The Chevrolet LDT is a 6,600 cc, V8 turbo-diesel engine produced between 2007 and 2011. It was developed for heavy-duty truck applications, featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging, and dual overhead camshafts. In standard configuration, it delivered 235 kW (320 PS) and 738 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end pulling power for towing and hauling.
Fitted to models such as the Silverado HD and Kodiak 3500, the LDT engine was engineered for commercial and fleet operators requiring durability and consistent performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting U.S. EPA 2010 standards across its production run.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump degradation under sustained load, identified in General Motors Service Bulletin PI10234. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication when ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel is contaminated or aged. From 2009 onward, revised pump calibration and improved fuel filtration were implemented to enhance durability.
Production years 2007–2011 meet U.S. EPA 2010 emissions standards (EPA Certificate #EPA/HD/2007/LDT).
The Chevrolet LDT is a 6,600 cc V8 turbo-diesel engineered for heavy-duty trucks (2007–2011). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver high torque at low RPM. Designed to meet U.S. EPA 2010 standards, it balances commercial-grade performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,600 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 103.0 mm × 99.0 mm | |
| Power output | 235 kW (320 PS) @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 738 Nm @ 1,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS-3 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | U.S. EPA 2010 | |
| Compression ratio | 17.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Honeywell GT35) | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven (no chain wear risk) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 5W-40 | |
| Dry weight | 380 kg |
The LDT's high-torque delivery is ideal for heavy towing but demands strict adherence to 15,000-mile oil change intervals using GM Dexos2 5W-40 to protect the high-pressure fuel system. The Bosch CRS-3 pump requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting ASTM D975 standards to prevent injector and pump wear. EGR and DPF systems need regular regeneration cycles; urban stop-start operation may require forced regens to prevent clogging. From 2009, updated fuel filtration and pump calibration reduced failure rates. Gear-driven timing eliminates chain-related concerns, enhancing long-term reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 5W-40 specification (GM SIB PI10234). Not compatible with older GM engine oil standards.
Emissions: U.S. EPA 2010 certification applies to all models (EPA Certificate #EPA/HD/2007/LDT). No Euro compliance due to North American market focus.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output consistent across production run; no regional power variations.
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs LDT-Architecture-01, LDT-Perf-02, PI10234
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Heavy-Duty Engine Certification Database
EPA Certificate #EPA/HD/2007/LDT
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Test Code
The Chevrolet LDT was used across Chevrolet's HD truck platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed production. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-longer oil pans in chassis-cab variants and enhanced cooling in 4x4 configurations-and from 2009 the updated Silverado HD models adopted revised fuel calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine ID tag mounted on the left cylinder head near the intake manifold (GM TIS LDT-ID-001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for LDT series). Pre-2009 models use a silver fuel rail cover; post-2009 units feature black. Critical differentiation from Duramax engines: LDT uses a single VGT turbo with a rear-mounted intercooler, while Duramax LMM uses a variable-vane turbo with top-mounted intercooler. Service parts require model year verification—fuel injectors before 2009 are not interchangeable with later units due to calibration changes (GM SIB PI10234).
The LDT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation under sustained load, with elevated incidence in fleet vehicles operating in high-temperature environments. Internal GM field reports from 2010 indicated approximately 12% of pre-2009 units required pump replacement before 200,000 miles, while EPA compliance data shows DPF clogging is common in urban delivery fleets. Extended idling and poor fuel quality increase pump and EGR stress, making fuel filtration and oil quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from General Motors technical bulletins (2007-2011) and U.S. EPA Heavy-Duty Vehicle Failure Statistics (2009-2012). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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