2-liter L87 small-block V-8 has taken another hit for General Motors' half-ton trucks and full-size SUVs, as the automaker is once again recommending that owners use a new kind of engine oil. The updated guidance marks the second change for the L87, with the first intended to address a massive recall in April 2025. The initial recall, which followed an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), was upgraded to a full-scale recall of nearly 600,000 L87-equipped models.
The fix, according to GM at the time, was to swap the V-8's original 0W-20 weight oil with a heavier Mobil 1 Supercar 0W-40 oil. However, it appears that this change may not be as effective as initially thought, prompting GM to issue another bulletin changing the recommended oil again. This time, the new guidance recommends using Mobil 1 FS 0W-40.
The reason behind this switch is largely due to the price and availability of each oil, with GM advising its dealers to use the more widely available FS-spec oil once they run out of the Supercar-branded inventory. This change applies to recalled vehicles that were inspected by dealers and determined not to need a replacement engine. 2-liter L87 small-block V-8.
The new directive may be seen as an attempt by GM to address this issue, but further information on the matter is still scarce. As a result, owners of affected vehicles are left to navigate the complex web of recalls and oil recommendations, with little clarity on what they can do to mitigate the risk of catastrophic failure. 2-liter L87 small-block V-8 continues to raise concerns among vehicle owners and experts alike.
In this situation, it is essential for owners to stay informed about any changes to their vehicles' recommended oil and to follow the guidance provided by GM and other reputable sources. The impact of these changes on vehicle performance and safety cannot be overstated, and it is crucial that owners take all necessary precautions to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained. With the latest change in oil recommendations, it is more important than ever for owners to stay vigilant and up-to-date on any developments related to their vehicles.
The repeated changes to the recommended oil for the recalled 6.2-liter L87 small-block V-8s highlight the complexity and uncertainty surrounding this issue. As the investigation continues, it is essential for GM to provide clear guidance on what is causing the catastrophic failure and how owners can mitigate the risk. Until then, owners must remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained.
