L86 6.2L engine: specs, donor vehicles & swap notes
The L86 is a 6.2 L aluminum-block Generation V engine built 2014–2018, rated 420 hp. It came in 4 vehicle applications, including Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon. Things to know: it has AFM, so an aftermarket cam means a full AFM delete; it has variable valve timing; it is direct-injected (Gen V parts and controller).
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| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| RPO | L86 |
| Family | Generation V |
| Years | 2014–2018 |
| Displacement | 6.2 L / 376 ci |
| Horsepower | 420 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft |
| Bore × stroke | 4.065 × 3.622 in |
| Compression | 11.50:1 |
| Block | aluminum |
| AFM/DOD | Yes |
| Reluctor | 58x |
| Throttle | Drive-by-wire |
| Stock cam | Cam PN 12629512; duration 200°/207° @.050 in. int./exh.; valve lift 0.551"/0.524" int./exh.; 116.5° LSA; 1-bolt gear, 4x; AFM Yes, VVT Yes. |
| Firing order | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 |
| Computer | E92 (HP Tuners,.hpt) |
We tune and review logs for the L86
Gen V LT on HP Tuners. Send your E92 .hpt and logs. The free Tune Report tells you what to fix first, in plain English, within 1 business day of getting your file. Full Custom is built from your logs.
Free Tune Report Full Custom from $199
LT reports use the same format as the LS sample. The free turn-on values are LS swap tools only; LT owners start with the Tune Report or Full Custom.
- AFM lifter collapse/sticking causing misfire. Fix: Replace the valve lifter oil manifold and the affected bank of lifters (GM bulletin 15-06-01-002A); AFM delete/tune-out prevents recurrence.
- Direct-injection intake valve carbon buildup. Fix: Walnut-blast intake valves and ports; quality fuel and frequent oil changes slow buildup.
- AFM-related oil consumption. Fix: Check oil level regularly; AFM delete and correct-viscosity oil reduce consumption.
Aluminum, VVT, AFM, DI
The L86 specs above are not yet confirmed against GM documents; GM ratings varied by year and vehicle.
How the L86 differs from the other 6.2 L Gen V engines
The L86 is one of the six 6.2 L Gen V engines we list: L86, L87, LT1, LT2, LT4, LT5. From our engine table:
- AFM (cylinder deactivation): yes. Same as the L87, LT1, LT2, LT4; the LT5 doesn't.
- Compression 11.50:1, tied with the L87, LT1, LT2 for the highest of the group.
- Up to 420 hp from the factory (5th of the six 6.2 L Gen V engines we list; the group tops out at 755 hp).
- Variable valve timing. Also on the L87, LT1, LT2, LT4, LT5.
- Built 2014–2018.
Swapping the L86: what to plan for
- Computer: the L86 is a Gen V direct-injection engine, so it needs a Gen V computer or a Gen V-specific aftermarket kit; Gen III/IV harnesses and computers don't run it. More: LS swap ECU comparison.
- Drive-by-wire throttle: plan on the pedal and throttle body that match the L86 and its computer.
- AFM (cylinder deactivation): an aftermarket cam on the L86 means a delete kit made for Gen V engines, plus the tune.
Refresh parts for the L86
From our Gen V refresh list, the parts that are specific to the L86. Seals, gaskets and the upgrades worth doing on any Gen V with the engine out are in the full refresh list, next to every torque spec.
| Part | GM part # | Why for this engine |
|---|---|---|
| GM Gen V LT knock sensor 12623095 | 12623095 | Gen V knock sensor, as on the L86. |
| GM Gen V LT camshaft position sensor 12623093 | 12623093 | Gen V cam sensor for the L86. |
| GM Gen V LT crankshaft position sensor 12669636 | 12669636 | Gen V crank sensor for the L86. |
| OEM-style LT Gen 5 cylinder head bolt kit | 11611976 | GM head bolts for Gen V engines like the L86; check the part number for yours. |
Donor vehicles with the L86
Where to find an L86 at the junkyard: 4 vehicle applications below. Confirm it from the RPO sticker in the glovebox or the 8th VIN digit.
| Vehicle | Years |
|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV | 2015–present |
| Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra | 2014–present |
| Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL | 2015–present |
| Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon | 2015–present |
Buying a used L86
A used L86 has no single part number, so this page does not link a search. Confirm the engine from the RPO sticker or the 8th VIN digit before you buy.