The Chevrolet LS9 is a 6,162 cc, supercharged V8 gasoline engine produced between 2009 and 2013. It features overhead valve (OHV) pushrod architecture with sequential fuel injection and an Eaton TVS 1.9L supercharger, delivering high-performance output. In standard tuning it produces 476 kW (645 PS) with 818 Nm of torque, exclusively used in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
Fitted only to the C6 Corvette ZR1, the LS9 was engineered for track-capable performance and extreme power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop fuel control, meeting U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 standards depending on regional calibration.
One documented concern is supercharger belt slippage or failure under high boost conditions, noted in General Motors Service Bulletin #10-06-01-004. This issue stems from the high-torque load on the serpentine belt drive system. From 2011 onward, revised belt tensioner design and updated pulley alignment procedures were implemented across production lines.
Production years 2009–2013 meet U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 standards (EPA Certification #EPA/ENG/7893).
The Chevrolet LS9 is a 6,162 cc supercharged V8 gasoline engine engineered for high-performance applications (2009–2013). It combines pushrod valvetrain architecture with an Eaton TVS roots-type supercharger to deliver extreme power and throttle response. Designed to meet U.S. emissions standards, it balances race-inspired performance with street legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,162 cc | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline (RON 91 min) | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Supercharged (Eaton TVS 1.9L) | |
| Bore × stroke | 103.25 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 476 kW (645 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 818 Nm @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Closed-loop liquid cooling | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Single-row roller chain (interference design) | |
| Oil type | GM Standard Oil 5W-30 | |
| Dry weight | 218 kg |
The supercharged OHV design provides massive low- and mid-RPM torque ideal for high-performance driving, but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent lifter wear and supercharger bearing degradation. GM Standard Oil 5W-30 is recommended due to its additive package supporting hydraulic lifters and high-temperature stability under boost. Extended operation at high RPM or under sustained boost increases stress on the serpentine belt and tensioner. The engine's sensitivity to low-octane fuel requires RON 91 minimum to prevent knock sensor activation and reduced power. Post-2011 models feature revised belt tensioner; pre-2011 units should be inspected per GM SIB 10-06-01-004. Catalytic converter longevity depends on maintaining proper air-fuel ratio and avoiding prolonged rich conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Standard Oil 5W-30 specification (GM SIB 10-06-01-004). Substitution with ILSAC GF-4 acceptable if meeting GM6094M.
Emissions: U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 applies to all North American models (2009–2013) (EPA Certification #EPA/ENG/7893).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires fuel with RON 91 or higher (GM TIS Doc. 403-ENG-13).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 403-TEC-07, 403-FUE-10, SIB 10-06-01-004
EPA Engine Certification Database (EPA/ENG/7893)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet LS9 was used exclusively in the Chevrolet C6 Corvette ZR1 with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced block casting, dry-sump oiling, and integrated supercharger cooling-and from 2011 the facelifted ZR1 adopted revised supercharger belt tensioner and updated PCM calibration, creating interchange limits. No licensing partnerships exist for this engine. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the front passenger-side cylinder block near the cylinder head (GM TIS 403-ID-09). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('Z' for LS9 series). All LS9 engines have polished aluminum valve covers with "LS9" embossed. Critical differentiation from LS7: LS9 has a supercharger mounted atop the intake manifold and uses a dry-sump oil system, while LS7 is naturally aspirated with a wet sump. Service parts require production date verification - supercharger belt tensioners for engines before 06/2011 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (GM SIB 10-06-01-004).
The LS9's primary reliability risk is supercharger belt failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-performance driving. Internal GM quality reports from 2010 indicated a significant share of pre-2011 engines requiring belt replacement before 80,000 km, while U.S. NHTSA records show increased engine-related service events in track-driven ZR1 models. Sustained high-boost operation and delayed maintenance increase belt stress, making inspection and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from General Motors technical bulletins (2009-2013) and U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration failure statistics (2010-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CHEVROLET LS9.
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