LS Engine Spotter’s Guide, Part 1: Matching the Vehicle to the Engine
(Image/Super Chevy)
So, you’re heading to the junkyard to see what LS engines are available for your next project?
Here’s a handy guide that links specific GM vehicles to the LS-series engine found under each one’s hood.
The GM LS family is quite large, broken into Generation III/IV, so don’t be surprised when you see overlap and unfamiliar RPO codes.
If you’ve already got a specific LS engine in mind, use our LS Engine Spotter’s Guide, Part 2: Matching the Engine to the Vehicle post to find the vehicles it came in.
We’ve also got a post on how to Identify Your LS Engine.
Confused about the LS family tree? Don’t be, check out this 101-style primer.
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What is the bore & stroke for LS engines
The bore ranges from 3.780 to 4.125. The stroke ranges from 3.287 to 4 inch. The common families are 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, 6.2, and 7.0.
What years are the splits on the 24-58 tooth reluctors
Hey Rob, we asked our LS gurus your question and here’s what they said:
Gen. 3 engines could be found in cars up until 2005 and most trucks as late as 2007 (LM7, L59, L33, LQ4, LQ9) and were 24X.
The Gen. 4 engines could be found in the LS2 Corvette, GTO, and LS4 powered FWD cars as early as 2005, but remained 24X equipped.
By 2006, the Corvette and CTS-V had gone 58X, but the LS2 powered GTO, TBSS, SSR (along with LS4 powered FWD cars) and LH6 powered SUV’s remained 24X.
By 2007, all Gen. 4 powered cars and trucks were 58X.
Hope this helps!
Hello,
I was wondering why you don’t have any info on the GM 6.2L L86. I’d love to see a spec and upgrade page like you have for the Ls3, Ls7 etc.
Hey Wes, the L86 is part of the Gen. V “LT” series family, after the Gen. III/IV “LS” series–and the LS family is pretty large. We’re working our way through the LS now.
We do have an LT-series L86 Spec Guide, you can check it out here.
I appreciate that Paul. I could not find this link on your site until now. I will look forward to the day you can post the best upgrades. At this point it is a chore trying to locate the best of the basics; Cam, heads, intake manifold etc. If you have any insight as to which LT components will work on the L86 I would be thrilled.