Introduced in 2014, the Chevrolet 6.2-liter V8 engine took the proven formula of a small-block V8 and added new technologies to enhance power & economy. What makes this new V8 so special, and what GM vehicles does it power?
Available in Chevy’s Corvette and Camaro, as well as their SUV and pickup truck lineup, the gen-five 6.2-liter small-block V8 not only boasts the latest technology for impressive power figures but is also one of Chevrolet’s more reliable engines.
Here we’ll review a bit of the backstory behind the 6.2-liter V8, which vehicles it’s available in, and how it stacks up in terms of reliability. But first, what exactly is a “small-block” engine?
What’s a Small-block Engine?
You’ll notice the LT1 is called a “small-block” engine, and in comparison to a big block, it’s obviously physically smaller. Because of the size, the pistons usually have smaller bores and shorter strokes, resulting in less displacement.
A big block weighs more, and when placed over the front axle of a car, negatively affects handling and acceleration. A smaller block might produce less power, but it’s lighter and more efficient, making this new V8 the perfect fit for Chevy’s sports cars and 1500 series pickup trucks.
The Gen V Family
Currently, GM has produced four versions of the 6.2 liter V8 for use in the Corvette and Camaro.
- Naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 LT1
- Naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 LT2 (direct successor to LT1, available only in the 2020 Corvette)
- Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 LT4
- Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 LT5
The following engines are available in trucks and SUVs such as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Yukon.
- Ecotec3 6.2-liter V8 L86
- Ecotec3 6.2-liter V8 L87
The Ecotec Family
The 6.2-liter Ecotec V8 was introduced in 2014 with the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and featured modern innovations such as direct injection, Cylinder Deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing. Just a handful of parts were brought over from the previous Vortec engine, and the 6.2 is essentially a scaled-up 5.3-liter (L83) design. The engine produced 420 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque and ran on regular unleaded.
Jordan Lee, GM’s small-block chief engineer, states, “They have all the power and torque needed to confidently handle the tough jobs, and they seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to increase efficiency during light-load driving.”
Lee is referring to Active Fuel Management, and it allows the V8 to essentially run as a V4 under light load conditions.
For 2019, GM introduced the latest version of the Ecotec family, dubbed the L87, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. The L87 landed on Ward’s 10 Best list that year, thanks in large part to Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM).
DFM was an improved AFM, and Lee explains, “The increased variability of Dynamic Fuel Management means the engine will operate more often with a reduced number of cylinders, which saves fuel across the board.” In fact, the L87 could run on only two cylinders.
There is the option to increase performance to 435 horsepower and 469 lb.-ft. of torque on certain models with a Performance Upgrade Package that adds a cat-back exhaust and unique air filter.
Jalopnik drove a 2019 GMC Sierra with this new V8 and came away mostly impressed. “Lugs around about 5,400 pounds of weight respectably,” they mention, “making a pleasant growl with the pedal mashed to the floor. Sure, it only manages about 15 mpg in the city and between 19 and 21 on the highway depending on trim, but the power is worth the thirst.”
The LT Family
Debuting in the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the LT1 replaced the LS3 and has a host of new features it shares with the Ecotec version. For the Corvette, the LT1 was good for up to 460 horses, and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.
While the LT1 is still the version available in the Camaro, in 2020 Chevrolet released a new, mid-engine Corvette with a revised LT2 inside. Here, it’s good for 495 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.
Car and Driver took this new Corvette from 0-60 in just 2.8 seconds, and noted that “boiling out of corners on full throttle, the big V8 thunders like a NASCAR engine.”
If you need even more performance, there are supercharged versions of the LT1 (named LT4 and LT5) available in the C7 Corvette and others. In the prodigious history of GM, the LT4 stands alone as the most powerful production engine they’ve ever offered.
With up to 668 horsepower and 659 lb.-ft. of torque in the 2022 Cadillac Blackwing, the power and performance are impressive.
6.2-liter V8 Reliability
As with any engine, there is the potential for trouble. Chevy Trucks, an enthusiast site for all things GM-truck related, mentions carbon buildup, lifter collapse, fuel injectors, and pumps, and engine mounts and manifold bolts could all cause problems during ownership.
Of these issues, carbon buildup and lifter collapse are the most prevalent. Carbon buildup is common on any direct injection engine, regardless of who builds it.
Whereas port injection would spray fuel over the valves and clean carbon deposits, direct injection sprays fuel directly inside the combustion chamber. This bypasses the valves, and over time leads to loss of power. The solution is usually to take the engine apart and clean it with walnut blasting.
The other important issue has to do with Active Fuel Management. The system that allows AFM to function is complex – it’s shutting down half the cylinders in the engine, but still requiring oil to flow to the lifters.
If not timed correctly, the lifters can collapse and the system can cause bent pushrods. Thankfully, this failure usually occurs within the warranty period, and there is a way to deactivate the system if you so choose.
To consider another perspective, there’s a reason GM has not offered the 6.2-liter engine on larger 2500 and 3500 series pickup trucks – they don’t believe it will withstand the workload. However, you might not need your truck to take that workload.
Is a Chevrolet with a 6.2L V8 Engine Reliable?
The LT1 and Ecotec engines are GM’s most powerful, most modern engines to date. With battery power becoming an increasingly popular option, GM has opted to go fully electric by 2035, so there’s a real chance that this could be the last great small-block engine.
If you’re a Chevy sports car fan, there’s much to love with the LT1, both in naturally aspirated and supercharged form. And the EcoTec engine powers the best versions of GM’s most popular truck lineup, making it the go-to choice for those that want a little performance with their towing.
Revel in the thundering sound and performance of the 6.2-liter Chevrolet small-block V8, no matter what car it’s powering.
Photos: Chevrolet
