The Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor refers to a Duramax diesel engine used in Chevrolet Silverado HD (2500HD/3500HD) trucks during the 2007.5 to 2010 model years. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about the Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor:
Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor Overview
Specification | Details |
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Engine Code | LMM |
Displacement | 6.6 liters (403 cubic inches) |
Configuration | 90° V8 turbocharged diesel |
Fuel System | Common-rail direct injection (Bosch CP3) |
Turbocharger | Variable-geometry turbo (VGT) |
Block Material | Cast iron |
Head Material | Aluminum |
Horsepower | ~365 hp @ 3,200 rpm |
Torque | ~660 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
Transmissions | 6-speed Allison 1000 (automatic) |
Used In:
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Chevy Silverado 2500HD / 3500HD (2007.5–2010)
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Also in GMC Sierra HD trucks
Key Features:
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Improved emissions system (added Diesel Particulate Filter – DPF)
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Retained CP3 high-pressure injection pump
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Integrated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
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No DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system yet – DEF started with the LML in 2011
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Strong foundation for performance upgrades or towing
Common Mods (Aftermarket):
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DPF delete & tuner (off-road only)
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EGR delete
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Upgraded turbo
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EFI Live tuning
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Cold air intake, exhaust upgrades
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Common Issues to Watch For:
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DPF clogging (especially if used for short trips)
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EGR valve issues
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Injector failure (less common in LMM than earlier LB7)
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Turbo vane sticking (carbon buildup)
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Fuel filter housing leak
Detailed Technical Breakdown Of Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor
Engine Internals
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Block: Cast iron, deep-skirted for strength
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Crankshaft: Forged steel
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Connecting Rods: Forged steel, powdered metal (same as LBZ)
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Pistons: Aluminum with oil cooling jets
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Cylinder Heads: Aluminum, 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total)
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Compression Ratio: 16.8:1
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Fuel Injection: Bosch CP3 common-rail system (25,000+ psi)
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Turbo: Garrett variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT), electronically controlled
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Glow Plugs: Rapid-heat system for cold starts
Emissions System Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor
The Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor was the first Duramax to feature the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter):
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DPF: Captures soot from the exhaust, requires periodic regeneration
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EGR: Recirculates exhaust gases to reduce NOx
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No DEF: Diesel Exhaust Fluid wasn’t required until the LML (2011+)
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Impact: Better emissions compliance but more complexity vs. LBZ
Performance & Tuning Potential
Out of the box:
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Horsepower: ~365 hp
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Torque: ~660 lb-ft
With common upgrades:
Upgrade | Power Gains (approx.) |
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EFI Live or similar tuner | +100–150 hp |
DPF/EGR delete (off-road) | +50–75 hp |
Turbo upgrade | +100–300 hp (depends) |
Injectors/fuel system | Up to 1,000+ hp builds |
Tuning caution: Factory pistons start to become a weak point above 600–650 hp. For high-horsepower builds, forged pistons and upgraded rods are a must.
Towing & Work Capability
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Max Tow Capacity (varies by configuration): ~13,000 to 16,000+ lbs
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Payload: ~3,000–4,000 lbs
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Transmission: Paired with the Allison 1000 6-speed auto – one of the most reliable HD truck transmissions of the time
Common Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor Problems
Issue | Symptoms | Notes |
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DPF clogging | Power loss, regen issues | Especially in city driving |
EGR valve failure | Rough idle, check engine light | Common with age |
Turbo vane sticking | Lag, low boost, poor performance | Carbon buildup in VGT mechanism |
Fuel filter head leaks | Hard starts, fuel in valley | Replace seals or entire filter head |
Glow plug controller | Hard starts in cold weather | Sometimes causes CEL |
Injector failure | Less frequent than LB7, but still possible | White smoke, rough idle, fuel in oil |
Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor vs. Other Duramax Engines
Engine | Years | HP/TQ | Emissions Tech | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
LB7 | 2001–2004 | ~300/520 | None | Known for injector issues |
LLY | 2004.5–2005 | ~310/605 | EGR only | Better airflow, early overheating |
LBZ | 2006–2007 | ~360/650 | EGR only | Most sought-after for tuning |
LMM | 2007.5–2010 | ~365/660 | EGR + DPF | Reliable, tunable, but emissions-heavy |
LML | 2011–2016 | ~397/765 | EGR + DPF + DEF | Stronger, new injectors, better fuel |
Recommended Mods (Daily Driver / Towing)
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Tuner (EFI Live, Edge, H&S) – Even emissions-compliant tunes offer better mileage and towing performance
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Transmission Tuning – Improves shift quality and clutch longevity
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Cold Air Intake + Exhaust – Helps reduce EGTs, improve response
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Upgraded Fuel Filter Head or Lift Pump – Protects injectors, improves startup
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Monitor (Edge Insight CTS3, etc.) – Watch EGT, regen status, boost, and more
Is the Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor a Good Engine?
Yes, especially for:
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Heavy towing
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Reliability with proper maintenance
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Moderate to serious performance builds
It strikes a good balance between the older, simpler LBZ and the more emissions-heavy LML. If you’re willing to manage or modify the emissions systems (where legal), the Chevy Silverado 6.6L LMM motor can be extremely reliable and powerful.