Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallGM’s 6.2-liter L87 is easy to underestimate because it is fitted to heavy pickups and large SUVs rather than sports cars. In the right Silverado 1500, however, its 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque are enough for genuinely rapid acceleration. Car and Driver recorded a 2024 Silverado 1500 High Country reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 14.0 seconds at 100 mph.
The L87 also deserves careful scrutiny as a used-engine purchase. A defined group of 2021–2024 vehicles was recalled for possible connecting-rod bearing and crankshaft problems, and NHTSA opened a separate investigation in 2026 into reported loss of motive power after the recall remedy. The engine is powerful, but a VIN check and service-history review matter just as much as the specification sheet.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is the L87?
The L87 is GM’s naturally aspirated 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 for full-size trucks and SUVs. It replaced the L86 and should not be confused with the Corvette and Camaro LT1 or the supercharged LT4. Those engines belong to the broader Gen-V small-block family, but the L87 is a truck-oriented application with its own hardware, calibration, emissions equipment, and transmission pairings.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| Specification | GM L87 figure |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,162 cc / 376 cu in |
| Bore × stroke | 103.25 × 92 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Power | 420 hp at 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 6,000 rpm |
| Recommended fuel rating | Regular 87-octane gasoline |
| Firing order | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 |
GM notes that output can vary by vehicle application and calibration. The published 420-hp and 460-lb-ft figures describe the complete factory installation, not an engine stripped from its intake, exhaust, emissions systems, and control calibration.
#1 Best Overall
- compatible with 2014-2018 GM Chevy 6.2L GenV L86, L87, LT1, LT2 Direct Injected engines.
Why the L87 is genuinely quick
Peak horsepower is only part of the reason the L87 feels strong. Its 460 lb-ft of torque, 6.2-liter displacement, and broad power delivery give it immediate response when merging, passing, climbing a grade, or pulling a moderate trailer. The 10-speed automatic used in the Silverado 1500 can keep the engine near its useful range without requiring the driver to wait for a large turbocharger to build boost.
The acceleration numbers are impressive in context. The tested Silverado High Country weighed 5,421 pounds, had four-wheel drive, and still reached 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. A 14.0-second quarter-mile at 100 mph puts that particular truck in the company of much smaller performance cars in straight-line acceleration.
That result is not a guaranteed time for every L87 vehicle. Cab configuration, four-wheel-drive system, gearing, tire condition, fuel load, altitude, temperature, and testing method all affect performance. A heavy Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, or Escalade will not necessarily match a well-equipped Silverado, even with the same basic engine.
Hardware behind the performance
The L87 uses a substantial production-engine specification:
- Aluminum block and cylinder heads
- Forged-steel crankshaft
- Billet-steel camshaft
- Forged-powdered-metal connecting rods
- Hydraulic roller lifters
- Direct fuel injection
- Variable valve timing
- Oil-jet piston cooling
- Two-stage oil pump
- Aluminum pistons
- Composite intake manifold
- Cast nodular-iron exhaust manifolds and main-bearing caps
Those parts help explain why the engine delivers strong factory performance, but they do not make every L87 component suitable for unlimited racing or high-boost use. Modifications, increased cylinder pressure, and aggressive calibration can change the durability equation considerably.
Rank #2
- Thermoplastic, aluminum, and cast iron intake manifolds available for a wide range of applications
- Designs are enhanced and amended to incorporate updates, upgrades, and Technical Service Bulletins
- GM-recommended replacement part for your GM vehicle’s original factory component
- Offering the quality, reliability, and durability of GM OE
- Manufactured to GM OE specification for fit, form, and function
DFM is more than a simple V4 mode
The L87’s Dynamic Fuel Management system is often described as switching between V8 and V4 operation. That is too simplistic. GM’s system can select from 17 cylinder-firing patterns according to engine demand, allowing the engine controller to balance power requirements and fuel consumption more precisely than a fixed two-mode arrangement.
The engine also uses automatic stop/start hardware in current Silverado applications. DFM and stop/start can make the engine feel different from a traditional always-on V8, particularly during light-load cruising or traffic. Neither feature changes the fact that the engine can deliver full V8 output when the driver demands it.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Which vehicles use the L87?
