The
GM LS engine family is an engine design intended as the only V-8 engine used in General Motors' line of rear-wheel-drive cars and trucks. The LS series was a "clean sheet" design with little in common with the classic
Chevrolet small block V8The Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of automobile V8 engines built by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors using the same basic small engine block...
. Some LS engines are all-
aluminiumAluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
, especially the performance oriented engines, while others are cast iron, and all LS engines have 6-bolt main
bearingA bearing is a device to allow constrained relative motion between two or more parts, typically rotation or linear movement. Bearings may be classified broadly according to the motions they allow and according to their principle of operation as well as by the directions of applied loads they can...
caps.
The LS engine has been the sole powerplant of the
Chevrolet CorvetteThe Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after...
since 1997 and has seen use in a wide variety of other General Motors vehicles, ranging from
sport coupesThe Pontiac Firebird was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors between 1967 and 2002. The Firebird was introduced the same year as the automaker's platform-sharing model, the Chevrolet Camaro...
to
full size trucksThe Chevrolet Silverado , is the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors.-History:...
. Due to the engine's relatively compact external dimensions compared to its displacement and power output, the engine family is also a popular choice for
kit carA kit car, also known as a "component car", is an automobile that is available as a set of parts that a manufacturer sells and the buyer then either assembles into a car themselves, or retains a third party to do part or all of the work on their behalf...
s,
hot rodHot rods are typically American cars with large engines modified for linear speed. The origin of the term "hot rod" is unclear. One explanation is that the term is a contraction of "hot roadster," meaning a roadster that was modified for speed. Another possible origin includes modifications to or...
s, buggies, and even
light aircraftA light aircraft is an aircraft that has a maximum gross take-off weight of or less.Many aircraft used commercially for freight, sightseeing, photography and scheduled flights are light aircraft.Examples of light aircraft include:...
.
Generation III (1997–2007)
The
Generation III V-8 engines replaced the
Gen II-LT familyThe LT6 and LT7 are not part of the LT V8 family. See Oldsmobile Diesel V6 engine.General Motors' Generation II LT is a small block V8 engine...
in 1997 and
Gen IThe Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of automobile V8 engines built by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors using the same basic small engine block...
completely by 2003. Like the previous two generations, the gen III/IV can be found in many different brands. The engine blocks were cast in aluminium for car applications, and iron for most truck applications (notable exceptions include the
Chevrolet TrailBlazer SSThe Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a mid-size sport utility vehicle produced by the Chevrolet division of American automaker General Motors.On November 10th, 2011, General Motors officially revealed a second generation of the vehicle to be sold worldwide...
,
Chevrolet SSRThe Chevrolet SSR is a retractable hardtop convertible pickup truck manufactured by Chevrolet between 2003 and 2006....
and a limited run of Chevrolet/GMC Extended Cab Standard Box
Z71LTZ or ltz may refer to:* a generic high-end trim of Chevrolet vehicles.* Luxembourgish language ISO 639 code* Less Than Zero , a novel by Bert Eastman Ellis...
Trucks). The architecture of the LS series makes for an extremely strong engine block with the aluminium engines being nearly as strong as the iron generation I and II engines and with the iron LS engines far exceeding the capabilities of the previous two generations. The LS engine also introduced coil-near-plug ignition to replace the
distributorA distributor is a device in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine that routes high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. The first reliable battery operated ignition was developed by Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co. and introduced in the...
setup of all previous small-block based engines. The traditional five-bolt pentagonal cylinder head pattern was replaced with a square four-bolt design, and the pistons are of the flat-topped variety (in the LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, LQ9 and L33), while all other variants, including the new LS9 received a dished version of the GM
hypereutectic pistonA hypereutectic piston is an internal combustion engine piston cast using a hypereutectic alloy–that is, a metallic alloy which has a composition beyond the eutectic point. Hypereutectic pistons are made of an aluminum alloy which has much more silicon present than is soluble in aluminum at the...
. The cylinder
firing orderThe firing order is the sequence of power delivery of each cylinder in a multi-cylinder reciprocating engine.This is achieved by sparking of the spark plugs in a gasoline engine in the correct order, or by the sequence of fuel injection in a Diesel engine...
was changed to 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3, so that the LS series now corresponds to the firing pattern of other modern V8 engines (for example the
Ford Modular V8The Ford Modular engine is Ford Motor Company's overhead camshaft V8 and V10 engine family, which has been produced in 4.6L, 5.0L , 5.4L, and 6.8L variations. Contrary to popular belief, the Modular engine did not get its name from its design or sharing of certain parts among the engine family...
).
3.898 in bore blocks (1997–2005)
The first of the Generation IIIs, the LS1 was the progenitor of the new architecture design that would transform the entire Chevy V8 line and influence the last of the Big Blocks.
5.7 L
The Generation III 5.7 L shares little other than similar displacement, external dimensions, and rod bearings, with its
predecessorThe Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of automobile V8 engines built by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors using the same basic small engine block...
. It is an all-aluminium 5665 cc pushrod engine with a bore of 3.898 in (99 mm) and a stroke of 3.62 in (91.9 mm).
