wrinkleface

Talked w/ my dealer a couple days ago and he said there is a six speed allison for the Max in 06. Engine #s are the same for now. Maybe mid near pump up like a couple years ago? FYI Wrink

Tim G.

You guys should check out www.dieselplace.com
There is a thread there about a test drive in an '06 with the 6 speed. The guy really liked it (for what his opinion is worth)...

wrinkleface

Drove the 06 w/ the 6 speed, smooth operator! Has a manual setting for the trans. and an up /dn thumb switch on the shift lever. Have not driven a smoker hardly at all but this ran nice! Wrink

Wobble

JamieB posted this in the bilge. Thought I would copy it over to here.

GM just released the Press Kit for the 2006 D'Max:

New diesel engine:

An all-new version of the Duramax 6600 turbo-diesel V-8 engine will debut in the interim 2006 model year as an option on Silverado Heavy Duty models. When mated to an all-new Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission, the new powerplant will deliver more horsepower – 360 hp (268 kw) at 3000 rpm – and increased torque, at 650 lb.-ft. (899 Nm). The power increase comes with lower emissions and significantly improved quietness and smoothness.

The Duramax 6600’s horsepower and torque increase and emissions reduction are enabled by a strengthened iron cylinder block and a lower compression ratio. The lower compression reduces stress on the engine by reducing the peak cylinder firing pressure. This, in turn, allows more fuel to be burned – more fuel means more power – while the lower compression helps reduce NOx emissions. Lower compression also helps reduce noise and vibration, making the 6600 a quieter and smoother engine.

A revised variable-geometry turbocharger also enhances the driving experience of the Duramax 6600. Aerodynamic changes to the turbo’s impellers help tailor controlled application of turbo power for seamless and immediate response at full throttle. The turbo, which spins at up to 120,000 rpm, is high-speed-balanced, reducing vibration and resonance – and contributing to the engine’s overall smoothness and refinement. The revised turbo also helps reduce emissions, while maximum boost remains at 20 psi.

Another new feature of the Duramax 6600’s turbo system is the capability of the variable-geometry turbocharger to provide exhaust braking. This function is available on some medium duty truck models and can replace add-on exhaust brake hardware. With the new system, braking is controlled by a signal from the engine controller and can be activated by the driver.

The comprehensive list of changes and upgrades to the 2006 Duramax 6600 includes:

Cylinder block casting and machining changes strengthen the bottom of the cylinder bores to support increased horsepower and torque

Upgraded main bearing material increases durability

Revised piston design helps lower compression ratio to 16.8:1 from 17.5:1

Piston pin bore diameter increased to for increased strength

Connecting rod “I” section is thicker for increased strength

Cylinder heads revised to accommodate lower compression and reduced cylinder firing pressure

Maximum injection pressure increased from 23,000 psi to almost 26,000 psi

Fuel delivered via higher-pressure pump, fuel rails, distribution lines and all-new, seven-hole fuel injectors

Fuel injectors spray directly onto glow plugs, providing faster, better-quality starts and more complete cold-start combustion for reduced emissions

Improved glow plugs heat up faster through an independent controller

Revised variable-geometry turbocharger is aerodynamically more efficient to help deliver smooth and immediate response and lower emissions

Air induction system re-tuned to enhance quietness

EGR has larger cooler to bring more air into the system

First application of new, 32-bit E35 controller, which adjusts and compensates for the fuel flow to bolster efficiency and reduce emissions

The Duramax 6600 also has a new intake air heater to reduce smoke and emissions during cold or light-load driving. The system features a 600-watt grid heater located in the air intake duct, which is triggered automatically by the engine controller. It heats up the incoming air to speed warm-up of the engine.

Allison six-speed automatic transmission:

The Allison 1000 transmission grows from a five-speed automatic to a first-in-class six-speed automatic. It’s available for 2006 Silverado HD models equipped with the Duramax 6600 6.6L V-8 diesel or Vortec 8100 8.1L V-8. The transmission features a class-first range selection function, as well offering enhanced fuel economy, quietness and control. The range selection function allows the driver to easily select the desired gears to match driving conditions, such as towing a trailer on a steep grade.

The sixth gear – essentially a second overdrive gear – enables a wide, 5.08:1 overall forward gear ratio and allows the vehicle’s engine to operate at lower rpm, particularly during higher-speed driving on highways and freeways. Its 0.61 ratio provides a 1550-rpm engine speed at 60 mph, compared with the five-speed transmission’s 1800-rpm engine speed at 60 mph. The engine uses less fuel at lower rpm, enabling increased fuel mileage and range. The ratios of gears 1 through 5 remain the same as the Allison 1000 five-speed, including the 0.75:1 fifth gear.

A tow/haul mode is retained on the Allison 1000 six-speed, but it is complemented by a new range selection feature that allows the driver to select the desired gears via a thumb-activated switch on the shifter. This provides a feeling of enhanced control in unique driving situations, such as towing on a steep grade. The range selection feature holds the gear pre-selected by the driver and electronic safeguards prevent the transmission from being shifted in a manner that could cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control.

wrinkleface

Very good info., thanx for the copy over Wobble. Wrink

Jassman

thanks for info, I switched to Ford in 04, and miss my Allison tranny, now if they could just do something with the way they look. Step up to the plate GM, don't be the uggly duckling on the block.

wrinkleface

Hey Jass, still been chat'n w/ Terry and the reg. rep. about the 43. Got some #'s, check'n ta C if it may be possible w/ the appropriate bean counters!? Take care, Wrink

Jassman

Good talkin to you today, good luck, hope everything works out, call me if you need more info, Thanks Jeff

ChrisK

im actually in the market now kinda suddenly for a truck.. need a dully diesel.. or larger.. im looking at putting a 20,000lb 5th sheel dump on it... will a 1 ton pull that much ina 5th wheel configuration?

wrinkleface

Hey Jeff, thanx again for your time and info., really appreciate it. Really like'n that 43. Hope I can pull it off! Keep ya posted. Tracy