Does a 2024 Z51 with 6.2 require premium fuel?

[Marky Dissod]

I suspect the reason we don't see piles of these engines with burnt up pistons is that most people do run premium fuel?

And/or most people don't drive like their trying to prove anything, except maybe how to drive Miss Daisy.

Some NYC livery drivers drive Escalades using 87 AND E85 ... VERY GENTLY, in stop'n'go Manhattan traffic.
Then again, they usually turn them in at the end of the lease ...

 

[steiny93]

So what really happens then?

the slight knocks prior to timing being pulled are not enough to damage the engine; that's what happens, all the time all day long

if you were correct, every 6.2 running 87 would be dead on the side of the road; but that isn't the case
not sure what your odb challenge is supposed to prove; I'm not claiming knocks don't occur, I'm claiming they are not enough to cause discernable damage

 

[steiny93]

I suspect the reason we don't see piles of these engines with burnt up pistons is that most people do run premium fuel?

have you met the general public?
I bet maybe 1/2 are running premium; lets go with 10% if they are rentals

 

[martinajm]

We test drove a 2024 Yukon XL SLT with the LM2. The Duramax powertrain far exceeded what we expected as far as refinement to the point where it's under serious consideration. We have to test drive a 6.2L in the future as well although it's not offered in the SLT trim. We'll probably opt for the AT4 if we decided to go with the 6.2L.

We aren't basing our decision on fuel costs. It's really about whether the Yukon XL might end up being our primary tow vehicle in which case the exhaust braking could be useful. Or whether we enjoy the extra power of the 6.2L L87 and the linear feel of a NA V8.

I would expect the L87 powertrain to be easier to service as there's less going on in the engine bay. I don't expect the main bearings to be a persistent problem if the design hasn't changed. I do expect the lifters to be a re-occurring problem as this is a design flaw.

Just to comment on your thoughts about towing. I have an 2022 LM2 Yukon XL that is great for towing, but not for the exhaust brake. The exhaust brake is barely noticeable (if at all) in these things. However, the flatter torque curve makes it a great option for towing big loads. I have been really happy with my first 65k miles in this setup.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Help! I'm running out of popcorn!

 

[Northwoods]

Looking at a new Z51 Tahoe with 6.2, and although the fuel economy isn't great, I sure don't want to have to pay $1 gallon extra for gas. Anyone know, the EPA states Premium but I don't trust the salesmen answering.

You can use 87 octane with no issues. I’ve had 4 Denali’s with 6.2 engines and have had zero issues.

 

[PA-WOODCHUCK]

On my gas door 2016-6.2 says premium recommended. I've run 87, 88(E15), premium and almost no different in MPG!

 

[NorthGeorgia]

I am somewhat hesitant to contribute here for fear of maybe not knowing what I am really talking about. I just purchased new a 2024 Tahoe 'High Country'. My ignorance is going to say I'm not sure what 'gas' engine I have but I will assume it's not the 6.2 being debated here? But I am going to say that I have been pleasantly surprised with the mpg's I got on a 450mile round trip I just took. On the way 'there' I averaged 24+mpg. On the way back I averaged 23+mpg. Admittedly I was only going 66mph on the highway. This is what the onboard 'computer' indicated. I think the window sticker indicated that this vehicle listed the mpg's at 14 to 18? So I am greatly happy and surprised or........the computer is not telling me the truth????

 

[SavageDad]

Well recently there has been a common theme of main bearings letting go on the crank due to bad clearances. If you search around you'll find an amount of both issues cropping up. Diesel vehicles also present a certain number of quirks over time, but I'm on my 4th one and by and large they have been very dependable. The LM2/ LZ0 combination if you look at most forums, really isn't that busy at all. A few crop up with issues or major issues, but by and large this format has been the best for these large vehicles. I personally bought an extended warranty for mine that will last me for as long as I own it. Right or wrong it will cover most any issues that come up after warranty and I don't lose any sleep over what just might happen.

Sad to see that the Escalade is dropping the diesel format for the future. I thought about maybe buying one as one of my last great vehicles in 25 or 26....

Also, if you are locked into premium, you will be paying the absolute highest price for fuel for the life of the vehicle @ an avg of 15 mpg. Diesels worst mileage is about 22 if you are pounding it around town...The gap from reg to prem could easily expand to 2.00 a gallon in a few years... What would stop them?

As far as sensors go, they certainly "can" be a problem, but they usually sort themselves out during the 3/36 period. If I had to throw 3-500 bucks at my vehicle a few times over its life beyond regular maintenance, that's certainly not a showstopper to me.

I hadn't heard about Cadillac dropping the Duramax, did they specify what year? I was looking at switching from the Suburban to the Escalade in the next two to three years.

 

[SavageDad]

When I saw the 11 : 1 compression ratio on our 5.3 I decided to run at least mid grade fuel. When I'm around a Sam's Club I fill with premium, usually about the same price. Engine runs great and gas mileage is really impressive. But we don't put a lot of miles on it so the cost is not a big factor. I'd run the best fuel available in that 6.2 hot rod.

Honestly I've run 87 since the day we bought ours in May of 2022 and I had no idea how high our compression ratio was. I just assumed it was still 9:1 or 9.5:1 whatever the old 5.3 was. I can't help but wonder why GM didn't label these for premium as well. I mean the 6.1 in my old Magnum SRT8 is only 10:1 and it requires 91.