So, you’re heading to the junkyard to see what LS engines are available for your next project?
Here’s a handy guide that links specific GM vehicles to the LS-series engine found under each one’s hood.
The GM LS family is quite large, broken into Generation III/IV, so don’t be surprised when you see overlap and unfamiliar RPO codes.
If you’ve already got a specific LS engine in mind, use our LS Engine Spotter’s Guide, Part 2: Matching the Engine to the Vehicle post to find the vehicles it came in.
We’ve also got a post on how to Identify Your LS Engine.
Confused about the LS family tree? Don’t be, check out this 101-style primer.
Chevy LS Engines
GMC LS Engines
Cadillac LS Engines
Pontiac LS Engines
Hummer LS Engines
Isuzu LS Engines
Saab LS Engines
Buick LS Engines
| Model | Year | Engine RPO |
|---|---|---|
| Rainier | 2004 | 5.3L Vortec LM4 |
| Rainier | 2005-07 | 5.3L LH6 |
| Lacrosse Super | 2008-09 | 5.3L LS4 |
…
NOTE: You can find engine specs and detailed engine upgrade advice for every LS and LS-based Vortec truck engine in one place: The Definitive Guide to LS Engine Specs and LS Engine Upgrades.
[…] [READ: LS Engine Spotter’s Guide: What Cars and Trucks Have LS Engines] […]
GMC Sierra Denali has been 6.2L from 2007 and up. I purchased 2010 new it was awesome.
What is the bore & stroke for LS engines
The bore ranges from 3.780 to 4.125. The stroke ranges from 3.287 to 4 inch. The common families are 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, 6.2, and 7.0.
What years are the splits on the 24-58 tooth reluctors
Hey Rob, we asked our LS gurus your question and here’s what they said:
Gen. 3 engines could be found in cars up until 2005 and most trucks as late as 2007 (LM7, L59, L33, LQ4, LQ9) and were 24X.
The Gen. 4 engines could be found in the LS2 Corvette, GTO, and LS4 powered FWD cars as early as 2005, but remained 24X equipped.
By 2006, the Corvette and CTS-V had gone 58X, but the LS2 powered GTO, TBSS, SSR (along with LS4 powered FWD cars) and LH6 powered SUV’s remained 24X.
By 2007, all Gen. 4 powered cars and trucks were 58X.
Hope this helps!
[…] you’re heading out to the yard just to see what’s available, check out our LS Engine Spotter’s Guide, Part 1: Matching the Vehicle to the Engine post. It contains essentially the same information, only sorted by make and model instead of General […]
[…] on the vehicle is up for grabs—including complete engines. (Looking for an LS motor? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Engine Spotter’s Guides to learn how to more easily find […]
[…] to find an LS engine? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] LS Engine Spotter’s Guide, Part 1: Matching the Vehicle to the Engine […]
Have a 08gmc sle 5.3 engine needs to replace engine in a 2011 gmc youkon xl with a 5.3 engine will it work..
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] confusion between the dozens of engines that fall into the LS/LT engine families with Spec Guides, Spotter’s Guides, and Upgrade Guides on the LS and LT […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS or LS-based Vortec engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
Hello,
I was wondering why you don’t have any info on the GM 6.2L L86. I’d love to see a spec and upgrade page like you have for the Ls3, Ls7 etc.
Hey Wes, the L86 is part of the Gen. V “LT” series family, after the Gen. III/IV “LS” series–and the LS family is pretty large. We’re working our way through the LS now.
We do have an LT-series L86 Spec Guide, you can check it out here.
I appreciate that Paul. I could not find this link on your site until now. I will look forward to the day you can post the best upgrades. At this point it is a chore trying to locate the best of the basics; Cam, heads, intake manifold etc. If you have any insight as to which LT components will work on the L86 I would be thrilled.
[…] to find an LS or LS-based Vortec engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] Hunting for an LS? Read Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS or LS-based Vortec engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
Will a 2004 1500 4.8l engine work in a 2000 1500 that also has the 4.8 in it but dont run. Was wanting to do a engine swap
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS or LS-based Vortec engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] *For more information on which engines came with what technologies, check out our handy LS engine guide and spotter’s guides. […]
Can a LSX 6.0 be swapped in place of a LQ4 6.0 LS engine with plug and play? Or how much modification is needed if not?
I have a 98 Trans Am with the 5.7 ls1. Its slung a rod and im looking to put a 6.0 in place of it. What will work that others have tried?
[…] we’re taking a retrospective look at the past six months of this build that started with tracking down a junkyard engine and ended up with a beast of a turbocharged V8 truck! […]
I have a 2003 express 6.0. Engine wiring harness got ate by squirrels.
New new one by gm don’t make no more. Any thoughts ?? Thanks. Ron
I have a 2001 suburban lt 5.3l engine with 382k miles. I would like more power.
Should I rebuild or purchase a crated motor or up to a 6.0l motor. Would this affect my mpg.
Thanks for posting! Very helpful! A question tho:
you show the 2010-15 Camaro SS (manual) as having the 6.2L LS3 (which I think is right) and also the 2008-13 vette (regular version) as having a 6.0L LS3.
Is that right, that the LS3 came in two slightly different displacements in that year range?
Thanks once again.
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
Help guy sold me a 09 lmg VIN number 0 told me that it would work in my 08 Suburban the number 3 told me they were interchangeable parts what do I have to do to make this engine work please help
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
I have a 1958 GMC school bus and i have access to an LMG from a 13 Yukon and a LQ4 from a 01 Sierra2500. Which would be the better option for a swap? I’m not looking for performance just a better engine for the bus. Plus i’m a bit of a noobie to this so i apologise if i seem a bit clueless. Thanks for your help.
How can you tell if theLS motor is all aluminium.
Hey Roy, first off, you need to identify which LS Engine you’ve got. THIS ARTICLE WILL HELP.
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Then, just jump into the right LS Engine Spec Guide and it’ll tell you.
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
[…] to find an LS engine for a swap or build? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our LS Spotter’s […]
Greetings; I have 98 LS1 engine and 4L60E trans installed in a 53 Chev Panel truck.
The unit was taken from a 98 TransAM WS-6 with 24K.
I have not got the project on the road yet but will be soon.
The unit runs very good.
I had the original harness and computer flash done here in B.C. and all works well.
I did replace the fuel injectors and a few sensors.
I found another computer with the correct numbers as a back up not yet flashed.
I am not out for running the vehicle hard and will just be a cruiser.
Is there any tips you can give me on maintaining and issues with parts and/or availability as it
is was the first LS model. Thanks Darryl Spencer, Kamloops, B.C., Canada