The LS series of engines is built by General Motors and designed by Tom Stephens and Ed Koerner. They are gasoline-powered V8 engines that feature an aluminum or iron block and heads, a pushrod engine layout, a 90° angle piston bank arrangement, and are relatively small for their displacement amount.
LS1
The LS1 was introduced as the standard engine in the Corvette for the 1997 model year.
- 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro
- 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette
- 1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird/Trans AM
- 2004 Pontiac GTO
- 1999-2005 Holden Statesman
- 2001-2005 Holden Monaro
- 2001-2004 HSV GTO
Factory-Equipped LS1 Vehicles
A Stock LS1 Pontiac GTO Dyno Run
Footage of a 2004 Pontiac GTO on a Mustang dyno, uploaded on October 13, 2018, and filmed at East Windsor, Connecticut.
LS6
The LS6 has the same displacement as the LS1, but with different cylinder heads for improved intake and exhaust flow.
LS2
The LS2 became the standard engine for the Corvette and GTO in 2005, replacing the LS1. The engine is equipped with the same "243" head casting as the LS6. The engine typically produced about 400 HP and shows up as a "U" engine VIN code.
LS2 Engine Data
| Displacement: | 6.0L (364 CI) |
|---|---|
| Compression Ratio: | 10.9:1 |
| Typical Output: | 400 HP |
| Piston Material: | Hypereutectic Cast Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil System: | Wet Sump |
| Throttle Control: | Electronic |
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2005-2006 Chevrolet SSR
- 2006-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS
- 2006-2007 Cadillac CTS-V
- 2005-2006 Pontiac GTO
- 2005-2006 Vauxhall Monaro VXR
- 2005-2006 HSV Coupé GTO
- 2005-2006 HSV SV6000
- 2005-2008 HSV Clubsport R8, Maloo R8, Senator Signature and GTS
- 2005-2008 HSV Grange
- 2008-2009 Saab 9-7X Aero
Factory-Equipped LS2 Vehicles
Steve's Thoughts on the LS2 Engine
As an owner of a 2005 Pontiac GTO, I've experienced the LS2 as a factory engine. While the LS line is known for its engine swap potential, I have yet to perform an LS swap myself. However, as a stock engine, the LS2 is a powerful yet reliable engine. It is well deserving of its status as an iconic American V8.
| Power | 09/10 |
|---|---|
| Reliability | 09/10 |
| Simplicity | 10/10 |
| Value | 08/10 |
| Overall | 36/40 |
- Stephen Brand, June 20, 2023
LS7
The LS7 is a 7.0L V8 performance engine. It has both a larger bore and stroke than the LS2 before it. The LS7 is hand-built by the General Motors Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan.
| Displacement: | 7.0L (427.8 CI) |
|---|---|
| Compression Ratio: | 10.9:1 |
| Oil System: | Wet Sump |
- 2006-2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
- 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible
- 2014–2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
- Vertical Hummingbird Helicopter
Factory-Equipped LS7 Vehicles
Replacing an LS Water Pump
The LS engine has a water pump mounted to the center of the front of the engine. Some models have a belt tensioner mounted to them, and also have the thermostat/water outlet mounted to it. The pump is attached with six bolts, with three per gasket/side.