This is the ultimate LS engine swap or engine upgrade resource.
Scroll through the tables below to find the LS or LS-based Vortec truck engine that you own or are interested in building. All of the key engine specs and expert engine-upgrade advice and guidance you’ll need are only one click away.
Gen. III LS Engine Upgrade Guides & Specs (1996-2007)
| Gen III LS & Vortech Engines | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | Engine Code | LS Engine Upgrade Guide | LS Engine Spec Guide | Reluctor | VIN (8th Digit) | Block | Head | Gen III Years | Vehicle |
| 4.8L | LR4 | LR4 Upgrade Guide | LR4 Engine Specs | 24X | V | Iron | Cathedral | 1999-06 | Truck/SUV/Van |
| 5.3L | LM4 | LM4 Upgrade Guide | LM4 Engine Specs | 24X | P | Alum. | Cathedral | 2003-05 | SUV |
| 5.3L | LM7 | LM7 Upgrade Guide | LM7 Engine Specs | 24X | T | Iron | Cathedral | 1999-07 | Truck/SUV |
| 5.3L | L59 | L59 Upgrade Guide | L59 Engine Specs | 24X | Z | Iron | Cathedral | 2002-07 | Truck/SUV |
| 5.3L | L33 | L33 Upgrade Guide | L33 Engine Specs | 24X | B | Alum. | Cathedral | 2005-07 | Truck |
| 5.7L | LS1 | LS1 Upgrade Guide | LS1 Engine Specs | 24X | G | Alum. | Cathedral | 1997-04 | F body/C5/GTO |
| 5.7L | LS6 | LS6 Upgrade Guide | LS6 Engine Specs | 24X | S | Alum. | Cathedral | 2001-05 | C5 Z06/CTS-V |
| 6.0L | LQ4 | LQ4 Upgrade Guide | LQ4 Engine Specs | 24X | U | Iron | Cathedral | 1999-07 | Truck |
| 6.0L | LQ9 | LQ9 Upgrade Guide | LQ9 Engine Specs | 24X | N | Iron | Cathedral | 2002-07 | Truck |
…
Gen. IV LS Engine Upgrade Guides & Specs (2005-Present)
| Gen IV LS & Vortech Engines | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | Engine Code | LS Engine Upgrade Guide | LS Engine Spec Guide | Reluctor | VIN (8th Digit) | Block | Head | Gen IV Years | Vehicle |
| 4.8L | L20 | L20 Upgrade Guide | L20 Engine Specs | 58X | A | Iron | Cathedral | 2010-17 | Truck/Van |
| 4.8L | LY2 | LY2 Upgrade Guide | LY2 Engine Specs | 58X | C | Iron | Cathedral | 2007-09 | Truck |
| 5.3L | LY5 | LY5 Upgrade Guide | LY5 Engine Specs | 58X | J | Iron | Cathedral | 2007-09 | Truck/SUV |
| 5.3L | LC9 | LC9 Upgrade Guide | LC9 Engine Specs | 58X | 3 or 7 | Alum. | Cathedral | 2007-14 | Truck/SUV |
| 5.3L | LH6 | LH6 Upgrade Guide | LH6 Engine Specs | 24X/58X | M | Alum. | Cathedral | 2005-09 | SUV |
| 5.3L | LH8 | LH8 Upgrade Guide | LH8 Engine Specs | 58X | L | Alum. | Cathedral | 2008-09 | Truck/SUV |
| 5.3L | LH9 | LH9 Upgrade Guide | LH9 Engine Specs | 58X | P | Alum. | Cathedral | 2010-12 | Truck |
| 5.3L | LMF | LMF Upgrade Guide | LMF Engine Specs | 58X | 4 | Iron | Cathedral | 2010-14 | Vans |
