The LC9 engine is a 5.3L, Gen. 4, aluminum small block engine used in GM trucks and SUVs between 2007-2011.
For marketing purposes, it was also known as the Vortec 5300. The engine specs and information listed here is for a stock LC9 engine.
Mechanically similar, General Motors’ LS and LS-based Vortec engines wound up on almost every branch of the GM family tree: Chevy, Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac, Buick—heck, even Saab, Hummer, and Isuzu got some LS love.
Since LS and Vortec engines are so common, they’ve become the go-to performance and swap engines of the modern era.
These motors are capable of making a lot of horsepower, and respond well to upgrades like turbos, superchargers, high-flow cylinder heads, intake systems, cams, and nitrous oxide.
The aftermarket is strong, crate engines are available, and used motors are often cheaply sourced through junkyards.
Summit Racing has created a series of comprehensive guides for each engine in the LS family, so engine builders and tuners can have a handy reference for their projects.
This specific guide is for the GM LC9 5.3L engine.
You can find more LS engine spec guides and LS-related information here.
(Summit Racing’s Paul Spurlock and Brian Nutter contributed to this article.)
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LC9 5.3L Engine Specs
LC9 Performance Specifications
| LC9 Engine Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 (2007-09), 9.6:1 (2010-11) |
| Horsepower Rating | 302-315 hp |
| Torque Rating | 330-338 ft.-lbs. |
LC9 Applications
| LC9 Applications | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| VIN 8th Digit | Year | Make | Model |
| 3 | 2007-11 | Chevrolet | Avalanche |
| 3 | 2007-11 | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 |
| 3 | 2007-11 | GMC | Sierra 1500 |
| 3 | 2007-11 | Chevrolet | Suburban |
| 3 | 2007-11 | GMC | Yukon XL |
| 3 | 2009-10 | GMC | Yukon |
| 3 | 2009-11 | Chevrolet | Tahoe |
LC9 Engine Block Specs
| LC9 Block Specs | |
|---|---|
| Casting Number | 125771048, 12601900, 12569513, 12568573 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Displacement | 5.3L / 325 c.i.d. |
| Bore Dia. | 3.780 in. |
| Stroke | 3.622 in. |
| Deck Height | 9.240 in. |
| Bore Spacing | 4.400 in. |
| Thrust Bearing Location | #3 Main |
| Main Cap Style | 6-Bolt |
| Main Housing Bore Dia. | 2.751 in. |
| Cam Housing Bore Dia. | Bore 1/5 = 2.346 in. Bore 2/4 = 2.326 in. Bore 3 = 2.307 in. |
| Cam-to-Crank Centerline | 4.914 in. |
LC9 Rotating Assembly
| LC9 Rotating Assembly Specs | |
|---|---|
| Piston Material | Hypereutectic Cast Aluminum Alloy |
| Piston Style | Flat Top (2007-09), Flat Top with valve reliefs (2010-11) |
| Piston Volume | 0cc (2007-09), 3cc (2010-11) |
| Wrist Pin Dia. | 0.9431 in. (Full Floating) |
| Connecting Rod Material | Powdered Metal |
| Connecting Rod Style | I-Beam |
| Connecting Rod Length | 6.098 in. |
| Connecting Rod Housing Bore | 2.225 in. |
| Connecting Rod Bolts | M9 x 1 x 43 |
| Connecting Rod Part Number | 12649190 |
| Connecting Rod Casting Number (last three digits) | 143 |
| Crankshaft Material | Cast Iron |
| Crankshaft Part Number (Last 3 Digits) | 12588614 |
| Crankshaft Casting Number (last three digits) | 216 |
| Crankshaft Main Journal Dia. | 2.559 in. |
| Crankshaft Rod Journal Dia. | 2.100 in. |
