Chevrolet Engines: Common Problems and Key Specs

General Motors, the owner of the Chevrolet brand and several other brands in the US and other countries makes a lot of great technologies. It has manufactured dozens or even hundreds of legendary engines that changed the way the automotive industry worked.

In this article, I want to list some of the most interesting GM engines used in Chevrolet vehicles in the US and also in other markets. It's quite obvious that I can't list absolutely all engines, so I will focus on those that I personally or someone from Cararac's staff reviewed.

This article is dynamic and I will update it once I review some new engine that is still not on the list. Also, you will find the links to the article with the full information about the certain engine.

Chevrolet 2.7L L3B engine

This is one of the most modern engines in the company's lineup that was introduced in 2018. The L3B is the V6 powerplant with 2.7 liters of displacement capable of delivering great power and torque for this displacement.

The engine is turbocharged and is the direct competition for the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost V6. It has been used in the Chevy Colorado and Silverado as well as GMC and Cadillac vehicles. The engine model became really popular in the US and got a lot of positive reviews.

The engine has the AFM system to turn some cylinders off when the load is not heavy. Its camshafts are driven by the chain. Both camshafts have the phasers to adjust the valve timing in different conditions.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2018-now
• Average lifespan of L3B:170,000-200,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:310-325 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:wiring issues, carbon buildup on intake valves, very sensitive fuel supply system, AFM system problems.

Chevrolet 6.0 Vortec engine

This is the legendary engine that was first made in 1999 and at first, had a cast iron block and head. After two years, the heads became aluminum. When the company introduced the Vortec 6000 Hybrid engine, the block also became aluminum.

This is the V8 engine based on the LS Small-Block family. One of the biggest advantages of the engine is the ability to work almost eternally with proper maintenance. The engine had several modifications with a lot of changes and the model year is important in understanding how reliable and durable the 6.0L engine is.

It was originally used in the Silverado, Suburban, Express, commercial vehicles, and also in GMC models and even Hummer H2. The engine is legendary and it became the base for many custom upgrades and modifications.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1999-2007
• Average lifespan of Vortec 6000:300,000-340,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:300-335 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:cooling system problems with fatal consequences, oil consumption, minor problems.

Chevrolet 5.3L Vortec 5300 engine

Depending on the chosen generation, the 5.3 Vortec engine will be different. The most commonly discussed version is the Vortec III which was manufactured from 1999 to 2007. The fourth generation was made between 2005 and 2009 and was much less successful.

So, the third generation embraces the LM7 engine and its flex-fuel version called L59. There is a version with the aluminum block that is the border between the third and fourth generations.

The engine is a huge V8 machine with 5.3 liters of displacement and great durability. Everything here is durable and reliable. The engine was used in the Avalanche, Silverado, Tahoe, Express, and Suburban as well as in some GMC and Cadillac vehicles. Now, it's often used for swap projects.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1999-2007
• Average lifespan of Vortec 5300:350,000-380,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:270-300 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:cast-iron (rare versions with aluminum)
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:cooling system problems with fatal consequences, weak fuel pump, weak ignition coils, collapsed lifters.

Chevrolet 4.3L 262 CID engine

The 4.3L engine is very often called Vortec but it doesn't belong to the Vortec family. This is the small-block engine that dates back to 1985 and was actively used in many large GM vehicles. This is a legendary popwerplant that became the father of so many Chevry technologies in the engine sphere.

The engine had numerous generations and was eventually discontinued in 2014. It had several codes and types. The first time it was called Vorted was in 1996 when the L35 and LF6 models were introduced. The reason is that they used the so-called Vortec heads.

It's impossible to count all the models that were powered by this legendary engine. Among the latest cars I can think of are the Silverado, Express, Astro, Blazer, and S-10 as well as their GMC "colleagues".

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1985-2014
• Average lifespan of 4.3L Vortec:250,000-290,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection (early models - TBI)
• Power range:130-200 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:various leaks, oil consumption, issues with ignition, minor problems.

Chevrolet 7.4L Vortec 7400 engine

This is the performance-oriented engine that was created for sports purposes mainly but was also manufactured as a crate engine. This is a very reliable but highly inefficient in terms of fuel consumption engine.

The construction is super simple, there is basically nothing I can talk with you about in terms of technologies. A simple block, simple head EFI injection, very simple valvetrain. Just nothing that could go wrong with it.

