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GM 5.7 Liter V8 Small Block LS1 Engine

The 5.7L LS1 V8 engine was produced by General Motors for use in high-performance vehicles such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, among others. It is part of GM’s Gen III Small Block engine family.

5.7L LS1 Engine Vitals
Displacement: 5.7L / 346 cu. in.
Aspiration: Natural
Introduced: 1997 model year
Discontinued: 2005
Predecessor: LT1 / Gen 2 Small Block
Successor: LS6
Assembly: Saint Catherines, Ontario, Canada

The 5.7L LS1 introduced the third generation of General Motors’ Small Block V8 engines. Other than a similar displacement, external dimensions and rod bearings, the LS1 shared little with the Gen II LT1 engine it replaced.

The LS1 was initially introduced in the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette C5, in which it was rated at 345 horsepower (257 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 350 pound-feet of torque (470 Nm) at 4,400 rpm. In 2001, GM improved the intake and exhaust manifolds, increasing the rating to 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 365 pound-feet of torque (495 Nm). The engine was used in the Corvette from 1997 through 2004.

In 1998, GM introduced the LS1 in its F-Body vehicles — the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The engine was rated at 305-310 horsepower, a rating believed by some to have been conservative. The engine was used in F-Body vehicles until 2002.

The engine was also available in the Pontiac GTO and in the Holden Commodore, Ute, and Caprice. Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary, continued to make improvements to the LS1 throughout its lifetime. The HSV YII series was rated at 382 horsepower (285 kW), while version modified by Callaway named “C4B” produced 402 horsepower (300 kW) in the HSV GTS models.

LS1 engine highlights include:

