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Chevrolet LS4 Engine Specs

Chevrolet

Quick overview

Chevrolet LS4 is a 5.3L (5327 cc) petrol engine with 303 HP, 438 Nm, 10.0:1 compression ratio. Fuel consumption: 10-13 L/100km. Typical service life: 250,000+ km with proper maintenance.

303
HP
5.3L (5327 cm3)
Displacement
438 Nm
Torque
Petrol
Fuel

Description

The Chevrolet LS4 is one of the most unusual members of the LS family. Introduced in the mid-2000s, it adapted LS V8 architecture for transverse front-wheel-drive applications, which made it very different from the rear-wheel-drive performance LS engines most enthusiasts think of first. Even so, the LS4 remained a true part of the broader LS story.

Chevrolet developed the LS4 as a compact 5.3-liter V8 for large front-wheel-drive performance sedans and coupes. To make that possible, the engine received packaging changes that distinguished it from more conventional LS variants, but it still retained core LS traits such as pushrod simplicity, sequential fuel injection, aluminum construction, and strong low-end torque. Output was around 303 HP and roughly 438 Nm, which was enough to give cars like the Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS effortless straight-line performance.

The LS4 is less common in the performance world than LS1, LS2, or LS3, but it remains an interesting and technically important branch of the LS family. Its rarity, unusual installation layout, and broad torque curve make it memorable, even if it is not the first choice for most swaps or race builds.

General Information

Production Years: 2005-2009
Fuel Type: Petrol
Fuel Consumption: 10-13 L/100km (18.1-23.5 mpg)
Power (HP): 303
Power (kW): 226
Displacement: 5.3L (5327 cm3) (325.1-0.2 cu.in)
Torque: 438 Nm (323 lb-ft)
Cylinder Block Alloy: Aluminum alloy
Cylinder Head Alloy: Aluminum alloy
Has Turbo: No
Engine Layout: V8
Aspiration Type: Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System: Sequential Fuel Injection
Head Type: OHV, 16 valves
Timing Drive: Timing Chain
Cooling Type: Liquid Cooled
Cylinders Count: 8

Technical Details

Total Valves: 16
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Hydraulic Lifters: No
Minimum Octane: 91

Maintenance

Service Life (km): 250,000+ km with proper maintenance (155 miles)