The engine has appeared in GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs. In the 2026 Silverado 1500, Chevrolet lists the 6.2-liter V8 as available on the RST Crew Cab 4×4, LT Trail Boss, LTZ 4×4, ZR2, and High Country 4×4. Availability depends on model, cab, drivetrain, and market, so a trim badge alone is not enough to identify the engine.
The L87 is also used in versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade. The vehicle’s weight and gearing make a noticeable difference to the driving experience, but the large SUVs benefit from the same effortless low- and mid-range thrust.
The reliability problem buyers cannot ignore
The L87’s performance reputation is complicated by safety recall NHTSA 25V-274, identified by GM as N252494000. The recall covers specified 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles equipped with the engine.
Rank #3
- This is a premium kit that is MADE IN THE USA. Every component in this kit is proudly manufactured in the USA, ensuring the highest quality and reliability on the market. Unlike cheaper import kits that risk premature failure, this kit delivers lasting performance while supporting American manufacturing and helping bring jobs back to the USA.
- THIS LISTING WILL INCLUDE:
- 1) GENUINE GM 12629512 CAMSHAFT
- (8) AUTHENTIC GM/ACD 12645725 AFM LIFTERS
- (8) AUTHENTIC GM/ACD 12499225 ROLLER LIFTERS
It does not automatically include every L87-powered vehicle. The affected population was identified through manufacturing records and a build window from March 1, 2021, through May 31, 2024.
GM and NHTSA identified two manufacturing concerns:
- Sediment in connecting-rod and crankshaft oil galleries could damage rod bearings.
- Crankshaft dimensions or surface finish could be outside specification.
Either problem can contribute to bearing damage, engine failure, or loss of propulsion. GM reported 28,102 potentially related U.S. complaints or incidents received between April 29, 2021, and February 3, 2025. Of those, 14,332 involved allegations of loss of propulsion. These are field reports and complaints, not a calculated failure rate for every L87 engine produced.
What the recall repair actually does
A recall notice does not mean every affected vehicle automatically receives a replacement engine. The remedy is VIN-specific and normally begins with an approved dealer diagnostic process. Depending on the vehicle’s result, the dealer may:
- Run the specified diagnostic test.
- Replace the engine if the test fails.
- Change the oil and install a new oil cap if the engine passes.
- Apply the recall or special-coverage procedure assigned to that VIN.
The procedure uses GM service equipment and software, including Techline Connect, GM NVH software, and a GM-branded PicoScope. The relevant SPS function is called L87 PicoScope Test. For engines that pass the specified recall test, the procedure calls for 0W-40 oil and a new engine-oil cap. That oil instruction should not be generalized to every L87 outside the recall population; follow the vehicle-specific GM procedure and owner’s manual.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #4
- This is a premium kit that is MADE IN THE USA. Every component in this kit is proudly manufactured in the USA, ensuring the highest quality and reliability on the market. Unlike cheaper import kits that risk premature failure, this kit delivers lasting performance while supporting American manufacturing and helping bring jobs back to the USA.
- THIS LISTING WILL INCLUDE:
- 1) GENUINE GM 12629512 CAMSHAFT
- (8) AUTHENTIC GM/ACD 12645725 AFM LIFTERS
- (8) AUTHENTIC GM/ACD 12499225 ROLLER LIFTERS
Different L87 versions are not automatically interchangeable
There is more than one production version of the L87. GM technical information identifies different injector-bore designs:
| Approximate L87 application | Injector-bore description | Associated part number |
|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021 | Large injector bores | 19420611 |
| 2022–2024 | Small injector bores | 12740076 |
GM states that these versions are not interchangeable. Anyone buying a replacement or used engine should have the part verified against the vehicle VIN and GM’s electronic parts catalog before ordering. A seller’s statement that an engine is simply “a 6.2 L87” is not sufficient.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Symptoms that deserve immediate attention
Not every tick or rattle means an L87 has bearing damage. GM has separate diagnostic information covering normal engine-noise concerns on 2019–2025 full-size trucks and SUVs equipped with L87 or L8T engines. Technicians are expected to distinguish normal operating sounds from internal-engine damage.