The engine was quite popular as a crate engine for trucks and project cars. It wasn't extremely powerful but the torque generated by it was pretty good and also the reliability of the engine was at a very high level.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1996-2000
• Average lifespan of 7.4L Vortec:300,000-350,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:290 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:unreliable fuel injection system, timing system issues, problems with wiring and sensors.

Chevrolet 6.0L 366 engine

This engine was the part of the bog-block family. The V8 iron block was pretty reliable and used in different heavy-duty applications like trucks and also school buses.

This is a classic engine that was designed over 50 years ago and was actively used in different GM vehicles up until 2004. Of course, it was initially designed as the truck engine, so it was super reliable in all its applications and could easily last ages.

The interesting thing is the use of four rings on its pistons. Even at high mileage, this engine kept solid compression in the cylinders and didn't burn a lot of oil. At least, the oil consumption was more often the consequence of the failing valve seals rather than piston rings.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1960s-2004
• Average lifespan of 366:500,000-650,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:carburetor
• Power range:230-275 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil pump problems, carburetor issues, low fuel efficiency, lots of minor problems.

Chevrolet Vortec 8100 engine

The 8100 engine was initially the truck engine and it was used in the Silverado. But then it was also put under the hood of numerous other vehicles like the Suburban, Express, Avalanche, and Kodiak. It powered motorhomes, military vehicles, and even several boats.

The engine is legendary and super reliable. It seems that it can work in any conditions and still be very durable and cool to own. It was manufactured up to 2009 but we still can see a lot of these engines living their happy lives and causing zero problems to their owners.

This is the big-block family engine that actually deserves your attention if you want a good project engine or want to buy an old but extremely reliable vehicle.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2001-2009
• Average lifespan of Vortec 8100:300,000-400,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:210-340 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil pump problems, carburetor issues, low fuel efficiency, lots of minor problems.

Chevrolet 6.5 Turbo Diesel engine

The Detroit Diesel 6.5L is the engine that replaced the 6.2L diesel engine in Chevy vehicles. It was first seen in GM cars in 1992. These engines were equipped with the Borg Warner turbocharger but there were some 6.5L powerplants that didn't have any turbo and were naturally aspirated.

The engines were actually the first generation of diesel engines that started getting nasty emission control technologies. That's why they are hard to call eternal and very reliable. But if you control these units and maintain the engine properly, it's pretty reliable.

There were different types of fuel injection and GM experimented with other units to control emissions and boost the longevity of the engines. In 2001 they started going to history and the Duramax family appeared on the market.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1992-2005
• Average lifespan of Detroit Diesel 6.5:260,000-300,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct diesel injection
• Power range:160-215 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:injection pump issues, electronic control problems, turbo problems, issues with head gasket.

Chevrolet 3.7L LLR engine

The LLR engine is part of the Atlas engine family. This is the famous 5-cylinder in-line engine that deserves a lot of attention from GM fans. The engine was first seen in 2006 and it didn't bring in any technical revolution. But it proved to be a legend after that.

Interestingly, this engine uses phasers only in the exhaust camshaft which is not that usual. It's naturally aspirated. The camshafts are driven by the chain. The engine has lifters, so there is no need to adjust the valves.

It powered the Chevy Colorado as well as the GMC Canyon and Hummer H3. In the majority of reviews, you will see only positive feedback from its owners.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2006-2012
• Average lifespan of LLR:260,000-290,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:242 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:timing chain stretching, water pump problems, exhaust manifold issues, oil leaks.

Chevrolet 6.6 Duramax V8 engine

This is one of the most massively produced diesel engines in GM. The 6.6 Duramax also known as the Duramax V8 engine appeared in 2001 and it's still produced for some commercial use. It's a really legendary engine that replaced a lot of other diesel technologies in Chevy cars.

There were loads of codes used in Duramax V8 engines like LLY, LBZ, LMM, LGH, LML, L5P, and L5D. All of these engines are worth being reviewed separately but the article would take too long to write and read.

So, the 6.6L V8 diesel engine is great in terms of technology. It's pretty simple and has classic solutions but it's also very efficient and doesn't have as many issues as other diesel engines. One interesting thing is that the timing system here is driven by gears - no chains or belts.

Of course, all Duramax V8 diesel engines are turbocharged. The turbo also has an intercooler. Also, these engines have the DPF and EGR technologies for controlling emissions.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2001-now
• Average lifespan of Duramax V8:240,000-280,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:Common Rail
• Power range:250-550 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:DPF and EGR problems, weak sensors, injectors contamination, fuel pump problems.