LS1
The LS1 was rated at 350 hp and 365 lbfft since 2001 (LS6 Intake), 1997-2000 350 lbfft in North America, depending on the application. The LS1 was used in the Corvette from 97-04. It was also used in GM F-Body cars with a rating of 305HP - 325HP. In Australia, continuous modifications were made to the LS1 engine throughout its lifetime, reaching 382 bhp in the
HSV'sHolden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
YII series, and a
CallawayCallaway Cars Inc. is an engine design company who is notable for their modification of Chevrolet cars, the Corvette sport cars in particular, especially their twin-turbo kit that became a dealer option and their record breaking Corvette Sledgehammer car....
modified version named "C4B" was fitted to HSV GTS models producing 402 bhp.
Applications:
- 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1997 through 2004 model years.- Overview :...
, excluding Z06
- 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is an automobile manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand, classified as a pony car and some versions also as a muscle car. It went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed as a competing model to the Ford Mustang...
Z28, SS
- 1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird
The Pontiac Firebird was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors between 1967 and 2002. The Firebird was introduced the same year as the automaker's platform-sharing model, the Chevrolet Camaro...
Formula, Trans Am
- 1999-2005 Holden Commodore Ute
- 1999-2005 Holden Commodore
The Holden Commodore is an automobile manufactured since 1978 by the Holden subsidiary of General Motors in Australia, and, formerly, in New Zealand. In the mid-1970s, Holden established proposals to replace the long-serving Kingswood nameplate with a smaller, Opel-based model...
(VTThe Holden VT Commodore, Berlina, and Calais are the tenth iteration of the Holden Commodore, a full-size car built by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors...
, VXThe Holden VX Commodore, Berlina and Calais range of full-size cars were the eleventh instalment of Holden Commodore, a model manufactured by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors...
, VY, VZ)
- 1999-2005 Holden Statesman (WH, WK, WL)
- 1999-2005 Holden Caprice (WH, WK, WL)
- 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
ClubsportThe HSV Clubsport is a full-size car which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles in Australia since 1990. All models have been based on contemporary Holden Commodore models...
(VT, VX, Y Series)
- 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Clubsport R8The HSV Clubsport is a full-size car which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles in Australia since 1990. All models have been based on contemporary Holden Commodore models...
(VT, VX, Y Series)
- 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
GrangeThe HSV Grange is a luxury performance sedan manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles with the Australian automobile company of Holden a subsidiary of General Motors...
(VT, VX, Y Series)
- 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
GTSThe HSV GTS is an Australian high performance luxury sedan, produced by HSV. The fundamental underpinnings are based on the mainstream Holden Commodore models of the same years. The car is powered by GM's 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine, with a maximum power output of 442 PS...
(VT, VX, Y Series)
- 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
MalooThe HSV Maloo is a performance coupe utility which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles since October 1990. All versions of the Maloo have been based on the mainstream Holden Utes, but have featured high-performance V8 engines and body kits...
(VT, VX, Y Series)
- 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Senator SignatureThe HSV Senator is a full size luxury sports sedan variation of the Holden Commodore, produced by Holden Special Vehicles in co-operation with Australian automaker Holden. It has been manufactured since 1992 at Elizabeth, South Australia, before final assembly in Clayton, Victoria, Australia...
(VT, VX, Y Series)
- 2000-2002 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Senator 300The HSV Senator is a full size luxury sports sedan variation of the Holden Commodore, produced by Holden Special Vehicles in co-operation with Australian automaker Holden. It has been manufactured since 1992 at Elizabeth, South Australia, before final assembly in Clayton, Victoria, Australia...
(VX)
- 2000-2002 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Coupé GTO (VX)
- 2000-2002 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Coupé GTS (VX)
- 2000-2002 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
SV300 (VX)
- 2000-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Maloo R8The HSV Maloo is a performance coupe utility which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles since October 1990. All versions of the Maloo have been based on the mainstream Holden Utes, but have featured high-performance V8 engines and body kits...
(VX, Y Series)
- 2001-2001 Opel Omega
The Opel Omega was an executive car marketed by the German automaker Opel between 1986 and 2003 in two generations, both manufactured at Opel's Rüsselsheim, Germany plant. The first generation, the Omega A , superseded the Opel Rekord, was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, and was available...
(prototype)
- 2001-present Mosler MT900
The MT900 is a sports car built in the United States and the United Kingdom by Mosler. Three submodels have also been produced. The MT900R was a racing version of the MT900. The basic car was updated as the MT900S for 2005, with the MT900S Photon being its racing variant. The original MT900 was...
- 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Clubsport SEThe HSV Clubsport is a full-size car which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles in Australia since 1990. All models have been based on contemporary Holden Commodore models...
(Y Series)
- 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Coupé LE (Y Series)
- 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Coupé4 AWD (Y Series)
- 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Avalanche XUVThe HSV Avalanche is an all-wheel drive crossover SUV that was manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles between 2003 and 2005. Based on the Holden Adventra LX8 crossover wagon, the Avalanche range also incorporated a dual-cab utility model known as the HSV Avalanche XUV...
(Y Series)
- 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Avalanche XUV AWDThe HSV Avalanche is an all-wheel drive crossover SUV that was manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles between 2003 and 2005. Based on the Holden Adventra LX8 crossover wagon, the Avalanche range also incorporated a dual-cab utility model known as the HSV Avalanche XUV...
(Y Series)
- 2001-2005 Holden Monaro
The Holden Monaro is an automobile that was produced by GM Holden Ltd, an Australian subsidiary of General Motors, between 1968 and 1977 and between 2001 and 2005...
CV8
- 2004 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is an automobile built by Pontiac Division of General Motors in the United States from 1964 to 1974, and by GM subsidiary Holden in Australia from 2004 to 2006. It is considered an innovative, and now classic muscle car of the 1960s and 1970s...
