2001 GM 4.2 liter, 260hp in line 6

kkempenkkempen Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Chevrolet
According to the September 2000 issue of
Automobile magazine, (page 22), GM will offer a 4.2
liter Vortec, 260 hp, inline six in the 2001
Trailblazer (Blazer replacement)
Does anyone know if GM plans to offer this engine
in the Sierra, or Silverado?
Sounds like a good replacement for the old 4.3 V6,
with nearly the HP of the 4.8 V8.

Comments

  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    this and the other inline 6 (3.6L?) were to go in the next S-10. Would be nice...
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    .
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    but I'm not in favor of the "bigger is better" theory. If they can get 260 horse out of the 6 cylinder, why put the V-8 in that only gets 10 more? Probably will get better mileage also. They'll probably put it in it though just so someone can have a inflated ego and a V-8 sticker on his door. hehehe
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    have inflated egos, especially the ones that drive Z-71's..... ;)

    Dean
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    Yep my EGO is sky high due to my Z71

    Ryan
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    What would you rather have?

    a 1/4 bbl or a 1/2 bbl?
    a tundra or a silverado?
    a 4 point buck or a 12 point?

    I'll take the V-8 thank you..

    I'm not in favor of the smaller engine more HP theory..

    - Tim
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    smaller is not always better, but it's the way it's probably going to be. 350 replaced with a 325. 305 replaced with a 293. They'll probably be replaced with even smaller engine's that produce more power. Why wouldn't you want a smaller, more powerful, more fuel efficient engine?? I don't understand the 8.1L engine. I've heard it will get better mileage than a 454, but I would think something smaller would get even better mileage. Big block 396 or 427 would have been my choice, but they'll probably sell a bunch of them because many people want "the biggest." But it's not always the best...
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    I too, was surprised by the 8.1. I really think the industrial market drove a lot of this decision, coupled with the fact that the cylinder-cutoff feature should give it better mileage than the 454. The pure displacement of the 8.1 gives it remarkable potential for hp in the marine and generation applications.

    My uncle has place an order for an 8.1 w/Allison. I will be first in line to test drive his truck!
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    how the industry is going...

    My 350 was replaced with a 364.

    When I get a 2002..it will still be a 6.0. I don't look for the biggest...just enough to make me feel comfy....and the 6.0 did it.

    - Tim
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    6.0L=325 horse. It probably does have a lot of potential, but why not put some of that in there now. Over 2 liters more for 15 horse seems silly. And I know it's for torque, but Ford will probably follow suit with there V-10 with similar numbers. And I don't think the 6.0L was meant as a replacement for the 5.7L (350) - the 5.3L was. I think Ford needs something above the 5.4L in the 3/4 ton like GM has. I have a few medium duty trucks with the GM 366 motor. Do any of you know if this engine is similar to the 364 and is the "old" 327 similar to there "new" 325?? I've heard there related somehow, but was curious if anybody knows how.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    I know the 5.3 replaced the 5.7...but for me it wasn't gonna cut the mustard.

    Enjoy the smaller is better theory...I have no squak that they are more HP...just not for me...and not a damn thing you can do to stop me from buying a 6.0 to replace my 5.7...

    LOL

    - Tim
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    undersquare pistons are the only thing similar between the old 327 and new 325. Everything else isn't even close.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    8 plugs.....

    Dean
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    what about the 366 or is that the same story?

    Tim, I don't blame you for buying the 6.0L. Probably gets better mileage than the 5.7L and is definately more powerful. If I could get a 4X4 3/4 ton with the 5.3L I would have, but had to get a 1/2 ton. I really don't understand why the won't let you get the 5.3L - my concern was mileage. Probably get 2 mpg or less better mileage. Happy trucking...
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    of 4WD and all the suspension may be too much for a truck that weighs almost 600 lbs more?....you would think not?.....

    it comes down to Cafe ratings...at 8600 GVW...it don't matter.....

    perhaps they couldn't make a 7200 GVW 4x4?...ya know?

    Oh well

    - Tim
  • jridgway1jridgway1 Member Posts: 13
    Ratings are a bit misleading. You really need to look at the specs on the engine and it's power curve. If you have to rev close to 5K to get peak HP what good is that? An engine that devlopes 325HP close to 5K won't generate near that in normal RPM ranges. I went for the engine with the most torque in the lower power band and develops peak HP at a lower RPM. That was the 454 in a 2500 Classic Sierra 2000 truck. Very good for pulling. I've got as much as 15.2 MPG out of it so fuel economy isn't near as bad as I thought it would be.

