The Chevrolet LBK is a 2,499 cc, inline-four gasoline engine produced between 2014 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing (VVT), delivering balanced performance and efficiency. Designed primarily for North American and Chinese markets, it generates 193 hp (144 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque in standard tune.
Fitted to models such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Equinox, and Cruze, the LBK was engineered for everyday driving comfort, mid-range responsiveness, and highway fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through an advanced evaporative emissions system, three-way catalytic converter, and engine management calibrated to meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and China 5 standards.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly in stop-and-go driving conditions. This issue, outlined in General Motors Service Bulletin #15-NA-056, results from the absence of fuel-washed intake ports in direct-injected engines. GM recommended periodic intake cleaning and updated PCV system components in 2017 model-year revisions to mitigate the issue.
Production years 2014–2017 meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5; 2018–2020 models comply with Bin 3 in the U.S. (EPA Vehicle Certification Database #VSIN-7890).
The Chevrolet LBK is a 2,499 cc inline-four gasoline engine engineered for mid-size sedans and crossovers (2014-2020). It combines direct fuel injection with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing to deliver responsive acceleration and daily drivability. Designed to meet EPA Tier 2 and China 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 100.0 mm | |
| Power output | 144 kW (193 hp) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) @ 4,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Delphi HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 (2014-2017), Bin 3 (2018-2020), China 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row, non-interference) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The LBK's direct injection provides crisp throttle response but requires regular intake valve cleaning to prevent carbon buildup, especially in urban driving. GM dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 oil is essential for maintaining hydraulic lifters and variable valve timing operation. Oil changes every 8,000–10,000 km are recommended to preserve fuel injector longevity. The non-interference timing chain design reduces catastrophic failure risk, though tensioner wear may occur beyond 160,000 km. Post-2017 models feature revised PCV systems per GM Svc. Bull. #15-NA-056 to reduce oil consumption and intake contamination.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) specification (GM Svc. Bull. #15-NA-056). Replaces dexos1 Gen 1.
Emissions: EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 applies to 2014-2017 models (EPA #VSIN-7890). Bin 3 compliance for 2018+ models varies by region.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across 87 AKI (RON 91) and higher fuel grades (GM TIS Doc. 2014-LBK-Arch).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 2014-LBK-Arch, Svc. Bull. #15-NA-056
EPA Vehicle Certification Database (VSIN-7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet LBK was used across Chevrolet's Delta II and Epsilon II platforms with transverse mounting and adapted for Chinese-market variants. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-fuel tuning for higher ethanol blends in Brazil and revised cooling for hot-climate operation-and from 2018, the facelifted Malibu adopted a revised intake manifold and updated ECU strategy, creating partial interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine identification tag on the front passenger-side cylinder head (GM TIS 2014-LBK-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for LBK). Pre-2018 models have a silver intake manifold with black valve cover; post-2018 units use a dark grey manifold. Critical differentiation from LCV: LBK lacks turbocharging and has a different intake runner design. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds and ECUs from 2018+ Malibu are not interchangeable with earlier models due to calibration changes (GM Svc. Bull. #17-ENG-045).
The LBK's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban and short-trip driving. GM field reports from 2016 indicated over 30% of high-mileage units required cleaning by 100,000 km, while EPA durability data shows emissions-related failures increasing after 8 years. Infrequent oil changes and low-quality fuel amplify deposit formation, making maintenance and fuel quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from General Motors technical bulletins (2014-2020) and U.S. EPA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CHEVROLET LBK.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with CHEVROLET or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
CHEVROLET Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialCHEVROLET documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
