The gasoline-powered Vortec 6.0L V8 L96 heads the Powertrain Integration (PI) OEM engineered lineup of GM Gen IV Vortec small block engines for the truck and chassis market. These rugged engines combine a cast iron block for strength with deep breathing aluminum cylinder heads for performance.
The GM 6.0L L96 is a proven performer in a variety of medium duty on-highway applications. The L96 produces 332 hp at 4,400 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm, and is paired with Allison automatic transmissions. Validated for applications from 8,500 to 23,500 lbs. (3,855 to 10,659 kg) GVWR, the L96 is approved for on-highway use in all 50 states and Canada.
Powertrain Integration precisely calibrates the GM E78 engine controller to produce impressive output and fuel economy. The 6.0L V8 L96 is E85 compatible, and unlike most consumer product engines, has been dynamometer emissions certified, which greatly reduces the cost of overall vehicle emissions certification, according to the manufacturer.
Powertrain Integration has supplied tens of thousands of 6.0L gasoline engines to FCCC for use in their MT-45/55 walk-in van chassis, creating an efficient alternative to diesel in the medium duty delivery van segment.
6.0L LC8 Gaseous Fuel Prep
The Powertrain Integration GM 6.0 L LC8 V8 brings to the medium duty market the proven performance and reliability of the L96 gasoline engine with the benefits of alternative fuel operation. In addition to the L96 specs, the LC8 features stainless steel intake valves, Inconel exhaust valves, and hardened valve seats to withstand the rigors of gaseous fuels such as liquid propane gas (LPG) — commonly referred to as propane autogas — and compressed natural gas (CNG).
For propane autogas operation, Powertrain Integration fits the LC8 with a liquid propane injection (LPI) fuel system from partner CleanFuel USA (CFUSA). The Powertrain Integration LC8 engine is a 100 percent OEM product — unique in a segment where propane autogas systems are installed by vehicle upfitters.
The propane autogas LC8 combines great durability and refined, quiet operation with 308 hp at 4,800 rpm and 367 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm, and is paired with Allison automatic transmissions. Like the L96 gas engine, the propane autogas LC8 is validated from 8,500 to 23,500 lbs. GVWR, and is 50-state and Canadian on-highway approved.
In March 2014, UPS announced an order of 1,000 Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation MT-45G package delivery vehicles equipped with the PI LC8 and CFUSA fuel system. At the time, Powertrain Integration President Robert Pachla observed, “This is proof that the medium duty industry has embraced the 6.0L LC8 LPG not only as a diesel replacement but as an alternative to gasoline.”
Powertrain Integration not only supplied the engines for this massive propane deployment, PI also installed the chassis-mounted portions of the CFUSA fuel systems using a process known as Second Stage Manufacturing. Powertrain Integration set up a satellite plant near FCCC chassis assembly in Gaffney, S.C., to quickly complete the 1,000 units before they travelled to Morgan Olson to receive their walk-in van bodies.
The FCCC MT-45G propane autogas chassis is not a UPS exclusive; any customer can purchase the package. In addition to low fuel costs, propane boasts abundant North American supply, excellent availability, and the infrastructure cost is among the least expensive alternative fuels. Given the enthusiastic reception of UPS to this propane autogas offering, other fleets may likely be deploying this attractive alternative fuel option, according to the manufacturer.
Powertrain Integration also has supplied the 6.0L LC8 gaseous fuel prep engine to FCCC for customers to convert their MT-45/55G walk-in vans to compressed natural gas operation. Running on CNG, the LC8 generates 282 hp @ 4,800 rpm and 320 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm. Like the gasoline L96 and LPG LC8 versions, the CNG LC8 engine paired with Allison 1000/2000 series automatic transmissions is validated to 23,500 lbs. GVWR and is 50-state certified. Powertrain Integration also can assist users in sourcing a CNG fuel system.
For more information, visit www.PowertrainIntegration.com.
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