- 2006–present Elfin MS8 Streamliner
The Elfin MS8 Streamliner is a sports car, successor to the Elfin MS7, a Repco-Holden V8 powered sports racing car which won the 1975 Australian Sports Car Championship and the 1976 Australian Tourist Trophy....
- 2006–present Elfin MS8 Clubman
The Elfin MS8 Clubman is a sports car, successor to the Elfin MS7, a Repco-Holden V8 powered Group A Sports Car which won the 1975 Australian Sports Car Championship and the 1976 Australian Tourist Trophy....
LS6
- The LS6 designation was also used on a 454 CID Chevrolet Big-Block engine
The Chevrolet big block is a series of large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. As American automobiles grew in size and weight following the Second World War the engines powering them had to keep pace...
of the 1970s, as well as an iteration of the GM Iron Duke engineIron Dukes were fitted with fuel injection in 1982. This version was christened the Tech IV, though Car and Driver later ridiculed it as the low-Tech IV. Power output remained at ....
from the late 1970s
The
LS6 is a higher-output version of GM's LS1 engine and retains the same capacity. The initial 2001 LS6 produced 385 bhp and 385 lbfft, but the engine was modified for 2002 through 2004 to produce 405 bhp and 400 lbfft of torque. The LS6 was originally only used in the high-performance C5
CorvetteThe Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after...
Z06 model, with the
Cadillac CTS V-SeriesThe Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance version of the standard CTS. It is a series of mid-sized cars with a pushrod V-8 OHV engine and a sport-tuned suspension. The 4-door CTS-V sedan was introduced in 2004, and the CTS-V Sport Wagon and Coupe were introduced in 2010 for the 2011 model year...
getting the 400 bhp engine later. The V-Series used the LS6 for two years before being replaced by the LS2 in 2006. For 2006, the Z06 replaced the LS6 with the new LS7.
The LS6 shares its basic block architecture with the GM LS1 engine, but other changes were made to the design such as windows cast into the block between cylinders, improved main web strength and bay to bay breathing, an intake manifold and MAF-sensor with higher flow, a camshaft with higher lift and more duration, a higher compression ratio of 10.5:1, sodium filled valves, and a revised oiling system better suited to high lateral acceleration.
LS6 intake manifolds were also used on all 2001-2002 LS1 engines.
The casting number, located on the top rear edge of the block, is 12561168.
Applications:
- 2001-2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06
The Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 is a high-performance version of the C5 Corvette sports car. Introduced by Chevrolet as their corporate and performance flagship, production began in 2001 and ended with the 2004 model year.-General:...
- 2004-2005 Cadillac CTS V-Series
The Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance version of the standard CTS. It is a series of mid-sized cars with a pushrod V-8 OHV engine and a sport-tuned suspension. The 4-door CTS-V sedan was introduced in 2004, and the CTS-V Sport Wagon and Coupe were introduced in 2010 for the 2011 model year...
3.78 in bore blocks (1999–2007)
The 4.8 L and the 5.3 L are smaller truck versions of the LS1 and were designed to replace the 305 and the 350 in trucks. Both the 4.8 L and the 5.3 L share the same engine block and heads. Although the block of the 4.8 L/5.3L looks similar to the LS1, they are not the same.
4.8 L
The
Vortec 4800 is a small block V8
truckA truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
engine. Displacement is 4.8 l (292.7 cu in) with a 96.01 mm bore and 83 mm stroke. It is the smallest of the Generation III Vortec truck engines and was the replacement for the 5.0 L 5000 L30. The
Vortec 4800 produces 270 hp to 295 hp and 285 lbfft to 305 lbfft, depending on the model year and application.
5.3 L
The
Vortec 5300 is a V8
truckA truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
engine. It is a stroked (by 9 mm) version of the Vortec 4800 and replaced the 5700 L31. Power output is 285-300 hp (223-239 kW) and torque is 335 lbfft to 350 lbfft. Displacement is 5.3 L (5328 cc) from 96.01 mm bore and 92.00 mm stroke.
4.00 in bore blocks (1999–2007)
The 6.0 L is a larger truck version of the LS1, with the exception that the blocks were cast of iron, and was designed to bridge the gap between the new small blocks and big blocks in truck applications. There were two version of this engine: the LQ4 and the LQ9, the latter being more performance oriented. Although the block of the 6.0L looks similar to the LS1, they are iron instead of aluminium.
6.0 L
The
Vortec 6000 is a V8
truckA truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
engine. Displacement is 6 l (365.9 cu in) from 101.6 mm bore and 92 mm stroke. It is an iron/aluminium (1999 & 2000
model yearThe model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
engines had cast iron heads) design and produces 300 hp to 345 hp and 360 lbfft to 380 lbfft.
Generation IV (2005–current)
In 2005, the Generation III was superseded by the
Generation IV. This category of engines has provisions for high-displacement ranges up to 7011 cc and power output to 638 bhp. Based on the Generation III design, Generation IV was designed with displacement on demand in mind, a technology that allows 4 cylinders in alternating fashion from side to side and front to back to be deactivated. It can also accommodate
variable valve timingIn internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
.
A 3-
valveA poppet valve is a valve consisting of a hole, usually round or oval, and a tapered plug, usually a disk shape on the end of a shaft also called a valve stem. The shaft guides the plug portion by sliding through a valve guide...
per cylinder design was originally slated for the LS7, which would have been a first for a GM pushrod engine; but the idea was shelved owing to design complexities and when the same two-valve configuration as the other Generation III and IV engines proved to be sufficient to meet the goals for the LS7.
