Video: How to Identify LS Engine Blocks in 5 Steps
Learn how to identify particular LS engine blocks in five easy steps by watching the latest Summit Racing Quick Flicks video!
Properly identifying the generation of your engine block is the first step in any LS engine swap project and will help you hone in on the parts and engine-related tools you will need to compete the job.
Check it out!
What kind of motor is in a 2002 4×4 Chevrolet siveradoextended cab
If it is a eight-cylinder, it would be a 4.8 or 5.3L, depending on the bed size.
great video
Good info. Bid Tee-Shirt
I’m confused: you’re saying a 1955 Chevrolet Gen I small block V8 is an LS1? I thought Gen I was just the first generation Chevy small block, Gen II had the designation LT (ie. LT-1, LT-4), and the LS designation didn’t come into being until Gen III and continues into Gen IV…
Marcus, you are correct the Gen I is just the first generation small block (1955-98). LS engines are typically known as Gen III or Gen IV. In addition to comparing Gen III and Gen IV LS engines, the video also folds in some information on the traditional Gen I small block to help you differentiate the old school block from the newer Gen III/IV LS engines. This can be helpful when scouting out an engine for an engine swap.
How do you know if your motor in your 2007 Silverado 4 door is an LS motor mine has a 4.8 but how do you know it’s an LS
Hey Clifton, maybe this will help–we made a LS Spotter’s Guide that matches each engine to the vehicle. Click Here.
Now do the heads. Like the old double hump on gen1. The secrets to LS heads.
This is a confusing video. I was under the impression sbc Gen I = 1955-2002-ish with the major change of 2 piece to 1 piece rear main seal/ roller cam option in ’87, and vortech head design starting in 1996.
Gen II = LTx motors from the Camaro/Corvette’s that ran from 92 (vetted)/93 (camaro) 1997. They had the front opti spark ignition, aluminum heads and reverse flow coolant system.
Gen III = LSx from 1997 (vette)/1998 (camaro) to present. It has a total redesign of the block, with the lifter valley in the block like your video (almost looks like an old flat head), and the massive main bearing support structure.
I thought I was going to watch a video on the Gen III LSx differences. I know there are several, from the iron to aluminum, vette to truck versions of the block.
To anyone reading this, I do know, we can’t just call them LTx or LSx. The terms, as far as Chevrolet is concerned, are like calling a student a freshman or a senior, these terms alone do not indicate whether the student is in grade school or college. (ex. The 2015 vette motor, the new direct injection monster, is being called an LTx.)
What does the cam sensor look like on a generation 3 on the back of the motor
How do you use 24x parts in a gen lv block
will gen 5 ls heads work on gen 3? basically, will the heads off of a 5.3l out of a 2016 chevy 1500 work on a 5.3l out of a 2000 chevy 1500?
I’d be really interested in which block as far as where the engine mounts are located would be a good swap from a LE5 4 cylinder to a LS in a 2007 Saturn Sky. Also I already have a T56 6 Speed in the car. Great video also.
can i put a 2003 ls 6.0 motor into a 2008 chevy truck if so what all do i need to change to make it work
Hey Dusty, the short answer is yes. Externally, all LS engines are almost identical–save for things like driven accessories and fans. 2008 Chevy trucks were also available with LS engines from the factory, so we know there’s room in the engine bay.
The big question that will affect you swap is determining what engine you have (Your 2003 LS 6.0L could be an LQ4 or LQ9.) You’ll also need to figure out what engine your 2008 truck had, e.g. V6 or one of the LS family motors, like an LY5, LC9, LY2, etc.
If you’re mulling over a swap, check out this story, it’s a great starting point and is chock-full of links to other LS-related articles that’ll probably come in handy.