The CADILLAC LS7 is a 7,001 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2013. It features OHV, 16-valve configuration with sequential fuel injection and variable valve timing. Rated at 427 kW (580 PS) and 745 Nm of torque, this high-performance engine was developed for track-focused applications in Cadillac's V-Series lineup.
Fitted to the CTS-V and high-trim CTS, the LS7 was engineered for extreme performance while maintaining refinement and drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through close-coupled three-way catalytic converters and secondary air injection system, meeting U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV III ULEV-70 standards for its production run.
One documented reliability concern is premature lifter wear, particularly in early production units before 2008. This issue, referenced in General Motors Service Information Bulletin 08-NA-021, is attributed to oil flow restriction in the lifter gallery during cold starts. In 2008, GM revised the oil gallery design, improving durability in later models.
Production years 2006–2013 meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV III ULEV-70 standards (EPA Certification #EPA-ENG-LS7).
The CADILLAC LS7 is a 7,001 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for high-performance sedans and coupes (2006–2013). It combines OHV architecture with a large-displacement pushrod design and dry-sump oiling to deliver immediate throttle response and high-RPM power delivery. Designed to meet U.S. emissions standards, it balances motorsport-derived engineering with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 7,001 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 104.7 mm × 100.0 mm | |
| Power output | 427 kW (580 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 745 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 / LEV III ULEV-70 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (interference design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 Gen 0 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 218 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 delivers extreme performance ideal for track and spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent lifter and bearing wear. GM dexos1 Gen 0 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its shear stability and protection for the high-RPM valvetrain. Extended idling or short-trip driving accelerates wear in pre-2008 engines with original-spec lifters. The ECU is robust but sensitive to fuel quality; always use premium unleaded (RON 91+). Post-2008 models feature revised oil galleries per GM SIB 08-NA-021, significantly enhancing long-term reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 0 specification (GM SIB 08-NA-021). API SM/ILSAC GF-4 compatible oils acceptable.
Emissions: EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 certification applies to all models (2006–2013) (EPA Type Approval #EPA-ENG-LS7).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities (GM TIS Doc. C43100).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C43100, C43140, C43200, SIB 08-NA-021
EPA Engine Certification Database (EPA-ENG-LS7)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Test Code
The CADILLAC LS7 was used across CADILLAC's Alpha platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced cooling in the CTS-V and revised intake in the high-trim variants-and from 2014 the facelifted CTS-V adopted the LT4 supercharged V8, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear face of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (GM TIS C43200). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('7' for LS7 series). Pre-2008 models have silver valve covers with "LS7" branding; post-2008 units use black valve covers with "LS7" branding. Critical differentiation from L37: LS7 uses large-displacement OHV; L37 uses smaller displacement and different bore/stroke. Service parts require production date verification - lifters for engines before 08/2008 are incompatible with later units due to gallery redesign (GM SIB 08-NA-021).
The LS7's primary reliability risk is lifter wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Internal GM quality reports from 2008 noted a significant share of pre-2008 engines requiring lifter replacement before 120,000 km, while NHTSA records show low emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Extended high-load operation and insufficient warm-up increase lifter stress, making oil quality and operational procedure critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2006-2013) and NHTSA failure statistics (2008-2017). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CADILLAC LS7.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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