The L630, otherwise known as the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, is a small/medium displacement diesel engine designated for Ram 1500 half-ton pickup, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with plans to roll it out in the Wrangler and Gladiator, as well. The L630 has won several awards over its lifespan, but has also been the center of controversy that briefly suspended its production due to exceeding limits on emissions. After some modifications, the EcoDiesel V6 is fit for sale today.
L630 Gen II
VM Motori dates back to 1947 when Claudio Vancini and Ugo Martelli decided to start a company that designed and build diesel engines. The company was set up in Cento, Italy where it remains today. In 2011 Fiat Powertrain purchased Penske’s state in the company, becoming a 50% owner. General Motors sold the remaining 50% to FCA in 2014 to wholly own VM Motori.
In 2014 Ram trucks wanted to design a modern diesel engine for the light duty truck segment. The engine had to be refined to appeal to the light truck market. They decided to go with the L630 which was quiet, smooth and could perform.
The block was made out of compacted iron graphite instead of cast iron. With this decision they were able to get the strength and rigidity out of the block while only weighing a few pounds more than the very popular 5.7L V8 Hemi.
The EcoDiesel engine fit into a segment of the market where people wanted the abilities of a diesel without having to step into a heavy duty truck to get the Cummins. The engine offers great fuel economy all while being able to tow up to 9,200lbs.
The engine was released with 240 hp @ 3600 RPM and 420 lb-ft or torque @ 2000 RPM. Mated to an 8 speed transmission the truck was able to achieve EPA economy numbers of 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.
Emissions Controversy
Controversy ensued around the 2014-2016 Ram and Grand Cherokee when they were accused of using software that turns emissions controls off when the vehicles aren’t undergoing lab tests. FCA will pay roughly $800 million to settle claims about Ram and Grand Cherokee vehicles cheating on emissions tests. FCA claims no wrongdoing at part of the settlement.
In early 2019 FCA reached a settlement with federal and state regulators regarding the issues with the 2014-2016 Ram and Grand Cherokee. The roughly 100,000 customers are to be awarded up to $3,075 in settlements. Not only will payments be made, but FCA will have to repair and comply with emissions regulations for all vehicles involved. Owners have 21 months from the settlement to submit their claim and 2 years from that date to have the repair done and receive compensation.
FCA also announced that they would extend the warranty period for those vehicles, 10 years or 120,000 miles on the vehicle. The warranty for the emissions work done is 4 years or 48,000 miles from the date of installing the approved emissions modification, whichever comes first.
L630 Gen III
New for the 2020 model year, the L630 features 480 lb-ft of torque, and helps the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel achieve a tow rating of 12,560 pounds. The EcoDiesel will be offered in all trim levels of the new Ram 1500, except the Ram 1500 Classic and its variants. Along with the added torque of the 3rd generation L630, the engine also makes full torque at 1,600 rpm (vs 2000 rpm in the 2nd gen), horsepower also increases to 260 at 3,600 rpm.
The transmission (8HP75) got a new calibration to match the higher torque loads it would see from the engine improvements. RPM shift points were also addressed, allowing for shifts to happen earlier in the rev range.
To achieve these new performance numbers a few things were addressed. The turbo includes increased efficiency and responsiveness during transient situations. New lower friction bearings combined with the redesigned compressor and turbine wheels allowed engineers to achieve class leading torque and the transient response they desired.
Intake head ports have been redesigned to not only improve flow but performance and fuel economy as well. New piston bowl shape was developed to help make the engine more efficient. Compression has been reduced form 16.5:1 to 16.0:1. With the new designed combustion chambers the fuel injectors were redesigned to match. The injectors got more holes and a larger size in the new engine.
The EGR system now has a high and low pressure system, helping increase fuel efficiency. The new low pressure EGR cooler will reduce exhaust gas temperatures prior to sending them into the intake. With the new designed combustion chambers the fuel injectors were redesigned to match. The advantage to the low pressure EGR is it doesn’t take air from the turbo charger and the air source used is after the DEF so the air is clean.
Pistons include thinner rings and a low friction coating on the pin and side skirts. Piston offset now is and extra 0.3mm off centerline, reducing mechanical noises (piston slap). The lighter design of the piston assembly can up to 52% less tangential force.
The Gen III engine in the Ram comes with a new maximum payload of 2,040 lbs and tow up to 12,560 lbs. New EPA ratings are 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
L630 Specifications
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 3600 rpm (Gen II)
260 hp @ 3600 rpm (Gen III)
Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (Gen II)
480 lb-ft @1600 rpm (Gen III)
Displacement: 182 cubic inches, 2987 cc
Transmission: ZF 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission, branded as TorqueFlite 8.
Manufacturer- VM Motori for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Manufacturing Location: Cento, Italy
Configuration: 60 degree V6
Aspiration: Variable geometry turbocharger, water cooled, Intercooled
Bore: 3.27in (83 mm)
Stroke: 3.60in (92mm)
Compression Ratio: 2014-2019 16.5:1 (Gen II), 2020+ 16.0:1 (Gen III).
Fuel cut (max RPM): 4800 RPM
Fuel type: Diesel fuel, B-20 Biodiesel
Firing Order: 1-4-2-5-3-6
Length: 27.4 in
Width: 28.7 in
Height: 27.46 in
Dry Weight: 485 pounds
Cooling system: Water cooled
Battery: 800cca
L630 Material Composition
Crankshaft: forged 4140 steel
Connecting Rods: Cast Iron
Pistons: Cast Aluminum
Block: Compacted-graphite
Heads: Aluminum
Valvetrain: 24 valve, Dual overhead cam
Intake Manifold: Aluminum intake manifold
L630 Emission Control System
DEF tank capacity: 8 gallons, or 10,000 miles
Exhaust gas recirculation
Selective catalytic Reduction
Diesel Particulate Filter
L630 Lubrication System
Oil Type: SAE 5W-40, MS-12991
Oil capacity: 10.5 quarts (Ram EcoDiesel), 8 quarts (Jeep Grand Cherokee)
L630 Fuel System
Direct fuel injection, High pressure fuel pump 2,000 bar (roughly 29,000 psi)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 2020 Ram 1500: 26 Gallons, with an optional 33 gallon tank. 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 24.6-gallons
L630 Performance
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
0-60: 7.9-8.4 sec
¼ mile: 16-16.7 sec
Top speed: 115 MPH
Max Payload: 1,620 lbs (Gen II)
Max Towing: 9,200 lb max towing (Gen II)
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0-60: 7.3-7.4 sec
¼ mile: 16.0 sec
Top speed: 112 mph
L630 Fuel Economy
2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 22 MPG City, 30 MPG Highway
2014-2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel: 19 MPG City, 27 MPG Highway
2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel: 20 MPG City, 32 MPG Highway (2WD) and 21 MPG City, 29 MPG Highway (4WD)
via FuelEconomy.Gov
