If you drive an older truck or SUV from Chevrolet or GMC, you’ll be excited to hear the eight-year court battle over the 5.3-liter Vortec V8 is finally over. General Motors is offering drivers in California, Idaho, and North Carolina $3,380 each for problems with the following vehicles:

• 2011–2014 Chevrolet Avalanche (truck)
• 2011–2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (truck)
• 2011–2014 Chevrolet Suburban (SUV)
• 2011–2014 Chevrolet Tahoe (SUV)
• 2011–2014 GMC Sierra 1500 (truck)
• 2011–2014 GMC Yukon (SUV)
• 2011–2014 GMC Yukon XL (SUV)

The origins of the lawsuit

The three plaintiffs argued that the LC9 5.3-liter V8 Vortec 5300 used subpar piston rings. They also claimed GM knew about the problem but concealed the defects. This allegedly resulted in rapidly wearing engines and excessive oil consumption, which damaged spark plugs and caused rough idling or poor acceleration.

GM’s lawyers were initially able to have the case dismissed, but the three vehicle owners suing GM refiled the case eight times. Finally, GM agreed to a settlement.

The three original plaintiffs will each receive $30,000. Certain owners of other vehicles equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 will each get $3,380. The plaintiffs’ law firm—Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles—will receive $57 million from General Motors, much of which may cover legal fees after the epic eight-year battle.

Who gets the $3,380 Vortec V8 payout?

There’s some important fine print here. GM truck and SUV owners are only eligible for that $3,380 if they live in California, Idaho, or North Carolina. Presumably, those are the three states where the plaintiffs filed their respective lawsuits. In addition, anyone with an engine GM already repaired for free under warranty will not be eligible for the payout.

Perhaps this win will embolden 5.3-liter GM V8 drivers struggling with piston-ring issues in other states to file their own lawsuits.