LS Chevy Engine Breakdown needed
04-26-2013, 12:21 PM
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LS Chevy Engine Breakdown needed I am used to the Gen I SBC engines and just getting into the LS family of chevy's lineup.
Can someone please give me a breakdown on all the LSx?
i.e. LS1 what their features are. LS2 and on and on and differences between each ones.
Someone told me the LS2 (guessing all alum. block) is a highly sought after model and fetches high value vs. other LS versions.
I just need a better understanding so I can make a good decision on buying one of these great engines for my 1997 Camaro.
Thank you in advance!
Can someone please give me a breakdown on all the LSx?
i.e. LS1 what their features are. LS2 and on and on and differences between each ones.
Someone told me the LS2 (guessing all alum. block) is a highly sought after model and fetches high value vs. other LS versions.
I just need a better understanding so I can make a good decision on buying one of these great engines for my 1997 Camaro.
Thank you in advance!
04-26-2013, 01:01 PM
#3
This may help a little
LS1: Third generation small block Chevrolet, produced by General Motors from 1997-2004, and used in various configurations ranging from 305 to 350 horsepower in the Chevy Camaro and Corvette, and the Pontiac Firebird and GTO. The LS1 displaced 5.7L and featured an aluminum block. The term LS1 is often used as a generic term for all third and fourth generation small blocks from GM.
LS6: Aluminum, high performance variant of the generation three small block Chevrolet. Produced from 2001-2005, its output varied from 385 to 405 horsepower. Available in the Z06 variant of the 2001-2004 Corvette and the 2004-2005 Cadillac CTS-V and displaced 5.7L.
LS2: A 6.0L fourth generation GM engine producing 400 horsepower. The LS2 features several updates from the generation III GM design, including features from the LS6 engine and updated sensor locations. The LS2 utilizes an aluminum block, and was available in the 2006-2007 Cadillac CTS-V, 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette, 2005-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2006-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac GTO.
L76: A 6.0L generation IV GM engine, used in the 2008 Pontiac G8. The L76 utilizes an aluminum block and produces 361 HP. In production starting in 2008.
LS3: A 6.2L generation IV GM engine, used in the 2008+ Chevrolet Corvette and possibly other future GM models, the LS3 utilizes an aluminum block and produces 430 HP.
LS4: A front wheel drive variant of the generation IV GM small block. The LS4 has a front wheel drive V6 bellhousing pattern and as such, is ill suited to most rear wheel drive conversions. Available in the 2006-2008 Chevrolet Impala SS, 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, 2005-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP and the 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super, the LS4 utilized an aluminum block and produced 303 HP.
LS7: The LS7 is a 7.0L generation IV small block. The LS7 features an aluminum block and produces 505 horsepower. The LS7 utilized several high end pieces such as titanium intake valves and connecting rods, and was available in the 2006+ Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
LS9: The LS9 is a 6.2L generation IV small block. The LS9 features an aluminum block and produces 638 horsepower. The LS9 also features an Eaton supercharger. The LS9 is available in the 2009+ Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
LSA: The LSA is a 6.2L generation IV small block, similar to the LS9. The LSA is essentially a detuned LS9, featuring a similar aluminum block, but with a smaller Eaton supercharger. The LSA produces 556 horsepower and is available in the 2009+ Cadillac CTS-V.
LSX: The LSX is an aftermarket block, based on the GM generation IV small block. Utilizing a cast iron block, 6 bolt heads and several other strength increase, the LSX block is advertised to handle in excess of 2500 horsepower. The LSX is an GM Performance Parts item, and is not available in any production vehicle, although several “crate” engines are available based on the block.
Vortec: GM nomenclature for the truck variants of the generation III and IV small block series.
LR4: A generation III small block Vortec truck engine displacing 4.8L. The LR4 featured a cast iron block and produced 295 horsepower. The LR4 was available in the 2003+ Chevrolet Express, 1997-2007 Chevrolet Silverado, 1999-2007 GMC Sierra, 1999-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and 1999-2006 GMC Yukon.
LY2: A generation IV small block Vortec truck engine. The LY2 is a replacement to the LR4 engine. The LY2 features an iron block and produces 295 horsepower. The LY2 is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado, 2007+ Chevrolet Tahoe, 2007+ GMC Sierra and 2007+ GMC Yukon.
LM7: A generation III small block Vortec truck engine. The LM7 features an iron block, displaces 5.3L and outputs 285-295 horsepower, depending on application. The LM7 was available in 2002-2005 Cadillac Escalade (2WD), 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, 2003-2007 Chevrolet Express, 2003-2007 GMC Savana, 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 1999-2007 GMC Sierra 1500, 1999-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, 1999-2007 GMC Yukon XL, 1999-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 1999-2006 GMC Yukon.
