The Chevrolet LS3 is a 6,162 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2017. It belongs to General Motors' Gen IV small-block engine family, engineered for longitudinal RWD performance platforms. Featuring pushrod valvetrain, two-valve cylinder heads, and sequential fuel injection, it delivers 430 kW (588 PS) in standard tune, with peak torque of 557 Nm available from 4,600 rpm.
Fitted to the Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 (2008–2013) and Chevrolet Camaro SS (2010–2015), the LS3 was designed for high-rpm responsiveness and driver engagement. Emissions compliance is achieved through close-coupled three-way catalysts and advanced engine calibration, meeting EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 5 standards. The engine features a compact 90° V8 layout with deep-skirt block and cross-bolted main caps for rigidity.
One documented reliability concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, identified in GM Service Information Bulletin 14-NA-004. This issue is linked to inadequate oil pressure during cold starts, particularly in modified or high-mileage applications. From 2012, GM revised the tensioner design and updated oil specification to GM 6094M (5W-30) to improve durability.
Production years 2007–2011 meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards; 2012–2017 models comply with full Euro 5 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5550).
The Chevrolet LS3 is a 6,162 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for high-performance sports and muscle car applications (2007–2017). It combines a pushrod valvetrain with sequential fuel injection to deliver linear power delivery and high-rpm capability. Designed to meet Euro 5 and EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,162 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 91 RON min) | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 103.25 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 430 kW (588 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 557 Nm @ 4,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 (2007–2011); Euro 5 (2012–2017) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual-chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | GM 6094M (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 189 kg |
The LS3's high-rpm power delivery enables strong track and highway performance but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM 6094M (5W-30) to prevent timing chain tensioner wear. The close-coupled dual catalysts require ultra-low sulfur fuel (ULSF) meeting EN 228 standards to prevent poisoning. Extended high-RPM operation increases valve train and bearing stress; a 60-second idle cooldown is advised after spirited driving. Post-2012 models feature revised tensioner design; pre-2012 units should verify oil pressure and flow per GM SIB 14-NA-004. Sequential injection necessitates periodic fuel injector cleaning to maintain performance.
Oil Specs: Requires GM 6094M (5W-30) specification (GM SIB 14-NA-004). Supersedes API SM and ILSAC GF-4 standards.
Emissions: EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 applies to 2007–2011 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5550). Full Euro 5 compliance verified for 2012–2017 models.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 91 RON fuel (GM TIS Doc. A31085).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31080, A31510, SIB 14-NA-004
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5550)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet LS3 was used across Chevrolet's Gamma and Delta platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Holden for Australian market adaptations. This engine received platform-specific tuning—revised intake manifolds in the Camaro SS and enhanced cooling in the Corvette C6—and from 2012 the facelifted Camaro SS adopted a revised timing chain tensioner, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front passenger-side cylinder block near the starter motor (GM TIS A31200). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for LS series). Pre-2012 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2012 units use black valve covers with red accents. Critical differentiation from LS1/LS2: LS3 engines feature larger 103.25 mm bore and rectangular port heads. Service parts require production date verification—timing tensioners for pre-2012 models are incompatible with post-2012 revisions due to redesigned oil feed passage (GM SIB 14-NA-004).
The LS3's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-RPM use. Internal GM quality reports from 2014 noted a significant share of pre-2012 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 120,000 km, while EPA field data links a portion of emissions-related failures to catalyst degradation in high-heat environments. Sustained high-RPM operation and rapid cooldown cycles increase tensioner and catalyst stress, making warm-up/cool-down procedures and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2007-2017) and EPA field failure statistics (2010-2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CHEVROLET LS3-364CUV8.
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