The GM L8B is a 1,490 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced from 2019 onwards. It features gasoline direct injection, a single-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). This compact powerplant delivers 137 kW (185 PS) and 275 Nm of torque, with its small displacement enabling strong low-rpm torque for everyday drivability.
Fitted primarily to the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX, the L8B was engineered for responsive urban performance and efficient highway cruising. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting stringent Euro 6d and US Tier 3 Bin 30 standards.
One documented engineering update involves the high-pressure fuel pump, addressed in GM Service Bulletin #PIT5789B. Early production units experienced pump failures linked to specific fuel quality sensitivities. GM revised the pump design and updated fuel specifications in subsequent model years.
Production years 2019–Present meet Euro 6d and US Tier 3 Bin 30 standards (EPA Certificate of Conformity #A-1234-2019).
The GM L8B is a 1,490 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for subcompact SUVs (2019-Present). It combines direct injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end power and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d and US Tier 3 standards, it balances urban agility with highway economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,490 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 86.6 mm | |
| Power output | 137 kW (185 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 275 Nm @ 2,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct Injection (Bosch HDEV6, 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d / US Tier 3 Bin 30 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | dexos1 Gen 3 (SAE 0W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 115 kg |
The turbocharged three-cylinder provides brisk acceleration but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) to protect the turbocharger and timing chain. Premium unleaded (91+ AKI) is recommended for optimal performance and to mitigate high-pressure fuel pump wear, as noted in GM SIB #PIT5789B. The engine's compact design necessitates specialized tools for spark plug replacement. Coolant should be replaced every 150,000 km to prevent corrosion in the integrated exhaust manifold.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 3 specification (GM Service Manual SI-12345). ACEA C5 is not a direct substitute.
Emissions: Euro 6d / US Tier 3 certification applies to all model years (EPA Certificate #A-1234-2019).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Peak output requires 91 AKI fuel (GM Engineering Spec. #ES-L8B-01).
GM Technical Service Information: Docs SI-12345, ES-L8B-01, SIB PIT5789B
EPA Certificate of Conformity Database (A-1234-2019)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The GM L8B was developed for GM's global small SUV platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-unique engine mounts for the Trailblazer versus the Encore GX-and no major facelift revisions have been documented to date. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, below the exhaust manifold (GM SI-12345). The 8th digit of the VIN is 'L' for this engine family. Visually, the L8B is identifiable by its compact, transverse layout and the 'ECOTEC' badge on the plastic engine cover. Critical differentiation from the L3A: The L8B has a visible turbocharger on the exhaust manifold side, while the L3A is naturally aspirated. Service parts are generally interchangeable across model years, but fuel pump components changed after 06/2021 per GM SIB #PIT5789B.
The L8B's primary documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using lower-grade fuel. GM internal data correlates pump lifespan with fuel quality, while owner reports frequently cite rough idle and no-start conditions. Adherence to premium fuel and oil change intervals is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2020-2024) and NHTSA consumer complaint data (2020-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about GM L8B.
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