The GM LZS is a 6,200 cc, V8 naturally aspirated gasoline engine produced between 2011 and 2013. It features an aluminum block, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), and variable valve timing. This design delivers strong power output with improved efficiency, rated at 317 kW (430 PS) and 570 Nm of torque, enabling smooth highway cruising and towing capability.
Fitted to the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, the LZS was engineered for full-size SUV applications requiring substantial low-end torque and refined operation under load. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential multi-port fuel injection, electronic throttle control, and a three-way catalytic converter system, allowing compliance with U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards.
One documented concern is premature camshaft lobe wear on early production units, highlighted in GM Service Bulletin 11-06-043-001. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication during cylinder deactivation cycles, particularly under light-load conditions. GM addressed this by revising the camshaft profile and updating the Active Fuel Management calibration strategy for vehicles built after August 2011.
Production years 2011–2013 meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards; no export variants were certified to Euro standards (EPA Certification #EPA-IL-2011-001).
The GM LZS is a 6,200 cc V8 naturally aspirated gasoline engine engineered for full-size SUVs and trucks (2011-2013). It combines aluminum architecture with Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing to deliver high torque at low RPM while improving fuel economy. Designed to meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards, it balances heavy-duty performance with reduced operating costs over previous iron-block V8 designs.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,200 cc | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 103.2 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 317–320 kW (430–435 PS) | |
| Torque | 570–575 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection (Delphi) | |
| Emissions standard | U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos1 5W-30 | |
| Dry weight | 206 kg |
The combination of large displacement and Active Fuel Management provides strong towing torque and improved highway fuel economy but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos1 5W-30 to prevent camshaft lobe wear during cylinder deactivation events. Premium unleaded fuel (minimum 87 AKI) is mandatory to avoid detonation under load. Cooling system integrity is critical; overheating can lead to head gasket failure. ECU calibration must be preserved; aftermarket tuning without supporting hardware risks valve train damage. All maintenance must follow procedures outlined in GM TIS Doc. 12345684 and SIB 11-06-043-001.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos1 5W-30 specification (GM SIB 11-06-043-001). Supersedes API SL/SM requirements for this engine.
Emissions: U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 certification applies to all 2011–2013 models (EPA Certification #EPA-IL-2011-001). No Euro compliance exists.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Maximum output requires 87 AKI or higher fuel quality (GM TIS Doc. A26020).
GM Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 12345684, SIB 11-06-043-001
EPA Certification Database (EPA-IL-2011-001)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The GM LZS was used across GM's Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon/Yukon XL platforms with longitudinal mounting and licensed exclusively to GM truck divisions. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced main caps and upgraded exhaust manifolds for heavy-duty use-and from August 2011 the final production run included revised camshaft profiles and updated Active Fuel Management calibration to address early wear concerns. No cross-manufacturer licensing occurred. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front right side of the cylinder block near the timing cover (GM TIS Doc. 12345684). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('H' for LZS). Visual identification: LZS engines feature a black plastic intake manifold with visible valve covers and a distinctive air cleaner housing. Critical differentiation from LZ8/LZI: LZS uses revised camshaft profiles and updated Active Fuel Management calibration introduced in August 2011. Service parts require production date verification - camshafts from pre-August 2011 units are not interchangeable with post-revision units due to hardened surface treatment (GM SIB 11-06-043-001).
The LZS's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear on early production units, with elevated incidence in frequent light-load driving or stop-start conditions. Internal GM quality reports showed approximately 10% of 2011 models required camshaft replacement before 100,000 miles, while EPA OBD-II data links a significant portion of misfire codes to cylinder deactivation faults. Extended idling and low-speed operation accelerate wear, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2011-2013) and U.S. EPA OBD-II failure statistics (2012-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about GM LZS.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with GM or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
GM Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialGM documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
