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Chevrolet L56 specs: 395 ci (6.5L) 8-cylinder, 4.06 x 3.82 in (103.1 x 97 mm) bore and stroke. Rated 180 hp, 1994–1999. Used in the Chevrolet C/K Pickup. OHV.
The Chevrolet 6.2/6.5 Diesel V8 (L56) is oversquare — the 4.06" bore exceeds the 3.82" stroke by 6.3% — a layout that favors airflow and RPM over leverage at the crank. The 3.82" stroke puts mean piston speed at 4,000 ft/min around 6,300 RPM, which is where a production bottom end is generally considered at its limit. Each of the 8 cylinders displaces 49.4 ci (809 cc).
It is one of 6 engines in the 6.2/6.5 Diesel V8 family, the largest at 395 ci. 6 factory variants share these dimensions, rated at 180 hp across 1994–1999.
| Displacement | 395 ci / 6.5 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 4.06" |
| Stroke | 3.82" |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.063 |
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | cast iron |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Firing order | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 |
| Advertised HP | 180 hp |
| Years | 1994–1999 |
| Bore/stroke character | 1.063 — oversquare — bore exceeds stroke, which favours higher RPM and larger valves |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,820 ft/min — in the range typical of performance street engines |
| Displacement per cylinder | 49.4 ci |
Each link opens the calculator with this engine's specs already filled in.
These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 180 hp | L56 |
| 1995 | 180 hp | L56 |
| 1996 | 180 hp | L56 |
| 1997 | 180 hp | L56 |
| 1998 | 180 hp | L56 |
| 1999 | 180 hp | L56 |