| Reluctor Wheel | 58x |
LC9 Cylinder Heads
| LC9 Cylinder Head Specs | |
|---|---|
| Casting Numbers | 799, 243 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Combustion Chamber Volume | 65cc |
| Intake Port Shape | Cathedral |
| Intake Runner Volume | 210cc |
| Exhaust Port Shape | D-Port |
| Exhaust Runner Volume | 75cc |
| Intake Valve Diameter | 2.000 in. |
| Exhaust Valve Diameter | 1.575 in. |
| Cylinder Head Bolt Style | Torque to Yield (TTY) |
| Cylinder Head Bolt Size | (10) M11 x 2 x 100, (5) M8 x 1.25 x 45 |
LC9 Camshaft Specs
| Years | 2007-09 | 2010-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 12593207 | 12625436 |
| Duration @ .050 in. (int./exh.) | 193°/193° | 196°/201° |
| Valve Lift (int./exh.) | 0.482 in./0.482 in. | 0.481 in./0.481 in. |
| Lobe Separation Angle | 116°+2 | 116°+2 |
| Cam Gear Attachment | 1-Bolt | 1-Bolt |
| Cam Gear Poles | 4x | 4x |
| Active Fuel Management (AFM) | Yes | Yes |
| Variable Valve Timing (VVT) | No | Yes |
LC9 Valvetrain
| LC9 Valvetrain Specs | |
|---|---|
| Lifter Style | Hydraulic Roller |
| Lifter Link Style | Plastic Lifter Tray |
| Lifter Body Diameter | 0.842 in. |
| Pushrod Length | 7.385 in. |
| Rocker Arm Mounting Style | Pedestal |
| Rocker Arm Style | Die-Cast, Roller Fulcrum |
| Rocker Ratio | 1.7 |
| Rocker Offset | None |
| Valve Spring Style | Beehive |
| Valve Spring Color | Natural |
| Valve Angle | 15 Degrees |
| Intake Valve Material | Steel, Solid Stem |
| Intake Valve Dia. | 2.000 in. |
| Exhaust Valve Material | Steel, Solid Stem |
| Exhaust Valve Dia. | 1.575 in. |
| Timing Chain Guide Style | Spring Loaded Tensioner |
LC9 Throttle Body, Fuel Injector Specs & More
| Years | 2007-09 | 2010-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Intake Manifold | Truck-Style | Truck-Style |
| Throttle Body | 87mm, 4-bolt | 87mm, 4-bolt |
| Throttle Control | Electronic, Drive-by-Wire | Electronic, Drive-by-Wire |
| Fuel Injector Part Number | 12594512 | 12613411 |
| Fuel Injector Flow | 36 lb./hr. @ 58 psi | 37.3 lb./hr. @ 58 psi |
| Flex Fuel Capable | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Injector Length Between O-Rings | 1.890 in. | 1.730 in. |
| Fuel Injector Connector | EV6 / USCAR | EV6 / USCAR |
| PCM | E38 | E38 |
| Crankshaft Reluctor Ring | 58x | 58x |
| Camshaft Sensor Location | Timing Cover | Timing Cover |
| Oil Pan | Varies by Application | Varies by Application |
| Oil Pump | High Volume (1.25 c.i. per rev.) | High Volume (1.25 c.i. per rev.) |
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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.
[…] LC9 5.3L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More […]
I have a 2012 silverado 1500 crew cab. It is the Lt model and the 8th character of the VIN is 7. It is an aluminum block. Ever reference I have come across thus far designates that engine as being the LC9. However you seem to state that it was available until the 2011 model. Is this an error on your statement of facts about the specific vehicles it was in or do I have something special?
Funny, I have a 2013 Silverado LT 1500 Z71 and the 8th character of my VIN is 7 also. Apparently the LC9 was manufactured until at least 2013.
I have the same year and the 8th character is a 7 also
Or they had them in stock at the factory and used them till they were gone!
