Ultimate LS Engine Overview

I had many requests for a poster of this video, it is now available, perfect for garage or shop: teespring.com/ls-engine-history. Head over to auto-guild.com/ for a free LS Swap Survival Guide eBook, and other free eBooks, as well as posters too. Auto Guild fans have discovered a few corrections: 1) Trailblazer SS debuted for the 2006 model year, not 2005.   2) The Chevy SS sedan, aka Holden Commodore down under, has a LS3, it was offered from 2014-2017 (don't know how I miss this, one of the best sedans GM has ever made). 3) LY6, L9H, and L96 do not have AFM. 4) Its correct on the page but I verbally refer to the TR6060 as the "TR660", oops : ) 5) L96 is still being produce but only in Express van 6) The 6.0L iron block LY6 also had LS3 style rectangle port heads. 7) SS Camaro came out in 2000, not 2001 like shown. So far thats it, please let me know if you find any others and Ill post em here.  Thank you for your support, please also check out my other video: *Best LS Engine for Any Budget*.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keGi7nC5hT8

The LS4 is actually a fantastic engine for a fiero swap.

So happy that I bought a 2017 Chevy SS with the LS3 an TR6060 6-speed manual. Perfect 4-door sedan.

Please make a poster version of this info, would be great to have in the garage!

This is EXCELLENT work I love how it’s clear cut straight to the point. None of that “what’s up guys it’s ya boy etc” great job!!!!

I have the 2013 corvette 427 with the ls7. Love it, plenty of power, no turbo to deal with, and when just cruising, very good gas mileage.

My 2017 Chevy Express van has the L96. It runs exceptionally well. Moves the loaded down van around with ease. So glad it has the G80 or it would have no traction. I hope to buy this van from my company some day so I can harvest the L96 and 6 speed auto for a swap!

You listed the L86 on earlier Sierras but not for 2015. I know there isn’t an “S” after the L but it’s the 6.2, all aluminum, high compression, 420 horse animal. Love it!!

Looking forward to this. I just bought a C5 Corvette! LS1!

I love my 2014 CTS-V coupe. LSA is a great powerhouse but when you combine it with Cadillac's magnetic suspension and ride control system it really handles well. Had mine up to 165 with plenty of room to redline... it was actually still pulling pretty hard but I was running out of road so I backed off. Still adding mods as I can afford them. Headers are next followed by a cam. Great video BTW. Really smooths out the bewildering array of engines in this family, thanks for that!

I have a 5th gen Z/28 with the LS7. I really love that motor. Great video and glad you mentioned the Z/28. There were not that many produced and is mostly overlooked

Impressed with all your knowledge on all these engine. Plus your one of the few that calls it an engine. It blows my mind when people call then motors.

The GTO is an Australian car, it was made here in Australia as the Holden Monaro. The Monaro being a 2 door version of the 4 door Holden Commodore SS and Calais.

We want the LT Overview video. I want an "LT7" to put in my truck. And boat. And airplane. | And blender.

Trailblazer SS never came with the 6 speed trans nor the 5.3. Just fyi

Finally, someone put everything together in one GREAT video!!! Thanks for making this! Definitely going to order a poster!)

OMG! Perfect! You have answered all my questions, and prayers with this amazing video! I’ve been trying to collect LS engine info too but just notes, and then you KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK with amazing graphics listing (and most importantly) SHOWING all this info by year, listing model numbers, production numbers, aluminum/iron blocks, bore/stroke, visual head port style, etc. LS4 info from Impala SS still would’ve been nice, as someone commented that this short crankshaft FWD transaxle mounted engine is good for RWD transaxle install in Pontiac Fieros, or possibly maybe even V-8 engine swap upgrades from FWD N/A or Supercharged 3800 Series V-6 engines in Pontiacs (Grand Prix) & Buicks (Regal). THANK YOU so much for this AMAZING video!!!

Great video. A few minor things though. The L99 for the Camaro wasn't so much detuned as it was just spec'd differently for the use of VVT and AFM. Since it was the VVT/AFM version of the LS3 it had valve relief pistons, lowering the compression ratio to 10.3, instead of the 10.7 the LS3 (flat top pistons) has. Also, it has a lower lift camshaft compared to the LS3. The L99 also uses solid stem intake valves compared to the LS3's hollow stem intake valves. Contrary to frequent internet confusion, the LS3 did NOT come with sodium filled exhaust valves, which was reserved for the LS9/LS7. All of these changes are why the L99 was rated at a slightly lower 400 hp compared to the LS3's 426hp, but the VVT of the L99 made up for quite a bit with its ability to produce a rather flat torque curve. Also, the LS3 was still produced after the 2015 model year, being installed in the Chevy SS sedan until it's final year of production in 2017. But this is understandable seeing as it was really a rebadged Holden Commodore from Australia. Either way, awesome video that taught me a few things I didn't know about the Gen III and Gen IV engines.

Im just adding info that might be rare to some people, from 2009-12. The Colorado/Canyon came with a optional Aluminum 5.3. It was only Crew cab. If anyone sees a Colorado/Canyon with a V8, it might not be a swap and just a super rare truck

My 2nd engine in my Z06 was an LSX block. The weight difference was noticeable. Back to aluminum with engine three. An 8.2L/502ci "LS7" built into an RHS block.