    Your choice will or should be based on usage of your truck.
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    but even pulling hills the tranny (auto) will downshift and pull higher rpm's. I don't do a lot of pulling, but up in these hills it does downshift quite a bit and I get up to 4K rpm's quite a bit...
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Peak doesn't mean anything...it is your curve. Take the GM 6.0 or the Ford v10. You have 330 ft lbs and 370 ft lbs of torque, respectively, from 1200 rpms up to redline...IT DOESN'T MATTER where the peak is! The peak is only a couple % more. You feel like you have max power at all speeds and rpms.

    Someone said it best when they said it just feels like you have 'X' amount of acceleration at all time.
  • f150rulesf150rules Member Posts: 195
    "have inflated egos, especially the ones that drive Z-71's..... ;)"

    All that is needed for an inflated ego is the little bowtie on the grill.
  • f150rulesf150rules Member Posts: 195
    "You have 330 ft lbs and 370 ft lbs of torque, respectively, from 1200 rpms up to redline."

    WRONG.

    The V10 has 425 lbs of torque at peak. Where do you get 370lbs?
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    F150idiot

    you have 370 ft lbs at 1200 rpms.
    You have 370 ft lbs at redline.

    and in between 1200 rpms and redline you have (collective gasp): THE PEAK!
  • f150rulesf150rules Member Posts: 195
    Maybe you should stick with your low quality GM products. You seem to at least think you know everything about them anyway. Maybe from all the years of constantly working on them.

    It is obvious you don't know much about Fords, particularly the V10 which DOES HAVE 425 lbs torque at peak.

    Take a hike loser.
  • f150rulesf150rules Member Posts: 195
    Per Ford's site as well as Edmunds site.

    The V10 generates 310 horsepower at 4,250 rpm and 425 foot-pounds of torque at 3,250 rpm.

    I guess post 21 is just another example of "lies" you post here. I don't claim to know much about mechanics, but if I were as clueless as you, I would never call myself an Engineer without specifying myself as a "GM" Engineer. That way nobody would expect much intelligence from you.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Another example of you making up stuff I didn't say just to have someting to b*tch about.

    I was complimenting Ford, and you still cry.

    I never said the Ford didn't peak at 425. I was illustrating how Ford has torque across the rpm range. Meaning from 1200 rpms up to redline it has AT LEAST 370 ft lbs of torque.

    What about do you not understand? Have you ever seen a torque curve? Do you know what it indicates? Do you know what horsepower means?

    Do you realize I was complimenting the Ford V10? I was saying how impressive its low end torque started at 370 at 1200 (practically at idle) and stayed AT LEAST that much all the way thru its peak and up to redline. There is no engine out there that can do that. That was praise for Ford. And you called me a loser and a clueless engineer.

    When you are the one who doesn't understand how I was using the torque curve to compliment Ford's accomplishment and product.

    This shows your objectives, quite clearly....

    You are depriving a village somewhere of their idiot...
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    after that little tirade, can we get back to discussing the new inline engines.

    Does anyone know anything new about the new rumored I-5 from Ford?

    Or are there any new displacements in a straight block coming from GM?

    Some of you folks that get Ford newsletters or spy reports or whatever: How is Ford attacking the variable timing solution? I've seen prototypes from Ford in very small engines (2.0 liter 4 cylinder) using electronic solenoid valves. But at the time they doubted they could use that because of the huge power requirement to run the solenoids.

    GM seems to be going to the route of mechanical complexity (advancing cam gear by oil pressure) and Ford going the route of electronic complexity. Any news? GM gets 25 degree variability. With electronic controls, you can get as much advance or retardation as you need for timing, but I'm not sure you need anymore than 25, unless your engine red lines at 10K.
  • f150rulesf150rules Member Posts: 195
    Oooooh, ok. I guess this is what is called backpeddling and denying ever stating something.

    I don't care if you compliment the V10 or not. I read the same thing everyone else read.
  • superjim2000superjim2000 Member Posts: 314
    I read the same thing everyone else did. Maybe you should change your name to F150 idiot. But what do I know, I'm just a dope.