| 5.3L | LMG | LMG Upgrade Guide | LMG Engine Specs | 58X | 0 | Iron | Cathedral | 2007-14 | Truck/SUV |
| 5.3L | LS4 | LS4 Upgrade Guide | LS4 Engine Specs | 24X/58X | C | Alum. | Cathedral | 2005-09 | FWD car |
| 6.0L | LS2 (Car) | LS2 (Car) Upgrade Guide | LS2 (Car) Engine Specs | 24X/58X | U | Alum. | Cathedral | 2005-2007 | Corvette/GTO/CTS-V |
| 6.0L | LS2 (Truck) | LS2 (Truck) Upgrade Guide | LS2 (Truck) Engine Specs | 24X/58X | H | Alum. | Cathedral | 2005-06, 2007-09 | SSR/TBSS, TBSS/9-7X Aero |
| 6.0L | L76 (Car) | L76 (Car) Upgrade Guide | L76 (Car) Engine Specs | 58X | Y | Alum. | Rectangle | 2008-10 | Pontiac G8 |
| 6.0L | L76 (Truck) | L76 (Truck) Upgrade Guide | L76 (Truck) Engine Specs | 58X | Y | Alum. | Rectangle | 2007-09 | Truck/SUV |
| 6.0L | L77 | L77 Upgrade Guide | L77 Engine Specs | 58X | 2 | Alum. | Rectangle | 2011-17 | Caprice PPV, Holden VE2/VF |
| 6.0L | L96 | L96 Upgrade Guide | L96 Engine Specs | 58X | G | Iron | Rectangle | 2010-17 | Truck/SUV/Van |
| 6.0L | L98 | L98 Upgrade Guide | L98 Engine Specs | 58X | N/A | Alum. | Rectangle | 2007-08 | Holden |
| 6.0L | LC8 | LC8 Upgrade Guide | LC8 Engine Specs | 58X | B | Iron | Rectangle | 2011-16 | CNG fuel |
| 6.0L | LFA | LFA Upgrade Guide | LFA Engine Specs | 58X | 5 | Alum. | Cathedral | 2008-09 | Hybrid Truck/SUV |
| 6.0L | LY6 | LY6 Upgrade Guide | LY6 Engine Specs | 58X | K/N | Iron | Rectangle | 2007-14 | Truck/SUV/Van |
| 6.0L | LZ1 | LZ1 Upgrade Guide | LZ1 Engine Specs | 58X | J | Alum. | Cathedral | 2010-13 | Hybrid/Truck/SUV |
| 6.2L | L92 | L92 Upgrade Guide | L92 Engine Specs | 58X | 8 | Alum. | Rectangle | 2007-08 | SUV |
| 6.2L | L94 | L94 Upgrade Guide | L94 Engine Specs | 58X | F | Alum. | Rectangle | 2010-14 | SUV |
| 6.2L | L99 | L99 Upgrade Guide | L99 Engine Specs | 58X | J | Alum. | Rectangle | 2010-15 | Camaro (auto) |
| 6.2L | L9H | L9H Upgrade Guide | L9H Engine Specs | 58X | 2 | Alum. | Rectangle | 2009-14 | Truck/SUV |
| 6.2L | LS3 | LS3 Upgrade Guide | LS3 Engine Specs | 58X | W | Alum. | Rectangle | 2008-17 | Performance Cars, C6 Grand Sport |
| 6.2L | LSA | LSA Upgrade Guide | LSA Engine Specs | 58X | P | Alum. | Rectangle | 2008-15 | CTS-V, 5th Gen ZL-1 |
| 6.2L | LS9 | LS9 Upgrade Guide | LS9 Engine Specs | 58X | T | Alum. | Rectangle | 2009-13 | Corvette ZR-1 |
| 7.0L | LS7 | LS7 Upgrade Guide | LS7 Engine Specs | 58X | E | Alum. | Square | 2006-15 | C6 Z06, Camaro Z28 |
How do you code the LS3/480 I purchased from The GM Performance Division ?
Bradford, the LS3 480 horsepower is really just a LS3 with the 219/228 degree duration Hot Cam instsalled. All other specs are identical to the LS3.
