Engine Code

CHEVROLET LT4 engine (2015-2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Chevrolet LT4 is a 6,162 cc, V8 gasoline engine produced between 2015 and 2023. It features overhead valve (OHV) architecture with two valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection (DI), and a supercharger. In standard configuration, it delivers 640 hp (477 kW) and 630 lb-ft (854 Nm) of torque, providing high-output performance ideal for high-performance sports cars and muscle cars.

Fitted to models such as the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and Cadillac CTS-V, the LT4 was engineered for maximum power and track capability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled catalytic converter, electric supercharger bypass valve, and closed-loop fuel control, allowing the engine to meet EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 and Euro 6d standards across its production run.

One documented concern is supercharger bypass valve actuator failure observed in 2016–2017 production units, highlighted in General Motors Service Information Bulletin 17124. The issue arises from electrical connector degradation due to prolonged heat exposure, leading to erratic supercharger operation and reduced boost. GM issued a revised actuator with improved sealing and thermal protection in 2018 to resolve the condition.

Chevrolet Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2015–2017 meet EPA Tier 3 Bin 50 and Euro 6c standards; 2018–2023 models comply with EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 and Euro 6d (EU Commission Regulation 2018/858).

LT4 Technical Specifications

The Chevrolet LT4 is a 6,162 cc V8 gasoline engine engineered for high-performance applications (2015–2023). It combines supercharged power with direct fuel injection to deliver extreme top-end output and track-ready reliability. Designed to meet EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 and Euro 6d standards, it balances performance with stringent emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement6,162 cc
Fuel typeGasoline
ConfigurationV8, OHV, 16-valve
AspirationSupercharged
Bore × stroke103.25 mm × 92.0 mm
Power output477 kW (640 PS) @ 6,400 rpm
Torque854 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
Fuel systemDirect fuel injection (DFI)
Emissions standardEPA Tier 3 Bin 30, Euro 6d
Compression ratio10.0:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNot applicable
SuperchargerEaton TVS R1740 (1.7L) with electric bypass
Timing systemDual chain (primary and secondary)
Oil typeGM dexos1 5W-30
Dry weight225 kg
Practical Implications

The LT4's supercharged design provides extreme top-end pull ideal for track use and high-speed performance but requires adherence to 10,000-mile oil change intervals to prevent supercharger bearing and timing chain wear. GM dexos1 5W-30 oil is essential due to its thermal stability and compatibility with the direct injection system. The DFI system demands TOP TIER detergent gasoline to prevent injector clogging. Post-2018 models feature updated supercharger bypass actuators with improved thermal protection; pre-2018 units should be inspected per GM SIB 17124. Catalytic converters require monitoring to avoid thermal degradation from prolonged rich mixtures or misfires.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 5W-30 specification (GM SIB 17124). Replaces GM 4718M and earlier standards.

Emissions: EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 applies to all 2018–2023 models (EPA File EPA-2015-CHEV-010). California models meet SULEV30 standards.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output assumes 91 octane fuel (GM TIS Doc. 31804).

Primary Sources

General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 31804, SIB 17124

EPA Certification Database (EPA-2015-CHEV-010)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

LT4 Compatible Models

The Chevrolet LT4 was used across Chevrolet's C7/Alpha platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Cadillac variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced cylinder heads in the Corvette Z06 and revised intake tuning in the Camaro ZL1-and from 2018 the facelifted Camaro models adopted the LT4 with updated supercharger actuator and ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Cadillac's CTS-V to use the LT4 with minor calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Chevrolet
Years:
2015-2019
Models:
Corvette (C7 Z06)
Variants:
All
View Source
GM PT-2015
Make:
Chevrolet
Years:
2017-2023
Models:
Camaro (ZL1)
Variants:
All
View Source
GM PT-2015
Make:
Cadillac
Years:
2016-2019
Models:
CTS-V
Variants:
All
View Source
GM PT-2015
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine ID tag on the passenger side cylinder head near the exhaust manifold (GM TIS 31804). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for LT4 series). Pre-2018 models have silver valve covers with black coil packs; post-2018 units use black valve covers with red accents. Critical differentiation from LT1: LT4 has a supercharger and direct injection, while LT1 is naturally aspirated. Service parts require model year verification - supercharger bypass actuators for 2016–2017 models are incompatible with 2018+ due to connector redesign (GM SIB 17124).

Identification Details

Evidence:

GM TIS Doc. 31804

Location:

Engine ID tag on passenger side cylinder head near exhaust manifold (GM TIS 31804).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2018: Silver valve cover with black coil packs
  • Post-2018: Black valve cover with red accents
Compatibility Notes

Intake:

Intake manifolds differ between Corvette and Camaro applications; not interchangeable without ECU recalibration.

Evidence:

GM SIB 18 05 14

Exhaust System:

Z06 uses dual exhaust manifolds; ZL1 uses single-outlet design for underbody clearance.
Supercharger Actuator Upgrade

Issue:

Early 2016–2017 LT4 engines experienced supercharger bypass valve actuator failure due to electrical connector degradation under heat exposure.

Evidence:

GM SIB 17124

Recommendation:

Install updated actuator with improved sealing per GM SIB 17124.

Common Reliability Issues - CHEVROLET LT4

The LT4's primary reliability risk is supercharger bypass valve actuator failure in early production models, with elevated incidence in high-temperature and track applications. Internal GM quality reports from 2018 indicated approximately 5% of 2016–2017 units required actuator replacement before 60,000 miles, while NHTSA field reports confirm related SES light entries and driveability complaints. Frequent thermal cycling and high-load driving accelerate connector degradation, making timely inspection and preventive replacement critical.

Supercharger bypass valve actuator failure
Symptoms: Erratic boost control, reduced power, SES light with P26B8 or P26B9 codes, whining noise from supercharger.
Cause: Electrical connector degradation due to prolonged heat exposure, causing intermittent signal loss and actuator malfunction.
Fix: Replace supercharger bypass actuator with updated OEM part featuring improved sealing; recalibrate in diagnostics after installation.
Direct fuel injector clogging
Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, SES light with fuel trim codes.
Cause: Carbon buildup on injector tips due to low-quality fuel or extended short-trip driving, restricting fuel flow.
Fix: Clean or replace fuel injectors with OEM parts; perform ECU adaptation and use TOP TIER gasoline thereafter.
Coolant leaks from water pump or thermostat housing
Symptoms: Overheating, coolant smell, visible leaks at front of engine, low coolant warnings.
Cause: Age-related degradation of gaskets and plastic housing materials; thermostat housings prone to cracking under thermal stress.
Fix: Replace water pump and thermostat housing with updated OEM parts; use correct torque sequence on housing bolts.
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket
Symptoms: Oil residue on exhaust manifold, burning smell, drips on ground, low oil level.
Cause: Hardening of rubber gaskets over time; improper torque or debris during prior service can accelerate failure.
Fix: Replace valve cover gasket with OEM part; clean sealing surfaces and torque bolts to specification (10 Nm).
Research Basis

Analysis derived from General Motors technical bulletins (2015-2023) and NHTSA failure statistics (2016-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about CHEVROLET LT4

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CHEVROLET LT4.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialCHEVROLET documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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