GM has manufactured so many versions of the LS engines that it leaves you reeling.
These powerful crate engines are all members of the same family, use compatible components, and have similar engine codes but are different in weight.
The essential ones to remember are LS1, LS2, LS3, L99, LS4, LS6, LS7, and LS9.
In this post, we will inspect the LS engine weight as well as other fascinating facts. If you’re after this, keep scrolling down to see more!
What Is LS Engine?
GM is an expert in producing small displacement V8s, having done it for many years.
The term “LS engine” describes the third and fourth gen small displacement V8 gas engines with high-performance engines shown in General Motors automobiles.
The LS series debuted as a Gen III mini aluminum block in 1997, first the LS1 followed by the more great LS6 in 1999.
In 2004, GM introduced the Gen IV LS2. This part contains AFM, VVT, and a 58-tooth retraction wheel to optimize ignition timing in Chevrolet performance.
The LS4, LS7, and LS3 arrive later (in that order). The LS9, a turbocharged development of the 6.2-liter (376 cu in) LS3, followed an LSA derivative installed to the Cadillac CTS-V.
Things To Know About The LS Engines
Before going onto the answer of “How much does an LS motor weigh?”, let’s see something you need to understand about different engines of LS:
- The LS truck engines are all V8s with aluminum cylinder walls and aluminum heads, which are more prone to cylinder wall damages due to being less durable than cast iron ones.
- The Vortex series iron-block truck motors (1999 and after) are LS-based engines. They have different engine codes, yet they are related. These engines’ engine codes are as follows: L59, LQ9, LM7, LM4, and so on.
- The LS engine is available with either an iron or aluminum engine block.
- ALL LS Chevrolet performance engines are classified as small block engines (like 400 or 350). However, some have a massive displacement, for instance, the LS-X motor 454 barrel engine.
- LS engines are divided into two generations: Gen III and Gen IV.
- The name “LSX” refers to the Chevrolet Performance LS barrel racing engine, but it has also become “slang” for the upgraded LS engine.
- Electronic fuel injection is used in the LS engine. Direct fuel injection is now standard on the new Gen V LT engine.
- Instead of a distributor, the LS engine has a coil ignition system.
- The LS truck engine features six main bearing caps that are welded together.
LS Engine Weight – How Much Does An LS Engine Weigh?
From the first to the latest LS engines, they all weigh more than 400 pounds. This section will look closer at the LS engine weight chart, including models LS1, LS2, LS3, L99, LS4, LS6, LS7, and LS9.
LS1/LS6
What is the LS1 engine weight? The LS1 measures about 430 pounds, while its successor – LS6 – weighs 460 pounds.
The powerful crate engine LS1, 346 cubic inches Gen III tiny 5.7-liter V8, became the first LS engine to begin manufacturing.
With a length of about 3,900 inches and a stroke of 3.62 inches, this all-new engine includes an aluminum or iron block engine and a 10:1:1 aspect ratio cylinder aluminum head.
The original LS1 produced 345 horsepower and a torque rating of 350 pound-feet of torque.
In 2001, GM opted to add additional peak power to the C5 Corvette Z06 and developed the LS6 engine.
The LS6 produces 385 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, but in 2002 it was boosted to 405.
LS2
The weight of the LS2 engine is 443 pounds.
The Gen IV truck engine begins with this 3.0-liter 364-inch engine. This all-aluminum performance engine has an aspect ratio of 10:9:1, a 4-inch bore spacing, a 3.62-inch stroke, and revised flat-top pistons.
With a top engine speed of 6500 rpm performance, this engine generates 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
LS3/L99
The LS3 engine is as heavy as 403 pounds, whereas that of the L99 is approximately 410 pounds.
In bigger numbers, this 6.2-liter engine and 376 cubic-inch Gen IV are remarkably comparable to the LS2.
This production figure produces 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque with a dimension of 4,065 inches, a 3,622 inches stroke, and an L92-style cylinder iron head.
LS4
The LS4, weighing 478 pounds, is a unique production figure because it is a horizontal 5.3-liter and 325.1-inch Gen IV motor intended for front-wheel drive.
The LS4 is meant to be as small as possible, with a flat water pump, a new bell housing, a reduced steel crankshaft, and modified front belt attachments.
This powerful crate engine generates 323 pound-feet of torque and 303 horsepower and has active fuel management (AFM).
LS7
The weight of the LS7 engine is reported at 454 pounds.
The enormous famous LS7 features a traditional aluminum block with a size of 427 cubic inches (7.0 liters). The LS7’s engine is delivered with a length of 4.125 inches and a 4 inches stroke.
It produces a crate motor with 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque from Chevrolet performance thanks to CNC ported cylinder heads, sleeve cylinders, titanium connecting rods, forged steel crankshafts, water pump, 2.20-inch intake valves, and a compression ratio of 11:00:1.
LS9
The LS9 engine package was introduced in 2009 solely for the Corvette ZR1 and is estimated at 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. It is also the heaviest engine model in our list with 531 pounds.
The LS9 engine has a solid lifter camshaft to meet the increased horsepower produced by the bigger 2.3-liter supercharger.
Furthermore, GM installed a forged crank, pistons, tie rods, and a stronger air-water intercooler to gain 82 horsepower over the LSA.
FAQs
Are LS Engines Easy To Get A Hold Of And Cheap To Buy?
The first thing to say is that LS production figures can be reasonably priced anywhere, which is a direct outcome of excessive engine manufacturing.
Chevy chose to put these motors in every rear-wheel normal car they made, which necessitated the production of many of these engines.
You’ll have a terrific time since the engine is a powerful crate engine, inexpensive and conveniently available. Moreover, it makes construction, maintenance, or repair operations much easier.
What Are Their Cylinder Heads And Engine Blocks Made Out Of?
The LS cylinder head and engine block are made of aluminum alloy, offering lighter weight than cast iron.
Why Do LS Powerful Crate Engines Have Smaller Proportions Than Their Competitor’s Engines?
The LS engine production figures have been reduced, making it much simpler for engine builders to move into automobiles with narrow engine bays.
A 5.7L LS1 engine, for example, will be an excellent fit for competition vehicles such as a 1.6L Mazda Miata.
The ‘old fashioned’ push rod structure and the new designs employed by the engineers when creating the engine block are the key reasons they are such tiny engines.
The push rod layout differs from that of most current overhead cam engines.
An overhead cam engine can create a powerful crate engine, and provide higher performance and fuel economy but at the price of a significantly heavier and bigger engine.
Conclusion
What is the LS engine weight? To sum up, the post has covered the weight range of different LS performance engines for your information. We hope that this knowledge is helpful to you.
Thank you for your time reading this post. See you around!