Chevrolet 3.5L L52 engine

This is yet another 5-cylinder engine with an in-line block that offers pretty good durability. It was only produced between 2004 and 2006 while it was originally introduced in 2002 with the Ble Air concept car.

This engine also got the name Vortec 3500 for the construction of its head. The only vehicle it was used in is the Chevy Colorado and its sibling, GMC Canyon. It was also used in very low quantities in the Hummer H3 and in the Isuzui-350.

Unfortunately, there is not so much information about the engine, so I can't tell you a lot. But the engineering behind it was very simple and classic for that time, so there are no surprises in terms of technologies.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2004-2006
• Average lifespan of L52:220,000-260,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:220 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:fuel injector problems, ignition issues, weak sensors, oil consumption.

Chevrolet 4.8L Vortec 4800 engine

There were several Vortec 4800 engines in the lineup of Chevrolet. But they are all very durable and reliable. The third and fourth-generation Vortec 4800 engines are great in terms of how long they can last. But they all will drink so much fuel that owning them is not fun at all.

These engines were initially used in the Tahoe, Silverado, and Express as well as in their GMC siblings. For the next generation, the application was narrowed down a little. But anyway, the engine is legendary.

It was used in the Express up to the year 2017. Interestingly, the majority of the reviews about this engine online are positive even though it isn't efficient in terms of fuel consumption at all.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1999-2017
• Average lifespan of Vortec 4800:220,000-280,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:255-302 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:weak sensors, fuel pump problems, cooling system issues, oil consumption.

Chevrolet 2.4L LE5 engine

The LE5 engine is a pretty simple gasoline powerplant that was made for the HHR and Cobalt but was eventually also used in the Malibu and a lot of other models in various GM brands. The engine is not perfect but for its time it was one of the best solutions for GM.

The timing system is driven by the chain, there are phasers on each camshaft. The engine has hydraulic lifters. There is no turbocharger. Everything else seems to be super simple in terms of technology.

As for the 4 cylinders and very limited displacement, this engine wasn't very fuel-efficient and this was one of the main problems with it. But we still need to understand that it was made in the time of emission madness and the company had to experiment.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2005-2012
• Average lifespan of LE5:210,000-230,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:165-177 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:weak timing chain, weak balance shaft chain tensioner, phasers may go bad quickly, oil consumption.

Chevrolet 2.2L EcoTec L61 engine

The 2.2L EcoTec L61 engine is a pretty old technology but it got a lot of positive reviews from drivers and mechanics. The engine is simple, durable, and doesn't require a lot of repairs and expensive maintenance.

It was first made in 1999 and powered a lot of vehicles such as the HHR, Cavalier, Cobalt, and Malibu. It was widely used all over the world for other GM brands including the European Opel.

The engine is simple and the most complicated technology it has is the hydraulic lifters. It doesn't have any phasers, there is no turbocharger. Also, it has balance shafts that can become the reason for some minor problems.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1999-2008
• Average lifespan of EcoTec L61:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:135-145 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:chain tensioner failure, weak timing chain, a lot of oil leaks, weak engine head, minor issues.

Chevrolet 3.5L LX9 engine

This is the 3.5L V6 engine which is naturally aspirated and capable of delivering up to 201 horsepower in stock. Of course, this V6 offers a lot of opportunities for upgrades and modifications.

The engine was first seen in 2004 in the Chevy Malibu and then it also powered the Uplander and several Buick and Pontiac cars. The old iron block is a good thing. Although it makes the engine pretty heavy, it lasts very long and you can repair the block if needed.

The fuel efficiency is not perfect. Interestingly, the variable valve timing is used here which was unusual for GM engines of that time. But still, the phasers didn't help to make the engine more efficient.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2005-2007
• Average lifespan of LX9:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:196-201 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:pretty slow engine, fuel economy is bad, oil leaks are very common.

Chevrolet 3.9L LZ9 engine

LZ9 was the GM-engineered engine that used exactly the same technologies as the LX9 V6 but got a bigger displacement. It also belongs to the High Value engine family which wasn't the most prominent and important but still is remembered with some nostalgia.

It powered the Malibu and Impala and was more popular in different Pontiac and Buick vehicles. The 3.9L V6 engine had one serious advantage - a very wide torque curve. You could enjoy the maximum torque starting at 1500 RPM and this made the engine much better than some other High Value powerplants.