    LOL
  • f150rulesf150rules Member Posts: 195
    You posted it, I didn't. LOL!
  • jasonpeterclarjasonpeterclar Member Posts: 30
    This topic is about the new GM Atlas engine family I-6
    (not that sorry excuse for a powerplant, two cylinders grafted onto a V8, wheezy sounding, crappy mileage, routinely trounced by the 6.0L V-8 that GM offers, one big pumping loss V-10 that Henry Ford makes.)

    Lets talk about the 4.2l engine.

    1. I saw that it has a hollow cylinder welded through the oil pan for 4wd applications, allowing the driveshaft the left front tire to pass thru the engine space. This is a pretty cool way to lower the engine in the engine bay without intruding on driveline space. Allows the engine to be mounted lower for a lower center of gravity and lower hoodline. Both cool.

    2. I read that the engine family will have provisions for oil spray piston cooling. At first only used on the I-5 turbo variant, but could possibly be used on high output, naturally aspirated versions to come. Very cool (literally)

    3. Variable exhaust cam timing eliminated the need for a separate EGR system. Extremely cool because this system is usually a long term reliability problem. (How many of you have had EGR system problems?) Now the whole system is basically incorporated in the combustion chamber. Sweet. Oil pressure actuation is how Toyota advances/retards the cam too. Very reliable.

    4. Finally GM will have a powerful I-4 for the small truck market. I would estimate a power output of 160hp or so from a 2.4-2.6l I-4. Nice.

    5. One question I have is that they are initially marketing the I-5 turbo as a V-8 substitute with similar power and better mileage. In my mind the 4.2l I-6 is already a better engine than the 4.8l V-8. Only making a few less horses and probably comparible in torque to that short stroke V-8. So if the 260hp I-6 is going to be outpowered by the turbo 3.5l I-5, what kind of hp numbers can we expect? Is 290hp unreasonable? I hope so. That would really motivate a small pickup or SUV.
    I can envision a new age Typhoon type SUV with a turbo-5 and automatic calmly whistling by a laboring Mustang GT and its big-haired owner. (With a jet ski in tow as well, mind you) Fun
  • jasonpeterclarjasonpeterclar Member Posts: 30
    From Olds Website:

    "all-new Vortec 4200 DOHC inline six-cylinder engine
    270 horsepower
    275-lb. ft. of torque at 3600 RPM
    90% peak torque available between 1200 and 5600 RPM
    all-aluminum engine
    *Estimated combined fuel economy 20.6 mpg based on preliminary testing. "


    So now we have 270hp @ 5600??? rpm
    and 275ft-lbs torque @ 3600rpm

    Compare to the 4.8l V-8:

    270hp @ 5200rpm
    and 285 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm

    Not much difference. I guess the old saying isn't always true. (there ain't no replacement for displacement). In this case, there is a replacement, it's called four valves per cylinder and STROKE.


    I like the sound of this engine, a lower torque peak, and a higher hp peak. That equals driveability. Can't wait for a test drive.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    I like them. The straight six on my 240Z Datsun (college days) would whir to 7000 rpm, sounded great.

    Several features I really like about straight sixes, especially a good on like the one on that old Z car.

    Serviceability is great, plugs all on one side, intake system on the other. Single overhead cam simplicity, good breathing, long crankshaft has lots of main bearing support. They are smoother than V6's.

    As for variable camshaft timing, I like the simplicity of a mechanical, oil pressure derived system, while likely more reliable, if it did have a problem, you would be less likely to identify it than an electronic system that could put up a trouble code.

    The oil spray to the piston underside is used on some air/oil cooled Suzuki designs. Designed primarily to maintain a more even engine temperature than air cooled designs, with lighter weight than liquid cooled. GM has partnerships with Suzuki.
  • mbatchelormbatchelor Member Posts: 27
    Will this new I6 be available in the Silverado?
    I have been looking at getting a Silverado with
    the 4.8L V8 but now I might wait for the I6 if
    it's standard in the Silverado.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Apparently it won't be available in the trucks for a couple of years.

