How Many Quarts of Oil Does a 6.2L Engine Take?

A typical 6.2L gasoline engine usually takes between 7 and 8 quarts of oil, depending on the specific engine design, oil filter size, and whether it is a truck or performance application. However, there is no single universal capacity for “a 6.2L engine” — you must check the exact make, model, year, and engine code to get the correct specification.

Why Oil Capacity Varies for 6.2L Engines

The question sounds straightforward, but “6.2L” only describes the engine’s displacement — not its entire design. Different automakers and even different models within the same brand use varying oil pan shapes, filter sizes, and cooling systems, all of which change how many quarts of oil the engine needs.

Common 6.2L Engines and Their Typical Oil Capacities

Several major automakers produce or have produced 6.2L engines, especially in trucks and performance vehicles. Below are some of the most common 6.2L engines and the oil capacities most frequently published in owner’s manuals and service data (always confirm for your exact vehicle, trim, and year).

GM / Chevrolet / GMC 6.2L V8 (EcoTec3 & LS-Series)

General Motors builds some of the most common 6.2L gasoline V8 engines, used in full-size trucks and performance cars. The following list summarizes typical capacities for popular GM 6.2L variants.

• 2014–present GM 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (L86/L87; Silverado, Sierra, Yukon, Escalade, etc.): commonly around 8 quarts (7.6 L) with filter
• 6.2L L92/L94 V8 (older Escalade, Denali, some trucks/SUVs): typically about 6.0–6.2 quarts (≈5.7–5.9 L) with filter
• 6.2L LS3 V8 (Camaro SS, Corvette, some performance models): usually about 8.0 quarts (7.6 L) with filter for many applications
• 6.2L LSA / supercharged variants (e.g., CTS-V, Camaro ZL1 first gen): often around 8–9 quarts depending on model and cooling package

These figures show that even within GM’s 6.2L family, oil capacity can shift by several quarts due to different pans, filters, and performance cooling setups.

Ford 6.2L V8 (Boss / SOHC V8)

Ford’s 6.2L gasoline V8 (sometimes referred to as the “Boss” 6.2) appeared in Super Duty trucks and the first-generation F-150 Raptor. Its capacity is substantial because it’s designed for heavy-duty work.

• Ford 6.2L SOHC V8 (F-250/F-350 Super Duty, 2011–2020 range): commonly about 7 quarts (6.6 L) with filter
• Ford F-150 Raptor 6.2L (2010–2014): typically listed around 7 quarts with filter, depending on model year

Ford’s 6.2L engines tend to center near the 7-quart mark, but exact figures can vary slightly across different years and configurations.

Other 6.2L Engines (Performance and Specialty Applications)

Beyond mainstream pickups and SUVs, 6.2L engines appear in a variety of performance and specialty vehicles where oil capacity may be tuned for high-load conditions and track use.

• High-performance GM 6.2L variants (e.g., LT1, LT4, LT2): often in the 8–10 quart range depending on dry-sump vs. wet-sump and model (Corvette, Camaro ZL1, etc.)
• Off-road / specialty builds using crate 6.2L engines: capacity depends on the oil pan kit and filter chosen by the installer
• Marine or industrial 6.2L variants: may have completely different capacities due to unique pans and cooling systems

In performance and speciality environments, the same basic 6.2L block can carry significantly more oil to improve cooling and lubrication under extreme conditions.

Why There Is No Single “Correct” Number for All 6.2L Engines

Engine displacement tells you how much air-fuel mix the engine can hold, not how much oil sits in the crankcase. Capacity is determined by other mechanical factors, which can vary widely even among engines of the same displacement.

Key Factors That Change Oil Capacity

Several design features directly impact how many quarts a 6.2L engine needs during an oil change.

• Oil pan design and depth: Deep pans or performance pans hold more oil for cooling and to prevent starvation under hard cornering or off-road use.
• Oil filter size and type: Larger or remote filters can add fractions of a quart or more to the system, changing the total capacity.
• Cooling and lubrication system layout: External oil coolers, accumulator systems, or dry-sump setups dramatically raise capacity.
• Vehicle packaging: The same engine in a truck, SUV, or sports car may use different pans or subframes, leading to different oil volumes.
• Model year updates: Automakers sometimes revise pans, gaskets, or filters during a generation, altering capacity by half a quart or more.

Because of these variables, simply knowing “6.2L” is never enough to state an exact oil capacity with confidence.

How to Find the Exact Oil Capacity for Your 6.2L Engine

The safest approach is to look up the capacity for your specific vehicle and engine code rather than rely on generic displacement-based figures.

