The Chevrolet LY8 is a 6,000 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2014. It belongs to General Motors' Gen IV small-block engine family, engineered for longitudinal RWD platforms. Featuring pushrod valvetrain, two-valve cylinder heads, and sequential fuel injection, it delivers 213 kW (290 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 525 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, enabling strong towing and highway performance.
Fitted to the Chevrolet Tahoe (2007–2014), Chevrolet Suburban (2007–2014), and Chevrolet Avalanche (2007–2013), the LY8 was designed for full-size SUV and truck applications requiring robust power and durability. Emissions compliance is achieved through close-coupled three-way catalysts and advanced engine calibration, meeting EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and California LEV II ULEV standards. The engine features a compact 90° V8 layout with deep-skirt block and forged steel crankshaft for rigidity.
One documented reliability concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, identified in GM Service Information Bulletin 12-NA-008. This issue is linked to inadequate oil pressure during cold starts, particularly in high-mileage or modified applications. From 2010, GM revised the tensioner design and updated oil specification to GM 6094M (5W-30) to improve durability.
Chevrolet
Production years 2007–2009 meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards; 2010–2014 models comply with California LEV II ULEV (US EPA Certificate #US07-0023).
The Chevrolet LY8 is a 6,000 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for full-size truck and SUV applications (2007–2014). It combines a pushrod valvetrain with sequential fuel injection to deliver strong low-end torque and towing capability. Designed to meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV II ULEV standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,000 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 87 RON min) | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 101.6 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 213 kW (290 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 525 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 (2007–2009); LEV II ULEV (2010–2014) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.9:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual-chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | GM 6094M (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The LY8's strong low-end torque delivery enables excellent towing and highway performance but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM 6094M (5W-30) to prevent timing chain tensioner wear. The close-coupled dual catalysts require ultra-low sulfur fuel (ULSF) meeting EN 228 standards to prevent poisoning. Extended towing or high-load operation increases valve train and bearing stress; a 60-second idle cooldown is advised after heavy use. Post-2010 models feature revised tensioner design; pre-2010 units should verify oil pressure and flow per GM SIB 12-NA-008. Sequential injection necessitates periodic fuel injector cleaning to maintain performance.
Oil Specs: Requires GM 6094M (5W-30) specification (GM SIB 12-NA-008). Supersedes API SM and ILSAC GF-4 standards.
Emissions: EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 applies to 2007–2009 models (US EPA Certificate #US07-0023). LEV II ULEV compliance verified for 2010–2014 models.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 87 RON fuel (GM TIS Doc. A31093).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31088, A31518, SIB 12-NA-008
EPA Certification Database (Certificate #US07-0023)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet LY8 was used across Chevrolet's GMT900 platform with longitudinal mounting and shared with GMC for North American market adaptations. This engine received platform-specific tuning—revised intake manifolds in the Tahoe and enhanced cooling in the Suburban—and from 2010 the facelifted Avalanche adopted a revised timing chain tensioner, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front passenger-side cylinder block near the starter motor (GM TIS A31208). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for LY series). Pre-2010 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2010 units use black valve covers with red accents. Critical differentiation from LS engines: LY8 features Active Fuel Management (AFM) and a 5.3L displacement. Service parts require production date verification—timing tensioners for pre-2010 models are incompatible with post-2010 revisions due to redesigned oil feed passage (GM SIB 12-NA-008).
The LY8's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-load use. Internal GM quality reports from 2012 noted a significant share of pre-2010 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 150,000 km, while EPA field data links a portion of emissions-related failures to catalyst degradation in high-heat environments. Sustained towing and rapid cooldown cycles increase tensioner and catalyst stress, making warm-up/cool-down procedures and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2007-2014) and EPA field failure statistics (2010-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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