Leslie Massey
LS engines have been used in a variety of cars in Australia, including those manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), Holden Commodore, Chevrolet, and Cadillac. The LS engine is a popular choice for Australian car enthusiasts due to its versatility and power, with GM's modern Gen III and Gen IV small-block V8s being particularly sought-after. The LS engine has a large aftermarket and knowledge base, making it easy for enthusiasts to modify and maintain their vehicles. In Australia, the LS engine has been used in both regular production cars and special editions, with HSV introducing LS engines to its entire fleet in 2015. The LS engine has also been used in limited-edition vehicles, such as the HSV GTSR W1, which was the most powerful production car ever built in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, LS6, LS7, LS9, LSA, L76, L77, L98, L99, LY6, LQ4, LQ9 |
| Engine Capacity | 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.162L, 6.2L, 7.0L |
| Horsepower | 257-638 hp |
| kW | 227-474 kW |
| Torque | 472-754 lb-ft |
| RPM | 5,600-6,500 rpm |
| Car Models | HSV, Holden Commodore, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS-V, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Pontiac GTO, Pontiac Firebird, Holden Commodore Saloon, Monaro, Buick Rainier, Saab 9-7X, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, Hummer SUV, Chevrolet Impala, Buick LaCrosse, Pontiac Grand Prix, Mazda RX3 |
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What You'll Learn
LS1 engines
The LS1 is a General Motors LS-based small-block engine. The "LS" nomenclature originally came from the Regular Production Option (RPO) code LS1, assigned to the first engine in the Gen III engine series. The LS1 was first fitted to the Chevrolet Corvette (C5) in 1997. The LS1 was used in the Corvette from 1997 to 2004. It was also used in 1998-2002 GM F-Body (Camaro and Firebird) cars with a rating of over 305-345 hp (227-257 kW).
In Australia, continuous modifications were made to the LS1 engine throughout its lifetime, reaching 382 hp/376 ft-lb in the HSV's VYII series. A Callaway modified version named "C4B" was fitted to HSV GTS models producing 400 bhp (298 kW) and 376 lb-ft. The LS1 was also used in the Holden Commodore.
The LS1 is a two-valve, pushrod design engine. It is an all-aluminum 5,665 cc (5.7 L; 345.7 cu in) pushrod engine with a bore and stroke of 99 mm × 92 mm (3.898 in × 3.622 in). The LS1 was almost 100 lb (45 kg) lighter than previous cast-iron small-block iterations. The LS1 was the progenitor of the new architecture design that would transform the entire V8 line.
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LS engines in Holden Commodores
LS engines are commonly found in Holden Commodores, with the Chevrolet-derived V8s dominating Australian roads and tracks. The VT Series II to the VF Commodore, as well as HSV models like the Clubsport, Maloo, and GTS, are all powered by LS engines.
The Holden Commodore VN, however, did not come with an LS engine. It was equipped with a 5.0L HEC motor, and it was not uncommon for people to swap out the original engine for an LS.
The LS1, a 5.7L engine, was used in Holdens from 1999 to 2005, after which it was replaced. It was also the engine of choice for the VX and VY GTS 300s, where it was modified by Callaway in the US to produce 402hp (300kW). The LS1 was also continuously modified in Australia, eventually reaching 382 hp/376 ft-lb in the HSV's VYII series.
The LS2, a 6.0L engine, was introduced in HSV models like the VZ Clubsport and early VE Commodores. The L76 and L77, also 6.0L engines, were found in VE Commodores, with the L77 offering Active Fuel Management (AFM). The VE Commodore was replaced by the VF Commodore in 2013, which initially retained the L77. In 2015, the VF Series II upgraded to the LS3, a 6.2L engine, which was previously exclusive to HSV models.
The LS3 was also adopted by HSV as its standard V8 in 2008, replacing the LS2. It produced 425 bhp (317 kW) in the E Series models and 436 bhp (325 kW) in the E Series II GTS.
The LSA, a supercharged 6.2L engine similar to the LS9, was introduced in the 2009 CTS-V and later in the GEN-F Series II range in 2015.
The LS9 was a limited-edition engine, featured in the 2017 VF GTSR, known as the HSV GTSR W1. It produced 635hp (474kW), making it the most powerful production car ever built in Australia.
The LS7, a 7.0L engine, was fitted to a special edition model, the W427, by Holden Special Vehicles in 2008. It produced 375 kW (510 PS; 503 bhp) and was the first Australian car to be fitted with this engine.
The LS engine family has been popular in Holden Commodores due to its affordability, ease of modification, and ability to generate significant power.
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LS engines in HSV models
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has used a variety of LS engines in its models over the years. The LS1 was first introduced in the HSV VT Commodore range in 1997, with continuous modifications made to the engine throughout its lifetime. In the HSV VYII series, the LS1 engine was modified to produce 382 hp and 376 ft-lb of torque. A Callaway-modified version of the LS1, known as the C4B, was fitted to HSV GTS models and produced 400 bhp and 376 lb-ft of torque.
The LS2 was introduced as the Corvette's base engine in 2005 and was also used in the GTO. In the E-series HSVs, the LS2 was modified to produce 412 bhp and 412 lb-ft of torque. In 2008, HSV adopted the LS3 as its standard V8 engine, replacing the 6.0-liter LS2. The LS3 received modifications for its application in HSV E Series models, producing 425 bhp (317 kW). The LS3 engine in the E Series II GTS was upgraded to produce 436 bhp (325 kW).
