Chevrolet Performance L8P Crate Engine is Perfect for A Restomod Dream Machine
With 6.6 liters of displacement and over 500 horsepower, the Chevrolet Performance L8P is a truck motor with a C8 Corvette cam and valvetrain.
When you’re working on a classic car restomod or virtually any project car, deciding what engine to go with can be an extremely difficult decision. Sure, you can go pluck yourself a junkyard engine and slap some performance parts on it. We’ve got nothing but respect for those pulling big power and performance out of Gen-III Vortec engines on the daily. Sometimes, though, some simplicity and reliability hit the spot. A zero-mile engine with a warranty is a beautiful thing, and if you want a solid amount of power and a sweet exhaust note, the Chevrolet Performance L8P crate engine is a top contender.
The Chevrolet Performance L8P really ticks all the “great things from a V8” boxes. It’s based on the LT engine: the most modern variant of the legendary GM small-block architecture that you’ll find in everything from trucks to the C8 Corvette. Moreover, it’s got a lot of displacement, a lot of power, a lot of torque, and a lot of fun, virtually guaranteed. Effectively, the L8P uses the 6.6-liter production L8T engine’s heavy-duty internals to match the displacement and adds a unique camshaft based on the LT2 in the C8 Corvette. The result is a whopping 523 horsepower and 543 pound-feet of torque right out of the box.
L8P Specs and Info: Why It’s Great for Any Project
The direct-injected L8P has a 10.8 to 1 compression ratio, but the installation manual states that it is safe to run on 87-octane unleaded fuel. So, you get a substantial amount of power without having to spend the extra bucks at the pump. Additionally, the L8P comes with a hardened forged steel crankshaft and forged connecting rods with aluminum pistons. It comes with a 24-month/50,000-mile warranty for some additional peace of mind, too.
The L8P is also available in the “Connect and Cruise” complete powertrain format, which includes a transmission and engine control system. The Chevrolet Performance website lists the only transmission option as the 6L80-E six-speed automatic. However, Pro Touring Store says that it is available with a TKX or T56 transmission for those who prefer to row their own gears. For those interested in the newer 10-speeds, it’s not out-of-the-box compatible. However, purchasing a separate flex plate (P/N 12685003) allows the use of the ten-speed auto.
Chevrolet states that mechanical fans should not be used with the L8P because its 5,800 RPM redline can disengage the fan clutch and cause damage. Like most Chevrolet Performance engines, the L8P does not use cylinder deactivation from the production engine (there are too many unknowns with custom builds, so they tune it out of the computer.) Finally, another important note brought to our attention by a YouTube commenter on the Chevrolet Performance video below is that the L8P has provisions for a power steering pump. This is great news for those looking to run a classic hydraulic rack instead of electric power steering.
An Out-of-the-Box All-Star
We know most Corvette restomoders aim to drop in Corvette-sourced motors like the LS3, LT1, and LT4. But for the right project — Corvette or non-Corvette — this modern take on the old-school pushrod could offer a big performance upgrade, especially in a classic truck. Hit up your local Chevy Performance Parts dealer for an exact quote. (If you’re in SoCal, we typically hit up Guaranty Chevrolet.) But for reference, Pro Touring Store lists L8P itself at $8,948.80. Accessories, engine controller, transmission, and many other parts are not included at that price, of course. Still, with the price of junkyard motors in the $3,000 to $7,000 range (at least in our area), the price seems reasonable for a fresh crate motor.
