The 4.2-liter General Motors LL8 engine was produced at the Michigan plant from 2001 to 2008 and was installed on GMT360 platform models such as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X. This inline 6-cylinder engine is highly reliable, but its consumption is high.
Specifications
| Production years | 2001-2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 4157 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 270 – 295 |
| Torque output, Nm | 373 – 376 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 93 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 102 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 – 10.3 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | at the exhaust |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.6 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for GMC Envoy 2005) — city — highway — combined |
17.9 10.1 13.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 215 |
The engine was installed on:
- Buick Rainier 1 (GMT360) in 2003 – 2007;
- Chevrolet Trailblazer 1 (GMT360) in 2001 – 2008;
- GMC Envoy 2 (GMT360) in 2001 – 2008;
- Isuzu Ascender 1 (GMT360) in 2002 – 2008;
- Oldsmobile Bravada 3 (GMT360) in 2001 – 2004;
- Saab 9-7X 1 (GMT360) in 2004 – 2008.
Disadvantages of the GM LL8 engine
- Motors of the very first year of production fell into a recall campaign due to subsidence of sleeves.
- Otherwise, it is a fairly reliable unit, but not everyone will like its consumption.
- After 200,000 km, you may experience valve seat wear and chain stretching.
- The viscous coupling of the fan serves relatively little, and the engine is afraid of overheating.
- The weak points also include the exhaust manifold, very often it cracks.
Frequently asked questions about the GM LL8
How much power does the GM LL8 make?
The GM LL8 develops 270 - 295 hp and 373 - 376 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the GM LL8 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 6.6 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the GM LL8 have a timing belt or chain?
The GM LL8 uses a timing chain.
Is the GM LL8 turbocharged?
No, the GM LL8 is naturally aspirated.
Does the GM LL8 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the GM LL8 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the GM LL8 last?
The typical lifespan of the GM LL8 is ~400 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the GM LL8?
GMC Envoy 2005: city 17.9, highway 10.1, combined 13.0 L/100 km.
What cars was the GM LL8 installed on?
Buick Rainier 1 (GMT360) in 2003 - 2007; Chevrolet Trailblazer 1 (GMT360) in 2001 - 2008; GMC Envoy 2 (GMT360) in 2001 - 2008; Isuzu Ascender 1 (GMT360) in 2002 - 2008; Oldsmobile Bravada 3 (GMT360) in 2001 - 2004; Saab 9-7X 1 (GMT360) in 2004 - 2008.
What are the common problems of the GM LL8?
Motors of the very first year of production fell into a recall campaign due to subsidence of sleeves. Otherwise, it is a fairly reliable unit, but not everyone will like its consumption. All known problems.
