GM Reveals Small-Block V-8 with Direct Injection - wardsauto.com

[Mr. Wyndham]

GM Reveals Small-Block V-8 with Direct Injection - wardsauto.com
By Mike Sutton
Aug. 29, 2007
MILFORD, MI – Although General Motors Corp. is dividing its resources to cover all fronts of advanced powertrain development, the future of the auto maker’s foundation OHV small-block V-8 architecture appears secure with the advent of direct-injection gasoline (DIG) technology.

Among the various exhibits of engineering bravado on display at the auto maker’s proving grounds here, including two-mode hybrid-electric drivetrains, ultra-clean turbodiesels and homogeneous charge compression ignition flex-fuel engines, a seemingly untouched Cadillac Escalade stands out.

Emblazoned with giant E85 banners down its flanks, there is little to indicate the industry’s first OHV V-8 with DIG fueling lurks beneath the SUV’s pearl white hood.

The experimental engine is based on GM’s current all-aluminum Gen IV 6.2L V-8 (L92) found in the Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali and Hummer H2. Depending on the application, the powerplant, which sports port fuel injection, variable valve timing (VVT) and dual-cam phasing, is rated between 380-403 hp in stock form.

However, with a little tweaking to accommodate the auto industry’s latest fuel-injection hardware, the prototype V-8 is producing “well north of 450 hp (on gasoline),” says Dave Sczomak, development engineer-GM Powertrain Advanced Engineering.
Running the engine on E85 ethanol allows for even more power to be coaxed from the big V-8, he adds, noting the 85%/15% ethanol/gasoline mix generally carries a race fuel-like 106 octane rating.

Cruising the web of test roads onsite, the Escalade motors along smoothly with a characteristic large-displacement V-8 burble. However, mashing the gas from a standstill produces a wave of power that propels the big truck at a noticeably more rapid pace than the production version.

Along with the substantial increase in horsepower, DIG also contributes to about a 10% increase in low-end torque, Sczomak says. In addition, fuel economy is moderately improved (3-6%), as are cold-start emissions of hydrocarbons.

To accommodate the DIG fueling system, GM redesigned the L92 cylinder heads, rearranging the intake ports to make room for the eight high-pressure injectors that squirt fuel directly into the side of the combustion chamber at 2,250 psi (155 bar).
New dished pistons – similar to a diesel’s – were installed for added clearance of the injectors. They also contribute to a greater compression ratio (11.5:1 vs. 10.5:1), which can be employed because of the high-octane composition of E85 and the knock-reducing cooling effect of introducing fuel directly into the cylinder.

A modified engine controller manages the engine’s operation, while VVT and Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation contribute to efficiency and refinement.

The development sounds like a no-brainer for improving nearly every aspect of the near-60-year-old small block’s performance.
However, Tom Stephens, group vice president-GM Powertrain and Quality, notes introducing a production DIG small block would “require the next-generation architecture” of the engine, or Gen V.

This primarily is due to the huge volumes of V-8 engines GM produces, Sczomak says, noting a radical change in cylinder-head design, for example, becomes a monumental undertaking when taking into account GM’s annual build of more than 1 million small block V-8s.

Fortunately, timing is on the auto maker’s side. The recent introduction of the ’08 Corvette’s 430-hp LS3 V-8, along with the release later this year of the ’08 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid’s 6.0L V-8, represent the last editions of the Gen IV engine family, Stephens says.

All subsequent introductions will be of the Gen V architecture and could have DIG fueling integrated from the ground up, especially considering the refinement of the current test engine’s operation. The greater specific output provided by DIG also would allow for greater engine downsizing, thereby improving fuel economy even further.

“GM would want to introduce this (DIG) on a high-profile vehicle, such as the new (Chevrolet) Camaro or (rear-wheel-drive) Impala,” Global Insight analyst John Wolkonowicz says, referring to the auto maker’s plans for new volume models based on its global RWD platform developed by GM Holden Ltd. in Australia.

The new Camaro, which originally was shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is expected to appear later next year as an ’09 model, with the all-new RWD Impala taking form sometime early in the next decade. Revisions for future generations of the Corvette and Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra pickups are expected in the same timeframe, Wolkonowicz says.

By capitalizing on areas of significant improvement that remain untapped in its core engine lineup, while simultaneously amping up the arrival of its new hybrid-electric vehicles, clean diesels and hydrogen fuel cells, GM clearly is betting on an ever-fracturing market for advanced powertrains.

As a result, the iconic grumble of the small-block V-8 appears poised to remain a fixture of the automotive landscape for the foreseeable future.

