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GM 6.6 Liter V-8 L8T Engine

The L8T V8 is a gasoline engine produced by General Motors for use in Heavy Duty pickup trucks. The engine displaces 6.6 liters in a V8 configuration and an OverHead Valve (OHV) layout otherwise referred to as push-rod.

It is part of GM’s fifth-generation Small Block engine family and made its debut in the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD and 2020 GMC Sierra HD.

Overview

The 6.6L V8 L8T is built on a cast-iron Small Block, enabling it to have long-term durability. Thanks to aluminum heads and direct injection, the engine delivers more precise fuel control resulting in a higher compression ratio of 10.8:1. That enables a power output of 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque (in the 2020 Silverado HD and 2020 Sierra HD), with strong performance at low rpm, where it is needed when pulling away with a loaded cargo box or trailer.

The L8T also features a forged steel crankshaft, forged powder-metal connecting rods and additional high-strength components to provide the added strength and durability demanded by Heavy Duty truck customers.

The L8T replaces the 6.0L V8 L96 / LC8 engine and makes over 11 percent more horsepower and over 21 percent more torque.

Notably, the L8T does not use cylinder deactivation technologies like Active Fuel Management (AFM), Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), or Auto Stop-Start (ASS).

Production takes place at the GM Tonawanda Plant in Buffalo, New York.

Specifications

GM RPO Code: L8T
Type: 6.6L V-8 gasoline
Bore & Stroke (in / mm): 4.06 x 3.86 / 103.25 x 98
Block Material: Cast iron with nodular iron main caps
Cylinder Head Material: Cast aluminum
Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
Valvetrain: Overhead-valve, two valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
Fuel Delivery: Direct fuel injection
Recommend Fuel: 87 octane
Power (hp / kW @ rpm): 401 / 299 @ 5200 (SAE certified)
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): 464 / 629 @ 4000 (SAE certified)
Predecessor: 6.0L V8 L96/LC8
Successor: None currently
Assembly: Tonawanda, New York, USA
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Vehicle Applications

Manufacturer Model Year Make Model Transmission Power (hp / kW) @ RPM Torque (lb-ft / Nm) @ RPM
General Motors Company 2020-2023 Chevrolet Silverado HD 6-speed auto (6L90) 401 / 299 @ 5200 464 / 629 @ 4000
General Motors Company 2020-2023 GMC Sierra HD 6-speed auto (6L90) 401 / 299 @ 5200 464 / 629 @ 4000
General Motors Company 2024-Present Chevrolet Silverado HD 10-speed auto (10L90) 401 / 299 @ 5200 464 / 629 @ 4000
General Motors Company 2020-Present GMC Sierra HD 6-speed auto (10L90) 401 / 299 @ 5200 464 / 629 @ 4000
  • All figures SAE certified

News

Follow our L8T news coverage.

Photos

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