The L9H is a 6.2L, Gen. 4, small block engine used in GM luxury trucks and SUVs between 2009 and 2013.

For marketing purposes, it was also known as the Vortec 6200. The information listed here is for a stock L9H engine.

Mechanically similar, General Motors’ LS and LS-based Vortec engines wound up on almost every branch of the GM family tree: Chevy, Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac, Buick—heck, even Saab, Hummer, and Isuzu got some LS love.

Since LS and Vortec engines are so common, they’ve become the go-to performance and swap engines of the modern era.

These motors are capable of making a lot of horsepower, and respond well to upgrades like turbos, superchargers, high-flow cylinder heads, intake systems, cams, and nitrous oxide.

[Looking to upgrade your L9H engine? Check out L9H 6.2L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for L9H Mods to Maximize Performance.]

The aftermarket is strong, crate engines are available, and used motors are often cheaply sourced through junkyards.

Summit Racing has created a series of comprehensive guides for each engine in the LS family, so engine builders and tuners can have a handy reference for their projects.

This specific guide is for the GM L9H 6.2L Vortec 6200.

You can find more LS engine spec guides and LS-related information here.

(Summit Racing’s Paul Spurlock and Brian Nutter contributed to this article.)

L9H 6.2L Vortec 6200 Engine Specs

L9H Performance Specifications

Engine Ratings
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Horsepower Rating403 hp
Torque Rating417 ft./lbs.

L9H Applications

VIN 8th DigitYearMakeModel
22009CadillacEscalade ESV, EXT
22009ChevroletTahoe LTZ
22009GMCYukon Denali
22009-13GMCYukon XL 1500 SLT
22009-13GMCSierra 1500 Denali, SLE, SLT
22010-13ChevroletSilverado 1500 LT, LTZ

L9H Engine Blocks

L9H Block Specs
Casting Number12584724
MaterialAluminum
Displacement6.2L / 376 c.i.d.
Bore Dia. 4.065 in.
Stroke3.622 in.
Deck Height9.240 in.
Bore Spacing4.400 in.
Thrust Bearing Location#3 Main
Main Cap Style6-Bolt
Main Housing Bore Dia.2.751 in.
Cam Housing Bore Dia.Bore 1/5 = 2.346, Bore 2/4 = 2.326, Bore 3 = 2.307
Cam-to-Crank Centerline4.914 in.

L9H Rotating Assembly

L9H Rotating Assembly Specs
Piston MaterialHypereutectic Cast Aluminum Alloy
Piston StyleFlat Top with Valve Reliefs
Piston Volume+3cc
Wrist Pin Dia.0.9431 in. (full floating)
Connecting Rod MaterialPowdered Metal
Connecting Rod StyleI-Beam
Connecting Rod Length6.098 in.
Connecting Rod Housing Bore2.225 in.
Connecting Rod BoltsM9 x 1 x 43
Connecting Rod Part Number12649190
Crankshaft MaterialCast Iron
Crankshaft Part Number12588613
Crankshaft Main Journal2.559 in.
Crankshaft Rod Journal2.100 in.
Reluctor Wheel58x

L9H Cylinder Heads

L9H Cylinder Head Specs
Casting Numbers5364, 823
MaterialAluminum
Combustion Chamber Volume70cc
Intake Port ShapeRectangle
Intake Runner Volume257cc
Exhaust Port ShapeD-Port
Exhaust Runner Volume87cc
Intake Valve Diameter2.165 in.
Exhaust Valve Diameter1.590 in.
Cylinder Head Bolt StyleTorque to Yield (TTY)
Cylinder Head Bolt Size(10) M11 x 2 x 100, (5) M8 x 1.25 x 45

L9H Cam Specifications

L9H Camshaft Specs
Camshaft Part Number12623065
Duration @ .050 in. (int./exh.)198°/209°
Valve Lift (int./exh.)0.500 in./.500 in.
Lobe Separation115°
Cam Gear Attachment1-Bolt
Cam Gear Poles4x
Active Fuel Management (AFM)No
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)Yes

L9H Valvetrain

L9H Valvetrain Specs
Lifter StyleHydraulic Roller
Lifter Link StylePlastic Lifter Tray
Lifter Body Diameter0.842 in.
Pushrod Length7.385 in.
Rocker Arm Mounting StylePedestal
Rocker Arm StyleDie-Cast, Roller Fulcrum
Rocker Ratio1.7
Rocker OffsetIntake Rocker
Valve Spring StyleBeehive
Valve Spring ColorNatural
Valve Angle15 Degrees
Intake Valve MaterialSteel - Solid Stem
Intake Valve Dia.2.165 in.
Exhaust Valve MaterialSteel - Solid Stem
Exhaust Valve Dia.1.590 in.

Other Key L9H Specs

Throttle Body, Fuel Injectors, Oil Pan Specs & More
Intake ManifoldTruck-style
Throttle Body87mm, 4-bolt
Throttle ControlElectronic (drive-by-wire)
Fuel Injector Part Number12609749
Fuel Injector Flow54 lbs./hr. at 58 psi
Flex Fuel Capable (E-85)Yes
Fuel Injector Length (between O-Rings)1.500 in.
Fuel Injector ConnectorEV6-USCAR
PCME38
Crankshaft Reluctor Ring58x
Camshaft SensorFront mount, 4x on cam
Oil Pan Sump LocationDeep rear sump
Oil PumpHigh volume (1.25 c.i. per rev. @ 33 psi)

NOTE: You can find engine specs and detailed engine upgrade advice for every LS and LS-based Vortec truck engine in one place: The Definitive Guide to LS Engine Specs and LS Engine Upgrades.