rx8wannahave

You know Chevy's 5.3L...the one they have in the new Impala SS (they have used this engine before also)...what's it's name, history, etc.

We are well aware of the great LS V8's from Chevy, but what's the code name of the 5.3L V8?

Since it can make 300HP...probably 330HP for the future Camaro (IF they use it) I wanted to learn more about it. Is it just a baby LS...or is it a completely different design?

I’m off to research what I can…thanks in advance for the help!

snizzle

LS4

The LS4 is a smaller 5.3 L (325 ci) version of the Generation IV block. Though it has the same displacement as the Vortec 5300 LH6, it differs in that it has an aluminum block rather than an iron one.

A version of this engine is adapted for transverse front-wheel drive application, the first time a small-block family engine has been used in this manner. Displacement on Demand is also used. Output of this version is 303 hp (226 kW) and 323 ft·lbf (438 N·m).

Applications:

* 2006 Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo SS
* 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

rx8wannahave

Thanks a bunch...that was basically all I needed, but I'll keep reading up some more.

I suspect...this might be the Z28 engine and the LS2 400HP be the SS version of the next Camaro.

rx8wannahave

By the way...this is based on nothing I've heard, lol...it just would make sense in my opinion.

snizzle

With the current 250 HP V6, that would be a pretty nice lineup. Then again... who knows if that'll be competitive with the Mustang in 2009 if the HP wars continue.

rx8wannahave

^yeah, with that V6 I think they would have a great lineup.

Even if the new Camaro only can match the Mustang, it KILLS it (in my opinion) in looks and if Chevy has not proved it enough in it's history...they don't shy away from HP wars with the Mustang.

Japan8

^^ remember what bascho said though... the Chevy is ONLY a concept car. The concept Mustang was really hot too... remember? We'll talk more about looks and such if and when GM manages to put this car out.

On the power note... the current Mustang GT is 4.8L putting out 300hp vs 5.3L @ 303hp...

BaronVonBigmeat

I think if there was a Camaro out right now, it would make about 370 hp.

The last gen F-body was always about 60~70 hp more than the Mustang, but 25 less than the Corvette. So 370 would be about right. Of course all three cars will probably be bumped up some if/when the new Camaro comes out. Frankly I think Ford is always going to be a day late and a dollar short--bringing a knife to a gunfight so to speak--as long as they insist on staying with that boat anchor modular engine rather than a new-gen pushrod motor like the Hemi or LSx. Yeah, the 8 has a similar deficiency vs. it's competition, but at least it's small, compact, and lightweight.

snizzle

The actual production car doesn't have to be that different. It was the case with the Mustang but doesn't mean there will be as drastic a change with the Camaro. Of course it won't be the same (look at the interior) but hopefully the body style is close as I agree with rx8wannahave on the comparison. We all know it won't come with 20 inch rims.

I don't see how Chevy can make a Camaro that matches the GT500 though... unless the LS7 becomes the base Vette engine.

This is all at least 2 years down the road at the earliest so a lot can change between now and then.

Feras

iTrader: (1)

Pontiac Bonnevilles have had transversely mounted V8's before

rx8wannahave

Yeah, but Bob Lutz is at the helm and he has shown that he brings out cars very close to their concept look. Just look at the Viper and Solstice...but your right, we will see. I hope they don't soften it up...it's a sports car dang it, it should look aggressive and MEAN!

But it's bigger and heavier...if anything, they could tweak the 5.3L to make more like 330HP. With that said...it's true, Chevy might just stick the LS2/LS6 in their making a bit less than the Vette's 400HP.

One of my biggest concerns (for me) is if they once again make the rear seats useless, they overprice it, blandify the looks, or make it as fat as the Mustang. There is no way the next Camaro should come in at 3500 pounds...personally, I wouldn't let it go over 3300. Like that...they would weigh 200 pounds less than the Mustang and then if they gave it 330 they would also have 30HP extra.

The LS4 looks like a good Z28 engine...and I'll bet you could get even more power out of it in the aftermarket. Heck...just add SC and you will be in 430HP heaven.

It's still super early...but I wanted to learn more about the LS4. From the website I found (where Snizzle got his good info) there was the old LS1, the LS2, then the LS6 and now the LS7 with rumor of a LS9 in the works.

The thing is...Chevy just needs to beat out the Mustang at the 25K price tag. I think a 35K Mustang goes against everything that the "Pony" car has stood for throughout it's history...affordable performance for the common Joe.

Maybe it's just me, I know I'm not in the top income bracket...if I made more maybe things would be different. With all that said...the GT500 will be a HELL OF A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK performance car.

PoorCollegeKid

I don't think they ever used a SBC, though

rx8wannahave

OK...does anyone have a link for the spec's on the LS4? I can't seem to find much about it...I want details.

snizzle

Not much more detail than what we've got already but this is pretty sweet:

http://www.gminsidenews.com/index.php?page=Engine_Guide

snizzle

Straight from Chevy......