Have a 89 Chevrolet iroc Camaro with a 5.7 liter in it what would be the best swap,have a 700r4 automatic transmission
The 1989 Iroc is destined to become a classic. With LS swaps, it’s generally easier to find newer engines with lesser miles. Gen. 5 engines require considerably more effort to install though, so we would recommend a Gen. 4 LS3. The NAL-1941986 variant with the Hotcam is a nice upgrade that works well with the stock converter. It’s also easy to use the installer kit NAL-19354330 that has theh harness, ECU, and electronic gas pedal required to actuate the throttle body. Motor and transmission mounts are common and should make for a relatively swap and add another 240 horsepower to the IROC and run like a dream.
Pingback: Video: In-Depth Look at Summit Racing Pro LS Rotating Assemblies Combos
I have a 81 c/20 chevy truck 350c 400 turbo
I am looking for a replacement 6 liter.
I have a unmolested 6.0 Ls moter in a police suburban 114,211 miles 421 hp 397 pounds of tork that I will trade for a generation 1 LS motor 5.3 with the transmission this 6.0 liter engine and transmission I have did nothing but transport prisoners back and forth by the US Marshals from Canada to California it ain’t never pulled nothing in his life but it’s a straight monster
I’m guessing you have already found what you need, but in case you haven’t, email me. I have a 2000 5.3 and 4L60 2wd trans out of a 1500 Silverado with 83k miles I would be interested.
Pingback: Mailbag: Mating an Older GM Automatic Transmission to an LS Engine
I have a 94 Chevy cab in a half Dilley with a 454 and want to change to a LS motor what is the best one to buy.thanx K B
There are 46 Gen. 3 and 4 options. Ideally it would be best to get a larger 6.0 or 6.2L engine to get the extra torque out of it. That being said, even a 5.3L can be surprisingly strong. Some of the 6.0 and 6.2’s in the cars used a short runner intake manifold. The truck versions were very similar except had tall intake manifolds with long runners to produce more low end torque. They also had cams that were designed for more low end, but we’d recommend the installation of a SUM-8718 torque cam while the engine out to make whatever you have an absolute monster. Take a look at the following guide. It breaks out all the engine codes by displacement and where they were used. From there, each link gets into engine specifics. A Gen. 3 engine is almost always a little more simple because you don’t have VVT or AFM. Gen 4’s were all over the map with these features, but VVT and AFM delete kits are common and take all the headache out of anything you choose. Keep in mind, no matter what you get…you will want to get the matching ECU, wiring harness, and throttle pedal if equipped with Drive-By-Wire. The Customer Help section has a variety of spec articles and upgrade articles that cover everything you need to determine the direction you are going. Just enter engine codes etc. into the search bar and these helpful articles will popl up.
454 swap to LS motor in a 1994 Chevy dulley c3500 cab in a half long bed
Pingback: Video: Finding Performance Gains with Hughes' Torque Converter Dump Valve Kits
Pingback: Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: The Science Behind Low-Compression Engines
Pingback: Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: The Science Behind Low-Compression Engines – VEHICLE News
Pingback: LS1 Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LS Engine Spotter's Guide, Part 2: Matching the Engine to the Vehicle
Pingback: LS Engines 101: An Introductory Overview of the Gen III/IV LS Engine Family - OnAllCylinders
Pingback: LS Engine Spotter's Guide, Part 1: Matching the Vehicle to the Engine - OnAllCylinders
Pingback: How to Identify an LS Engine - OnAllCylinders
Pingback: How to Delete or Disable Active Fuel Management (AFM) on GM Engines
Pingback: LS3 Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LS3 Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LS Tech: How to Delete Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on an LS Engine
Pingback: LS2 Car Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LS Engine Bore & Stroke Chart
Pingback: LS7 Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LS7 Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LSA Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LSA Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: L76 6.0L Car Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for L76 Car Engine Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LM4 5.3L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LM4 Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LY5 5.3L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LS9 6.2L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: L96 6.0L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LC9 5.3L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: L96 6.0L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for L96 Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LMG 5.3L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: L99 6.2L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Anyway someone can help me out? I have an 05 Silverado ext cab 2wheel drive withe the 5.3 vortec. I believe I just spun a rod bearing this past week and I am looking into replacing the motor. What I am confused about is what motor I can put back into it. I’d like to stay with the 5.3 it’s an lm7 vin “t”. Can someone tell me which motor I’d be able to get and be able to drop right in without having to change anything else. For instance does it have to be the same vin “t” motor to match up. As far as my understanding I can put any 5.3 in it out of a Silverado suburban Tahoe or Sierra is that correct? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Pingback: L59 5.3L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: L59 5.3L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for L59 Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LH8 5.3L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LH8 Engine Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LH9 5.3L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LFA 6.0L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LFA Engine Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LH6 5.3L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LH6 5.3L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LH6 Engine Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LMF 5.3L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LMF 5.3L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LMF Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: L9H 6.2L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LC8 6.0L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: L94 6.2L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LQ4 6.0L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Building an L83 vs. LS Swapping an '84 Corvette
Replacing a LB9 with a LH8 in a 1988 Camaro problems?
