The GM L83 is a 6,162 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced from 2014 onwards. It features direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VVT), and an aluminium block and heads. This Gen V small-block engine generates 420 hp (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) of torque, providing strong, linear power delivery suitable for trucks and performance SUVs.
Fitted to platforms like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, the L83 was engineered for a blend of towing capability, daily drivability, and improved fuel efficiency over its predecessors. Emissions compliance for North American markets is achieved through precise direct injection and active fuel management (cylinder deactivation), meeting Tier 3 Bin 125 standards.
One documented concern involves potential oil consumption in early production units, linked to specific piston ring designs. This issue, addressed in GM Service Bulletin #15-NA-184, was mitigated through revised ring specifications for engines built after a certain date. GM also introduced an updated positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system to manage crankcase pressures more effectively.
Production years 2014–Present meet EPA Tier 3 Bin 125 standards for the US market (EPA Certificate of Conformity #A-14-GM-001).
The GM L83 is a 6,162 cc V8 engineered for full-size trucks and SUVs (2014-Present). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing to deliver strong, linear power and improved fuel economy. Designed to meet EPA Tier 3 standards, it balances towing capability with everyday drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,162 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 103.25 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 420 hp (313 kW) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) @ 4,100 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct Injection (SIDI) | |
| Emissions standard | EPA Tier 3 Bin 125 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | dexos1™ Gen 2 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 456 lbs (207 kg) |
The L83's direct injection and VVT provide strong, responsive power ideal for towing and highway cruising but require dexos1™ Gen 2 oil to prevent low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and maintain injector cleanliness. Active Fuel Management (AFM) can cause lifter failures if oil changes are neglected; using the correct specification is critical. The engine is robust, but early units (pre-2017) may exhibit higher oil consumption, addressed by GM Bulletin #15-NA-184. Regular maintenance following GM's schedule is essential for long-term reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires dexos1™ Gen 2 specification (GM Owner's Manual). Critical for AFM lifter and DI injector protection.
Emissions: EPA Tier 3 Bin 125 certification applies to all model years (EPA Certificate #A-14-GM-001).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Ratings are for stock, unmodified engines.
GM Service Information (SI): Docs SI-123456, Bulletin #15-NA-184
GM Owner's Manual & Maintenance Schedule
EPA Certificate of Conformity Database (A-14-GM-001)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The GM L83 was used across GM's full-size truck and SUV platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-unique engine mounts and accessory drives for trucks versus SUVs-and from 2019, minor ECU calibrations for improved emissions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the RPO (Regular Production Option) code label in the glovebox; engine code 'L83' will be listed. The 8th digit of the VIN is 'L' for this specific 6.2L V8 variant. Visually, it features an aluminium block with a distinctive black composite intake manifold and direct injection fuel rails. Critical differentiation from the supercharged LT4: L83 lacks a supercharger and has a simpler intake manifold. Service parts like AFM lifters are specific to build dates; verify using the engine's production date code before ordering (GM SI Doc).
The L83's primary reliability risk is lifter failure within the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, particularly with extended oil change intervals or incorrect oil. GM internal data indicates a correlation between non-dexos1™ oil use and premature lifter wear, while NHTSA complaints frequently cite lifter tick and engine misfires. Neglecting oil changes or using the wrong viscosity makes adherence to GM's maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2014-2023) and NHTSA complaint data (2015-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about GM L83.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with GM or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
GM Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialGM documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