    Its kinda what GM did when they came out with the Vortec engines. They had the 4.3 Vortec back in '92 I think, but they didn't upgrade the technology to the truck line until '96.
  • jasonpeterclarjasonpeterclar Member Posts: 30
    GM will be so busy filling the orders for this engine for the SUV's (Trailblazer, Envoy, Bravada) that I'm sure none of the early production will go to full size trucks. I think the Tonawanda and Romulus plants make the 4.3L V6 now. I would think one of the two will convert to the new I-6 now and the other will convert within one to two years. During this time the old V6's will go to the full-size pickups, vans, Astros, and S-10 pickups while the new I6 motors will go to the new SUV. It's too bad that GM is so ponderous when updating powerplants in car/truck platforms. There are a few great new engines that GM builds (2.2L DOHC I4, 3.5L DOHC V6, for example) that are limited to certain platforms because they aren't dedicating production space. I guess ramping up production is better than shutting down cold turkey while they change everything at once but...

    Anyway, I would think the new I6, I5, and I4 Atlas family will find its way into the fullsize and compact trucks by 2003 across the board. This will coincide with the demise of the 4.3L. It will be a sad day at GM when the final living iteration of the classic "small block" Chevy ends production. 40 years ain't a bad run though. I'm sure marine variants will be around for a few more years to come. (And there will probably be SB Chevy water pumps available in auto parts stores until the day man leaves this planet ! )
  • mbatchelormbatchelor Member Posts: 27
    Latest word is the 4.2L I6 will not be
    available in the fullsize until the 2005
    model year. Est 300hp for the fullsize.
    I'm going to start saving my lunch money
    now! :)
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    wonder what the 5.3L will be up to by then...
  • f220swiftf220swift Member Posts: 103
    Wonder wonder whoooo wrote the book offff....
    The 5.4 likes to eat 5.3........theeesssss
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    no sorry, it doesn't, your mistaken. There both good engines - niether dominates the other. Get a grip...
  • erkkilaerkkila Member Posts: 22
    Quite typical of the crap that GM makes, it will probably take 9 or 10 model years for GM to sort out all of the problems that will crop up with the new 4.2L motor. Rabid GM fans, want proof of this? How about the Quad 4, the piece of junk 3.4 twin cam V-6 they scrapped a few years ago, fuel injection problems with year Vortec engines in 1996 and 1997 model year trucks,etc., etc. to infinity. I used to be a GM fan, but after owning not one but two GM garbage trucks plus having friends and family members with their own GM truck nightmares I switched to Ford(well actually a Mazda - same truck with a better warranty) I found that you actually can get a well built reliable American made truck.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    are f150 and bigger. The rest are grocery getters.
  • erkkilaerkkila Member Posts: 22
    I would love to have an F150, but with gas prices being what they are my monthly fuel bill would probably cost more than the loan payment!!!!
  • jasonpeterclarjasonpeterclar Member Posts: 30
    Went to the auto show this weekend and made some observations:

    The new Trailblazer show car had a real beefy looking real axle. Much larger than the old 7.625" 10 bolt in the existing Blazer and larger even than the 8.5" 10 bolt in the ZR2. Looks a little like a scaled down version of the GM corporate 14 bolt 9.75" axle for the 3/4 tonners. They were talking about a real serious diff. lock for 2001, maybe the axle was beefed for all that newfound horsepower too.

    Supposedly there is underfloor storage in the Trailblazer. I would hope so because the rear floor height seemed high. I would guess there is a 4-6" space under the floor judging from the bottom of the floorpan underneath the truck and the inside height difference. Pretty cool for keeping the jumper cables and other contraband if you ask me.

    I wasn't able to get too close because it was on a pedestal but the charming announcer said that the estimated mileage was over 21 mpg highway. Not bad.

    The styling was a little chunky and Japanese for me but I'm not a vain one so I really don't care. I buy cars for their engines.

    Interior looked like standard fare, sized between a Durango and the old Blazer. Probably a bit closer to the Durango in width and height, and the old Blazer in length.

    Front suspension was not torsion bars. Looked like coil springs and a strut. Looked a lot like a Honda front. With the knuckle of the suspension about 1 inch from the top of the tire.

    New 16 inch wheels housed some huge brakes. No more S10 braking woes I hope.
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    Given the fact that there have been 30 day, or more, of inactivity, this topic will be frozen. It will be archived or deleted in about 10 days.

    Pocahontas,
    Edmunds.com/Host
This discussion has been closed.