6.2L Chevy V8 Specs: L86 vs L87 Horsepower, Torque and Which Trucks Got It

Short answer: The modern 6.2L Chevy/GMC V8 (the EcoTec3 L86 and L87) makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft — the most powerful gas V8 in a half-ton Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, or Escalade. The L86 (2014–2018) uses Active Fuel Management; the L87 (2019–present) makes the same power but swaps in the more advanced Dynamic Fuel Management. It’s an aluminum-block, direct-injected engine, and it wants premium fuel to make its rated output.

6.2L V8 specs at a glance

The older Gen IV 6.2 (L9H/L94) powered the GMT900 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade before the EcoTec3 L86 arrived. Note: the modern engines are branded “EcoTec3,” not “Vortec” — Vortec was GM’s earlier truck-engine name.

Common specifications (L86 / L87)

• Displacement: 6.2 L / 376 ci
• Block / heads: aluminum, direct injection
• Output: 420 hp / 460 lb-ft (SAE certified)
• Fuel: premium recommended for full rated power
• Family: GM Gen V small-block (EcoTec3)

L86 (2014–2018) — the EcoTec3 arrives

The L86 launched in the 2014 K2XX Silverado and Sierra and spread to the Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, and Escalade. It replaced the older 6.2 with direct injection and the Gen V architecture, using Active Fuel Management (AFM) to shut down four cylinders under light load for fuel economy.

L87 (2019–present) — same power, smarter cylinder management

The L87 carried the same 420 hp / 460 lb-ft into the 2019 T1XX trucks but replaced AFM with Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM). Instead of just an 8-or-4 split, DFM can run the engine on anywhere from 1 to 8 cylinders in 17 patterns, recalculating roughly every 125 milliseconds to save fuel without the driver noticing.

Is the 6.2 reliable?

The 6.2 makes great power and most run trouble-free, but the direct-injection Gen V engines aren’t without talking points: some owners report lifter and, on certain L87 trucks, bearing concerns. Before buying any used L87, check the VIN against NHTSA and GM for any open recalls or campaigns — don’t take a seller’s word for it. As with any DI engine, keep up on oil changes with the correct spec and watch for carbon-related drivability over high mileage.

Which 6.2 should you buy?

• Most power in a half-ton: either L86 or L87 — 420 hp beats the 5.3.
• Newest tech / 10-speed pairing: L87.
• Value used: a well-maintained L86 K2XX truck.

Deciding between engines? See 5.3 vs 6.2 Silverado, Duramax vs 6.2 (diesel or gas), and the best year Silverado to buy.

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the 6.2 Chevy have? 420 hp and 460 lb-ft in the L86 and L87.

What’s the difference between the L86 and L87? Same power; the L86 uses AFM cylinder deactivation, the L87 uses the more advanced DFM.

Does the 6.2 need premium fuel? Premium is recommended to make the full rated 420 hp.

Which trucks have the 6.2? Silverado/Sierra 1500, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, and Escalade (top trims).

Discuss it

Running a 6.2? Post your year, truck, and mileage in the FullSizeChevy forum.

Sources: power and application figures per GM Authority (L87) and GM Authority (L86). Verify exact figures and any recalls against GM/NHTSA for your VIN.