4.00 in bore blocks (2005–present)
This family of blocks were the first of the generation IV small block with the LS2 being the progenitor of this family and generation. This family of blocks has seen a wide range of applications from performance vehicles to truck usage.
6.0 L
LS2
- LS2 can also refer to the 1973-1973 Super Duty 455 CID Pontiac V8 engine
Pontiac began as a adjunct to the Oakland division of the General Motors line of automobiles in 1926. Pontiac successfully competed against more expensive 4-cylinder models with their inline flathead 6 engines. After outselling Oakland, Pontiac became the sole survivor of the two by 1932. In...
- LS2 can also refer to the 1985 Oldsmobile Diesel V6 engine
Oldsmobile developed three diesel engines for the 1980s: two V8s and a 263 CID V6. It was based on the Olds 350 V8 with a bore and stroke....
.
The
LS2 was introduced as the Corvette's new base engine for the 2005 model year. It also appeared as the standard powerplant for the 2005-2006 GTO. It produces 400 bhp@6000rpm and 400 lbfft@4400rpm from a slightly larger displacement of 5967 cc. It is similar to the high-performance LS6, but with improved torque throughout the rpm range. The LS2 uses the "243" casting heads used on the LS6 (although without the sodium filled valves), a smaller camshaft, and an additional 18 cubic inches. The compression of the LS2 was also raised to 10.9:1 compared to the LS1s 10.25:1 and the LS6s 10.5:1. The LS2s in the E-series HSVs are modified in Australia to produce 412 bhp and 412 lbfft. The LS2s in the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS and the Saab 9-7X Aero are rated at 395 bhp (2006–2007) or 390 bhp (2008–2009) and 400 lbfft of torque due to a different (sometimes referred to as a "truck") intake manifold that produces more torque at lower RPMs.
The LS2 is also used as the basis of the NASCAR Specification Engine that is used as an optional engine in NASCAR's Camping World Series East and West divisions starting in 2006, and starting in 2010 may also be used on tracks shorter than two kilometers (1.25 miles) in the Camping World Truck Series.
Applications:
- 2005-2006 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is an automobile built by Pontiac Division of General Motors in the United States from 1964 to 1974, and by GM subsidiary Holden in Australia from 2004 to 2006. It is considered an innovative, and now classic muscle car of the 1960s and 1970s...
- 2005-2006 Chevrolet SSR
The Chevrolet SSR is a retractable hardtop convertible pickup truck manufactured by Chevrolet between 2003 and 2006....
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced for the 2005 model year. The current generation Corvette is the first with exposed headlamps since the 1962 model...
- 2005-2006 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
ClubsportThe HSV Clubsport is a full-size car which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles in Australia since 1990. All models have been based on contemporary Holden Commodore models...
(Z Series)
- 2005-2006 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
SenatorThe HSV Senator is a full size luxury sports sedan variation of the Holden Commodore, produced by Holden Special Vehicles in co-operation with Australian automaker Holden. It has been manufactured since 1992 at Elizabeth, South Australia, before final assembly in Clayton, Victoria, Australia...
(Z Series)
- 2005-2006 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Coupé4 AWD (Z Series)
- 2005-2006 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Avalanche XUV AWDThe HSV Avalanche is an all-wheel drive crossover SUV that was manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles between 2003 and 2005. Based on the Holden Adventra LX8 crossover wagon, the Avalanche range also incorporated a dual-cab utility model known as the HSV Avalanche XUV...
(Z Series)
- 2005-2006 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
SV6000 (Z Series)
- 2005-2006 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
MalooThe HSV Maloo is a performance coupe utility which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles since October 1990. All versions of the Maloo have been based on the mainstream Holden Utes, but have featured high-performance V8 engines and body kits...
(Z Series)
- 2005-2006 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Coupé GTO (Z Series)
- 2005-2006 Vauxhall Monaro VXR
- 2005-2008 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Clubsport R8The HSV Clubsport is a full-size car which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles in Australia since 1990. All models have been based on contemporary Holden Commodore models...
(Z Series, E Series)
- 2005-2008 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
GrangeThe HSV Grange is a luxury performance sedan manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles with the Australian automobile company of Holden a subsidiary of General Motors...
(Z Series, E Series)
- 2005-2008 Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Maloo R8The HSV Maloo is a performance coupe utility which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles since October 1990. All versions of the Maloo have been based on the mainstream Holden Utes, but have featured high-performance V8 engines and body kits...
(Z Series, E Series)
- 2006-2007 Cadillac CTS-V
- 2006-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a mid-size sport utility vehicle produced by the Chevrolet division of American automaker General Motors.On November 10th, 2011, General Motors officially revealed a second generation of the vehicle to be sold worldwide...
SS
- 2008-2009 Saab 9-7X
The Saab 9-7X was a Saab-branded mid-size sport utility vehicle based on General Motors' GMT360 platform, which also included the GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Oldsmobile Bravada, Isuzu Ascender, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer The Saab 9-7X was a Saab-branded mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) based on...
Aero
L76
- See also the Vortec 6000 L76
L76 was originally
HoldenGM Holden Ltd is an automaker that operates in Australia, based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908 it moved into the automotive field, before becoming a subsidiary of the U.S.-based General Motors in 1931...