LM4: The LM4 is an aluminum generation III Vortec truck engine. The LM4 was a limited production engine, produced identical power to the LM7 (295 horsepower) and was available in the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, 2004 GMC Envoy XL and 2004 Chevrolet SSR.
L33: The L33 is an aluminum generation III Vortec truck engine. The L33 is also listed as a Vortec 5300 HO. The L33 produced 310 horsepower and was available in the 2006-2007 Silverado 1500 4WD and 2005-2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD.
L59: The L59 is a flex fuel variant of the LM7. Power ratings and general details are the same as the LM7 engine. The L59 is available in the 2002-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2002-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2002-2006 GMC Yukon, 2002-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, 2002-2006 GMC Yukon XL, and 2002-2007 GMC Sierra 1500.
LH6: The LH6 is a generation IV engine displacing 5.3L. The specifications are essentially identical to the LM4, but with generation IV additions (sensor locations) and active fuel management. The LH6 is available in the 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2005 GMC Envoy XL and XUV, 2005-2007 Buick Rainier, 2005+ Saab 9-7X, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2007 GMC Sierra 1500.
LY5: The LY5 is the iron block counterpart of the LH6. Output is 320 horsepower. The LY5 is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Avalanche, 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2007+ Chevrolet Suburban, 2007+ Chevrolet Tahoe, 2007+ GMC Sierra 1500, 2007+ GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
LMG: The LMG is a flex fuel version of the LY5. Power and availability are identical to the LY5.
LC9: The LC9 is the flex fuel variant of the LH6 and is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Avalanche, 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2007+ Chevrolet Suburban, 2007+ GMC Sierra 1500 and 2007+ GMC Yukon.
LH8: The LH8 is a 5.3L generation IV small block designed for the GMT 345 and 355 platforms. IT produces 300 horsepower and is available in the 2008+ Hummer H3, 2009+ Chevrolet Colorado and 2009+ GMC Canyon.
LQ4: The LQ4 is an iron block 6.0L generation III small block. The LQ4 produced 300 horsepower and was available in the 1999-2005 Chevrolet Express, 1999-2005 GMC Savana, 1999-2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, 1999-2005 Chevrolet Suburban, 1999-2005 GMC Yukon XL Denali, and 2002-2005 Hummer H2 SUT. Early LQ4 engines (1999-early 2000) featured cast iron heads and a longer crankshaft to allow usage with the GM 4L80e transmission.
LQ9: The LQ9 is a high output version of the LQ4 with higher compression flat top pistons (as opposed to the dished pistons in the LQ4). The LQ9 was available in the 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade and 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado SS. The LQ9 features an iron block.
LY6: The LY6 is a generation IV small block engine which replaces the LQ4. The LY6 features the same basic specifications as the LQ4, with the addition of variable valve timing. The LY6 is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2007+ GMC Sierra HD, 2007+ Chevrolet Suburban ¾ Ton and 2007+ GMC Yukon ¾ Ton.
L76: The L76 is a generation IV replacement for the LQ9, featuring variable cam phasing and active fuel management. The L76 produces 367 horsepower and is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado, 2007+ Chevrolet Avalanche, 2007+ GMC Sierra, and 2007+ GMC Yukon XL.
LFA: The LFA is a variant of the generation IV engine used in the hybrid GMT 900 series trucks. The LFA features active fuel management, a late intake valve timing system and high compression. The LFA produces 332 horsepower and was available in the hybrid models of the 2008+ Chevrolet Tahoe, 2008+ GMC Yukon, 2009+ Cadillac Escalade, 2009+ Chevrolet Silverado and 2009+ GMC Sierra.
L92: The L92 is a 6.2L variant of the generation IV small block engine. The L92 features an aluminum block and variable valve timing. Producing 380 horsepower, the L92 is available in the 2007+ Cadillac Escalade, 2008+ Chevrolet Tahoe, 2007+ GMC Yukon Denali, 2007+ GMC Sierra Denali, 2008+ Hummer H2 and 2009+ Silverado 1500.
LT1: The LT1 is an iron generation II GM small block displacing 5.7L. Featuring reverse flow cooling, electronic fuel injection and advanced “Opti-spark” spark distribution the LT1 is essentially an updated version of the original small block Chevrolet engine. The LT1 produced 260-300 horsepower depending on configuration. The LT1 was available in the 1992-1996 Chevrolet Corvette, 1993-1997 Chevrolet Camaro, 1993-1997 Pontiac Firebird, 1994-1996 Buick Roadmaster, 1994-1996 Chevrolet Caprice, 1994-1996 Chervolet Impala and 1994-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood. Buick, Cadillac, Caprice and Impala models featured cast iron heads. Corvette versions of the LT1 featured 4 bolt mains while most other blocks utilized 2 bolt main caps.