In terms of construction and technologies, this is absolutely the same engine as the previously described 3.5L V6.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2006-2011
• Average lifespan of LZ9:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:240 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:fuel economy is bad, oil leaks are very common, head gasket may fail prematurely.

Chevrolet 6.2L L87 engine

The L87 engine is the 6.2L V8 truck engine belonging to the Small Block family and EcoTec3 type. The engine is legendary even though it was only introduced in 2014. This is a powerful machine with perfect torque for towing and hauling almost anything.

The primary models for this engine have been the Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, and Cadillac Escalade but it has also been used in other wonderful GM cars.

What differentiates the L87 engine from the L86 model is that it has 17 different options for cylinder deactivation. It can deactivate two or four cylinders in different scenarios making the fuel efficiency much better. But the reliability of the active fuel management system is unpredictable.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2014-now
• Average lifespan of L87:250,000-280,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:420 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:lifter failure, spontaneous stalling, carbon buildup on intake valves, oil consumption.

Chevrolet 2.4L LAF/LEA engine

The 2.4L LAF engine is one of the average GM engines with nothing special in them. There is also the LEA version of this engine that may burn ethanol fuel.

The fact that the engine lived only up to 4 years in Chevy cars is important. You should understand that no manufacturer will discontinue a certain technology 4 years after investing money in engineering it. So, there certainly were some problems that GM preferred to be silent about.

The timing system is driven by the chain, there are phasers on both camshafts. There are hydraulic lifters. The machine is not turbocharged. Other than that, only the direct injection system may be pointed out as a feature. The LFA engine powered the Equinox, Orlando, and Captiva. Buick cars also used the engine. The LEA version lived longer and was discontinued in 2017.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2010-2017
• Average lifespan of LAF/LEA:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:174-182 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:bad oil consumption, crankcase ventilation system issues, timing chain is weak, carbon buildup on intake valves.

Chevrolet 1.4L LUJ/LUV engine

The LUJ or LUV engine is the 1.4L turbo powerplant that is well-known to American car fans because it powered the super-popular Cruze. Also, it's found in the Orlando, Trax, and Sonic. The LUV version was more popular while the LUJ was mainly used in Opel vehicles under different codes.

This is a pretty technological engine that has a turbocharger, decent power output. It's equipped with hydraulic lifters. The timing system is driven by the chain and there are phasers to adjust valve timing.

These engines show wonderful fuel efficiency and they are fun to drive even though the displacement is really small. But they aren't very durable and have a lot of common problems including myriads of minor issues that happen regularly.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2010-2020
• Average lifespan of LUJ/LUV:160,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:138-140 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:low
• The most common problems:engine knocking, huge oil consumption, timing chain issues, turbocharger issues, water pump problems.

Chevrolet 3.6L LLT engine

Now, let's delve into the High Feature engine family and touch it with one of the icons - the 3.6L V6 LLT engine. It was mainly used in the Traverse and also Camaro but a dozen of other GM vehicles had this engine under their hoods.

The engine has lifters, there are phasers on each camshaft, the cams are driven by the chain. No turbocharger, the engine is naturally aspirated. It's very interesting that GM managed to achieve great power without the turbo just by setting the V6 engine properly.

Unfortunately, the LLT powerplant wasn't the most durable engine in the world and had some common problems. But it's still well above average in terms of buyers' satisfaction.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2007-2017
• Average lifespan of LLT:180,000-210,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:280-315 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:weak timing chain, complicated injection system, carbon buildup on intake valves, water pump problems.

Chevrolet 1.8L LKN engine

The LKN 1.8L engine is part of the Medium Gasoline Engine or MGE family. This wasn't the source of pride for General Motors. The engines in this family were mainly used in Europe and had several decent modifications that became legendary in Opel cars. But the LKN wasn't good enough.

Still, it was used in the Malibu Hybrid and two Buick vehicles, so there are quite a lot of car owners who have to deal with this unit every day.

The idea behind this engine was to create an all-purpose and very simple engine but engineers still managed to make it quite complicated and added some problematic units to control emissions. Just because they couldn't avoid this.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2016-2019
• Average lifespan of LKN:150,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:182 hp
• Fuel efficiency:excellent
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:low
• The most common problems:hybrid battery pack problems, issues with wiring and electronics, occasional gas mileage problems.

Chevrolet 1.4L LV7 engine

This is the Small Gasoline Engine family member that is mostly known to US car buyers for powering the Chevy Spark. Actually, this was its only vehicle and the only aim for engineering this powerplant.

