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 Ratio | 9.9:1 |
| Horsepower Rating | 315-320 hp |
| Torque Rating | 338-340 ft./lbs. |
LY5 Applications
| VIN 8th Digit | Year | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| J | 2007-09 | Chevrolet | Avalanche |
| J | 2007-09 | Chevrolet | Silverado |
| J | 2007-09 | Chevrolet | Suburban 1500 |
| J | 2007-09 | Chevrolet | Tahoe |
| J | 2007-09 | GMC | Sierra |
| J | 2007-09 | GMC | Yukon, Yukon XL |
LY5 Engine Blocks
| LY5 Engine Block Specs | |
|---|---|
| Casting Numbers | 12576177, 12576178, 1589779 |
| Material | Iron |
| Displacement | 5.3L / 325 c.i.d. |
| Bore Dia. | 3.780 in. |
| Stroke | 3.622 in. |
| Deck Height | 9.240 in. |
| Bore Spacing | 4.400 in. |
| Thrust Bearing Location | #3 Main |
| Main Cap Style | 6-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 Centerline | 4.914 in. |
LY5 Rotating Assembly
| LY5 Rotating Assembly Specs | |
|---|---|
| Piston Material | Hypereutectic Cast Aluminum Alloy |
| Piston Style | Flat Top |
| Piston Volume | 0cc |
| Wrist Pin Dia. | 0.9431 in. (full floating) |
| Connecting Rod Material | Powdered Metal |
| Connecting Rod Style | I-Beam |
| Connecting Rod Length | 6.098 in. |
| Connecting Rod Housing Bore | 2.225 in. |
| Connecting Rod Bolts | M9 x 1 x 43 |
| Connecting Rod Casting Number (last 3 digits) | 143 |
| Crankshaft Material | Cast Iron |
| Crankshaft Casting Number (last 3 digits) | 216 |
| Crankshaft Main Journal | 2.559 in. |
| Crankshaft Rod Journal | 2.100 in. |
| Reluctor Wheel | 58x |
LY5 Cylinder Heads
| LY5 Cylinder Head Specs | |
|---|---|
| Casting Numbers | 799, 243 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Combustion Chamber Volume | 65cc |
| Intake Port Shape | Cathedral |
| Intake Runner Volume | 210cc |
| Exhaust Port Shape | D-Port |
| Exhaust Runner Volume | 75cc |
| Intake Valve Diameter | 2.000 in. |
| Exhaust Valve Diameter | 1.575 in. |
| Cylinder Head Bolt Style | Torque 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 Separation | 116°+2 |
| Cam Gear Attachment | 1-Bolt |
| Cam Gear Poles | 4x |
| Active Fuel Management (AFM) | Yes |
| Variable Valve Timing (VVT) | No |
LY5 Valvetrain
| LY5 Valvetrain Specs | |
|---|---|
| Lifter Style | Hydraulic Roller |
| Lifter Link Style | Plastic Lifter Tray |
| Lifter Body Diameter | 0.842 in. |
| Pushrod Length | 7.385 in. |
| Rocker Arm Mounting Style | Pedestal |
| Rocker Arm Style | Die-Cast, Roller Fulcrum |
| Rocker Ratio | 1.7 |
| Rocker Offset | None |
| Valve Spring Style | Beehive |
| Valve Spring Color | Natural |
| Valve Angle | 15 Degrees |
| Intake Valve Material | Steel - Solid Stem |
| Intake Valve Dia. | 2.000 in. |
| Exhaust Valve Material | Steel - Solid Stem |
| Exhaust Valve Dia. | 1.575 in. |
Other Key LY5 Specs
| Throttle Body, Fuel Injectors, Oil Pan Specs & More | |
|---|---|
| Intake Manifold | Truck-Style |
| Throttle Body | 87mm, 4-bolt |
| Throttle Control | Electronic (Drive-by-Wire) |
| Fuel Injector Part Number | 12580681 |
| Fuel Injector Flow | 29.6 lb./hr. @ 58 psi |
| Flex Fuel Capable (E-85) | No |
| Fuel Injector Length (between O-Rings) | 1.900 in. |
| Fuel Injector Connector | EV6 |
| Computer | E38 |
| Crankshaft Reluctor Ring | 58x |
| Camshaft Sensor Location | Front mount, 4x on cam |
| Oil Pan | Deep rear sump |
| Oil Pump | Standard 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.
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I love 5.3L, would love to put one in my 1966 chevy impala. I have a 2000 Yukon with 268,000 miles on it.
FYI…The 2000 5.3L is not the same engine as this one.
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I just traded for a 2012 Colorado 3LT v8 ext cab 5.3. 18,700 mile.
Orginal rubber but dry rot. Clean as a pen. I cant find out the exact about the engine looking for an engine cover which was missing. What a sleeper. No name, no badge, no nonsense vehicle. What a find, thank you Lord.
What engine plant manufactures this engine?
Hello there just wondering, I’m wanting to get a ly5 iron block as going turbo, will that block go out to a 4.00″ bore to fit ls7 heads.. Cheers
It will not. Besides, LS7 heads require a 4.125 bore.
I followed your recommendations to the letter adding a stage 2 cam, lay springs, delete kit, timing chain, but I cant find your recommendation for the one bolt cam sprocket to the three bolt sprocket. I believe I found the correct summit gm sprocket but I would like to hear your recommendation.
TEXAS PICKUP.. Several questions Canada built, 2008 4X4 Silverado 5.3 engine, 140,000 miles complete rebuild. AFM/DOD ate itself, 3 to 4 quarts @ 2500 mile intervals…. New Build natural asperated: forged Callies crank stroke 3.900, bored 3.800, forged flat top valve relief pistons, delete AFM/DOD. Cam Kit: moly pushrods, matched LS7 lifters, matched dual valve springs w/upgrade keepers, Roller Custom Cam DUR@.050″ 210*/218* Lift .578/.587 LSA 114* 4A, Single roller timing kit, replace left valve cover and valley plate, motor mounts to heavy duty, Melling high volume oil pump. Trans 4l60E upgrade to 500 torque at wheels, FTI stall 2000 converter. Engine is internally balanced as per OEM.
Question:
1.should the injectors be increased to 36 lb.?
2.Should a different Harmonic dampener/balancer be used?
New crank is keyed, OEM balancer/dampener will need keyed machined to fit, or because I’ve changed the stroke is there a need to go with a different Balancer/Dampener? Aim is 475 to 525HP. Heavy hauler Detroit locker axle upgrade 373 gear.
My thoughts after endless research is 36-lb. injectors.
Machine OEM Balancer/dampener..
Would really like the advise and or any additional thoughts on design or build awareness advice.
Lionel