The Chevrolet LY8 is a 6,000 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2014. It belongs to General Motors' Gen IV small — block engine family, engineered for longitudinal RWD platforms. Featuring pushrod valvetrain, two — valve cylinder heads, and sequential fuel injection, it delivers 213 kW (290 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 525 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, enabling strong towing and highway performance.
Fitted to the Chevrolet Tahoe (2007–2014), Chevrole…
Chevrolet
Production years 2007–2009 meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards; 2010–2014 models comply with California LEV II ULEV (US EPA Certificate #US07-0023).
The Chevrolet LY8 is a 6,000 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for full-size truck and SUV applications (2007–2014). It combines a pushrod valvetrain with sequential fuel injection to deliver strong low-end torque and towing capability. Designed to meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV II ULEV standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 6,000 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 87 RON min) | |
Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 101.6 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 213 kW (290 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
Torque | 525 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection | |
Emissions standard | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 (2007–2009); LEV II ULEV (2010–2014) | |
Compression ratio | 9.9:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | N/A | |
Timing system | Dual-chain (primary and secondary) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 185 kg |
The Chevrolet LY8 was used across Chevrolet's GMT900 platform with longitudinal mounting and shared with GMC for North American market adaptations. This engine received platform-specific tuning—revised intake manifolds in the Tahoe and enhanced cooling in the Suburban—and from 2010 the facelifted Avalanche adopted a revised timing chain tensioner, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The LY8's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-load use. Internal GM quality reports from 2012 noted a significant share of pre-2010 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 150,000 km, while EPA field data links a portion of emissions-related failures to catalyst degradation in high-heat environments. Sustained towing and rapid cooldown cycles increase tensioner and catalyst stress, making warm-up/cool-down procedures and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2007-2014) and EPA field failure statistics (2010-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The LY8 engine offers strong performance and good towing capability, but early models (2007–2009) had timing chain tensioner reliability concerns. Later revisions (2010–2014) improved tensioner durability. When maintained with proper oil (5W-30 GM 6094M) and service intervals, these engines can reliably exceed 200,000 km, even with regular towing.
The most documented issues are timing chain tensioner wear (especially pre-2010), rocker arm stud fatigue, coolant thermostat failures, and valve cover oil leaks. These are covered in GM service bulletins and field reports. Proper maintenance significantly reduces occurrence.
The LY8 engine was used in the Chevrolet Tahoe (2007–2014), Suburban (2007–2014), and Avalanche (2007–2013). It was also adapted for use in the GMC Yukon (2007–2014) in North American markets. All applications are longitudinal-mounted full-size SUVs and trucks.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the LY8 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
In the Chevrolet Tahoe, the LY8 achieves approximately 16.8 L/100km (14 mpg US) in mixed driving. Highway economy is around 13.1 L/100km (18 mpg US), while city driving may exceed 20.0 L/100km (12 mpg US). Real-world figures depend heavily on driving style, terrain, and vehicle load, particularly given its full-size SUV application.
Yes, the LY8 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can occur, resulting in severe internal damage. Adhering to maintenance schedules and addressing any timing-related warnings immediately is essential to prevent catastrophic failure.
GM specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting GM 6094M standards. This viscosity ensures proper valvetrain and tensioner lubrication under high thermal loads. Oil changes should be performed every 15,000 km or as recommended, with more frequent changes advised for towing or off-road use to maintain engine longevity and performance.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
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.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.