's version of the 5967 cc Generation IV engine. While displacement on demand technology was disabled on Holdens, this feature is enabled on the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT and subsequently refitted in the 2009 model Holdens with
AFMActive Fuel Management is a trademarked name for the automobile variable displacement technology from General Motors. It allows a V6 or V8 engine to "turn off" half of the cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel economy...
enabled, but only on models fitted with the 6L80 Automatic Transmission. The engine also meets Euro III emissions requirements. Output is 348 bhp@5600rpm and 376 lbfft@4400rpm for the Holden variant, and 361 bhp and 385 lbfft for the G8 GT.
Applications:
- 2006 Holden
- 2006 Holden WL Statesman/Caprice - Those built from February 2006 until September 2006 until the release of the WM series.
- 2008-2009 Pontiac G8
The Pontiac G8 is a rear-wheel drive sedan that was produced by Holden, the Australian General Motors subsidiary. The G8, a rebadged Holden Commodore, was released in early 2008 for the 2008 model year in the United States, and in 2008 for the 2009 model year in Canada. Production stopped in...
GT
- 2009 Holden VE Commodore
- 2009 Holden WM Statesman/Caprice
- 2009 Holden VE Ute
L98
- For the tuned-port Generation I engine of the same RPO, see Chevrolet L98
The
L98 is a slightly modified version of the L76. Since Holden did not use the displacement on demand technology of the L76, some redundant hardware was removed to form the L98. Power increased to 362 bhp@5700rpm and 391 lbfft@4400rpm.
As of February 2009 Holden have used AFM in the L76 block which has been available in all automatic V8s
Applications:
- 2006 (MY06) Holden VZ SS Thunder Ute
- 2006-2007 Holden VE Commodore
- 2006-2007 Holden WM Statesman/Caprice
- 2007-2008 Chevrolet Lumina
The North American Chevrolet Lumina sedan , coupe and minivan were first introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year as a new range of vehicles from the Chevrolet brand of General Motors to replace the Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Celebrity sedan, and the Monte Carlo coupe. The Lumina was an answer...
SS
- 2007-2008 Chevrolet Caprice
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-sized automobile produced by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors in North America for the 1965 through 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold. It was the most popular American car in the sixties and early seventies....
SS
Vortec 6000
The generation IV
Vortec 6000 is a V8
truckA truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
engine based on the LS2. Displacement is 6 l (365.9 cu in) from 101.6 mm bore and 92 mm stroke. It is an iron or aluminium engine block that has cast aluminium heads and can be equipped with
variable cam phasingIn internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
and/or
Active Fuel ManagementActive Fuel Management is a trademarked name for the automobile variable displacement technology from General Motors. It allows a V6 or V8 engine to "turn off" half of the cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel economy...
.
3.78 in bore blocks (2005–present)
This family of blocks is just an updated version of its generation III predecessor with generation IV updates and capabilities. Applications of this family were mainly for trucks but did see some mild performance usage in front wheel drive cars although with some modifications.
4.8 L
The Vortec 4800 LY2 is a Generation IV small block V8 truck engine. Like its LR4 predecessor, it gets its displacement from a 96.01 mm bore and 83 mm stroke. The smallest member of the Generation IV engine family, it is unique in that it is the only member of that family that use in trucks that does not feature either
variable valve timingIn internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
(until 2010) or
Active Fuel ManagementActive Fuel Management is a trademarked name for the automobile variable displacement technology from General Motors. It allows a V6 or V8 engine to "turn off" half of the cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel economy...
.
5.3 L
Vortec 5300
The Generation IV Vortec 5300 engines are truck engines that share all the improvements and refinements found in other Generation IV engines. At present, four versions of the 5300 are in production: two iron block versions (LY5 and LMG) and two aluminium block versions (LH6 and LC9). All versions feature the
Active Fuel ManagementActive Fuel Management is a trademarked name for the automobile variable displacement technology from General Motors. It allows a V6 or V8 engine to "turn off" half of the cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel economy...
system.
LS4
- LS4 can also refer to a 454 CID Chevrolet Big-Block engine
The Chevrolet big block is a series of large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. As American automobiles grew in size and weight following the Second World War the engines powering them had to keep pace...
of the 1970s
The
LS4 is a 5328 cc version of the Generation IV block. Though it has the same displacement as the Vortec 5300 LY5, it features an aluminium block instead of iron, and it uses the same cylinder head as the Generation III LS6 engine. The bellhousing bolt pattern differs from the rear wheel drive blocks.
This engine is adapted for
transverseA transverse engine is an engine mounted in a vehicle so that the engine's crankshaft axis is perpendicular to the long axis of the vehicle. Many modern front wheel drive vehicles use this engine mounting configuration...
front-wheel driveFront-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
applications. According to GM, "The crankshaft is shortened 13 mm – 3 mm at the flywheel end and 10 mm at the accessory drive end – to reduce the length of the engine compared to the 6.0L. All accessories are driven by a single serpentine belt to save space. The water pump is mounted remotely with an elongated pump manifold that connects it to the coolant passages. Revised oil pan baffles, or windage trays, are incorporated into the LS4 to ensure that the oil sump stays loaded during high-g cornering."
Active Fuel ManagementActive Fuel Management is a trademarked name for the automobile variable displacement technology from General Motors. It allows a V6 or V8 engine to "turn off" half of the cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel economy...
is also used. Output of this version is 303 hp/300 hp on LaCrosse Super and 323 lbft.