Best Ways to Confirm the Correct Oil Capacity

Vehicle owners have multiple reliable sources they can use to verify the exact oil quantity needed.

• Owner’s manual: Usually lists “with filter” and sometimes “without filter” capacities in the maintenance section.
• Service/repair manuals: Factory service manuals or professional databases (Alldata, Mitchell1, OEM online manuals) give precise specs by engine code and VIN.
• Under-hood labels or caps: Some vehicles list oil type and, occasionally, capacity on stickers or under the hood.
• Automaker websites / official tech info portals: Many manufacturers allow VIN-based lookup of maintenance specs.
• Trusted dealer or independent shop: A technician can reference professional databases tied to your exact VIN.

Confirming through at least one authoritative source ensures you avoid overfilling or underfilling, both of which can damage the engine or trigger warning lights.

Practical Guidance When Changing Oil in a 6.2L Engine

Once you know the approximate range for your engine (for example, 7–8 quarts), you can use a careful fill-and-check method to stay within spec even if you do not yet have the precise number.

Step-by-Step Approach

The following steps help ensure a correct fill while minimizing the risk of overfilling.

1. Buy slightly more oil than you expect to need: If your engine is likely around 7–8 quarts, purchase 8–9 quarts so you’re not short.
2. Drain completely and replace the filter: Warm the engine slightly, then fully drain the old oil and install a new filter as recommended.
3. Add most, but not all, of the expected capacity: For an engine that likely takes 8 quarts, start with about 7–7.5 quarts.
4. Run the engine briefly and recheck: Start the engine for 30–60 seconds, then shut it off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
5. Use the dipstick as your final guide: Add oil in small increments (e.g., 0.25–0.5 quart at a time) until the level sits between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks, ideally near the upper mark but not above it.

This method combines manufacturer guidance with an on-the-spot visual check, greatly reducing the chance of an incorrect fill even if you only know an estimated capacity.

Summary

Most modern 6.2L gasoline engines fall in the 7–8 quart oil capacity range, with many GM truck and performance 6.2L engines and Ford’s 6.2L truck V8 clustering around that figure. Yet there is no single universal capacity for every 6.2L engine, because oil pans, filters, and lubrication systems differ by brand, model, year, and application. To know exactly how many quarts your 6.2L engine takes, consult your owner’s manual or a factory service source for your specific vehicle, then verify using the dipstick after filling.

What oil is best for 6.2 V8?

It can be any 0W-40 oil with the dexosR specification, which includes oils with Mobil 1, Mobil 1 FS, and Mobil 1 ESP X4 branding. GM believes this oil will help prevent the problems identified with the L87 engine in 2021-2024 trucks and SUVs.

What kind of oil does a Chevy Silverado 6.2 take?

For most 6.2L Chevy Silverado engines, you should use SAE 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil that meets the ACDelco dexos1 standard. However, check your owner’s manual or recall information for model-specific requirements, as some 2021-2024 models may use 0W-40 after being inspected as part of a recall. 
Oil viscosity and type

• SAE 0W-20: This is the standard recommendation for most 6.2L engines, especially newer ones. Ensure the oil is full synthetic and meets the GM dexos1 standard. 
• SAE 0W-40: Some 2021-2024 models that have undergone a specific recall inspection are being switched to 0W-40, according to GM Authority and this YouTube video. If your truck is part of this recall, it will receive a new oil filter and cap indicating the 0W-40 requirement. 

Important considerations

• Check your owner’s manual: Always refer to your owner’s manual or the sticker in your engine bay for the exact specifications for your specific year and engine. 
• Don’t mix viscosities: Do not use 0W-40 oil unless specifically instructed to by General Motors as part of the recall procedure, as using the wrong viscosity could void your warranty. 
• ACDelco dexos1: General Motors recommends ACDelco’s dexos1 full synthetic oil for its engine protection, but other brands that meet the same specification are also acceptable. 

How many quarts of oil go in a 6.2 L engine?

8 quarts
8 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.

How much oil does a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 6.2 take?

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L engine has an oil capacity of 8 quarts, including the oil filter. Use 0W-20 full synthetic oil that meets the dexos1™ Gen 3 standard. Always check the oil level after refilling to ensure it is within the correct range. 

• Oil Capacity: 8 quarts (with filter) 
• Recommended Oil: SAE 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil 
• Oil Specification: Must meet dexos1™ Gen 3 standard 
• Important Note: Always check the dipstick after adding oil to confirm the level is correct, as it is a common point of error. You may need slightly less than 8 quarts or need to add a bit more.