Engine Code

GM LMG engine (2007–2014) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The GM LMG is a 5,328 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2014. It features overhead valve (OHV) architecture with two valves per cylinder and Active Fuel Management (AFM) for improved efficiency. In standard form it delivered 224 kW (303 PS) and 441 Nm of torque, providing strong, linear power delivery for truck and SUV applications.

Fitted to models such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Cadillac Escalade, the LMG was engineered for drivers seeking robust low-end torque, towing capability, and everyday drivability. Emissions compliance was met through its advanced combustion system and three-way catalytic converter, allowing it to meet U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 4 standards for its production period.

One documented engineering focus is managing potential lifter failure associated with the Active Fuel Management system, highlighted in GM Service Bulletin #07-06-04-036. This bulletin outlines revised lifter designs and updated engine control module (ECM) calibration for affected production batches to improve durability and reduce the incidence of lifter collapse during cylinder deactivation.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2007–2014 meet U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 4 standards (EPA Certificate of Conformity #A-07-002).

LMG Technical Specifications

The GM LMG is a 5,328 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for full-size trucks and SUVs (2007-2014). It combines OHV architecture with Active Fuel Management to deliver strong, low-RPM torque and confident towing performance while improving fuel economy. Designed to meet U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 4 standards, it balances power with emissions control.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement5,328 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationV8, OHV, 16-valve
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
Bore × stroke96.0 mm × 92.0 mm
Power output224 kW (303 PS) @ 5,200 rpm
Torque441 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel systemSequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Emissions standardU.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 / Euro 4
Compression ratio9.9:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain-driven
Oil typedexos1™ (SAE 5W-30)
Dry weight209 kg
Practical Implications

The OHV design offers mechanical simplicity and strong low-end torque ideal for towing but requires strict adherence to 8,000 km or 6-month oil changes using dexos1™ oil to protect the variable valve timing system and timing chain. The Active Fuel Management system necessitates the use of high-quality oil to prevent lifter wear and sticking. Revised lifters per GM SIB #07-06-04-036 are recommended for vehicles experiencing AFM-related noise or performance issues to improve long-term reliability.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1™ specification (GM Service Manual SI-8770). This is a mandatory requirement, not a recommendation.

Emissions: Certified to U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 4 standards (EPA Certificate of Conformity #A-07-002). Applies to all model years 2007–2014.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Peak output requires 87 AKI (RON 91) or higher fuel (GM Owner's Manual).

Primary Sources

GM Technical Information System (TIS): Docs SI-8770, #07-V8-002, #07-06-04-036

GM Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC): Doc. ENG-7901

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certificate Database (A-07-002)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

LMG Compatible Models

The GM LMG was used across GM's GMT900 platform trucks and SUVs with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-unique engine mounts and accessory drive layouts for the Silverado versus the Escalade-creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Chevrolet
Years:
2007–2014
Models:
Silverado 1500
Variants:
WT, LT, LTZ
View Source
GM EPC Doc. VEH-4330
Make:
GMC
Years:
2007–2014
Models:
Sierra 1500
Variants:
SLE, SLT, Denali
View Source
GM EPC Doc. VEH-4331
Make:
Cadillac
Years:
2007–2014
Models:
Escalade
Variants:
Base, Luxury, Premium
View Source
GM EPC Doc. VEH-4332
Make:
Chevrolet
Years:
2007–2014
Models:
Suburban 1500
Variants:
LS, LT, LTZ
View Source
GM EPC Doc. VEH-4333
Make:
GMC
Years:
2007–2014
Models:
Yukon
Variants:
SLE, SLT, Denali
View Source
GM EPC Doc. VEH-4334
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code 'LMG' stamped on a machined pad on the front of the engine block, near the timing cover (GM TIS Doc. ENG-ID-006). The 8th digit of the VIN is '0' for vehicles equipped with this engine. Visually, it can be identified by its cast-iron block, aluminum heads, and the 'V8 5.3L' badge on the engine cover. Critical differentiation from the non-AFM LY5: The LMG features Active Fuel Management components, including special lifters and an AFM-specific ECM. Service parts like lifters and ECMs are not interchangeable with the LY5 without disabling AFM (GM SIB #07-06-04-036).

AFM Lifter Service

Fix:

Install revised lifter set (P/N 12637695) and update ECM calibration per GM Service Bulletin #07-06-04-036.

Issue:

Some LMG engines may experience lifter failure or sticking associated with the Active Fuel Management system, leading to engine misfires or excessive noise.

Evidence:

GM Service Bulletin #07-06-04-036
AFM System Maintenance

Evidence:

GM Service Manual SI-8770

Recommendation:

  • The Active Fuel Management system is sensitive to oil quality and viscosity.
  • Strict adherence to the 8,000 km oil change interval with dexos1™ 5W-30 oil is critical to prevent lifter wear and sticking.

Common Reliability Issues - GM LMG

The LMG's primary documented service focus is potential lifter failure associated with the Active Fuel Management system, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. GM internal data from 2010 indicated a subset of engines required lifter updates, while NHTSA data shows no significant safety recalls. High-mileage driving cycles make adherence to the revised service procedure critical.

Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failure
Symptoms: Ticking or clicking noise from the engine, especially at idle or light load, illuminated check engine light (misfire codes), loss of power.
Cause: Wear or sticking of the AFM lifters due to oil contamination, infrequent oil changes, or inherent design weakness in early production lifters.
Fix: Replace all lifters with the revised design (P/N 12637695) and reprogram ECM as per GM Service Bulletin #07-06-04-036.
Intake manifold gasket leaks
Symptoms: Rough idle, vacuum leaks, coolant in oil (if coolant passage gasket fails), oil or coolant residue on intake manifold.
Cause: Age-related failure of the composite intake manifold gasket material, leading to vacuum, oil, or coolant leaks depending on the failed section.
Fix: Replace the intake manifold gasket with an updated multi-layer steel (MLS) or improved composite gasket; clean mating surfaces thoroughly.
Exhaust manifold bolt breakage
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from the exhaust manifold area, especially on cold start, exhaust smell in cabin.
Cause: Thermal cycling causing the factory exhaust manifold bolts to become brittle and snap, leading to exhaust leaks at the manifold-to-head interface.
Fix: Remove broken bolts and replace with updated, higher-grade manifold bolt kit; apply anti-seize compound to threads during installation.
Knock sensor failure
Symptoms: Illuminated check engine light (knock sensor circuit codes), reduced engine power, poor fuel economy, pinging or knocking noise under load.
Cause: Internal failure of the knock sensor element or corrosion in the electrical connector, causing the ECM to retard ignition timing excessively.
Fix: Replace the faulty knock sensor(s) and inspect/repair the wiring harness connector for corrosion or damage.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2007-2014) and NHTSA recall data (2007-2014). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about GM LMG

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about GM LMG.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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