rileyc

I recently took delivery of a 2023 Chevy Silverado 3500HD with a 6.6L L8T gas engine after waiting 10 months from the start of order to delivery. A concern I have with the L8T is the build up of intake valve deposits. I have read that GM has an extension baffle system in the valve covers to mitigate the issue. I also have read about owners installing catch cans as a preventative measure. Additionally, many owners are doing shorter OCIs with the appropriate Dexos1 Gen 2 or Gen 3 oil and/or using top tier gasoline to help minimize intake valve deposits. Since the L8T is only a few years old, I have not seen any borescope photos of the intake valves. Does anyone with the L8T have any actual data on intake valve deposits for this engine?

I have noticed that there are two (2) designations for the heavy-duty six speed GM transmission used in Silverado and Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD gas engine pickup trucks: 6L90 and 6L90E. What are the differences if any? And, where is each model used?

I have always owned Chevy trucks, and I am looking to purchase a new one-ton gasoline powered pickup for hauling a truck camper. I have spent a lot of time researching all the major manufacturers: Ford, GM, and RAM. Each brand has some advantages as well as disadvantages in terms of technology, reliability, and performance. The new GM L8T 6.6L engine appears to have some early release issues which, hopefully, GM has/will correct. I like both the horsepower and available torque from this engine. I further like the simple, robust design of a cam-in-block truck engine, and I am glad GM did away with AFM for this engine. Regarding the 6L90 transmission, it's reliable, but both Ram and Ford offer 8 and 10 speed transmissions respectively in their one-ton trucks. To me, the 6L90 is outdated when compared to the competition. I do understand Ford has/is having some release issues with the 10R140 transmission which they are now working through the problems. Ram uses a ZF 8HP75-LCV which has a good track record, and RAM is a strong candidate for my business. Not only does GM need an updated transmission with the L8T engine, they need to offer a 4.10 rear axle as well. In my opinion, having a 10 speed transmission and the option of a 4.10 rear axle would help level the playing field. I like Chevy trucks; so, I am willing to wait to see if GM is going to make a 10 speed transmission available for the 2023 model year. If not, I may be buying my first non-GM heavy-duty truck.