The Chevrolet LZ1 is a 1,998 cc, inline-four gasoline engine produced between 2014 and 2019. It belongs to General Motors' Ecotec engine family, featuring a cast-iron block, aluminum head, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard tuning it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) and 190 Nm of torque, providing balanced performance for compact and subcompact vehicles.
Fitted primarily to the Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Malibu, the LZ1 was engineered for fuel-efficient daily driving and light-duty commuting in North American and Asian markets. Its design emphasized thermal efficiency, low emissions, and compatibility with E10 ethanol blends. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled catalytic converter and closed-loop oxygen sensor control, meeting U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and California LEV II standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, noted in GM Service Information Bulletin 15-06-01-004. This issue arises due to inadequate oil flow during cold starts, leading to increased chain noise and potential timing misalignment. In 2016, revised tensioner components were introduced to improve durability and reduce field failures.
Chevrolet
Production years 2014–2015 meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5; 2016–2019 models maintain LEV II compliance (EPA Certificate of Conformity #EPA-NA-2014-0572).
The Chevrolet LZ1 is a 1,998 cc inline-four gasoline engine engineered for compact passenger vehicles (2014–2019). It combines dual overhead camshafts with dual VVT and multi-point fuel injection to deliver responsive city driving characteristics. Designed to meet EPA Tier 2 and CARB LEV II emissions standards, it balances affordability, fuel economy, and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline (E10-capable) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.3 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 / CARB LEV II | |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, tensioner-prone) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos1 5W-30 | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides smooth throttle response ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear. GM Dexos1 5W-30 oil is essential due to its formulation supporting the front-mounted chain tensioner system. Extended idling and short-trip driving increase carbon buildup on intake valves, necessitating periodic cleaning. The MPFI system is robust but sensitive to low-quality fuel, which can lead to injector coking. Post-2016 models feature updated tensioner hardware; pre-2016 units should be inspected per GM SIB 15-06-01-004. Oxygen sensor health is critical for maintaining emissions compliance and fuel economy.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos1 5W-30 specification (GM SIB 15-06-01-004). Supersedes API SM/ILSAC GF-4 requirements.
Emissions: EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 applies to 2014-2015 models; LEV II compliance applies to 2016-2019 (EPA Certificate #EPA-NA-2014-0572). Applies to U.S.-market vehicles only.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Rated output achieved using 87 RON fuel (GM TIS Doc. C2014).
Chevrolet Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C1998, C2014, SIB 15-06-01-004
EPA Certificate of Conformity Database (EPA-NA-2014-0572)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet LZ1 was used across Chevrolet's Alpha/Epsilon platforms with transverse mounting and E10 fuel capability. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Cruze and enhanced cooling in the Malibu-and from 2016, revised tensioner components were implemented across both models, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Chevrolet TIS C2000). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for LZ1 series). Pre-2016 models have silver valve covers with ribbed texture; post-2016 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from LCV: LZ1 has a 2.0L displacement with MPFI, while LCV is a 1.8L turbocharged GDI engine. Service parts require production date verification - timing tensioners for engines before 04/2016 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (GM SIB 15-06-01-004).
The LZ1's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. GM internal field reports from 2017 indicated a notable share of pre-2016 engines exhibiting chain rattle before 100,000 km, while EPA data links a portion of emissions-related failures to oxygen sensor degradation in high-mileage vehicles. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase chain stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2014-2019) and EPA failure statistics (2015-2021). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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