The L98 is a 6.0L, Gen. 4, small block aluminum engine used in GM’s Australian Holden vehicles between 2006 and 2010.
The L98 is a slightly modified version of the L76. The main difference is the absence of displacement on demand (DoD) tech. Redundant AFM/DoD hardware was eliminated for the L98, and offered a slight power increase over the L76.
The engine specs and information listed here is for a stock L98 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 L98 engine? Check out L98 6.0L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for L98 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 L98 6.0L engine which was exclusive to Holden vehicles in Australia for model years 2006-2010.
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.)
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L98 6.0L Engine Specs
L98 Performance Specifications
| Engine Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 |
| Horsepower Rating | 355 hp |
| Torque Rating | 384 ft./lbs. |
L98 Applications
| VIN 8th Digit | Year | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 2006 | Holden | SS Thunder Ute |
| N/A | 2006-08 | Holden | WM - Statesman/Caprice |
| N/A | 2006-10 | Holden | Ute (manual only from 2008-10) |
| N/A | 2009-10 | Holden | VE - Commodore (manual only from 2008-10) |
| Note: The Australian vehicles use a different format for Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN). The 8th digit is NOT the engine code in an Australian VIN code. | |||
L98 Engine Blocks
| L98 Block Specs | |
|---|---|
| Casting Numbers | 12568952 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Displacement | 6.0L / 364 c.i.d. |
| Bore Dia. | 4.000 in. |
| Stroke | 3.622 in. |
| Deck Height | 9.240 in. |
| Bore Spacing | 4.400 in. |
| Thrust Bearing Location | #3 Main |
| Main Cap Style | 6-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 Centerline | 4.914 in. |
L98 Rotating Assembly
| L98 Rotating Assembly Specs | |
|---|---|
| Piston Material | Hypereutectic Cast Aluminum Alloy |
| Piston Style | Flat Top |
| Piston Volume | 0cc |
| Wrist Pin Dia. | 0.9431 in. (full floating) |
| Connecting Rod Material | Powdered Metal |
| Connecting Rod Style | I-Beam |
| Connecting Rod Length | 6.098 in. |
| Connecting Rod Housing Bore | 2.225 in. |
| Connecting Rod Bolts | M9 x 1 x 43 |
| Connecting Rod Part Number | 12649190 |
| Crankshaft Material | Cast Iron |
| Crankshaft Part Number | 12588613 |
| Crankshaft Main Journal | 2.559 in. |
| Crankshaft Rod Journal | 2.100 in. |
| Reluctor Wheel | 58x |
L98 Cylinder Heads
| L98 Cylinder Head Specs | |
|---|---|
| Casting Numbers | 5364, 823 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Combustion Chamber Volume | 70cc |
| Intake Port Shape | Rectangle |
| Intake Runner Volume | 257cc |
| Exhaust Port Shape | D-Port |
| Exhaust Runner Volume | 87cc |
| Intake Valve Diameter | 2.165 in. |
| Exhaust Valve Diameter | 1.590 in. |
| Cylinder Head Bolt Style | Torque to Yield (TTY) |
| Cylinder Head Bolt Size | (10) M11 x 2 x 100, (5) M8 x 1.25 x 45 |
L98 Camshaft
| L98 Cam Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Camshaft Part Number | 12625439 |
| Duration @ .050 in. (int./exh.) | 196°/208° |
| Valve Lift (int./exh.) | 0.478 in./0.466 in. |
| Lobe Separation | 116° |
| Cam Gear Attachment | 1-Bolt |
| Cam Gear Poles | 4x |
| Active Fuel Management (AFM) | No |
| Variable Valve Timing (VVT) | No |
L98 Valvetrain
| L98 Valvetrain Specs | |
|---|---|
| Lifter Style | Hydraulic Roller |
| Lifter Link Style | Plastic Lifter Tray |
| Lifter Body Diameter | 0.842 in. |
| Pushrod Length | 7.385 in. |
| Rocker Arm Mounting Style | Pedestal |
| Rocker Arm Style | Die-Cast, Roller Fulcrum |
| Rocker Ratio | 1.7 |
| Rocker Offset | Offset Intake |
| Valve Spring Style | Beehive |
| Valve Spring Color | Natural |
| Valve Angle | 15 Degrees |
| Intake Valve Material | Steel - Solid Stem |
| Intake Valve Dia. | 2.165 in. |
| Exhaust Valve Material | Steel - Solid Stem |
| Exhaust Valve Dia. | 1.590 in. |
Other Key L98 Specs
| Throttle Body, Fuel Injectors, Oil Pan Specs & More | |
|---|---|
| Intake Manifold | Car-Style |
| Throttle Body | 90mm, 4-bolt |
| Throttle Control | Electronic (Drive-by-Wire) |
| Fuel Injector Part Number | 12576341 |
| Fuel Injector Flow | 42 lb./hr. @ 58 psi |
| Flex Fuel Capable (E-85) | No |
| Fuel Injector Length (between O-Rings) | 1.500 in. |
| Fuel Injector Connector | EV6-USCAR |
| Computer | E38 |
| Crankshaft Reluctor Ring | 58x |
| Camshaft Sensor Location | Front Timing Cover, 4x |
| Oil Pan | Varies By Model |
| Oil Pump | High Volume (1.26 c.i. per rev. @ 33 psi) |
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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.
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