LT4: The LT4 was a special high output version of the LT1. Featuring a more aggressive camshaft, roller rockers and an upgraded intake manifold, the LT4 produced 330 horsepower. The LT4 was available in the 1996 Corvette and certain versions of the 1997 Camaro and Firebird.
L99: The L99 is a 4.3L, iron block, low output version of the generation II small block. The L99 was available in the 1994 Chevrolet Caprice and produced 200 horsepower. The L99 is externally identical to the LT1 engine, but with a smaller bore and stroke.
LT5: The LT5 is an extremely limited production engine featuring an aluminum 5.7L block and quad overhead cams. Co-developed by GM and Lotus, and assembled by Mercury Marine the LT5 produced 375-405 horsepower depending on year and was available only in the 1993-1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. Due to its large size, high cost and complexity the LT5 is a difficult retrofit into most platforms.
Close Gen II/III/IV Engine Glossary
LS1: Third generation small block Chevrolet, produced by General Motors from 1997-2004, and used in various configurations ranging from 305 to 350 horsepower in the Chevy Camaro and Corvette, and the Pontiac Firebird and GTO. The LS1 displaced 5.7L and featured an aluminum block. The term LS1 is often used as a generic term for all third and fourth generation small blocks from GM.
LS6: Aluminum, high performance variant of the generation three small block Chevrolet. Produced from 2001-2005, its output varied from 385 to 405 horsepower. Available in the Z06 variant of the 2001-2004 Corvette and the 2004-2005 Cadillac CTS-V and displaced 5.7L.
LS2: A 6.0L fourth generation GM engine producing 400 horsepower. The LS2 features several updates from the generation III GM design, including features from the LS6 engine and updated sensor locations. The LS2 utilizes an aluminum block, and was available in the 2006-2007 Cadillac CTS-V, 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette, 2005-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2006-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac GTO.
L76: A 6.0L generation IV GM engine, used in the 2008 Pontiac G8. The L76 utilizes an aluminum block and produces 361 HP. In production starting in 2008.
LS3: A 6.2L generation IV GM engine, used in the 2008+ Chevrolet Corvette and possibly other future GM models, the LS3 utilizes an aluminum block and produces 430 HP.
LS4: A front wheel drive variant of the generation IV GM small block. The LS4 has a front wheel drive V6 bellhousing pattern and as such, is ill suited to most rear wheel drive conversions. Available in the 2006-2008 Chevrolet Impala SS, 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, 2005-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP and the 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super, the LS4 utilized an aluminum block and produced 303 HP.
LS7: The LS7 is a 7.0L generation IV small block. The LS7 features an aluminum block and produces 505 horsepower. The LS7 utilized several high end pieces such as titanium intake valves and connecting rods, and was available in the 2006+ Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
LS9: The LS9 is a 6.2L generation IV small block. The LS9 features an aluminum block and produces 638 horsepower. The LS9 also features an Eaton supercharger. The LS9 is available in the 2009+ Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
LSA: The LSA is a 6.2L generation IV small block, similar to the LS9. The LSA is essentially a detuned LS9, featuring a similar aluminum block, but with a smaller Eaton supercharger. The LSA produces 556 horsepower and is available in the 2009+ Cadillac CTS-V.
LSX: The LSX is an aftermarket block, based on the GM generation IV small block. Utilizing a cast iron block, 6 bolt heads and several other strength increase, the LSX block is advertised to handle in excess of 2500 horsepower. The LSX is an GM Performance Parts item, and is not available in any production vehicle, although several “crate” engines are available based on the block.
Vortec: GM nomenclature for the truck variants of the generation III and IV small block series.
LR4: A generation III small block Vortec truck engine displacing 4.8L. The LR4 featured a cast iron block and produced 295 horsepower. The LR4 was available in the 2003+ Chevrolet Express, 1997-2007 Chevrolet Silverado, 1999-2007 GMC Sierra, 1999-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and 1999-2006 GMC Yukon.
LY2: A generation IV small block Vortec truck engine. The LY2 is a replacement to the LR4 engine. The LY2 features an iron block and produces 295 horsepower. The LY2 is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado, 2007+ Chevrolet Tahoe, 2007+ GMC Sierra and 2007+ GMC Yukon.