These symptoms should nevertheless prompt professional diagnosis rather than being dismissed as normal V8 behavior:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Persistent or worsening knocking
- A sudden low-oil-pressure warning
- Metallic debris in the oil
- Loss of power or propulsion
- A new, severe bottom-end rumble
- Engine seizure or a no-start condition following abnormal noise
If a vehicle develops severe knocking, an oil-pressure warning, or a sudden loss of power, continuing to drive it can turn a repairable problem into a destroyed engine and can create a safety hazard. Document the warning messages and noises, check the VIN for recall status, and arrange professional inspection.
Best Value
- Engine Compatibility: Compatible with 2014-2018 GM Chevy 6.2L GenV L86, L87, LT1, LT2 Direct Injected engines
- Standard Size Specifications: Designed for 4.065 inch diameter cylinder bores at standard size and standard crankshaft journals
- Complete Engine Gasket Set: Includes a full set of engine gaskets to ensure proper sealing throughout the engine rebuild process
- Coated Bearings Included: Features coated connecting rod bearings designed for tapered end rods and coated crankshaft main bearings for enhanced durability
- Precision Piston Rings: Equipped with piston rings featuring 1.2mm top ring, 1.5mm second ring, and 2.5mm oil ring widths for optimal compression and oil control
What the 2026 investigation means
On January 16, 2026, NHTSA opened a separate investigation into loss of motive power caused by engine failure after the recall remedy. The opening document covered vehicles equipped with L87 engines subject to Recall 25V-274 and listed a population of 597,571 vehicles with 36 reported incidents at that point.
This investigation means the real-world performance of the remedy remains under review. It does not establish that every repaired engine will fail, and it does not erase the L87’s factory performance figures. It does mean buyers should ask whether recall work was completed, what repair was performed, and whether the vehicle has experienced a subsequent engine replacement or failure.
Used L87 buying checklist
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup. A general model-year search cannot replace a vehicle-specific VIN check.
- Confirm the build date and recall eligibility. Do not assume every 6.2-liter vehicle is included or excluded based only on its model year.
- Request dealer documentation. Find out whether the diagnostic test was completed, whether the engine passed, and whether it was replaced.
- Review oil-change records. Look for consistent maintenance and investigate gaps, repeated low-oil-pressure warnings, or unexplained oil consumption.
- Listen during a cold start and warm drive. Pay attention to persistent knocking, rumbling, warning lights, and changes in oil pressure.
- Verify replacement-engine compatibility. The injector-bore version and VIN-specific parts information matter.
FAQ
How much horsepower does the GM L87 make?
GM rates the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter L87 at 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. Actual output can vary by vehicle calibration and application.
Recommended Free Tools
Is the L87 faster than its truck appearance suggests?
Yes. Car and Driver tested a 5,421-pound, four-wheel-drive 2024 Silverado 1500 High Country with the L87 at 5.4 seconds to 60 mph and 14.0 seconds at 100 mph in the quarter-mile. Other L87 vehicles will vary with weight, gearing, tires, and conditions.
Does every L87 have the connecting-rod bearing problem?
No. Recall 25V-274 applies to specified vehicles in a defined production population, not every L87 engine. However, the recall is a documented safety issue, so an affected vehicle’s VIN, repair status, and engine history should be checked carefully.
Should I buy a used vehicle with an L87?
It can still make sense for a buyer who values strong naturally aspirated V8 performance, but only after checking the VIN, open recalls, completed recall work, engine-replacement records, oil-change history, and signs of abnormal noise or low oil pressure.
The Bottom Line
GM’s L87 earns its performance reputation. With 420 hp, 460 lb-ft, a broad torque curve, and a 10-speed automatic, it can move a full-size Silverado with surprising speed while retaining the smooth, immediate response many buyers want from a naturally aspirated V8.
Its recall history prevents a blanket reliability endorsement. For any used L87-powered truck or SUV, the decisive questions are vehicle-specific: Is the VIN covered? Was the recall completed? Did the engine pass the diagnostic test or get replaced? Are the service records complete? A VIN lookup and a careful mechanical inspection are more valuable than either internet claims that every L87 fails or assurances that the issue is only a rumor.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
