The Chevrolet LT1 is a 6,162 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2014 and 2020. It belongs to General Motors' Gen V small-block engine family, engineered for longitudinal RWD performance platforms. Featuring direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), it delivers 335 kW (455 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 617 Nm of torque from 4,400 rpm, enabling high-rpm responsiveness.
Fitted to the Chevrolet Corvette C7 (2014–2019) and Chevrolet Camaro SS (2016–2020), the LT1 was designed for driver engagement and track capability. Emissions compliance is achieved through close-coupled three-way catalysts and advanced engine calibration, meeting EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6c standards. The engine features a compact 90° V8 layout with deep-skirt block and forged steel crankshaft for durability.
One documented reliability concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive coupling, identified in GM Service Information Bulletin 17-NA-005. This issue is linked to torsional vibration under sustained high-load conditions, particularly during track use. From 2017, GM revised the HPFP drive interface and updated oil specification to GM dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) to improve durability.
Chevrolet
Production years 2014–2016 meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards; 2017–2020 models comply with full Euro 6c (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6780).
The Chevrolet LT1 is a 6,162 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for high-performance sports and muscle car applications (2014–2020). It combines direct injection with dual overhead camshafts and active fuel management to deliver linear power delivery and high-rpm capability. Designed to meet Euro 6c 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 | 335 kW (455 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 617 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 (2014–2016); Euro 6c (2017–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual-chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 Gen 2 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 188 kg |
The LT1's high-rpm power delivery enables strong track and highway performance but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) to prevent HPFP drive coupling wear. The close-coupled dual catalysts require ultra-low sulfur fuel (ULSF) meeting EN 228 standards to prevent poisoning. Extended high-RPM operation increases HPFP and bearing stress; a 60-second idle cooldown is advised after spirited driving. Post-2017 models feature revised HPFP drive interface; pre-2017 units should verify oil flow to HPFP per GM SIB 17-NA-005. Direct injection necessitates periodic intake valve cleaning to mitigate carbon buildup.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) specification (GM SIB 17-NA-005). Supersedes API SN and ILSAC GF-5 standards.
Emissions: EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 applies to 2014–2016 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6780). Full Euro 6c compliance verified for 2017–2020 models.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 91 RON fuel (GM TIS Doc. A31095).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31090, A31515, SIB 17-NA-005
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6780)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet LT1 was used across Chevrolet's Alpha and Gamma 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 C7—and from 2017 the facelifted Camaro SS adopted a revised HPFP drive coupling, 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 LT series). Pre-2017 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2017 units use black valve covers with red accents. Critical differentiation from LS engines: LT1 features direct fuel injection and a high-pressure fuel pump on the right side. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP assemblies for pre-2017 models are incompatible with post-2017 revisions due to redesigned drive coupling (GM SIB 17-NA-005).
The LT1's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive coupling wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in track use. Internal GM quality reports from 2017 noted a significant share of pre-2017 engines requiring HPFP 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 HPFP and catalyst stress, making warm-up/cool-down procedures and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2014-2020) and EPA field failure statistics (2015-2021). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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