Pingback: Engine Building 101: How to Polish a Thrust Bearing (Video)
Pingback: LC9 5.3L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LC9 Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: Gen 3 vs. Gen 4 LS Engines: How to ID Them (Video)
CAN I USE AN 07 INTAKE WITH STEEL FUEL RAIL WITH A L59 BLOCK?
As long as the intake manifold you are using is designed for cathedral port heads, you will be fine. L59’s were actually used from 2002-2007 to begin with.
Why in this guide it shows 5.3 2005 and newer with a 8 th dig C as being a ls4 transverse fwd vehicle……many of the trucks and SUV 2010 and up 8 dig C is a 5.3 rwd units ….something does not smell right …
Have 2010 5.3 flexfuel blown motor, found 2006 5.3 flexfuel if I use intake everything be okay
ARE lm4, l33 ,lh6, lc9, lh8, lh9, bare blocks interchangeable
You are in luck. When it comes to blocks, they are basically all interchangeable as long as you use the bore size that fits your rotating assembly. That being said there are a couple differences that are important to note. The Gen. 4 engines moved the knock sensors from the valley to the side of the block. They also moved the cam sensor from behind the intake to the front timing cover. There are adapter harnesses to fix either situation.
Pingback: LR4 4.8L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LR4 Engine Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LS6 Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LS6 Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: L20 4.8L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for L20 Engine Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LY2 4.8L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LY2 Engine Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LY5 5.3L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LY5 Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LMG 5.3L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for LMG Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: L77 6.0L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for L77 Mods to Maximize Performance
Pingback: LR4 4.8L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LM7 5.3L Vortec 5300 Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: L33 5.3L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: L20 4.8L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LS4 Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: LY6 6.0L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Pingback: A Closer Look at Magneto: Jeep's All-Electric Wrangler Concept
I just sold my 97 Tahoe so as to use money to buy a 91 Pathfinder 4×4 and it has the 3.0 or 3.1 V6 . I’m wanting to remove engine and whatever else I have to, so I can install a V8 drivetrain. Should I use a Toyota Tacoma V8 or can I use some good ole American muscle V8 like LM7? And what should I use as far as transmission goes for the LM7/5.3-5.7? Would Pathfinders transmission ,rear differential and driveshaft hook up to the LM7?
Pingback: Seal Up Your LS Engine's Timing Cover Quickly & Properly with Summit Racing's Pro LS Timing Cover Alignment Tool
I have a 99 silverado 2500 2wd with 6.0 w/ 289K. Wanting to rebuild another 6.0 but use 862 heads to bump up the compression, but, if at all possible not be relegated to using 92 octane. I understand that even with the higher static compression that the cylinder pressure can be managed by cam timing and bleeding off some of the pressure. Bottom line, does anyone have any recommendations for the kind of cam to use? I will be doing some porting work in the heads to increase flow.
I have a 1981 Corvette. What is a good engine and transmission swap, that requires little to no modification
Can you update this page, so it loads full screen. You can only see 30% of the page at a time. So you have to keep scrolling back and forth to look at specs with Chrome/Edge browser