Out with 6.2 in with 3.0

[JacoZR2]

Time for a little change. Traded my ‘23 Glacier 6.2L ZR2 with 153k for a new ‘26 3.0L in Cypress. I loved the sound and go of the 6.2L, but I drive a ton and the range is a game changer. Now for the accessories.

 

[Taccardo]

Awesome. Time to mod

 

[securityguy]

Time for a little change. Traded my ‘23 Glacier 6.2L ZR2 with 153k for a new ‘26 3.0L in Cypress. I loved the sound and go of the 6.2L, but I drive a ton and the range is a game changer. Now for the accessories.
View attachment 25815

Nice...but, as you may or may not know, the 3.0 diesels are having a ton of issues and they are becoming the next big engine failure problems for GM. I am hopeful that the new 2027 engines coming out will finally be worth there salt and that GM will get it right...wishful thinking I know

 

[GatorZR2]

Nice color! Even though they have their far of issues, can't beat the long range. It's nice to see over 600 mile range after fill up. Mixed driving I avg 25-26mpg (DIC set on 450 range) with weight in the bed. Long range empty hoovers around 30

 

[MO_ZR2]

Nice...but, as you may or may not know, the 3.0 diesels are having a ton of issues and they are becoming the next big engine failure problems for GM. I am hopeful that the new 2027 engines coming out will finally be worth there salt and that GM will get it right...wishful thinking I know

Can you post some hard data to reflect “tons of issues”? I’ve read some posts and watched some videos but I’ve yet to see any actual data around GM recall numbers, etc. I know many people personally to have 6.2 lifter and engine replacements but have yet to run into anyone with a 3.0 engine issue. You’ve mentioned something similar to the above a few times so curious on your sources (other than forum drama)

 

[securityguy]

Can you post some hard data to reflect “tons of issues”? I’ve read some posts and watched some videos but I’ve yet to see any actual data around GM recall numbers, etc. I know many people personally to have 6.2 lifter and engine replacements but have yet to run into anyone with a 3.0 engine issue. You’ve mentioned something similar to the above a few times so curious on your sources (other than forum drama)

I have watched several videos by many different well respected auto "You Tubers" that clearly outline the issues with the 3.0. It appears that they are primarily occurring in the 2025 - 2026 3.0L motors. You can easily find what's going on if you look for it. I'm not trying to create any drama. However, based on all that's being posted on the internet, a 6.2L or a 3.0L Babymax are two motors I would stay FAR away from for now. I think we all hope the newly designed 2027 motors will finally get GM out of the hole they're in but I believe we all have our doubts about that!

 

[AXE]

I'll take a recall 6.2L motor with a 10 year/150k warranty over a "new GM motor" any day of the week. I just seen a 26 6.2L with a motor failure on Reddit. GM ain't fixing anything.

The 3.0L motor issues are primarily timing belt and main crank bearing excessive endplay issues. Nothing new there, been playing out as long as the 6.2L issues, but not sure it's a widespread.

 

[GatorZR2]

Can you post some hard data to reflect “tons of issues”? I’ve read some posts and watched some videos but I’ve yet to see any actual data around GM recall numbers, etc. I know many people personally to have 6.2 lifter and engine replacements but have yet to run into anyone with a 3.0 engine issue. You’ve mentioned something similar to the above a few times so curious on your sources (other than forum drama)

MY source for 3.0 related stuff is Greg Nelson Demon Works YouTube. He's a GM master tech in Utah that works on these 3.0's. He also has newsletter called Duramax News (best viewed in duck duck go browser) where he gives updates and bulletin numbers and write ups to related issues that sometimes the service department/GM won't bring up. It's first hand knowledge at its best. I had my thrust bearing checked last week on my 3.0, it measured .092 which is on the tight side. SA showed me the video and there was no movement. SA told me they did have 3.0lzo that failed two months ago that had a complete engine replacement. SA also told me there has been occasional issue with bad exhaust clamps.

 

[LSnTX]

Welcome, good looking rig

 

[ZR2xBIZON]

First accessory I would put on this bad boy is a 6.2 swap. Welcome back

 

[slicer]

153k miles, assuming $3.5/gallon at 14mpg is an astonishing $38,250 in fuel cost alone. If you're a slow driver, lets say 18mpg avg at $3.5 is still like 30 grand. Incredible.

What do you do for a living that drive so much for a personal vehicle?

 

[JacoZR2]

I drive a ton for work and need to have a truck, so ZR2 Is great for ride, snowy weather, and hunting. I had the 6.2, but the upcharge and lower range made 3.0 a no-brainer. I’m really impressed so far. While not as much HP, my neighbor appreciates the 6.2 with GM Performance exhaust being gone….neighbor lady called that one “the grizzly bear”. Ha! The 3.0 issues are not really a thing. The Net loves to amplify issues and turn a small number of problems into a panic. I was going to order an SEO color but the Cypress is really unique and now they aren’t taking orders for it for rest of MY26.

