Help Deciphering RPO Codes

[Jonthecon]

Considering buying a 2016 LT 2WD short box crew cab with the 5.3. The truck is not on the dealer lot yet (in transit.) Salesman provided a GM document with the heading "Vehicle Locator," which listed the vehicle equipment info with the RPO codes.

 

There are some codes I could not find in the RPO codes look up link I found on this forum. The codes in question pertain to the engine and transmission:

 

L8B-eAssist 5.3L ECOTEC V8 ENGINE

M5X-eAssist 8 Speed Automatic

PDE-1LT eAssist Package

 

My understanding from perusing this site is the 8 speed transmission isn't available on the LT trim?

 

I will quiz the salesman tomorrow for further explanation.

 

Thought I would tap into the vast knowledge base here in the meantime.

 

Thanks in advance.

[redwngr]

I've only seen these on a 2017 listing, but if available on a 16, they should be the same or similar.

All 3 are shown as only available on a 1LT trim level.

 

They seem to be different from the L83 version of the 5.3L and the M5U version of the 8 speed.

 

PDE NEW! LT eAssist Package, includes (L8B) 5.3L V8 BAS3 engine, (M5X) 8 speed automatic BAS+ transmission, (C5Z) 7,200 lbs. GVWR, (UF2) LED Lighting, cargo box and (5JY) soft-folding tonneau cover, LPO

1LT - Only available to order by California eAssist Dealers. Requires CC15543 Crew Cab model, (PDU) All Star Edition and (GU4) 3.08 rear axle ratio. Not available with any free flow options.

L8B NEW! Engine, 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 BAS3 with Active Fuel Management, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing (355 hp [265 kW] @ 5600 rpm, 383 lb-ft of torque [518 Nm] @ 4100 rpm)

1LT - Included and only available with (PDE) LT eAssist Package.

M5X NEW! Transmission, 8-speed automatic BAS+

1LT - Included and only available with (PDE) LT eAssist Package.

[Jonthecon]

Thanks redwnger for the reply and info.

I didn't think to check the 2017 equipment options. So much for my search skills and thinking outside the box. The truck is a 2016 according to the vin.

Its due at the dealer, allegedly, sometime before this Friday.

So if all goes right it's goodbye Tacoma, hello Silverado.

[newdude]

Press release for the Silverado with eAssist:

 

http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/silverado/2016.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2016/feb/0225-silverado-eAssist.html

DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today that a select number of 2016 Chevrolet Silverados will be offered with eAssist technology. The new mild-hybrid electrical system leverages many of the technologies and components from Chevrolet’s lineup of innovative electric vehicles – including battery cells from the Malibu Hybrid and software controls developed for the Volt. As a result, Chevrolet can deliver a low-volume, affordably priced hybrid pickup that delivers uncompromised capability and up to 13 percent better fuel economy in city driving...

 

Technology developed from new Malibu Hybrid and Volt
The eAssist system pairs a compact lithium-ion battery pack with the Silverado’s 5.3L EcoTech V-8 and 8-speed automatic transmission to provide:

• Electric Power Boost: The on-board electric motor provides up to 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of supplemental power during acceleration and passing. The electric motor also enables the Active Fuel Management system on the 5.3L V-8 engine to operate in 4-cylinder mode for longer periods, resulting in additional fuel economy benefits.
• Stop/Start capability: Added fuel savings are achieved by seamlessly turning the engine off when stopped at a traffic light or in congested traffic and turning the engine back on when the accelerator is pressed.
• Regenerative Braking: By using the on-board electric motor as a generator, the energy recovered while braking is converted to electricity to recharge the onboard battery system.

These features deliver a 13 percent improvement in city fuel economy, based on EPA estimates. The 2016 Silverado eAssist will have an EPA estimated 18 mpg city, a 2 mpg improvement over the equivalent Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V-8 and 8-speed automatic. EPA estimated highway fuel economy for the Silverado eAssist is 24 mpg, while the combined rating is 20 mpg.

 

 

The reason for two versions for the 5.3 is not a result of the 8 speed transmission, rather the eAssist model that is coming out. L83 5.3 and the M5U 8 speed is the non eAssist engine and transmission, which is LTZ and higher trims. L8B and M5X are the eAssist engine and transmission codes, and is LT trim only.

 

The Silverado eAssist mirrors how the XFE model was on the last generation truck, which XFE was 2WD, 5.3 crew cab with the tonneau cover, 3.08 gears, low resistance tires, etc. Just this time, there is some hybrid technology involved.

 

And its only a $500 premium over a similarly equipped 5.3 1LT crew cab.

[Jonthecon]

According to the Google, 500 units of the 2016 e-assist Silverado were built for sale only in CA.

 

Sounds promising on paper, however it's another layer of technolgy and probable additional maintenance cost. Reviews from owners of this model appear to be nonexistent.