it was great but at 92k miles a rod broke and was causing a misfire Fortunately for me I have the extended warranty and it covered all the expenses but the service from the local dealership that I purchased the truck at was horrible they had me without a vehicle for nearly 5mths without even offering a loaner vehicle due to them facing parts issues and the replacement engine having some damaged parts due to transportation, even tho it was inside a crate. This engine is great and so is the transmission but the first issues came from : Oil control pump (inside the oil pan) Transmission oil control pump(inside the transmission) Purge valve Radiator failed too soon These small issues were quick to be fixed but the radiator failing with a small leak and even the replacement failed with the same issue Idk but 3 yrs into this truck idk how other people are doing with this engine bc if they have a fleet and drive the trucks as much as I do I don’t understand why my truck was riddled with problems I had a 2015 Malibu LT and if it wasn’t for an accident which totaled my car I would still have most likely the highest mileage 2015 Malibu with 270k miles and that car never gave me problems like this new engine in these trucks have given me

Can the the Cylinder Deactivation be deleted?

Is this TDTV or the GM Marketing Department video?

i keep seeing internet mechanics saying that this engine or tansmission will fail around 50-60k miles... idk if thats true or not. im not a mechanic. but i would like to get a new truck. Either a WT version with the upgraded mid tier engine, or the Trailboss or the Nissan frontier pro4-x... what do you guys think?

So is the low hp version any good? Not every body needs 300 hp.

I have the 2022 Canyon in the V6. Recently heard and read now GMC and Chevrolet is having a hard time selling these Canyons and Colorado's. Think they screwed themselves from not offering 6 cylinder at least. Lots of people are buying the Honda Ridgeline or the Nissan Frontier cause they offer them in V6. Now days you almost have to buy a 4 cylinder if you want to or not, on almost everything or model. IDK why so many people bought 4 cylinders for this long for. Specially people live in rocky and very hilly terrain. Used to owned a 4 cylinder and never again. I would consider to buy a 5 cylinder someday. As long there is 6 and 8 cylinders I will keep buying those, not unless I try out a 5 cylinder.

Can I put a older v 6 in it out of the older ones

What's the MTBF?

Wish they still used the 2.8 duramax. I'd order one with a manual too