Sometimes I wonder if the world would be a better place if every automotive manufacturer had a Tim “The Toolman” Taylor around to remind engineers, designers, and mechanics to add “MORE POWER!” to all new automobiles. To my knowledge, General Motors hasn’t hired Tim Taylor, but its new iteration of small-blocks would make him let out a celebratory grunt.
“These new V-8 engines advance GM’s legendary Small Block architecture with greater capability, more advanced technology and the strength of GM’s manufacturing footprint behind them,” says Tom Bishop, chief engineer for Small Block engines. “They’re engineered to provide truck customers the confidence and performance they expect from a GM V-8.”
Slated for the next generation of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models, the new 5.7- and 6.6-liter V-8s deliver more displacement, horsepower, and torque. Previously, the selection for light-duty pickups were a 5.3- or 6.2-liter V-8; enthusiasts may note that the new engines measure 350 and 400 cubic-inches, respectively.
The improvements in horsepower and torque are due to four things, according to GM engineers:
- Enlarged displacement resulting in a 6mm increase in piston stroke
- Higher compression ratio for greater combustion efficiency
- More airflow thanks to larger throttle diameters
- New intake manifolds with tuned runners to manage additional airflow
The new 5.7-liter V-8 will put out 402 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. GM touts that the Silverado 1500 will have a “best-in-class maximum available tow rating of 13,700 pounds when properly equipped.”
The larger 6.6-liter V-8 is rated at 481 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque. According to GM, it is the “most powerful naturally-aspirated V-8 engine in its class.” To see the full ratings, check out the chart below.
Each gas engine will also include a dual-fuel system that combines direct injection and port fuel injection, along with a new lubrication system featuring a continuously variable oil pump, on-engine oil cooler, and reworked oil feed locations for greater oil pressure consistency.
The new gas engines will join the returning Duramax 3.0-liter Turbo-Diesel inline-six, which puts out 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, and the Enhanced TurboMax 2.7-liter inline-four gas engine rated at 350 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. All engines will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
These engines will be available for the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 models later this year. They will be built at GM’s Flint Engine Operations, Tonawanda Propulsion, and St. Catharines Propulsion plants with both U.S. and globally sourced parts.
In case someone who relates to Tim “The Toolman” Taylor is reading this, they are most likely too large to fit in your riding lawnmower, but chances are you’ll find a way.