LM7: A generation III small block Vortec truck engine. The LM7 features an iron block, displaces 5.3L and outputs 285-295 horsepower, depending on application. The LM7 was available in 2002-2005 Cadillac Escalade (2WD), 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, 2003-2007 Chevrolet Express, 2003-2007 GMC Savana, 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 1999-2007 GMC Sierra 1500, 1999-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, 1999-2007 GMC Yukon XL, 1999-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 1999-2006 GMC Yukon.
LM4: The LM4 is an aluminum generation III Vortec truck engine. The LM4 was a limited production engine, produced identical power to the LM7 (295 horsepower) and was available in the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, 2004 GMC Envoy XL and 2004 Chevrolet SSR.
L33: The L33 is an aluminum generation III Vortec truck engine. The L33 is also listed as a Vortec 5300 HO. The L33 produced 310 horsepower and was available in the 2006-2007 Silverado 1500 4WD and 2005-2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD.
L59: The L59 is a flex fuel variant of the LM7. Power ratings and general details are the same as the LM7 engine. The L59 is available in the 2002-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2002-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2002-2006 GMC Yukon, 2002-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, 2002-2006 GMC Yukon XL, and 2002-2007 GMC Sierra 1500.
LH6: The LH6 is a generation IV engine displacing 5.3L. The specifications are essentially identical to the LM4, but with generation IV additions (sensor locations) and active fuel management. The LH6 is available in the 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2005 GMC Envoy XL and XUV, 2005-2007 Buick Rainier, 2005+ Saab 9-7X, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2007 GMC Sierra 1500.
LY5: The LY5 is the iron block counterpart of the LH6. Output is 320 horsepower. The LY5 is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Avalanche, 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2007+ Chevrolet Suburban, 2007+ Chevrolet Tahoe, 2007+ GMC Sierra 1500, 2007+ GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
LMG: The LMG is a flex fuel version of the LY5. Power and availability are identical to the LY5.
LC9: The LC9 is the flex fuel variant of the LH6 and is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Avalanche, 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2007+ Chevrolet Suburban, 2007+ GMC Sierra 1500 and 2007+ GMC Yukon.
LH8: The LH8 is a 5.3L generation IV small block designed for the GMT 345 and 355 platforms. IT produces 300 horsepower and is available in the 2008+ Hummer H3, 2009+ Chevrolet Colorado and 2009+ GMC Canyon.
LQ4: The LQ4 is an iron block 6.0L generation III small block. The LQ4 produced 300 horsepower and was available in the 1999-2005 Chevrolet Express, 1999-2005 GMC Savana, 1999-2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, 1999-2005 Chevrolet Suburban, 1999-2005 GMC Yukon XL Denali, and 2002-2005 Hummer H2 SUT. Early LQ4 engines (1999-early 2000) featured cast iron heads and a longer crankshaft to allow usage with the GM 4L80e transmission.
LQ9: The LQ9 is a high output version of the LQ4 with higher compression flat top pistons (as opposed to the dished pistons in the LQ4). The LQ9 was available in the 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade and 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado SS. The LQ9 features an iron block.
LY6: The LY6 is a generation IV small block engine which replaces the LQ4. The LY6 features the same basic specifications as the LQ4, with the addition of variable valve timing. The LY6 is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2007+ GMC Sierra HD, 2007+ Chevrolet Suburban ¾ Ton and 2007+ GMC Yukon ¾ Ton.
L76: The L76 is a generation IV replacement for the LQ9, featuring variable cam phasing and active fuel management. The L76 produces 367 horsepower and is available in the 2007+ Chevrolet Silverado, 2007+ Chevrolet Avalanche, 2007+ GMC Sierra, and 2007+ GMC Yukon XL.
LFA: The LFA is a variant of the generation IV engine used in the hybrid GMT 900 series trucks. The LFA features active fuel management, a late intake valve timing system and high compression. The LFA produces 332 horsepower and was available in the hybrid models of the 2008+ Chevrolet Tahoe, 2008+ GMC Yukon, 2009+ Cadillac Escalade, 2009+ Chevrolet Silverado and 2009+ GMC Sierra.
L92: The L92 is a 6.2L variant of the generation IV small block engine. The L92 features an aluminum block and variable valve timing. Producing 380 horsepower, the L92 is available in the 2007+ Cadillac Escalade, 2008+ Chevrolet Tahoe, 2007+ GMC Yukon Denali, 2007+ GMC Sierra Denali, 2008+ Hummer H2 and 2009+ Silverado 1500.
