The CADILLAC LT5 Blackwing is a 6,162 cc, supercharged V8 petrol engine produced from 2019 onwards. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), direct fuel injection, and an Eaton TVS 2.65L supercharger, delivering extreme performance and track-focused engineering. In standard tune it produces 590 kW (800 PS) with 1,000 Nm of torque, forming part of General Motors' Gen V small-block engine family.
Fitted to the ZR1 and CTS-V, the LT5 Blackwing was engineered for maximum power delivery and high-revving dynamics. Emissions compliance is achieved through precise air-fuel control and oxygen sensing, allowing all units to meet Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards (EPA Certificate #EPA-ENG-9216) and Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9216).
One documented concern is potential high-pressure fuel pump wear, highlighted in General Motors Service Information Bulletin 19-NA-018. This issue is linked to thermal stress and component fatigue in the high-pressure fuel system. In 2021, GM introduced a revised fuel rail design and updated pump calibration to improve durability, marking a key update during the engine's production run.
All production years (2019–present) meet both EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6d standards (EPA Certificate #EPA-ENG-9216, VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9216).
The CADILLAC LT5 Blackwing is a 6,162 cc supercharged V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance models (2019–present). It combines direct fuel injection with twin-scroll turbocharging and variable valve timing to deliver responsive low-end torque and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances aggressive performance with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,162 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Supercharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 103.25 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 590 kW (800 PS) @ 6,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 1,000 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection with port assist (High Precision Injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Tier 2 Bin 5 / Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Eaton TVS 2.65L supercharger with charge air cooling | |
| Timing system | Dual-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 Gen 3 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 220 kg |
The supercharged V8 setup provides immense low-RPM torque ideal for performance driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent high-pressure fuel pump and turbo bearing wear. GM dexos1 Gen 3 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection of direct injection components. Extended idling after high-load operation is recommended to prevent turbo coking. The high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to heat; use of OEM-specified coolant and timely replacements per SIB 19-NA-018 minimizes failure risk. Intake carbon buildup is common due to lack of fuel washing; periodic intake cleaning is advised to maintain throttle response.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 3 (5W-30) specification (GM Service Manual 2019-0278). Supersedes API SP requirements.
Emissions: Certified to both EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6d standards (EPA #EPA-ENG-9216, VCA #VCA/EMS/9216).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 590 kW output requires 93 AKI (87 RON) fuel (GM TIS Doc. 2019-ENG-LT5).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 2019-ENG-LT5, SIB 19-NA-018
EPA Engine Certificate #EPA-ENG-9216
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9216)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The CADILLAC LT5 Blackwing was used across CADILLAC's CTx platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the ZR1 and revised cooling routing in the CTS-V-and from 2021 the facelifted ZR1 models adopted updated VVT calibration, creating minor software differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (GM TIS A25100). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine family ('L' for LT5 series). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with black gasket seals; post-2021 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from LT1: Original LT5 Blackwing has Bosch MSB9.3 ECU with 100-pin connector, while LT1 uses MSB9.2 with 80-pin. Service parts require production date verification—high-pressure fuel pumps before 09/2020 are incompatible with later revisions due to internal redesign (GM SIB 19-NA-018).
The LT5 Blackwing's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in high-load driving with frequent short trips. Internal GM quality reports from 2020 indicated a significant share of pre-2021 engines required pump replacement before 80,000 km, while NHTSA field reports show fuel system faults contributing to emissions-related failures. Extended service intervals and poor cooling exacerbate pump stress, making coolant maintenance and pump upgrades critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2019–2024) and NHTSA field reports (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CADILLAC LT5-BLACKWING.
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