The 1.4L non-turbo engine is great in terms of durability and it won't throw a lot of problems. It has a reliable chain that drives the camshafts, there are Dual VVT phasers. The engine has hydraulic lifters. Nothing too complicated and risky in the construction!

It may have been more efficient if GM included some more modern technologies but it would have lost its reliability. So, maybe, this is one of the last really good engines with proper power and displacement for the little Spark.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2015-2022
• Average lifespan of LV7:200,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:98 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:glitchy electronics, oil consumption, timing chain may require replacement at 100,000 miles.

Chevrolet 1.5L LYX engine

The LYX engine is one of the modern turbocharged powerplants offered by GM for the Chevy Equinox and its sibling - the GMC Terrain. The engine was only made for about 5 years and then discontinued, most likely due to the issues with its emission control systems that were hard to upgrade.

Also, I can't say this is the best Chevy engine ever. It had the MHI turbocharger which is not very reliable. The chain is not eternal and the phasers may require replacement which is super expensive. There are hydraulic lifters which is good news.

One good thing is that the engine is really fuel-efficient. Also, it's fun to drive. The turbo kicks in early, so you get a power and torque boost. Of course, such a setting affects the durability of the entire powerplant.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2017-2022
• Average lifespan of LYX:140,000-160,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:170 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:low
• The most common problems:weak block can crack, start-stop system is awful, carbon buildup on intake valves, bad throttle unit, frozen intercooler issues.

Chevrolet 1.3L L3T engine

The E-Turbo family is pretty new and is not investigated properly right now. But I couldn't avoid telling you something about the L3T engine that powers the Malibu, Trailblazer, and Orlando. Also, it can be found under the hood of several Buick models.

The engine only has 3 cylinders. Also, it's equipped with a turbocharger. Of course, now you can deduce that this is not the most durable Chevy engine. There are hydraulic lifters. The camshafts are driven by the chain. And the DCVCP phasers are also there to operate the valve timing.

This is a very fuel-efficient engine and it delivers a lot of power for its tiny displacement. But even though it's good to drive, it's not a very durable machine and it can bother you with minor issues now and then.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2018-now
• Average lifespan of L3T:160,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:156-163 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:start-stop system is faulty, carbon buildup on intake valves, EVAP causes problems, frozen intercooler issues.

Chevrolet 2.8L Duramax LWN engine

This is a 4-cylinder diesel engine that has a lot of wonderful features. But, unfortunately, it only survived for 6 years and was discontinued due to emission standards that it couldn't be fitted in.

The engine is good in terms of reliability, it's pretty simple in its construction. Of course, it still has the most common diesel problems but it can be considered reliable.

The high-pressure fuel injection system causes some problems. But the timing system has gears in it rather than a belt or a chain. It means that nothing will break here for the entire lifespan. Also, the iron block does seem to be durable and even repairable if needed.

The engine was used in the Colorado and Express as well as in their GMC siblings like the Canyon.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2016-2022
• Average lifespan of LWN:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:Common Rail
• Power range:181 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:turbocharger problems, fuel pump issues, problems with towing, minor issues.

Chevrolet 3.6L V6 LGX engine

This is the High Feature family engine that has 3.6 liters of displacement and V6 block. It's pretty modern and has a lot of modern features - the engine is still used in some GM vehicles. It has been powering the Blazer and Camaro. But it was mainly used in Cadillac cars - the whole bunch of them.

The engine is naturally aspirated. It offers phasers on both camshafts, the cams are driven by the chain. There are hydraulic lifters, so no need to adjust the valves. The modern fuel supply system makes the powerplant more economical and still powerful.

But there is one problem: the engine is not economical at all. Yes, it produces a lot of power without a turbocharger but you will need to buy a lot of fuel to drive your car if it's equipped with the LGX.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2015-now
• Average lifespan of LGX:190,000-230,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:310-335 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:thermostat problems, start-stop is glitchy, weak sensors, enormous fuel consumption in the city traffic.

Chevrolet 6.2L V8 LT1 engine

When it comes to Chevy small block engines, the LT1 is certainly one of the most interesting units. It has been made exclusively for sports cars and has been powering the Corvette and the Camaro.

As far as I know, in 2024 the engine was discontinued due to emission problems that couldn't be fitted into the new rules. And that's a pity because this is a performance-oriented V8 engine that delivers not just power but pure emotions when you drive it.

