What Does LS Mean in Chevrolet Engines?

The Legendary LS Engine

In 1997, the modern-day LS engine debuted. This Chevy small block engine eventually found its home inside the engine compartment of the C5 Corvette Z06. Since its debut, the Chevy engine has appeared in a plethora of iconic vehicles including the Chevy Impala SS and several other Corvette Z06 models.

As Chevy is a part of General Motors, other GM vehicles – like the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP also used the LS engine. This special engine still powers several Chevy models, and you can find those at Gilroy Chevrolet near San Martin and Hollister, CA.

The Luxury Sport Small Block Chevy Engine

The LS or Luxury Sport engine began as a V8 gas engine, and the LS name came from the code “LS1” used by Chevrolet to designate the Chevy Corvette’s third generation engine. Before the small block appeared in the Corvette, Chevy used the CL or Custom Luxury engine. Today, Chevy has the LT engine, which has become a better trim compared to the entry-level LS models.

However, the LS models still deliver plenty of power. For example, the engine in the early 2000s C5 Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS V-Series pushed serious power. For example, the 2007 Cadillac CTS V-Series delivers 640 horses, while the 2002 C5 Corvette Z06 had 405 horsepower (a substantial number for the early 2000s).

GM engineers did everything they could to push the engine to the limits. They added an aggressive camshaft and retooled the oil system and water jacket to improve oil flow and air intake. Compared to the original LS1 engine, later models had improved injectors, valve springs, and exhaust valves for higher revs and more power.

The LS Chevy Engine and the New LT Chevy Engine

Unfortunately, Chevy no longer builds the LS engine. It has been officially replaced by the LT engine. While drivers loved the power and performance of the LS engine, they now appreciate the fuel efficiency and durability of the newest replacement.

The LS and LT do not have interchangeable parts, but they are both small block engines. Like the iconic LS, the LT engines provide eye-popping horsepower, like the 640 horses in the Corvette Z06 and Camaro ZL1. The LT engine also finds a home in the full-size Silverado 1500 and other large Chevy SUVs.

For example, the LT4 6.2-liter V8 is the heart of the C7 Corvette Z06 (the current Corvette is the C8). This modern engine delivers 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque thanks to the A356-T6 rotocast aluminum cylinder heads and 10:1 compression ratio. This is the second most powerful engine put into a Chevrolet production vehicle.

Test Drive a Chevy LT at Gilroy Chevrolet in Gilroy, CA

Experiencing an LS or LT Chevy engine is exhilarating. Our team can arrange a test drive in a new Corvette Stingray, Camaro, or Silverado. We look forward to sharing our excitement about the latest Chevy powertrain technology with you.