6.0L V8 Engine Complete Assembly for 2011-2020 Chevrolet & GMC

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

• Confirm the 8th digit of the VIN is 'G'.
• Verify the option code 'L96' on the Service Parts Identification label.
• Confirm the vehicle is on the approved fitment list.
• Check oil pan and accessory drive configuration, especially for commercial van applications.

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

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty engine hoist and load leveler
• GM Flywheel Holding Tool (EN-46106 or equivalent)
• Harmonic Balancer Puller/Installer (J-41816-A or equivalent)
• Fuel Line Disconnect Tool
• Bidirectional scan tool (capable of performing CASE Relearn)

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Fresh OE-spec 5W-30 engine oil (Dexos1 approved)
• High-quality oil filter (ACDelco PF48E or UPF48R)
• Fresh Dex-Cool coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
• Intake manifold gaskets
• Exhaust manifold gaskets
• Oil cooler adapter gasket/seal
• Front and rear crankshaft main seals
• Water pump gaskets
• New double-platinum or iridium spark plugs (gapped to 0.040")
• New spark plug wires
• New thermostat assembly
• New serpentine accessory drive belts

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

What’s involved: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Variation Relearn (CASE Relearn)

A Crankshaft Position Variation Relearn is mandatory after replacing the engine. While a high-end professional scan tool can initiate the relearn, a GM dealer scan tool is the most certain method.

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

• Oil Cooler Block-Off Plug / Thermostat: Verify the plug is torqued and sealed properly before installation to prevent immediate oil leaks.
• Oil Pump Pickup Tube O-Ring: Ensure the correct thickness O-ring is used and not pinched during installation to avoid low oil pressure.
• Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: The harmonic balancer and cylinder head bolts are TTY and cannot be reused. New bolts must be used with precise torque-plus-angle sequences.
• Exhaust Manifold Bolts: Factory bolts are highly prone to breaking; replace them with high-quality bolts and use anti-seize.
• Grounding Straps: Clean all engine ground locations on the block down to bare metal to prevent electrical issues.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Reusing the Replacement Engine's Fuel Injectors (LY6 vs. L96 Swap): L96 Flex Fuel injectors are larger than LY6 injectors and will cause rich running conditions if the ECU is not reprogrammed.
• Assuming AFM/DoD Compatibility: The L96 does not have AFM. Dropping it into an AFM-programmed vehicle without disabling AFM in the tune will cause severe running issues.
• Using Cheap Aftermarket Sensors: Aftermarket crankshaft or camshaft sensors often fail immediately; reuse original OEM sensors or buy genuine ACDelco replacements.
• Failing to Perform the Crank Relearn: Assuming the job is done without performing the CASE relearn, leading to a persistent check engine light.
• Ignoring Broken Exhaust Bolts: Installing the engine with broken exhaust manifold bolts, guaranteeing an exhaust leak.

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: