I Really Wish Chevrolet Would Make a 2WD Silverado Standard Cab with a 6.2L Engine, That Would Be One Sick Option

You can't have one, but one Chevy Silverado owner's wish for a no-frills, high-power 6.2L regular cab 2WD truck has truck enthusiasts buzzing. GM, are you listening?

Todd Watts on the 2019 - 2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners Facebook group says,

“I really wish Chevrolet would make a two-wheel drive Silverado standard cab with a 6.2L engine. That would be one sick option in my opinion.”

It’s always refreshing to discuss the pure heart of the American truck market with enthusiasts who know precisely what they want. When a purist like Todd says he wants a standard cab 2WD with the full-fat 6.2L V8, it immediately tells me he understands the fundamentals of performance: power-to-weight ratio.

Todd’s vision isn't just about hauling; it's about building the ultimate sleeper—a dedicated street or strip machine. And I’m here to tell you and all our readers why that combination is so tempting, why GM refuses to build it for you, and exactly how you can still achieve that dream. You won’t find this stuff in a Chevy brochure.

The Pure Performance Vision: Standard Cab, Max Power

Todd hit the nail on the head. The Regular Cab, Standard Bed (or Short Bed) configuration is the lightest platform available in the entire Silverado lineup. By eliminating the bulk and weight of the Crew Cab, the rear doors, and all the associated sound deadening and complexity, you shed hundreds of pounds—easily pushing the curb weight into the mid-4,000-lb range, depending on the options.

Pairing that minimal mass with the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 L87 V8—the 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque monster—creates a genuine modern muscle truck. The lightest body style combined with the most potent engine is a recipe for the ultimate and “sick” performance.

Enthusiasts understand that a 2WD configuration not only saves weight but also reduces drivetrain parasitic loss associated with a full 4WD system, meaning every one of those 420 horses makes it to the pavement more efficiently. A truck set up like this is perfectly geared for building a lightweight Silverado drag truck.

It evokes the spirit of the late '80s and '90s performance trucks—the GMC Syclone, the Chevy 454 SS, and the later Ford SVT Lightning.

Why GM Restricts the 6.2L V8 to Crew Cab Trucks

The single most frustrating reality for performance truck enthusiasts is that GM simply won’t build Todd’s truck from the factory. Currently, the Regular Cab Silverado 1500 is relegated to the Work Truck (WT) and Custom trims, primarily offered with the 2.7L Turbo four-cylinder or, at best, the 5.3L V8. The mighty 6.2L V8 remains locked behind the higher-margin, luxury-focused trims—RST, LTZ, Trail Boss, and High Country—and is almost exclusively paired with the Crew Cab and 4WD.

So, why GM restricts the 6.2L V8 to Crew Cab trucks comes down to three key business and engineering factors, which are critical to understand:

• Profit Margins: The 6.2L is GM’s premium engine offering. It is a massive profit driver. GM justifies its high cost and exclusivity by bundling it into expensive Crew Cab trucks loaded with features (leather, massive screens, premium audio). Selling the 6.2L in a stripped-down, low-cost Regular Cab WT would severely undercut their average transaction price and compromise those crucial profit margins.
• Market Demand: The vast majority of truck buyers today (over 80%) want Crew Cabs for family and versatility. They also overwhelmingly choose 4WD, even if they never use it, because it aids resale value. The demand for a 2WD, Standard Cab performance truck is niche, and manufacturers are not incentivized to cater to niche markets that require complex, separate certifications.

CAFE Standards & Emissions: The 6.2L V8 already struggles with Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) compliance. Putting it in a lighter, cheaper, higher-volume performance platform would make GM’s overall fleet average tougher to meet, potentially resulting in millions in fines.

The Current 6.2L Reality: The Elephant in the Room

Before anyone jumps into a swap project, it’s my duty to address the elephant in the room. The 6.2L L87 engine, especially in the 2021-2024 model years, has received significant attention due to reported failures related to the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system, particularly issues with the lifter and connecting rod.

GM has issued recalls and stop-sales to address manufacturing defects in internal components. While the 6.2L is an absolute powerhouse when running correctly, anyone considering buying a current model year truck or an engine for a swap needs to do their due diligence.

I’ve covered these issues extensively, advising owners on maintenance schedules and the correct use of high-quality oil to mitigate risk.

Here are three of my related stories, which touch on the 6.2L engine's performance, owner experiences, and the overall reliability of modern Silverados:

1. This article directly addresses the 6.2L V8 engine, which is the core of Watts' wish. Chevy Silverado Owner Says, “I See All the Negative About the GM 6.2L V8, Well, I've Had No Problems With My 2022, 43K In, It Passed the Recall Test With No Issues”
2. While detailing a negative experience, this story highlights the high-performance nature of the 6.2L V8. I'm Done With My Chevy Silverado RST Rocky Ridge, 15K In, and I'm Putting In My 3rd Motor, I Just Picked Up This Bad Boy, a 2024 GMC Denali 3500 Ultimate
3. This story provides more general context on the modern Silverado ownership experience and reliability issues, a common theme in the Facebook groups Watts belongs to. My Chevy Silverado is Garbage, Left Me On the Side of the Road, Not Even 30K, A Loud Clunk and Then the Engine Shut Down, This Truck Is Straight Trash

The Future of Niche Performance

The demand for a high-performance standard cab will not die, but the major OEMs are moving away from it. This leads us to question the future of performance standard cab pickup trucks. The answer likely lies with smaller custom builders and extreme enthusiast communities.

We might see a future where Chevrolet offers a specialized "Heritage" or "Street Performance" package in limited numbers, similar to what Ford did with the F-150 Lightning nameplate—but it’s not currently in their plans. For now, the aftermarket is the only source of pure performance.

What the Community is Saying

The desire for a Standard Cab 6.2L V8 is widespread, but discussions on forums and social media are dominated by two issues: the raw potential of the 6.2L and current reliability concerns.

• Tuning and Power: "I put a cam and headers on my High Country 6.2L, and it's an animal. A standard cab version would be insane—low 12s in the quarter mile with sticky tires is doable."
• Maintenance Warnings: "Don't touch a 2022-2024 6.2L unless you know the VIN wasn't part of the latest recall. If you do, switch to 0W-40 oil and change it every 5,000 miles, not 7,500."
• The 5.3L Alternative: "I took the advice and supercharged my 5.3L. It’s a daily driver and pulls harder than a stock 6.2L. No regrets on skipping the hassle."
• The Classic Lament: "GM needs to remember the people who just want a fast truck, not a leather-lined SUV with a bed. This market is forgotten.”

In Conclusion

Todd and all the other purists who see the lightweight Standard Cab as the perfect canvas for performance are absolutely right. The factory won't give it to you due to economic reasons, but the aftermarket is ready to deliver. If you're willing to accept the project, a supercharged 5.3L in a 2WD Regular Cab will get you 95% of the way to Todd’s dream with 100% of the reliability and peace of mind.

How About You?

If GM announced a limited-edition '454 SS Revival' Standard Cab 2WD with a 6.2L V8 tomorrow, what is the highest price you would honestly be willing to pay for that truck? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts and ideas.

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

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Photo credit: Denis Flierl