My 2008 Vortec Max L76 has 228K and the second set of AFM lifters just cratered. Don't want to patch up a tired motor, just want to swap in a good used unit. Noticed about a $1K in LY6 vs. L76 or L92 used units, and was wondering if the main difference is the cast iron block, can I swap the LY6 in there easily? Anything I should watch out for?
Thanks, Jeff

 

I wouldn't run anything with VVT unless you had to, or unless you're fine with stripping the engine down every 80-100k and replacing cam bearings.

 

It's plug and play..... you currently have VVT and AFM... the LY6 or L96 truck engines only have VVT. They have the same heads as your L76 and otherwise fit right in.... and yeah it's just an iron block instead of aluminum. Just plunk one in and tune it.... done!

 

You can delete the VVT by using parts off the L76 youre pulling out.

Thats what I would do.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the info.
I believe my L76 has VVT now, I'll check, and for sure it has AFM now, that is the problem. Lifters have 130K on them, first set replaced at 98K under warranty. Without AFM, no telling how long this engine would have lasted, but for sure a lot longer.

 

Yeah your current engine has VVT..... I have a brand new truck L76 crate from GM sitting in front of me lol. You can get the VVT delete kits wherever if you really want it gone..... A 4.8 that is of the Gen IV variety pre 2010 is a good donor though.. and can be cheaper if you get a junker. Up to you though.

 

Why is everyone so deadset against vvt?? Especially if someone basically wants to replace the engine in their truck and still have plenty of power where its needed without having to install a converter at same time....i get gm has issues with cam bearings, but i have seen non vvt engines wipe cam bearings as well! Gm has updated cam bearings for the gen iv engines. Whether they are actually any better or not has yet to be seen, but vvt isnt necessarily a bad thing, i get if youre FI or planning to go FI then you dont want it necessarily, but a NA engine that hits 300+ ftlbs at 3500 and carries it through the powerband and doesnt "need" a 3000 stall converter cant be a bad thing...... Im sure ill get my *** handed to me about this but its kinda like the 4l60vs 4l80 (and now the 6l80/90s) debate....

 

Well, I can see the benefit of VVT, but the unit I'm going to go look at already has it removed and a new LS9 cam in it. Not sure its worth the trouble and expense to retrofit, although my L76 could probably donate most of the timing parts and the cover, just need a new vvt cam. Also saw a good deal on a BTR stage 2 truck cam.
Any suggestions for a truck that spends most of it life cruising at 2200 - 2400 rpm?
TIA
Jeff

 

Yea what else do you hope to gain out of the cam?

And I'm pretty sure the early L76's in the trucks are not VVT. I thought that was L92 exclusive for a little while at first. DOD yes. VVT no.

 

They are VVT.... engine I have is the part number for 2007 and 2008... obviously would drop into the relatively uncommon 09 model truck too. Yes they have VVT. The car version used in like the G8 GT did not have VVT, was AFM only and had like 10.3:1 compression instead of 9.67:1.