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.
[…] its product offering for all manners of LS engine builds, including every displacement offering in the LS engine family, which includes 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, and […]
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.
[…] All LS engines used the standard GM bellhousing bolt pattern. The dowel pins are in the right spot and five of six bolt holes will line up. […]
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
[…] the engine’s thrust bearing which helps to extend bearing and engine life (particularly on LS engines and Ford modular engines where thrust bearings are known to be […]
[…] are less sensitive to detonation than engines with older, poorly constructed chambers. This is why LS engines at 10.5:1 compression require less timing and are therefore less sensitive to detonation than an […]
[…] less delicate to detonation than engines with older, poorly constructed chambers. For this reason LS engines at 10.5:1 compression require much less timing and are subsequently much less delicate to detonation […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] [Editor’s Note: Find a comprehensive list of every LS and Vortec engine spec guide and upgrade guide we’ve published here.] […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
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
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] Gen III/IV LS engine family is substantially different than the small-block Chevy, but there are enough similarities that this […]
Replacing a LB9 with a LH8 in a 1988 Camaro problems?
[…] an LS engine build as an example, the Summit team removes the bearing and crankshaft from the engine to their […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] We have a highly comprehensive LS engine tech article library (much of it authored by Brian from the video), including the engine specs, and engine code-specific upgrade advice for every engine in the LS family. You can find all of those in one place: The Definitive Guide to LS Engine Specs and LS Engine Upgrades. […]
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.
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] 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. […]
[…] axle, suspension, steering, or brake systems—it’d be tantamount to something like an LS swap. Again, other companies are already making electric motor swap kits like this, but seeing it […]
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?
[…] at OnAllCylinders, we like GM’s LS Series Engines. Plenty of other folks do […]
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
I have a 95 mustang v6 3.7l stock and wanna ls swap it what would be the best?
I have a 2011 GMC Canyon with a 3.7L inline 5cyl. I woild like to swap to a LS V8, any suggestions?
I have a 1996 Tahoe with a 5.7L something. The Gen III title above (Gen. III LS Engine Upgrade Guides & Specs (1996-2007)) specifies 1996 but none of the rows underneath start at 1996. The 8th digit of my VIN is an “R” so I’m not sure what I have. I have 350K miles on this motor, it’s tired, leaking like a sieve and needs to be replaced. Any recommendations? This is about ease of replacement, not looking for 400+ hp although wouldn’t reject it. 🙂
I was looking to upgrade my 1972 K5 Blazer with an LS motor and transmission. Not really looking for a 5.3L but something with a little more punch. I was hoping for something stock with at least 500 HP. Your thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.