Applications:
- 2006–2009 Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size automobile built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced for the 1958 model year. Deriving its name from the southern African antelope, Chevrolet's most expensive passenger model through 1965 had become the best-selling automobile in the United...
SS
- 2006–2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was an American-made two-door coupe introduced for model year 1970, and manufactured over six generations through model year 2007. It was marketed as a personal-luxury coupe through most of its history, with the last model version being classified as a full-sized coupe...
SS
- 2005–2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
Picking up where the Pontiac Ventura model left off, the Grand Prix first appeared in the Pontiac line for 1962. It was essentially a standard Pontiac Catalina coupe with minimal outside chrome trim and a sportier interior...
GXP
- 2008–2009 Buick LaCrosse
The Buick LaCrosse is a mid-size entry-level luxury sedan produced by General Motors. It replaced the Buick Century and Regal in North America beginning in the 2005 model year.-North America:...
Super
4.125 in bore blocks (2006–present)
Inspired by the LS1.R in size and performance goals, this family of blocks was designed for race oriented performance. The only block that is in production is the LS7 with the LSX being only for aftermarket use. One unique feature of this family is that the cylinders are siamesed, no water passages between neighboring cylinders. This was done to increase both bore size and block strength.
7.0 L
LS7
- LS7 can also refer to a 454 CID Chevrolet Big-Block engine
The Chevrolet big block is a series of large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. As American automobiles grew in size and weight following the Second World War the engines powering them had to keep pace...
of the 1970s
The
LS7 is a 7011 cc engine, based on the Gen IV architecture. The block is changed, with sleeved cylinders and a larger 4.125 in (104.8 mm) bore and longer 4 in (101.6 mm) stroke than the LS2. The small-block's 4.4 in (111.8 mm) bore spacing is retained, requiring pressed-in cylinder liners. The crankshaft and main bearing caps are
forgedForged is a book written by biblical scholar, Bart D. Ehrman which attempts to analyze the historical accuracy of the Christian Bible. The book posits that 11 or more books out of the 27 books of the Christian New Testament canon were written as certain types of forgeries related to the politics...
steel for durability, the connecting rods are forged titanium, and the pistons are
hypereutecticA hypereutectic piston is an internal combustion engine piston cast using a hypereutectic alloy–that is, a metallic alloy which has a composition beyond the eutectic point. Hypereutectic pistons are made of an aluminum alloy which has much more silicon present than is soluble in aluminum at the...
. The two-valve arrangement is retained, though the titanium intake valves by Del West have grown to 2.2 in (55.9 mm) and sodium-filled exhaust valves are up to 1.61 in (40.9 mm).
Peak output is 505 hp at 6300 rpm and 470 lbft at 4800 rpm with a 7100 rpm
redlineRedline refers to the maximum engine speed at which an internal combustion engine or traction motor and its components are designed to operate without causing damage to the components themselves or other parts of the engine...
During GM's reliability testing of this engine in its prototype phase, the LS7 was remarked to have been repeatedly tested to be 8000 rpm capable, although power was not recorded at that rpm level, due to the constraints of the camshaft's hydraulic lifters and the intake manifold ability to flow required air at that engine speed.
The LS7 is hand-built by the General Motors Performance Build Center in
Wixom, MichiganWixom is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 13,498 at the 2010 census. The city was home to the former Wixom Assembly Plant, which produced the Lincoln LS, the Ford Thunderbird, the Ford GT, and the Lincoln Town Car...
. Most of these engines are installed in the Z06, some are also sold to individuals by GM as a
crate engineAn automobile engine replacement is an engine or a major part of one that is sold individually without any other parts required to make a functional car...
. They were also exported for use in the Australian built
Holden Special VehiclesHolden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
W427.
After an extensive engineering process over several years, Holden Special Vehicles fitted the LS7 to a special edition model, the
W427The HSV W427 is the limited edition flagship of the current E Series range by automobile manufacturer Holden Special Vehicles, released in celebration of the company's 20th anniversary....
. The HSV-tuned engine produces 375 kW (503 hp) and 640 newton metre, making it the most powerful car ever built in Australia. The W427 was unveiled at the Melbourne International Motor Show on 29 February 2008 and went on sale in August 2008.
Applications:
- 2006-present Chevrolet Corvette Z06
- 2008 HSV W427
The HSV W427 is the limited edition flagship of the current E Series range by automobile manufacturer Holden Special Vehicles, released in celebration of the company's 20th anniversary....
LS7.R
The
LS7.R engine is a variation of the LS7 used in the highly successful
C6.RThe Chevrolet Corvette C6.R is a grand tourer racing car built by Pratt & Miller and General Motors for competition in endurance racing. It is a replacement for the Corvette C5-R racing car, applying the body style of the new C6 generation Chevrolet Corvette as well as improvements to increase the...
American Le Mans SeriesThe American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
racecar. It was crowned as Global Motorsport Engine of the Year by a jury of 50 race engine engineers on the Professional Motorsport World Expo 2006 in
CologneCologne is Germany's fourth-largest city , and is the largest city both in the Germany Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia and within the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Area, one of the major European metropolitan areas with more than ten million inhabitants.Cologne is located on both sides of the...
,
GermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
.
LSX
At the 2006
SEMASpecialty Equipment Market Association of the automobile aftermarket was formed in 1963 by Roy Richter, Ed Iskenderian, Willie Garner, Bob Hedman, John Bartlett, Phil Weiand, Jr., Al Segal, Dean Moon, and Vic Edelbrock, Jr...
show, GM Performance Parts introduced the LSX engine, an all-new cast-iron racing block based on the LS7 engine. It was designed with help from drag racing legend
Warren JohnsonWarren Johnson is an NHRA drag racing driver. He is the driver with the most wins in pro stock with 97 career wins, earning himself the nickname The Professor of Pro Stock.-Career:...
