The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD IV (T1XX) Crew Cab Long Bed, equipped with the 6.6-liter V8 engine producing 401 horsepower and paired with a 4WD SRW Automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineage. Produced from 2020 to 2023, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the Silverado 3500HD lineup, offering a balance of robust capability, comfortable interior space, and readily available technology. It was positioned as a workhorse for those needing substantial towing and payload capacity without sacrificing daily drivability. This generation, designated T1XX, brought substantial updates to the Silverado HD series, focusing on increased strength, improved technology, and enhanced refinement.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 3500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 3500 HD IV (T1XX) Crew Cab Long Bed |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 V8 (401 Hp) 4WD SRW Automatic |
| Start of production | 2020 year |
| End of production | 2023 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8 kg/Hp, 125.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 196.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 401 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 629 Nm @ 4000 rpm, 463.93 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | L8T |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 103.25 mm / 4.06 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 98 mm / 3.86 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.6 l / 8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt |
| Coolant | 15.1 l / 15.96 US qt | 13.29 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 3204 kg / 7063.61 lbs |
| Max. weight | 5216 kg / 11499.31 lbs |
| Max load | 2012 kg / 4435.7 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2364 l / 83.48 cu. ft |
| Fuel tank capacity | 136 l / 35.93 US gal | 29.92 UK gal |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 7443 kg / 16409.01 lbs |
| Length | 6759 mm / 266.1 in |
| Width including mirrors | 2079 mm / 81.85 in |
| Height | 2049 mm / 80.67 in |
| Wheelbase | 4369 mm / 172.01 in |
| Front track | 1731 mm / 68.15 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1736 mm / 68.35 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 283 mm / 11.14 in |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Hydra-Matic |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 355×40 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 360×34 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/70 R17; 245/75 R17; 275/70 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado 3500 HD variant lies the Chevrolet L8T 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated, overhead valve (OHV) design featuring variable valve timing (VVT). The L8T utilizes direct fuel injection, contributing to improved efficiency and power delivery. The engine produces 401 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 464 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission option for this configuration. This transmission is known for its durability and smooth shifting characteristics, optimized for handling the high torque output of the V8. The transmission features electronically controlled shifting and tow/haul mode for optimized performance when towing heavy loads.
Driving Characteristics
The 6.6L V8 and 6-speed automatic combination delivers a robust driving experience. While not as fuel-efficient as the available Duramax diesel engine, the gasoline V8 provides ample power for everyday driving and demanding tasks. The automatic transmission is well-tuned, offering smooth gear changes and responsive acceleration. The gear ratios are optimized for towing, providing strong low-end torque. Compared to the diesel variants, this configuration offers a quieter and smoother ride, but sacrifices the ultimate towing capacity and fuel economy. The 4WD system provides excellent traction in various conditions, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road use.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Silverado 3500 HD IV Crew Cab Long Bed with the 6.6L V8 typically came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels, such as LT and High Country, added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, navigation, and advanced safety technologies like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded wheels, and various appearance packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 3500 HD features a fully boxed frame designed for strength and rigidity. The front suspension utilizes an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbone components, while the rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring design. This configuration provides a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with larger rotors at the front. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard. The rear axle is a solid axle, typical for heavy-duty trucks, and is designed to withstand significant loads.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the Silverado 3500 HD IV for its increased capability and refined interior. The 6.6L V8 engine was considered a good option for those who preferred the simplicity and lower upfront cost of a gasoline engine compared to the diesel. However, fuel economy was a common criticism, as the V8 engine consumes significantly more fuel than the Duramax diesel. Compared to the diesel variants, the V8 offered a lower price point and simpler maintenance requirements. The V8 was often favored by owners who primarily used their trucks for personal use or light-duty work, while the diesel was preferred by those who frequently towed heavy loads.
Legacy
The L8T 6.6L V8 engine has proven to be a reliable powertrain when properly maintained. While not as long-lived as the Duramax diesel, it offers a cost-effective and capable option for heavy-duty truck owners. In the used car market, Silverado 3500 HD models equipped with this engine and transmission combination are generally well-regarded for their durability and value. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and fluid checks, is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain. The T1XX generation Silverado 3500 HD represents a significant step forward in heavy-duty truck design, offering a blend of capability, comfort, and technology.
