Diesel Crate Engine?

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07 Denali

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Been a big diesel fan forever! Still am and I don't see that changing. Contemplated a Duraburb conversion, but my longing for a diesel conversion is bigger than my wallet. However, my 2018 Denali is about as perfect of a gasser vehicle as we have owned. Features, utility, towing, you name it, it just works for our family. So how can you make something perfect for us work better? Throw in a GM 3.0L diesel! I know these 6.2l gassers will run 200K+ miles. 10-speed should too, but the jury is still out on longevity because it just hasn't been around long enough. And I plan to run the drivetrain till she's tired or broke. Since it works so well for our family, I'm wondering if GM will offer a "plug and play" diesel drivetrain option. Anyone hear if GM will offer the 3.0L as a crate engine like they do for their other engine/tranny options? https://www.chevrolet.com/performance/connect-cruise-powertrain-systems
 

CMoore711

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I don't think you'll see a 3.0L Duramax "plug and play" drivetrain option available directly from GM. This of course is based 100% on the fact that there are zero Duramax diesel "plug and play" drivetrain options offered from them now, so why do it for the 3.0L?

I'm not saying the end game your after isn't doable, but it will most likely require you sourcing the motor, transmission, and drivetrain items needed to do the conversion. Maybe a low mileage take out from a totaled one etc. purchasing all the GM items a la carte type a thing. I don't see it being bundled into any sort of "kit" from GM.

I would also assume that unless you're advanced in GM PCM/TCM/BCM wiring harnesses then you'll need some help from a shop like Duraburb or the like to create conversion harnesses to make sure all of your OEM features stay in-tact and operate as such.

Anything's possible...
 

Dooba

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I don't think you'll see a 3.0L Duramax "plug and play" drivetrain option available directly from GM. This of course is based 100% on the fact that there are zero Duramax diesel "plug and play" drivetrain options offered from them now, so why do it for the 3.0L?

I'm not saying the end game your after isn't doable, but it will most likely require you sourcing the motor, transmission, and drivetrain items needed to do the conversion. Maybe a low mileage take out from a totaled one etc. purchasing all the GM items a la carte type a thing. I don't see it being bundled into any sort of "kit" from GM.

I would also assume that unless you're advanced in GM PCM/TCM/BCM wiring harnesses then you'll need some help from a shop like Duraburb or the like to create conversion harnesses to make sure all of your OEM features stay in-tact and operate as such.

Anything's possible...

I want to say it has something to do with emission regulations with diesels. I don’t know how NOx, SOx, etc emissions are regulated. Don’t they need special equipment to reduce them? Again, not sure.
 

OR VietVet

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I think, I could be wrong since I have not owned a diesel rig in a long time, but they have been built with a "Regen System" for several years now to help control those emissions. This explains it better than I can:


The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is an assist in emissions-control included within diesel exhaust systems, to catch the remaining particulates left within the combustion cycle of the diesel engine. Each combustion cycle includes un-burnt components of diesel fuel, carbon and particulates that accumulate into a visible smoke from the exhaust stacks. Among other components along the way, the DPF captures many of these particulates, helping eliminate the ‘dirty-exhaust’ emanating into the air.

As an exhaust component continually clogging from the perpetual operation of a diesel truck, this filter is built into a system where it essentially cleans itself of the buildup. In doing so the filter can more efficiently capture exhaust artifacts, and more easily pass through the airflow from intake to output, causing less stress on the engine itself.

“A regeneration cycle occurs by essentially ‘cooking’ the filter clean again,” says Kyle Nace of Response Equipment Specialists (Kalispell, MT). “The DPF Regen contains the heat of the exhaust, adding up to temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, so that the filter is depleted of its buildup and returns to proper functioning capabilities.”
 
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