What Does LS Mean on a Car Engine?
The LS engine is a family of overhead valve (OHV) V8 engines produced by General Motors. The LS engine is based on the Chevrolet small block V8 engine, but it features a number of significant improvements over its predecessor, including a lightweight aluminum block, revised cylinder heads, and a more efficient camshaft. The LS engine was first introduced in 1997, and it has since been used in a wide variety of GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, and Silverado, as well as the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Sierra.
History of the LS Engine
The LS engine was developed in response to the growing popularity of overhead cam (OHC) V8 engines. OHC engines are more efficient than OHV engines, but they are also more complex and expensive to manufacture. The LS engine was designed to provide the performance of an OHC engine while retaining the simplicity and affordability of an OHV engine.
The first LS engine was introduced in the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. The LS1 engine was a 5.7-liter V8 that produced 345 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The LS1 engine was a huge success, and it quickly became one of the most popular engines in the GM lineup.
Features of the LS Engine
The LS engine is a very flexible design that can be used in a wide variety of applications. The LS engine is available in a variety of displacements, from 4.8 liters to 7.0 liters. The LS engine can also be configured with a variety of different intake and exhaust manifolds, camshafts, and pistons. This allows the LS engine to be tuned for a wide range of performance applications, from mild street use to high-performance racing.
Some of the key features of the LS engine include:
- Lightweight aluminum block
- Revised cylinder heads
- More efficient camshaft
- Deep-skirt block
- Six-bolt main bearing caps
- Roller rockers
- Hydraulic lifters
Applications of the LS Engine
The LS engine has been used in a wide variety of GM vehicles, including:
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac Escalade
- GMC Sierra
- Hummer H2
- Pontiac GTO
- Saturn Aura
The LS engine has also been used in a number of aftermarket applications, including hot rods, muscle cars, and race cars.
Conclusion
The LS engine is one of the most popular and successful engines in GM history. The LS engine is a versatile design that can be used in a wide variety of applications, from mild street use to high-performance racing. The LS engine is also known for its reliability and durability, making it a popular choice for both enthusiasts and everyday drivers.