Side note: been looking at adding boxside decal. Toyed with Multimatic logo, but Chevrolet Performance logo in black is what I settled on. Subtle and fits. Any thoughts on this?

 

[GatorZR2]

There's also 4 oil leak areas on the LZ0 that could possibly happen in at least one area. The oil pan, two oil plugs on bell housing cover plate and one on lower passenger side of timing cover and oil cooler fitting. I have one coming from the bell housing area. Just waiting on a loaner to be available to get it fixed along with three new door inner and outer door seals on pass front & rear and rear driver

doors.

 

[MO_ZR2]

I have watched several videos by many different well respected auto "You Tubers" that clearly outline the issues with the 3.0. It appears that they are primarily occurring in the 2025 - 2026 3.0L motors. You can easily find what's going on if you look for it. I'm not trying to create any drama. However, based on all that's being posted on the internet, a 6.2L or a 3.0L Babymax are two motors I would stay FAR away from for now. I think we all hope the newly designed 2027 motors will finally get GM out of the hole they're in but I believe we all have our doubts about that!

All good - I was really asking to see if there is a specific VIN range or anything formally published yet,. My dad and brother have them so was wanting to provide them with relevant info. YouTuber and interweb content creators need the drama to drive clicks and generate more traffic, it’s how they get paid…I take any of their opinions accordingly. To my knowledge we’ve not seen one failure on this forum va countless 6.2 so not sure we are quite apples to apples yet either. I agree with Axe, certainly known issues but I am not sure they’re widespread as some of the content YouTubers might lead ya to believe…just not seeing actual individuals reporting them in volume.

 

[MO_ZR2]

MY source for 3.0 related stuff is Greg Nelson Demon Works YouTube. He's a GM master tech in Utah that works on these 3.0's. He also has newsletter called Duramax News (best viewed in duck duck go browser) where he gives updates and bulletin numbers and write ups to related issues that sometimes the service department/GM won't bring up. It's first hand knowledge at its best. I had my thrust bearing checked last week on my 3.0, it measured .092 which is on the tight side. SA showed me the video and there was no movement. SA told me they did have 3.0lzo that failed two months ago that had a complete engine replacement. SA also told me there has been occasional issue with bad exhaust clamps.

I do appreciate his channel, he doesn’t play into the “click bait” drama game many others do.

 

[COWAN8]

I drive a ton for work and need to have a truck, so ZR2 Is great for ride, snowy weather, and hunting. I had the 6.2, but the upcharge and lower range made 3.0 a no-brainer. I’m really impressed so far. While not as much HP, my neighbor appreciates the 6.2 with GM Performance exhaust being gone….neighbor lady called that one “the grizzly bear”. Ha! The 3.0 issues are not really a thing. The Net loves to amplify issues and turn a small number of problems into a panic. I was going to order an SEO color but the Cypress is really unique and now they aren’t taking orders for it for rest of MY26.

Side note: been looking at adding boxside decal. Toyed with Multimatic logo, but Chevrolet Performance logo in black is what I settled on. Subtle and fits. Any thoughts on this?

With 153K miles on your 6.2, did you swap out the multimatic shocks or did they last you the entire time? I sat down with a good dealership here in NC and they tried to figure a good price estimate to get new mutltimatic shocks and struts put on but it was a mess as some were out of stock and then the labor itself was outrageous. They recommended going aftermarket when my shocks are ready to be replaced.. crazy that even a dealer recommends going away from the multimatics due to lack of supply and cost to replace

 

[JacoZR2]

My Multimatics were shot. It was just another reason to make a change. At trade in the original brake pads at 65% and only had to change factory installed Goodyears at 112k....yes, they were still good and not slicks at that mileage. I will say one thing about these trucks, and most people that ride with me say the same thing: these are the best riding trucks I've ever had.

 

[GatorZR2]

With 153K miles on your 6.2, did you swap out the multimatic shocks or did they last you the entire time? I sat down with a good dealership here in NC and they tried to figure a good price estimate to get new mutltimatic shocks and struts put on but it was a mess as some were out of stock and then the labor itself was outrageous. They recommended going aftermarket when my shocks are ready to be replaced.. crazy that even a dealer recommends going away from the multimatics due to lack of supply and cost to replace

Check out eBay. There's a salvage company in northern Ohio that buys these trucks that get damaged on the train, and prices seem fair. The struts and shocks are pretty easy to change out.

 

[JMC_WI]

Time for a little change. Traded my ‘23 Glacier 6.2L ZR2 with 153k for a new ‘26 3.0L in Cypress. I loved the sound and go of the 6.2L, but I drive a ton and the range is a game changer. Now for the accessories.
View attachment 25815

Great color!

 

[COWAN8]

Check out eBay. There's a salvage company in northern Ohio that buys these trucks that get damaged on the train, and prices seem fair. The struts and shocks are pretty easy to change out.

you got a good link to their profile/store?