5.3L Small Block V8 Engine

The small block V8 in SS models features:

* Active Fuel Management for an EPA estimated 28 MPG highway.
* The most standard horsepower and torque in its class.(1)
* Aluminum Construction – all major castings in the V8 engine, including the deep–skirt engine block, are made of weight–saving aluminum. Casting from aluminum contributes to a stiff engine structure that helps ensure smooth operation.
* Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) – ETC replaces the mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and engine with drive–by–wire electronic control. This allows for remarkably smooth and precise acceleration.
* Polymer–Coated Pistons – pistons are coated with a polymer material that reduces engine wear and contributes to quieter operation.
* Cylinder–Head Technology – the small block V8 cylinder heads were originally developed for the Corvette Z06. Their pent–roof combustion chambers and flat–top pistons deliver high horsepower.
* Composite Intake Manifold – the composite intake manifold design allows the small block V8 to deliver high levels of torque at low– and mid–range engine speeds, while still delivering plenty of air flow for peak engine horsepower.

snizzle

Another cut&paste....

Displacement (cu. in./liters) 325/5,328
Bore x stroke (in.) 3.78 x 3.62
Bore x stroke (mm) 96.0 x 92.0
Compression ratio 10.0:1
Cylinder-block material cast-aluminum
Cylinder-head material cast-aluminum
Valvetrain configuration OHV
Valves per cylinder 2
Ignition system coil-near-plug
Lifters hydraulic roller
Cam drive chain
Coolant capacity (quarts/liters) 12.2/11.5
Oil capacity (quarts/liters) 5.0/5.7
Alternator rating (amps) 105
Battery (SAE capacity rating, cca) 625
Recommended unleaded fuel 92 octane
Maximum engine speed (RPM) 6,000
Horsepower/kW @ engine RPM 303/226 @ 5,600
Torque (lb.-ft./N-m) @ engine RPM 323/438 @ 4,40

ucfracerx8

The current Mustang Engine is a 4.6L (281 cu in) 3V per cylinder engine, not a 4.8L, that makes 300HP and 320lb-ft. Chances are the new Camaro will get the 6.0L from the Vette, SSR, and GTO, unless it is closer in weight to the Vette, in which case it might indeed get a non transverse mounted version of the 5.3L. Remember that the last generation Camaro's came with the 3.8L V6 corporate motor or the 5.7L LS1 in the last years, prior to that was the LT1. Let's not even go into details before that, or even the last year for that matter where there are a few 427, yes that is right 427 Camaros, 50 I think. The new 5.3L LS4 as it is also known can trace it's roots back to the LS1 and the LT1, which go all the way back to the V8 used in a '57 chevy. My how far they have come in 50 years since the original small block chevy was introduced.

rx8wannahave

^yeah...they have taken that engine FAR!!!

Thanks Snizzle my phosizzel....lol.

ucfracerx8, they probably will...but like I said if they made it 200 pounds less and got 330HP out of the LS4, I think that would be a fine engine for the Z28. They should leave the LS2/LS6 for the SS.

Japan8

Opps... thanks for the correction. That number didn't look right to me. I know the old 302cid was 4.9L (called 5.0L) and the MOD engine was a smaller displacement...

Speaking of history... the Ford 302cid and 351cid "Windsor" engines have quite the history too. The 302 being a 289 from the original 64.5 Mustang with increase stroke and the 351 is another bump in displacement using the same block design, but with a taller block for yet another increase in stroke (same 4" bore). http://home.pon.net/hunnicutt/history_windsor.htm

Anyway... I brought up the 4.6L 3V MOD engine as a comparison to show that Ford is getting nearly the same power out of less displacement. Granted... as rx8wannahave pointed... the motor is too big and too heavy with it's overhead cams. yet again I say... Ford should have spent the money developing a new small block pushrod motor. They OHC motor would have somewhat lived anyway as I believe it is the basis for the V6 Duratec motor as well (so if they needed an OHC V8 in Lincolns for marketing reasons it could readily be built).

rx8wannahave

^I agree

snizzle

Of course they're getting more power out of less displacement. OHC is ancient technology in comparison.

I'd rather have more displacement than FI (as in the Cobra).... but I guess i'm the minority these days.

Japan8

^ No, I agree. I'd rather have more displacement too.

BTW, I think you meant OHV (OverHead Valves... i.e. pushrod) not OHC (OverHead Cams).

snizzle

Oops, sorry bout that.....

Glad you agree though

MikeW

What if GM decided to saw 2 cylinders off the 7 liter engine in the Z06.
A 5.3 liter V6 that makes 400+hp.
A base 4.5 liter V6 with 300hp would show up Ford's 3.5 that will be in the mustang, 270hp estimated.

http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/

rx8wannahave

Good for GM, while I hope they can get more HP out of it since it's a pretty big V6.