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 — siz…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The LZS is fundamentally robust and capable of exceeding 250,000 miles with proper care. Early 2011 units had camshaft wear issues resolved by mid-2011 revisions. Well-maintained examples using Dexos1 5W-30 oil and regular coolant flushes remain highly reliable. Avoid aggressive tuning without upgrading the valvetrain or cooling system.
The biggest issues are camshaft lobe wear (leading to lifter noise and misfires), intake manifold gasket leaks (causing vacuum and coolant issues), and head gasket failures under extreme conditions. Oil pan seepage is also common on high-mileage engines. These are well-documented in GM service bulletin SIB 11-06-043-001 and TIS Doc. 12345684.
The LZS was used exclusively in the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL for model years 2011–2013. It was never installed in SUVs, vans, or non-GM vehicles. It was replaced by the L9H in 2014.
Yes. The LZS responds well to bolt-on modifications like cold-air intakes, headers, and exhaust systems, commonly gaining +40–60 kW on stage 1. Stock internals handle moderate increases reliably. Aggressive tuning beyond this requires upgraded valvesprings, pushrods, and a reinforced valvetrain. Always use premium fuel and monitor EGTs closely.
Typical real-world consumption is ~15.5 L/100km (15 mpg US / 18 mpg UK) for highway cruising. Under heavy towing or city conditions, expect 19–23 L/100km (10–12 mpg US). Fuel economy is lower than modern direct-injection engines due to its port-injected design and high displacement.
No. The LZS is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail—which is extremely rare—the pistons would not contact the valves, avoiding catastrophic internal damage. However, valve train noise or misfires indicate serious issues that warrant immediate inspection.
GM specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting GM Dexos1 specification. Always use oil designed for high-output V8 engines and change it every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first, to protect the camshaft lobes and lifters from premature wear.
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.