  • Cylinder block: the Gen III cylinder block shares key design elements with GM’s original small-block V8: a 90-degree cylinder angle and 4.400-inch bore centers. The bore and stroke dimensions are: 3.90-inch (99 mm) bore x 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke.
  • Oiling System: the oiling system utilizes a conventional “wet sump” design with the oil pickup being rear-mounted in the oil pan. The oil pump is on the front of the block, and the oil filter is near the rear of the engine.
    All Gen III engines are designed to be used with GM’s AC Delco motor oil. The LS1 5.7L uses 5W30.
  • Rotating assembly: within the Gen III block is a durable rotating assembly that includes a cat iron crankshaft and 6.098-inch-long, powder-metal connecting rods, as well as M142 hypereutectic cast aluminum-alloy pistons. The connecting rods have an I-beam design.
  • PCV System: the LS1’s PCV system pullz crankcase gases and engine oil blow-by from the valve cover, the system. Possible oil consumption issues noted on early LS1 engines.
  • Camshaft Design: the LS1 engine uses a hydraulic roller-lifter camshaft, and received two slightly varied cam specifications depending on the application and model year.
  • Cylinder Head Design: the LS1 cylinder heads feature all-aluminum construction, Cathedral intake port shapes, oval exhaust port. Steel intake and exhaust valves are used in the aluminum alloy heads
  • Valvetrain Components: include beehive valve springs and roller-pivot rocker arms
  • Fuel Injection System: port-fuel injection is utilized on all Gen III engines. Port-fuel injection places the injectors on a fuel rail mounted the intake manifold. From there, the injectors spray fuel into the intake ports, just ahead of the combustion chamber. The fuel then mixes with incoming air before going through the combustion cycle.
  • Exhaust Manifolds: the LS1 engine uses a cast iron “four-into-one” short-header exhaust manifold design.
  • Cooling System: features a belt-driven water pump, front-mounted radiator and an electric fan.
  • 24X Ignition System: All Gen III engines use a 24X crankshaft reluctor wheel to keep engine time.
  • Engine Controller: There were three different engine controllers used across the life of the LS1 engine.
Type: 5.7L V8 Gen III Small Block
Engine Orientation; Longitudinal
Engine Mass (kg/lbs): 177 / 390
Displacement: 5,665cc (5.7L; 346ci)
Compression ratio: 10.1.:1
Bore x stroke: 99.06 x 91.948mm
Bore Center (mm): 111.76
Valve configuration: Overhead valves
Valves per cylinder: 2
Firing order: 1 – 8 – 7 – 2 – 6 – 5 – 4 – 3
Fuel system: Sequential fuel injection
Recommended fuel: Regular Unleaded
Emissions controls
Catalytic converter
Positive crankcase ventilation
Materials
Block: Cast aluminum
Cylinder head: Cast aluminum
Intake manifold: Composite
Exhaust manifold: Cast Iron
Main bearing caps: Steel
Crankshaft: Cast Iron
Camshaft: Billet Steel
Connecting rods: Forged Powder Metal
GM 5.7L V8 Small Block LS1 Engine Vehicle Applications
Year Make Model Transmission Power (hp / kW @ RPM) Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM)
1997-2000 Chevrolet Corvette 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60) 345 / 257 @ 5600 350 /470 @ 4400
2001-2004 Chevrolet Corvette 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60) 350 / 260 @ 5600 365 /495 @ 5600
1998-2000 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 305 / 227 @ 5200 335 / 454 @ 4400
1998-2000 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 320 / 242 @ 5200 345 / 467 @ 4400
2001-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 310 / 231 @ 5200 340 / 461 @ 4400
2001-2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 325 / 238 @ 5200 350 / 475 @ 4400
1998-2000 Pontiac Firebird Formula 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 305 / 227 @ 5200 335 / 454 @ 4400
1998-2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 320 / 242 @ 5200 345 / 467 @ 4400
2001-2002 Pontiac Firebird Formula 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 310 / 227 @ 5200 340 / 461 @ 4400
2001-2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 325 / 238 @ 5200 350 / 475 @ 4400
1999–2000 Holden VT.II Commodore, VT.II Calais 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 295 / 220 @ 5000 323 / 446 @ 4400
1999–2003 Holden Statesman, Caprice 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 295 / 220 @ 5000 323 / 446 @ 4400
2000–2002 Holden VX Commodore, VX Berlina, VX Calais, VU Ute 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 302 / 225 @ 5200 339 / 460 @ 4400
2001–2002 Holden Monaro 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 302 / 225 @ 5200 339 / 460 @ 4400
2002-2003 Holden Commodore SV8 and SS, Ute S and SS,Monaro 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 315 / 235 @ 5200 343 / 465 @ 4400
2003-2004 Holden Berlina, Ute S, One Tonner S 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 315 / 235 @ 5200 343 / 465 @ 4400
2003-2004 Holden Commodore SV8 and SS, Calais, Ute SS, Caprice 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 328 / 245 @ 5200 343 / 465 @ 4400
2003-2004 Holden Monaro 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 328 / 245 @ 5200 343 / 465 @ 4400
2003-2004 Holden Statesman 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 315 / 235 @ 5200 339 / 460 @ 4000
2003-2005 Holden Adventra 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 315 / 235 @ 5200 339 / 460 @ 4000
2003-2005 Holden VY.II Crewman 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto 302 / 225 @ 5200 339 / 460 @ 4400
2004-2005 Holden Berlina, Calais, One Tonner, Crewman 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 315 / 235 @ 5600 339 / 460 @ 4000
2004-2005 Holden Statesman 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 328 / 245 @ 5200 343 / 465 @ 4400
2004-2005 Holden Commodore SV8 and SS, Ute SS 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 369 / 250 @ 5600 347 / 470 @ 4000
2004-2005 Holden Caprice 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 335 / 250 @ 5600 347 / 470 @ 4800
2004-2005 Holden Monaro 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 349 / 260 @ 5600 347 / 500 @ 4000
2005-2006 Holden Adventra 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 335 / 250 @ 5600 347 / 470 @ 4800
1999–2000 Holden Special Vehicles HSV VT.II ClubSport, HSV VT.II Senator, HSV VT SV99, HSV WH Grange 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 335 / 250 @ 5600 349 / 473 @ 4000
2000-2002 Holden Special Vehicles HSV VX ClubSport, HSV VX Senator, HSV WH Grange 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 342 / 255 @ 5600 350 / 475 @ 4000
2001-03 Holden Special Vehicles HSV V2.I GTO Coupe 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 342 / 255 @ 5600 350 / 475 @ 4000
2002-2003 Holden Special Vehicles HSV Y-Series I: ClubSport, Senator, Maloo 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 343 / 260 @ 5600 350 / 475 @ 4000
2003 Holden Special Vehicles HSV V2.II GTO Coupe 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 343 / 260 @ 5600 350 / 475 @ 4000
2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles HSV V2.III GTO Coupe 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 382 / 285 @ 5600 376 /510 @ 4800
2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles HSV Y-Series II: ClubSport, Senator, Maloo, HSV WK Grange 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 382 / 285 @ 5600 376 /510 @ 4800
2003-2005 Holden Special Vehicles HSV Y-Series Avalanche 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 362 / 270 @ 5700 350 / 475 @ 4000
2004 Holden Special Vehicles HSV V2 Coupe 4 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 362 / 270 @ 5700 350 / 475 @ 4000
2004-2005 Holden Special Vehicles HSV Z-Series Coupe 4 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 362 / 270 @ 5700 350 / 475 @ 4000
2004-2005 Holden Special Vehicles HSV Y-Series Avalanche XUV 4-Speed Auto AWD (4L60E) 362 / 270 @ 5700 350 / 475 @ 4000
2000 Holden Special Vehicles – Callaway HSV VT.II GTS 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 402 / 300 @ 6000 376 /510 @ 4800
2000–2001 Holden Special Vehicles – Callaway HSV VX GTS 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 402 / 300 @ 6000 376 /510 @ 4800
2000-2001 Holden Special Vehicles – Callaway HSV VX Senator 300 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 402 / 300 @ 6000 376 /510 @ 4800
2001–2002 Holden Special Vehicles – Callaway VX SV300 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 402 / 300 @ 6000 376 /510 @ 4800
2001–2004 Holden Special Vehicles – Callaway HSV V2 GTS Coupe 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 402 / 300 @ 6000 376 /510 @ 4800
2002–2004 Holden Special Vehicles – Callaway HSV Y-Series GTS 6-Speed Manual (T-56) / 4-Speed Auto (4L60E) 402 / 300 @ 6000 376 /510 @ 4800

Follow our coverage of LS1 V8 news.

Other members of the Gen III Small Block engine family include:

  • 5.7 V8 LS6
  • Vortech 4800
    • 4.8 V8 LR4
  • Vortech 5300
    • 5.3 V8 LM7
    • 5.3 V8 L59
    • 5.3 V8 LM4
    • 5.3 V8 L33
  • Vortech 6000
    • 6.0 V8 LQ4
    • 6.0 V8 LQ9

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