The engine is naturally aspirated. There is a supercharged version of the same engine used in the Corvette, Camaro, and also Escalade-V, but it also has a much shorter lifespan. The LT1 engine perfectly combines wonderful durability with great power.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2014-2024
• Average lifespan of LT1:280,000-320,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:455-460 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil consumption, cooling system problems, head gasket failure, spark plugs fail prematurely.

Chevrolet 5.3L V8 L83 engine

The L83 is the successor of the Vortec 5300 engine and it represents the fifth generation of the small block engine family. It was introduced in 2014 and discontinued in about 6 years.

The engine was made for the Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban. It also powered all the GMC siblings of these models. With its 5.3 liters of displacement and V8 block, the powerplant could really last long and offer great power and torque without any turbochargers and other power boost methods.

There were E85 versions with slightly higher power output. Also, the L83 became the base for the L8B hybrid engine with a small battery pack and electric motor in the system. The engine didn't have the chance to become legendary due to growing emission control requirements and annoying lifter tick.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2014-2020
• Average lifespan of L83:260,000-290,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:355-376 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil consumption, cooling system problems, head gasket failure, spark plugs fail prematurely.

Chevrolet 5.3L V8 L82/L84 engine

The L82 and L84 engines can be easily considered one technology, so there is no need to separate them from each other and describe them one by one. The only difference is that the L82 uses the AFM (active fuel management) while the L84 employs the DFM (dynamic fuel management).

The engines are used in the Silverado. Also, the L84 is used in the Tahoe and Suburban. The technologies are pretty fresh but they have everything in common with other small-block engines of the fifth generation. So, no surprises here.

Among the problems, I can clearly tell you that fuel consumption will not make your mood better. There are reports for sluggish acceleration, too. But this is a large V8 non-turbo engine, so what else should you expect from it?

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2019-now
• Average lifespan of L82/L84:240,000-280,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:355 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil consumption, cooling system problems, head gasket failure, AFM/DFM problems.

Chevrolet 1.2L LIH engine

The 1.2L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine is one of the surprises in the modern lineup of GM. It powers the Chevy Trailblazer and Trax and also the Buick Encore and Envista. So, the smallest engine in the lineup is used to power SUVs.

The engine has the modern DCVCP phasers on both camshafts. The cams are driven by the belt (it has an unusual wet-belt system with the belt being lubricated by oil). There are hydraulic lifters. The injection is pretty modern but very complicated. The turbocharger allows the small block to produce a lot of power and that's quite interesting. You don't feel that the engine is so small.

You may expect that the fuel economy is perfect but it's just average because the engine powers big cars and the company had to squeeze a lot of power from it. Of course, the small displacement affects the overall longevity of the engine.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2019-now
• Average lifespan of LIH:150,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:137 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:low
• The most common problems:vibrations, start-stop problems, EVAP system problems, carbon buildup on intake valves.

Chevrolet 1.5L LFV engine

One interesting fact about the 1.5L Turbo LFV engine is that the MG company in China uses this engine under the GM license and installs it in many MG models in the entire world.

This is the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that is mainly used in the Malibu and also in a couple of Buick models. It's quite powerful for its displacement. It has the chain in its timing system and both camshafts are equipped with phasers.

The MHI turbocharger makes this engine perfect in terms of power and torque. Of course, there are hydraulic lifters for valve adjustment.

Squeezing the engine to get that much power affected its longevity. But there is one good thing - the fuel consumption is very acceptable and this will save you a lot of money.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2014-now
• Average lifespan of LFV:150,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:163-169 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:engine knocking, throttle pipes are weak, start-stop glitches, carbon buildup on intake valves, intercooler freezing.

Chevrolet 1.4L LE2 engine

If you think that the 1.4L Turbo LE2 engine in the latest Cruze and Trax generations is the same as in the older Cruze, you are wrong. The LE2 engine was introduced in 2016. This is a decent motor with an average lifespan and it has fewer problems than the older 1.4L Turbo in GM vehicles.

The engine offers a chain-driven timing system. Both camshafts are equipped with phasers for better efficiency. The MHI turbocharger is pretty good and it doesn't overload the engine. The company decided to avoid overboosting, so the powerplant is more reliable than it could be. There are hydraulic lifters.

The same engine is used in many Opel cars under its own code. In Europe, the engine is much more widespread than in the US, and car owners are usually satisfied with what it brings to them.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2016-now
• Average lifespan of LE2:150,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:150-155 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:engine knocking, carbon buildup on intake valves, intercooler freezing.