Yes I had a 2013 Sierra sle as well with the lc9 13 is the last year till the swapped over body styles
The LC9 was the last of the LS base truck 5.3s any 5.3 for a truck after the LC9 is a newer version Of the old LS called LT with direct injection. Which came out in the 2014 model years. So all the way up to the end of 2013.
i just called the dealership and they was able to ans all my quest. i have a 3 which is a alum block lc9 with 799 heads
You think it is possible you could send a picture of motor and transmission my vin number 8th character is a number 3 as well
I have a Chevy Silverado 2011 z71 4×4 1500 extended cab Lt vin 8th character number 3 it’s supposed to be a Lc9 with the 799 heads for motor and the 6 speed transmission I believe someone has swapped out my motor and transmission with something else on the front of the motor it’s got vo4 right behind the water pump what does this mean if could get
someone to get original picture of motor and transmission with this trim and year of truck it’s much appreciated
You are correct. I also have a 2012 Silverado 1500 with the LC9 and my vin digit is 7.
The lc9 has 3 as 8th digit of vin
It also has a 7 for eigth number of Vin in my 2012 Silverado. RPO code in glovebox listing LC9 confirms it.
I have a 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500. 4X4 . Vin.Seventh digit is 7. So I guess its LC9 5.3 .
Which Motor would be a good replacement drop in with parts being used from old engine? 2007 Chevy trailblazer SS. Wanting to go with 5.3 since it’s a bit cheaper and don’t care that I’ll be loosing performance. Just want it running before winter.
What did you end up using?
Can anyone supply overall dimensions for the Ford 5.3L (all aluminum)and the Ford 2.3L Ecoboost (turbocharged)? Thanks
I have the LC9 5.3 in my 09 GMC, does anyone know the length of the intake and exhaust valves? I got the diameter but I’m needing the length.
i have every length exc for valves but i would just call the dealer and they can give u the lenght and pt#s if u need anytging else for stock 5.3 info i have it.
I have 07.5 4.8 no vvt or dod hydro locked it , bought an 2012 suburban with 5.3 lc9 im going to do dod/vvt delete n cam kit hows the fuel iknow lc9 uses e85 n pump how can i keep that feature on my 07.5?
ull have to use the ecm from the 2012 and u may have to change ur fuel pump but not sure on the fp but poss about the ecm.u may call the dealer or summit and ask to b sure
Hello, I’m wanting to delete the DOD in my 2011 Sierra 4×4 with a .525 or so cam, I am wanting to know the best parts I should use for lifters, push rods, maybe 1.8 rockers, springs, bushings, locks & or injectors. I’m also thinking of 102mm intake manifold.
Thank you for your info in advance
if u wanting to save money i know u can upgrade the stock rocker fulcrums sum sells a kit.otherwise i would just contact a rep from sum to help you find the best part for you.
I HAVE A 2011 SUBURBAN LT Z71 4X4 AND IT HAS THE LC9 WITH 799 HEADS. I PUT A STAGE 1 TSP TRUCK CAM WITH AIR RAID INTAKE AND DYNOED 283WHP AND 302WTQ.
You’re making more power than that….. Wind her out to 7k rpm with that intake for an accurate hp/tq figure….
Air raid intake filter. Not air raid intake runners.
I have 2007 5.3 Tahoe, oil leaks is happening and I feel like all gaskets are burnt up. 280k miles. Anyway I can get it to be solid strong. Rebuild engine? Or replace old parts? Not really an expert
I bought a junkyard LC9, verified by the 08 avalanche, code 125770148 on the front of the block. The left PASS head is 243 the right DR head is 799. Is this from the factory or did somebody replace a head at some point? I see it lists 799/243 as the factory heads but I also have seen articles stating the 243 is investment cast and 799 is semi-permanent mold. It seems unlikely that the factory would pair one of each together.
what is the max cam rocker valve set up while keeping the vvt, I am lookin for more power/ecomny /mpg if thats possible. The swap is for a ASTRO cargo van switching from 2wd to 4wd with transfer case out of a 99 blazer v6….has 242 gear, front and rear … it will be a adventure van , NOT a racer/drag ….liking the low end tourke for slow trail crusing…JOHN in ARIZONA.. Thanks for any advice…