. It offers displacements ranging from 364 cubic inches to 511 cubic inches (4.25 in (108 mm) Bore x 4.5 in (114.3 mm) Stroke) and is capable of withstanding 2500 bhp. This block incorporates two extra rows of head-bolt holes per bank for increased clamping capacity. The six bolt steel main caps are the same ones used on the LS7 engine. The engine debuted at the auto show in a customized 1969 Camaro owned by
Reggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
. The LSX will be available starting the second quarter of 2007, set to be available in authorized dealerships and retailers on March 31, 2007.
4.06 in bore blocks (2007–present)
This family was designed as a replacement for the LS2 but enlarged to better accommodate
variable valve timingIn internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
and
Active Fuel ManagementActive Fuel Management is a trademarked name for the automobile variable displacement technology from General Motors. It allows a V6 or V8 engine to "turn off" half of the cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel economy...
while still generating good performance. This family of engines has mainly seen duty in performances cars and high end SUVs.
6.2 L
L92
The 2007
Cadillac EscaladeThe Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's...
has a 6.2 L
Vortec 6200 (RPO
L92) (≈379 cu in) engine. It is an all-aluminium design which, while still a pushrod engine, boasts
variable valve timingIn internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
, a first in a mass-produced non-overhead cam V8 engine. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. This engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 ft•lb (565 N•m) in the GMC Yukon Denali/XL Denali, Sierra SLT, and in the GMC Sierra Denali, and rated at 403 hp and 415 ft.lbf (441 hp with 93 octane export version) in the Hummer and in the Cadillac Escalade. It is also available in the Chevrolet Silverado and Tahoe LTZ, with power ratings of 403 hp and 417 ft.lbf.
Applications:
- 2007+ Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's...
- 2007+ GMC Yukon
The Chevrolet Tahoe are full-size SUVs from General Motors. Chevrolet and GMC sold two different-sized SUVs under their Blazer/Jimmy model names through the early 1990s. This situation changed when GMC rebadged the full-size Jimmy as the Yukon in 1992...
Denali/Denali XL
- 2007+ GMC Sierra Denali
- 2008+ Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 is an SUV and SUT that was marketed by General Motors under the Hummer brand. It is a large truck , while longer, heavier , and taller with room for six passengers , seven passengers in some models. The rearmost part of the H2 SUV was modified to a pickup truck bed for the 2005 H2 SUT...
- 2009+ Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado , is the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors.-History:...
1500
LS3
- LS3 can also refer to a 402 CID Chevrolet Big-Block engine
The Chevrolet big block is a series of large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. As American automobiles grew in size and weight following the Second World War the engines powering them had to keep pace...
of the 1970s
The
LS3 was introduced as the Corvette's new base engine for the 2008 model year. It produces 430bhp (321Kw)@5900rpm and 424lb-ft (575Nm)@4600rpm without the optional Corvette exhaust and is SAE certified. The block is an updated version of the LS2 casting featuring a larger bore of 4.06 in (103.1 mm) creating a displacement of 6162 cc. It also features higher flowing cylinder heads sourced from the L92, a more aggressive camshaft with 0.551" lift, a 10.7:1 compression ratio, a revised valvetrain with 6 mm (0.236220472440945 in) offset intake rocker arms, a high-flow intake manifold and 47 lb/hr fuel injectors from the LS7 engine.
The L76/L92/LS3 cylinder heads use 2.165 in (55 mm) intake valves, and 1.59 in (40.4 mm) exhaust valves. Improved manufacturing efficiency makes these heads cheaper than the outgoing LS6 heads, and severely undercuts aftermarket heads. The large valves, however, limit maximum rpm - 6000 in the L76 (with AFM), and 6600 in the LS3 (with hollow stem valves).
In addition to the above, a dual mode exhaust package with a bypass on acceleration is available. The dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuated outlet valves, which control engine noise during low-load operation, but open for maximum performance during high-load operation. The system is similar to the C6 Z06, but uses a 2.5 in (63.5 mm) diameter exhaust compared to the Z06's 3 in (76.2 mm). Power is boosted to 436 hp and 428 lbf.ft with this option.
From April 2008, Australian performance car manufacturer, HSV, adopted the LS3 as its standard V8 throughout the range, replacing the LS2. The LS3 received modifications for its application to HSV E Series models, producing 425 bhp. The LS3 engine in the E Series II GTS (released September 2009) was upgraded to produce 436 bhp.
Applications:
- 2008–present Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced for the 2005 model year. The current generation Corvette is the first with exposed headlamps since the 1962 model...
- 2009 Pontiac G8
The Pontiac G8 is a rear-wheel drive sedan that was produced by Holden, the Australian General Motors subsidiary. The G8, a rebadged Holden Commodore, was released in early 2008 for the 2008 model year in the United States, and in 2008 for the 2009 model year in Canada. Production stopped in...
GXP
- June 2008–present Vauxhall VXR8
The Vauxhall VXR8 is a performance car marketed by Vauxhall in the United Kingdom based on two different Holden Special Vehicles models: the Clubsport and GTS ....
- 2010–present Chevrolet Camaro SS
The fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is a pony car produced by General Motors and marketed under the Chevrolet brand. It is the fifth distinct generation of the Camaro to be produced since its original introduction in 1967...
