The LY5 engine is a 5.3L Gen. IV iron-block engine used in GM trucks and SUVs between 2007 and 2009. For marketing purposes, it was also known as the Vortec 5300. The information listed here is for a stock LY5 engine.

Mechanically similar, General Motors’ LS and LS-based Vortec engines wound up on almost every branch of the GM family tree: Chevy, Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac, Buick—heck, even Saab, Hummer, and Isuzu got some LS love.

Since LS and Vortec engines are so common, they’ve become the go-to performance and swap engines of the modern era.

These motors are capable of making a lot of horsepower, and respond well to upgrades like turbos, superchargers, high-flow cylinder heads, intake systems, cams, and nitrous oxide.

[NOTE: Looking to upgrade your LY5? Read: LY5 5.3L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LY5 Mods to Maximize Performance.]

The aftermarket is strong, crate engines are available, and used motors are often cheaply sourced through junkyards.

Summit Racing has created a series of comprehensive guides for each engine in the LS family, so engine builders and tuners can have a handy reference for their projects.

This specific guide is for the GM LY5 5.3L Vortec 5300.

You can find more LS engine spec guides and LS-related information here.

(Summit Racing’s Paul Spurlock and Brian Nutter contributed to this article.)

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LY5 5.3L Vortec 5300 Engine Specs

LY5 Performance Specifications

Engine Ratings
Compression Ratio9.9:1
Horsepower Rating315-320 hp
Torque Rating338-340 ft./lbs.

LY5 Applications

VIN 8th DigitYearMakeModel
J2007-09ChevroletAvalanche
J2007-09ChevroletSilverado
J2007-09ChevroletSuburban 1500
J2007-09ChevroletTahoe
J2007-09GMCSierra
J2007-09GMCYukon, Yukon XL

LY5 Engine Blocks

LY5 Engine Block Specs
Casting Numbers12576177, 12576178, 1589779
MaterialIron
Displacement5.3L / 325 c.i.d.
Bore Dia. 3.780 in.
Stroke3.622 in.
Deck Height9.240 in.
Bore Spacing4.400 in.
Thrust Bearing Location#3 Main
Main Cap Style6-Bolt
Main Housing Bore Dia.2.751 in.
Cam Housing Bore Dia.Bore 1/5 = 2.346, Bore 2/4 = 2.326, Bore 3 = 2.307
Cam-to-Crank Centerline4.914 in.

LY5 Rotating Assembly

LY5 Rotating Assembly Specs
Piston MaterialHypereutectic Cast Aluminum Alloy
Piston StyleFlat Top
Piston Volume0cc
Wrist Pin Dia.0.9431 in. (full floating)
Connecting Rod MaterialPowdered Metal
Connecting Rod StyleI-Beam
Connecting Rod Length6.098 in.
Connecting Rod Housing Bore2.225 in.
Connecting Rod BoltsM9 x 1 x 43
Connecting Rod Casting Number (last 3 digits)143
Crankshaft MaterialCast Iron
Crankshaft Casting Number (last 3 digits)216
Crankshaft Main Journal2.559 in.
Crankshaft Rod Journal2.100 in.
Reluctor Wheel58x

LY5 Cylinder Heads

LY5 Cylinder Head Specs
Casting Numbers799, 243
MaterialAluminum
Combustion Chamber Volume65cc
Intake Port ShapeCathedral
Intake Runner Volume210cc
Exhaust Port ShapeD-Port
Exhaust Runner Volume75cc
Intake Valve Diameter2.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Diameter1.575 in.
Cylinder Head Bolt StyleTorque to Yield (TTY)
Cylinder Head Bolt Size(10) M11 x 2 x 100, (5) M8 x 1.25 x 45

LY5 Camshaft Specifications

LY5 Camshaft Specifications
Duration @ .050 in. (int./exh.)196°/201°
Valve Lift (int./exh.)0.481 in./0.481 in.
Lobe Separation116°+2
Cam Gear Attachment1-Bolt
Cam Gear Poles4x
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Yes
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)No

LY5 Valvetrain

LY5 Valvetrain Specs
Lifter StyleHydraulic Roller
Lifter Link StylePlastic Lifter Tray
Lifter Body Diameter0.842 in.
Pushrod Length7.385 in.
Rocker Arm Mounting StylePedestal
Rocker Arm StyleDie-Cast, Roller Fulcrum
Rocker Ratio1.7
Rocker OffsetNone
Valve Spring StyleBeehive
Valve Spring ColorNatural
Valve Angle15 Degrees
Intake Valve MaterialSteel - Solid Stem
Intake Valve Dia.2.000 in.
Exhaust Valve MaterialSteel - Solid Stem
Exhaust Valve Dia.1.575 in.

Other Key LY5 Specs

Throttle Body, Fuel Injectors, Oil Pan Specs & More
Intake ManifoldTruck-Style
Throttle Body87mm, 4-bolt
Throttle ControlElectronic (Drive-by-Wire)
Fuel Injector Part Number12580681
Fuel Injector Flow29.6 lb./hr. @ 58 psi
Flex Fuel Capable (E-85)No
Fuel Injector Length (between O-Rings)1.900 in.
Fuel Injector ConnectorEV6
ComputerE38
Crankshaft Reluctor Ring58x
Camshaft Sensor LocationFront mount, 4x on cam
Oil PanDeep rear sump
Oil PumpStandard flow (0.96 c.i. per rev.)

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NOTE: You can find engine specs and detailed engine upgrade advice for every LS and LS-based Vortec truck engine in one place: The Definitive Guide to LS Engine Specs and LS Engine Upgrades.