The Chevrolet L36 (231CUV6) is a 3.8 L (231 cu in), 90° V6 engine produced between 1987 and 1995. It features a cast-iron block and cylinder heads with a 2-valve pushrod valvetrain and sequential fuel injection (SFI). This naturally aspirated engine was engineered for durability and smooth power delivery in full-size cars and light trucks. In standard form, it delivered 140 kW (188 PS) and 305 Nm of torque.
Fitted to key platforms including the Chevrolet Caprice, Impala, and Lumina APV minivan, the L36 was designed for fleet and family use, prioritizing reliability and ease of maintenance. It met U.S. EPA Tier 0 emissions standards through electronic fuel control and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), with catalytic converter integration across all applications.
One documented concern is intake manifold gasket degradation, which can lead to coolant leaks and overheating. This issue, highlighted in General Motors Service Bulletin #92-T-47, is attributed to thermal cycling and material fatigue in early gasket designs. Revised service kits with improved materials were issued in 1993 to address long-term sealing integrity.
Production years 1987–1995 meet U.S. EPA Tier 0 standards; Canadian models comply with equivalent Transport Canada regulations (EPA File #EPAC-87-031).
The Chevrolet L36 (231CUV6) is a 3,791 cc V6 engineered for full-size sedans and vans (1987–1995). It combines a pushrod valvetrain with sequential fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power delivery. Designed to meet U.S. EPA Tier 0 standards, it balances fleet-grade reliability with everyday drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,791 cc | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | |
| Configuration | 90° V6, OHV, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 99.3 mm × 81.3 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (188 PS) | |
| Torque | 305 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) | |
| Emissions standard | U.S. EPA Tier 0 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double roller) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (API SG/SH) | |
| Dry weight | 182 kg |
The pushrod V6 delivers smooth, predictable power ideal for daily driving and towing but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent lifter wear and sludge buildup. SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 oil meeting API SG/SH standards is essential due to hydraulic lifter compatibility and thermal stability. Extended idling in hot climates may contribute to intake gasket stress. The SFI system demands clean fuel and regular injector service to maintain idle quality. Post-1993 models feature revised intake gaskets; pre-1993 units should be inspected for coolant seepage per GM SIB 92-T-47. EGR system cleaning is recommended every 80,000 km to prevent flow restriction and detonation.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/SH specification (GM SIB 91-08-02). Supersedes earlier API SF/SG oils.
Emissions: Tier 0 certification applies to all U.S. models (1987–1995) (EPA File #EPAC-87-031). Canadian variants comply with Transport Canada CMVSS 181.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades (GM TIS Doc. G18760).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs G18760, G19245, SIB 92-T-47
EPA Type Certification Database (EPAC-87-031)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet L36 (231CUV6) was used across Chevrolet's W-body and B-body platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Pontiac and Oldsmobile in North American markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-intake tuning in the Lumina and transmission pairing in the Caprice-and from 1993 revised gasket materials were implemented to address coolant leaks, creating service part differences. Partnerships allowed GM's full-size van and sedan divisions to standardize on the 3.8L V6 architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the passenger-side front engine block near the cylinder head (GM TIS G18760). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for L36). Pre-1993 models have orange valve covers with ribbed intake manifolds; post-1993 units use revised gaskets with smoother casting. Critical differentiation from LG3: L36 features sequential fuel injection, while LG3 uses throttle-body injection (TBI). Service parts require model year verification—intake manifold gaskets before 1993 are not compatible with post-revision units due to design changes (GM SIB 92-T-47).
The L36's primary reliability risk is intake manifold gasket failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Internal GM field reports from 1992 indicated a significant number of pre-1993 units required gasket replacement before 100,000 km, while EPA durability data links coolant-related failures to long-term fleet use. Extended idling and poor coolant maintenance increase gasket stress, making regular inspection and use of OEM-spec coolant critical.
Analysis derived from General Motors technical bulletins (1987-1995) and U.S. EPA durability reports (1990-1996). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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