HSV also introduced limited runs of special edition cars that featured LS engines. The first is the 402hp (300kW) version of the LS1, known as the C4B, which was used in the VX and VY GTS 300s. The HSV W427, unveiled in 2008, featured a 7.0-litre LS7 engine from the Z06 Corvette, producing 502hp (375kW). The W427 was a limited-edition flagship model to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary.
The GEN-F Series II range debuted in 2015, and HSV introduced the LSA to the entire fleet (Senator, Maloo, Clubsport R8, and Clubsport R8 tourer) with a slightly detuned 536hp (400kW). The GTSR W1, the last-ever Holden Commodore-based vehicle produced in Australia, featured a modified version of the LS9 engine with a 6.2-litre capacity, 2.3-litre supercharger, titanium con-rods, and dry-sump lubrication. It produced 635hp (474kW), making it the most powerful production car ever built in Australia.
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LS engines in GM models
The LS engine series by General Motors (GM) has been split into two generations: Gen III (1996 to 2007) and Gen IV (2005 to the present). The LS engine has been described as a "no-hassle solution to V8 power" and has gained a huge number of fans over the years.
LS1
The LS1 was first introduced in the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette C5 and was used in the Corvette until 2004. It was also used in the 1998-2002 GM F-Body (Camaro and Firebird) cars. In Australia, continuous modifications were made to the LS1 engine, reaching 382 hp/376 ft-lb in the HSV's VYII series. A Callaway modified version named "C4B" was fitted to HSV GTS models producing 400 bhp (298 kW) and 376 lb-ft.
LS2
The LS2 is a Gen IV 6.0L aluminium block engine that came in both cars and trucks. It was first introduced in the Chevrolet Corvette C6 in 2005. It was also used in the 2005 Pontiac GTO, 2006 CTS-V, and Holden Monaro. The truck version powered the TrailBlazer SS, SSR, and Saab 9-7X Aero.
LS3
The LS3 was introduced as the Corvette's new base engine for the 2008 model year. It produces 430 bhp (321 kW; 436 PS) at 5900 rpm and 424 lb-ft (575 N-m) at 4600 rpm. In 2008, Australian performance car manufacturer HSV adopted the LS3 as its standard V8 throughout the range. The LS3 engine in the E Series II GTS (released September 2009) was upgraded to produce 436 bhp (325 kW).
LS4
The LS4 uses an aluminium block.
LS6
The LS6 was reserved for Stateside Corvettes and Cadillacs.
LS7
The LS7 was hand-built by the General Motors Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan. It was fitted to a special edition model: the W427. The HSV-tuned engine produced 375 kW (510 PS; 503 bhp) at 6500 rpm and 640 N-m (472 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm of torque. It was unveiled at the Melbourne International Motor Show in 2008. The first Australian car to be fitted with this engine was the CSV GTS of 2007, which was claimed to have a power output of 400 kW (536 hp) and 600 N-m (443 lb-ft).
LS9
The Gen IV LS9 is a supercharged 6,162 cc (6.2 L; 376.0 cu in) engine, based on the LS3. In 2017, Holden Special Vehicles used a modified version of the LS9 in their GTSR W1, the last-ever Holden Commodore-based vehicle produced in Australia.
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LS engine swaps in Australia
LS engine swaps are a popular modification for car enthusiasts in Australia, with many companies offering off-the-shelf mounting kits for a wide range of makes and models. The LS engine's lightweight alloy construction and versatile performance have made it a favourite for those seeking V8 power.
One of the most well-known LS engine swaps in Australia is the Holden Commodore Saloon, a four-door sedan with muscular styling. Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), Holden's high-performance division, has been fitting LS-based motors to both regular production cars and special editions since 1999. The Commodore-based products have featured LS family engines since 1999, with a switch to the 6.0-litre L76 in 2004 and then to the 6.2-litre LS3 for the E-Series cars from 2008.
In 2010, Holden replaced the L98 and L76 engines in their VE V8 range with the L77, a 6.0-litre Gen IV LS engine that was flex-fuel compatible with E85. The first-generation VF HSV (GEN-F) range launched in 2013, featuring the LS3 for the standard Clubsport, Senator, Maloo, and Grange models. In 2015, HSV adopted the LS3 as its standard V8, replacing the 6.0-litre LS2. The LS3 received modifications for HSV E Series models, producing 317 kW (425 bhp).
Another notable LS engine swap in Australia is the HSV GTSR W1, a limited-edition version of the 2017 VF GTSR. Unlike the standard GTSR, which ran the LSA engine, the GTSR W1 was fitted with a supercharged LS9, the same engine used in the ZR1 Corvette. This engine produced 474 kW (635 hp), making the W1 the most powerful production car ever built in Australia.
While LS engine swaps are popular in Australia, it's important to note that there are legal and compliance considerations. Engine swaps must comply with emissions standards, and the process can be expensive, requiring an engineer's certificate and possible extensive modifications to the vehicle's systems.
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Frequently asked questions
LS or LT engines are a series of Chevrolet small-block V8 engines. They are made of aluminium and are known for their lightweight and compact design.
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) and Holden Commodore cars in Australia have been fitted with LS engines. The LS1 was also used in the 1998-2002 GM F-Body (Camaro and Firebird) cars.
The LS9 is the most powerful LS engine offered by GM in a regular production model. The LS9 was developed for the ZR1 Corvette and was also featured in the HSV W1, the most powerful production car ever built in Australia.
Other LS engines include the LS2, which is found in HSV VZ-VE models in Australia and the Chevy Trailblazer, Cadillac CTS-V, and Pontiac GTO in the US. The L76 is a variation of the LS2 made for Holden Australia, and the L77 is an upgraded version of the L76 with flex-fuel capability. The LS3 is another popular LS engine that has been used in HSV models and the VF Commodore.