LT1: The LT1 is an iron generation II GM small block displacing 5.7L. Featuring reverse flow cooling, electronic fuel injection and advanced “Opti-spark” spark distribution the LT1 is essentially an updated version of the original small block Chevrolet engine. The LT1 produced 260-300 horsepower depending on configuration. The LT1 was available in the 1992-1996 Chevrolet Corvette, 1993-1997 Chevrolet Camaro, 1993-1997 Pontiac Firebird, 1994-1996 Buick Roadmaster, 1994-1996 Chevrolet Caprice, 1994-1996 Chervolet Impala and 1994-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood. Buick, Cadillac, Caprice and Impala models featured cast iron heads. Corvette versions of the LT1 featured 4 bolt mains while most other blocks utilized 2 bolt main caps.
LT4: The LT4 was a special high output version of the LT1. Featuring a more aggressive camshaft, roller rockers and an upgraded intake manifold, the LT4 produced 330 horsepower. The LT4 was available in the 1996 Corvette and certain versions of the 1997 Camaro and Firebird.
L99: The L99 is a 4.3L, iron block, low output version of the generation II small block. The L99 was available in the 1994 Chevrolet Caprice and produced 200 horsepower. The L99 is externally identical to the LT1 engine, but with a smaller bore and stroke.
LT5: The LT5 is an extremely limited production engine featuring an aluminum 5.7L block and quad overhead cams. Co-developed by GM and Lotus, and assembled by Mercury Marine the LT5 produced 375-405 horsepower depending on year and was available only in the 1993-1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. Due to its large size, high cost and complexity the LT5 is a difficult retrofit into most platforms.
Close Gen II/III/IV Engine Glossary
04-27-2013, 03:46 AM
#6
Also... Look up at cathedral VS rectangular heads and what works on what.. They make small bore ls3 heads now for ls1/ls6 motors but the normal ls3/l92 heads won't work.
Remember.. Chevy likes to use a lot of the same parts for the same motors... ls3/l92/ly6/l76 all share a lot of similar things.
ls1/ls2/ls6 share similar things..
lq9/lq4 are almost identical..
The list goes on..
Remember.. Chevy likes to use a lot of the same parts for the same motors... ls3/l92/ly6/l76 all share a lot of similar things.
ls1/ls2/ls6 share similar things..
lq9/lq4 are almost identical..
The list goes on..
05-31-2013, 05:57 PM
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Hi everyone! This was a really helpful forum for a beginner. I'm trying to understand the differences between a Chevy Suburban LS1 engine and other Chevy LS1 engines like the corvette, etc.
I am selling for a friend two used Chevy Suburban LS1 engines - both of them FULL swap outs with adiator and, cooler, and for one of them it also *includes transmission.* (the second does not have a transmission but has everything else). Both are in good condition.
So any ideas on what I should expect to sell them for? I am a girl that just last month learned how to check her oil :-P so please and thank you for your patience - ill learn quickly because this friend / client has many more car parts to sell.
Its been hard to price it and even describe it (though I do have up close photos) because an eBay search turned up VERY few results, unlike "Chevy corvette LS1.
And @RazorzChevy if you're interested in the engine(s) id love to hear from you. Once I feel more confident in my research of this engine/trans value etc, we will be selling at least one of them for a deal to expedite startup cash for his business (non-auto-related).
SHIPPING/DELIVERY is definitely an option, but just in case anyone else happens upon this post, we live in L.A. - pickup would be free and all moving hands will be showered with food and drink for preventing me from trying to lift this (literally) ton of fancy metal. ;-)
Once again, thank you for the posts - they were really helpful,
I am selling for a friend two used Chevy Suburban LS1 engines - both of them FULL swap outs with adiator and, cooler, and for one of them it also *includes transmission.* (the second does not have a transmission but has everything else). Both are in good condition.
So any ideas on what I should expect to sell them for? I am a girl that just last month learned how to check her oil :-P so please and thank you for your patience - ill learn quickly because this friend / client has many more car parts to sell.
Its been hard to price it and even describe it (though I do have up close photos) because an eBay search turned up VERY few results, unlike "Chevy corvette LS1.
And @RazorzChevy if you're interested in the engine(s) id love to hear from you. Once I feel more confident in my research of this engine/trans value etc, we will be selling at least one of them for a deal to expedite startup cash for his business (non-auto-related).
SHIPPING/DELIVERY is definitely an option, but just in case anyone else happens upon this post, we live in L.A. - pickup would be free and all moving hands will be showered with food and drink for preventing me from trying to lift this (literally) ton of fancy metal. ;-)
Once again, thank you for the posts - they were really helpful,