- April 2008–present Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Clubsport R8The HSV Clubsport is a full-size car which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles in Australia since 1990. All models have been based on contemporary Holden Commodore models...
(E Series)
- April 2008–present Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
GrangeThe HSV Grange is a luxury performance sedan manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles with the Australian automobile company of Holden a subsidiary of General Motors...
(E Series)
- April 2008–present Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
GTSThe HSV GTS is an Australian high performance luxury sedan, produced by HSV. The fundamental underpinnings are based on the mainstream Holden Commodore models of the same years. The car is powered by GM's 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine, with a maximum power output of 442 PS...
(E Series)
- April 2008–present Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Senator SignatureThe HSV Senator is a full size luxury sports sedan variation of the Holden Commodore, produced by Holden Special Vehicles in co-operation with Australian automaker Holden. It has been manufactured since 1992 at Elizabeth, South Australia, before final assembly in Clayton, Victoria, Australia...
(E Series)
- April 2008–present Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Maloo R8The HSV Maloo is a performance coupe utility which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles since October 1990. All versions of the Maloo have been based on the mainstream Holden Utes, but have featured high-performance V8 engines and body kits...
(E Series)
- September 2008–present Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
Clubsport R8 TourerThe HSV Clubsport is a full-size car which has been produced by Holden Special Vehicles in Australia since 1990. All models have been based on contemporary Holden Commodore models...
(E Series)
L99
- For the 4.3 litre Generation II engine of the same RPO, see GM LT Engine
The
L99 is derived from the LS3 with reduced output but adds
Active Fuel ManagementActive Fuel Management is a trademarked name for the automobile variable displacement technology from General Motors. It allows a V6 or V8 engine to "turn off" half of the cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel economy...
(formerly called Displacement on Demand), which allows it to run on only four cylinders during light load conditions.
Applications:
- 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
The fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is a pony car produced by General Motors and marketed under the Chevrolet brand. It is the fifth distinct generation of the Camaro to be produced since its original introduction in 1967...
(Automatic Transmission)
LS9
The LS9 RPO code was originally used on 69 and up Chevy trucks, available in 2 and 4 wheel drives, Blazers, Jimmys, and Suburbans. The original LS9 was a 350 cu in V8.
The Gen IV
LS9 is a supercharged 6162 cc engine, based on the LS3; the LS7 block was not used due to the higher cylinder pressures created by the supercharger requiring the thicker cylinder walls of the LS3. Cylinder dimensions are now 4.06 in (103.1 mm) bore and 3.62 in (91.9 mm) stroke. It is equipped with an Eaton four-lobe
Roots type superchargerThe Roots type supercharger or Roots blower is a positive displacement lobe pump which operates by pumping fluids with a pair of meshing lobes not unlike a set of stretched gears. Fluid is trapped in pockets surrounding the lobes and carried from the intake side to the exhaust...
and has a compression ratio of 9.1:1. Power output is rated 638 bhp@6500rpm and 604 lbfft@3800rpm.
Applications:
- 2009-Present Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 is a high performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette C6. Both the C3 from 1969–1971 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 had ZR-1 models...
LSA
The supercharged 6.2L
LSA is similar to the LS9 and debuted in the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. The LSA has been SAE certified at 556 bhp@6100rpm and 551 lbfft@3800rpm. GM labels it "the most powerful ever offered in Cadillac’s nearly 106-year history". The LSA features a smaller 1.9L capacity supercharger rather than the 2.3L variant of the LS9. Other differences include a slightly lower 9.0:1 compression ratio, single unit heat exchanger and cast pistons.
On February 9, 2011 Chevy Announced that the LSA will be used in the 2012 Camaro ZL1.
Applications:
- 2009–Present Cadillac CTS-V
- 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Vortec engines
Iron block versions of both the Generation III and Generation IV V8 have also been used in trucks. These are usually branded as GM Vortec engines. Although the block of the 4.8 L/5.3L looks similar to the LS1, they are not of the same blocks.
Successor
In 2007, wardsauto.com reported that the LS3 (used by 2008 Chevrolet Corvette) and Vortec 6000 LFA (used by 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid) engines would be the final two designs in the Generation IV small-block engine family, and the future designs would be part of the Generation V engine family.
An experimental engine was built based on L92 engine from Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali and Hummer H2, and reported to generate 450 bhp on gasoline via direct fuel injection, increased compression ratio to 11.5:1, and a modified engine controller.
Problems
In the early production run of the LS-series engine, some engines encountered abnormal amounts of 'piston slap' - a problem caused by too much clearance between the cylinder bore and the piston. 'Piston slap' sometimes sounds more like a knock or the sound of a
diesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
running. It is typically worse when the engine is cold and lessens as the engine reaches
operating temperatureAn operating temperature is the temperature at which an electrical or mechanical device operates. The device will operate effectively within a specified temperature range which varies based on the device function and application context, and ranges from the minimum operating temperature to the...
. The noise of 'piston slap' often is louder when listening for it below the oil pan.
Another common problem with the 04-06 5.3L engines was cracking cylinder heads. This is commonly called the 'Castech Head' failure on the internet. GM issued a TSB on this failure to help service techs identify the problem. The head casting (which can be viewed from the passenger side of the vehicle just in front of the valve cover) was 706. Some heads with this casting number would fail, but not all of them as GM had different suppliers for the same head. The failure was due to undetected porosity around the oil drains in the head.
External links