1.3L Non-Turbo Engine Complete Assembly for 2020-2025 Buick & Chevrolet

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:

• Check your VIN's 8th Digit: Confirm that the 8th digit of your VIN is L.
• Verify the Option Code: Confirm your Service Parts Identification label lists option code L3T.
• Check the Oil Fill Cap Location: On the 1.3L (L3T) engine, the oil fill cap is in the middle of the valve cover, whereas on the 1.2L it is in the lower corner.
• Confirm your Drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD): Be prepared to swap your original oil pan and mounting brackets if the donor vehicle's drivetrain does not match yours.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• EN-52484 Camshaft Locking Tool
• EN-52476 Flywheel Holding Tool
• EN-955-10-A Locking Pin Tool
• Torque Multiplier
• Fuel Injector Seal Installer & Sizer (6mm)

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Engine Oil: 4.5 Liters (4.8 Quarts) of 0W-20 synthetic oil meeting GM dexos1 Gen 3 (or Gen 2) specification
• Oil Filter: AC Delco PF66 or equivalent high-quality filter
• Coolant: GM-approved Dex-Cool (50/50 pre-diluted)
• Spark Plugs: Three (3) OEM-spec iridium spark plugs
• Intake manifold gasket
• Exhaust manifold gasket
• Coolant Control Valve seals
• High-pressure fuel injector Teflon seals
• Crankshaft balancer bolt (torque-to-yield stretch bolt)
• Cylinder head outer bolts (if inspected and retightened per TSB 22NA009)
• Rear main seal (highly recommended while engine is out)

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Variation Relearn, Engine Coolant Control Valve Mode Calibration, Immobilizer Relearn, Component Resets

A GM GDS2 diagnostic scan tool (or high-end professional equivalent) is required to perform the mandatory CKP variation relearn, CCV alignment, and anti-theft synchronization.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Do NOT Lift by the Oil Pan: The lower oil pan is made of plastic. Placing a jack, block, or hoist support under the oil pan will crack or deform it.
• Check the Cylinder Head Outer Bolts First: Check the tightness of the cylinder head outer bolts while the engine is out of the vehicle.
• Coolant Control Valve (CCV) Alignment: The rotary CCV must be carefully aligned and calibrated using a scan tool to prevent immediate overheating.
• FWD vs. AWD Oil Pan & Bracket Transfer: If swapping between FWD and AWD configurations, you must transfer the oil pan and mounting brackets.
• Teflon Fuel Injector Seals: Any transferred fuel injectors must receive brand-new Teflon seals installed and sized using a dedicated 6mm tool.
• Turbocharger Transfer: Carefully inspect your old turbo for shaft play, cracks, or signs of oil leaks before transferring it to the replacement engine.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Ordering for a 1.2L Vehicle: The 1.2L (LIH/LBP) and 1.3L (L3T) engines are completely different designs and are not compatible.
• Reusing Torque-to-Yield Bolts: Reusing the crankshaft balancer bolt can cause the bolt to back out, leading to severe engine damage.
• Lifting or Supporting by the Plastic Oil Pan: Placing a floor jack under the plastic oil pan to support the engine during installation.
• Skipping the Coolant Valve Relearn: Skipping the electronic calibration of the Coolant Control Valve leads to immediate check engine lights and overheating.
• Reusing Fuel Injector Seals: Attempting to transfer direct injectors without replacing the Teflon seals causes high-pressure fuel leaks.
• Reusing the Old Turbo Without Inspection: Installing a contaminated or failing turbocharger can send metal debris into the new engine.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: