GM 6 litre 2007 2011

[Wolfie]

Anyone know if the 2011 gm 6.0 is basically the same as the 2007?
I know the 2011 has the variable timimng abd variable displacement,
but I want to know if the basic engine is the same.
My 2007 smoked an engine in one year with 100,000 miles on it.
well it just smoked the second engine (was new) at 400,000 (300,000 on engine).
Both engines sounded like an ate lifter then valves hitting piston.
My only choice for another engine now is reman.
I think it's time to replace the van.
But don't want another with the same engine,
thinking of going back to ford though...

[Taz]

Hello Wolfie,

Your 2007 Express 6.0 L LQ4 is a Gen III (24x CKP, 1x CMP) and featured cathedral port cylinder heads. The Gen IV 6.0 L (58x CKP, 4x CMP) featured rectangular port cylinder heads. This engine debuted in 2007 - with VVT - AFM was added in subsequent model years.

2007 the RPOs were LY6 or L76.
2008-2009 the RPOs were LY6, L76, and LFA.
2010 the RPOs were LY6, L96, and LZ1.
2011 the RPOs were LC8, L96, LZ1, and LFW.

As you can see the 2011 6.0 L is not a direct swap. It will bolt in place, but you will either need to change the reluctor wheels on the crankshaft and camshaft (to Gen III variants), use a Gen III / IV interface (like that offered by Lingenfelter), or use a Gen IV ECM / TCM combination.

Looks like your last LQ4 went 400,000 miles - I won’t complain if mine lasts that long !!

If you’re thinking of keeping the van a little longer, but understandably don’t want to spend a lot of money on it, the 4.8 L and 5.3 L engines are dirt cheap from auto recyclers and are a direct bolt in. The 4.8 L is my personal favourite - quick reving and usually have a very long service life.

Good luck ….


Regards,
Taz

[Wolfie]

Thanks Taz.
Odd... the company I drive for is Tazmanian Freight...
I was asking because I didn't want to buy a new chevy if the engines were the same.
The dealer wants around $5500 to put in a reman, last engine was new and cost $8,000 installed.
I didn't get 400,000 on the engine, it was my second...
100,000 on the original engine and 300,000 on the second.
But after looking at all my options, I will go for engine number three!
As I drive "professionally", I would not think anout a bone yard engine, but thanks for that tip as well.

[Taz]

Quite the coincidence regarding your place of employment !!

If you were thinking of purchasing a newer van - as of the 2010 model year the 2500 & 3500 Express / Savana were equipped with the 6L80 (or 6L90 maybe) transmission. Prior to 2010 they were still using the 4L80. The 1500 series still use the 4L60/65 transmission.


Regards,
Taz

[Wolfie]

Well...
Another $6000 for another engine, and I'm back on the road.
Wonder how long this one will last.

[GMPX]

FWIW, the 2011 6.0L L96 is using an E78 ECM, so I am not sure a complete motor would bolt directly in.

[joecar]

Well...
Another $6000 for another engine, and I'm back on the road.
Wonder how long this one will last.Keep us posted.

[ScarabEpic22]

Glad to hear you're up and running again!

Next time you should look at getting an Express/Savana with a Duramax/Allison combination. With a good tune they make serious power but still cruise on the highway with good mileage (I assume more what you're looking for driving freight around!)

[Wolfie]

I had looked at the Duramax, but at the time didn't think I would get 500,000 miles out of it.

I now have 3000 miles on the new engine, but am not really happy with the oil pressure.
The first two engines had an idle pressure of 35lbs, and a running pressure (2k rpm) of 45lbs.
Soon after the second engine dropped to 20lbs at idle, and 35lbs running.... it broke.
This new engine only has 20lbs at idle, and runs with 40lbs.

[GMPX]

Wolfie, there is owners on Duramax forums in the million mile club.

[Wolfie]

I'll be darned.... I didn't think they would last!
I will keep that in mind for the next van...

[GMPX]

They aren't gas motors in every Mack out there :sly:
Correction to my post too, I meant, half million miles (like where you are nearly at), not one million.