From Summit Racing :
Intro to the L92, L9H, and L94
LS Family: Gen. 4, 6.2L, Aluminum Block, Truck Engines
L92
The L92 was introduced in 2007 for GM luxury pickups and SUVs. It was the first 6.2L LS truck engine. It was commonly known as the Vortec 6200.
L9H
The L9H replaced the L92 in 2009. It was upgraded with Flex Fuel capability. The L9H was also known as the Vortec 6200. It was available until 2013.
L94
The L94 was introduced in 2010. It was a premium option in the Escalade and Yukon SUVs until 2014. The L94 added
Active Fuel Managment (AFM) technology for better gas mileage. It was also known as the Vortec 6200.
For specific details about these engines, please follow the links below:
Benefits
These engines are truck versions of the high performance LS3. The stock engines all make over 400 hp.
The engine blocks have the same casting number as the
LS3 and L99. They share a 4.065 in. bore,
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and rectangle port heads. The blocks also have the internal oil passages for AFM.
The cylinder heads are dimensionally the same as the LS3. However, they have different casting numbers. They used different valves, camshaft, intake manifold, injectors, pistons, etc. This helped them make more
Torque lower in the rpm range. However, it did limit the top-end
Horsepower.
These engines can be bored and stroked up to 427 c.i.d. (7.0L). With upgraded internals, they can handle around 1,000 hp.
What's the difference?
The easiest way to tell the difference is to check the 8th digit of the VIN code.
The difference between these engines is the special technology they used.
- For fuel compatibility, pull the injectors.
- Standard injectors have 2 holes in the end of the nozzle.
- Flex Fuel injectors have 4 holes in the end of the nozzle.
- Follow the links provided above to identify AFM and VVT engines.
RPO Code | AFM | VVT | Flex Fuel |
L92 | No | Yes | No |
L9H | No | Yes | Yes |
L94 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
After talking to a service tech at my GM dealer, he confirmed that the only difference between the L92 and L9H is the injectors. He also stated that when running E85 in the flex capable motors, they run hotter, and to me that means shortening the potential service life of the engine. But upgrading the injectors to the 4 nozzle type and reprogramming the ECM for those injectors, and running 87 octane fuel with the GM specified AC Delco oil filter might help with the noise at temperature. Otherwise, valve jobs on both banks will get it gone.