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=54138

(also found here: http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=775469

I -.....I'm-......

I'm lost for words...I know that the LS3 just came out...but this is what I've been dreaming about! a 6.2L 450+hp (in a truck) aluminum, DI, VVT, AFM, small block capable of running on E85.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Supporting evidence?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LS_engine
(yeah, I know...wikipedia)

In 2004, the Generation III was superseded by the Generation IV. These big-bore engines are some of the largest small-blocks yet, and were quickly phased in to replace the previous generation. Displacement ranges up to 7.0 L and output to 505 hp (373 kW). Building upon the Generation III design, Generation IV was designed with displacement on demand in mind, a technology that allows one bank of cylinders to be deactivated. It can also accommodate variable valve timing. A 3-valve per cylinder design was originally slated for the LS7, which would have been a first for a pushrod engine; but the idea was shelved owing to design complexities and when the same two-valve configuration as the other Generation III and IV engines proved to be sufficient to meet the goals for the LS7. It has been reported that the LS3 and an upcoming 6.0L Vortec engine represent the final two designs to be considered in the Generation IV engine family, and that future designs - expected around 2009 - will be part of the Generation V engine family.

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I -.....I'm-......

I'm lost for words...I know that the LS3 just came out...but this is what I've been dreaming about! a 6.2L 450+hp (in a truck) aluminum, DI, VVT, AFM, small block capable of running on E85.

:eek: ...

This is beautiful news!!! Seriously, this is what I was hoping for...and I can't wait to see what the gas mileage is like! Over 30mpg's???

DAMN GOOD FIND, DRAGON!!!

[juzlookzfazt]

MUwhahaha. Eat that 4Bangers! That is like everything any automaker would want in their motors. Crazy power out the box, with a MPG rating of a Corolla!

[MerF]

Oh hell yeah. Brilliant find!!

[AirGoya]

That may be the PERFECT engine!
Thank You GM

[storm79]

i read that but there were a lot of terminology i didn't relaly understand haha so in othre words what does this mean for the camaro?

[AirGoya]

it means that the camaro might get an engine with around 450hp and great fuel mileage.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by AirGoya

it means that the camaro might get an engine with around 450hp and great fuel mileage.

+1...but not around, more than 450 depending on how they tune it. This thing can also run on E85 if need be. Which is great, because that'll allow these fuel-burning V8's to stay around for a while longer. Instead of dying with the Electro-car revolution.

It means that the LS3 is one of the last Generation IV engines. And this prototype engine is basically what the Generation V small-blocks will be like.

I can't tell you how fast I was reading that article when I saw "V8 with Direct Injection". I was like, Wha--?!?! Then I just plowed through it.

They also mentioned that with DI, it can allow for the same power numbers as a conventional big engine, but in a smaller-displacement engine. That'll contribute to fuel mileage as well as VVT, and AFM.



Now to ask the Critical question: Generation V......or Hemi?

[TAG UR IT]

What I want to know, is will the LS3 get some of this new tech since it's a Gen IV, or will we have to wait another year to get the Gen V engine??? If they build the Camaro w/ anything other than the LS3 for the first year, I'm holding off. Let's say they then build the Camaro w/ LS3. But, the Gen V's come out the following year.....see where I'm coming from?? jeez...

[SoFlaZ]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

What I want to know, is will the LS3 get some of this new tech since it's a Gen IV, or will we have to wait another year to get the Gen V engine??? If they build the Camaro w/ anything other than the LS3 for the first year, I'm holding off. Let's say they then build the Camaro w/ LS3. But, the Gen V's come out the following year.....see where I'm coming from?? jeez...

Then its the whole GTO situation all over again with the LS1/LS2, ugh.

I wonder if Whiterag has anything to say about this:o

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by SoFlaZ

Then its the whole GTO situation all over again with the LS1/LS2, ugh.

I wonder if Whiterag has anything to say about this:o

CALLING WHITERAG!!!!

[Mr. Wyndham]

CALLING WHITERAG....damn, what an echo! I hadn't thought about that...he should be able to enlighten us (slightly).

Like I've said before, I can't get one untill 2010...so if they've got an LS3 in there...I'm gonna scour the internet and find out what GM plans to do with the second model year. Mind you, I aint waiting forever - I'll be plenty happy with an LS3. But if all I have to do is wait one more year for a Gen V...I'll do it.

[Massive_Payne]

But honey, I bought it for the gas milage!! Is it my fault it goes fast too??

Great post, Dragon!