General Motors has been producing some of the best V8 engines for decades. You can find them stuffed into multiple car and pickup truck models across all of their brands. When it comes to modern versions, the LS line of small-black V8s is typically the go-to motor swap for anything from a Restomod classic to a late-model Japanese sports car build. However, a new kid on the block may be a viable choice for those looking for a zero-mile option.

The LT line replaces the LS as the latest version of V8 from General Motors. GM's L8T, a 403 cubic-inch engine, is slotted to power their upcoming 2500HD and 3500HD trucks. This includes the Chevrolet Silverado HD and its GMC Sierra counterparts. Along with the availability of these new production models, this motor will also be sold as one of GM's crate engines that come ready to drop into your latest project.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Chevrolet's LS Crate Engines Are So Special

GM's L8T Proves That EV Trucks Will Not Take Over Anytime Soon

GM 6.6L L8T Crate Engine Partial Tear Down
Chevrolet

With new EV trucks being released every year now, you may think, "Is this the end of the line for American V8 engines?" This is already being seen with the ambitious electric transition by Dodge with the Daytona EV Concept. And we understand why you may be disturbed by this. Well, lucky for us, manufacturers are encountering issues with these batteries in workhorses like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV.

No one that uses their trucks as a towing vehicles will want to stop every 100 miles to charge for an hour or more. What a crappy way to spend your road trip to the desert or mountains, trailering all your toys behind you. Because of this, the development of beefy V8 engines will continue in the foreseeable future. That is how the L8T came to be, as a new powerplant for GM trucks.

Related: Towing Contest Sees A Ford F-150 Lightning Pickup Vs. A GMC Sierra Denali

The New GM L8T V8 Engine Makes Brute Power

GM L8T V8 Engine Passenger Side
via Chevrolet

The release of this new LT-based 6.6L V8 engine gives you another option to the tired LS engines you may find in a junkyard. This new L8T may prove to be a better option as you can swap any other LT engine components with brand-new bits. GM will also be offering it as a fresh crate engine, and inevitably will be found in junkyards soon after the new production trucks are released. Thanks, stupid drivers.

This means lower mileage on your engine swap. Pair that with 401 naturally-aspirated horsepower, and you have an ideal candidate for your project car. No rebuilds or tear downs would be needed to harness an impressive 464 foot-pounds of low-end torque either. All this power is available on 87 octane pump gas.

Top-end horsepower comes in at 5,200 RPM, and the L8T redlines at 5,600 RPM. Peak torque is delivered at 4,000 RPM. If you find these numbers to be a little low, don't worry. It is nothing a performance camshaft won't fix. Add some other modifications with a custom tune, and this 6.6L V8 will start singing into even higher revs.

Related: The Soundtrack To This Cammed Chevrolet C6 Corvette Is Worth A Listen

The 6.6L L8T Motor Begs For Boost

Garrett Performance Turbochargers Big vs Small Turbos
Garrett Motion Company

GM's new L8T starts with an iron block. What that means for your project car is that adding forced induction to a V8 will be reasonably kind to your engine. Six-bolt main caps and a forged steel crankshaft rotate forged powdered-metal connecting rods to allow for the application of some solid boost. Compression is also lowered to 10.8:1, compared to the LT1's 11.5:1, which helps in any boosted build.

The L8T shares the LT1's direct-port fuel injection system. That includes a high-pressure fuel pump that is driven by the engine's camshaft. The cylinder heads, like in the LT1, have high-flowing intake ports with huge 2.126-inch intake valves. Inconel exhaust valves move those gasses out of the engine efficiently and can take the heat created by some high-boosting turbos. All you have to do now is slap on a 'couple' of turbos and let your project rip!

Related: Swapped! 1966 Mustang Gets A Twin-Turbo Chevy V8

GM L8T V8 Crate Engine Can Be Configured To Any Build

GM L8T Long Block No Intake
Chevrolet

The 6.6L L8T is available as a long block (PN 19433750) for applications that require a mix of parts like intakes and/or oil pans. Parts like that can either be scavenged off of some LT1 junkyard finds or purchased as aftermarket components to suit your build. There is also a more complete version (PN 19433748) as test-fitted in GM's development car, a Cadillac CTS-V.

An engine control solution is available as PN 19433736. This will include a couple ECU calibrations, a fuel pump module, a fuel pressure sensor, O2 sensors, an MAF sensor, an electronic throttle pedal, and an engine harness. All of this makes for a much easier installation for whatever car or truck your project is based on.

Sources: MotorTrend, General Motors