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What is the difference between gm ls and lsx engines?


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Finally! A question for which I am eminently qualified (I'm a moderator at ls1tech.com). Yeah, yeah, I know... this is a Ford forum. :)

 

The terms LS engine and LSx engine refer to GM option codes for a series of small block V8 engines. The term LSX (all caps) refers to a specific model LS high performance engine that was never installed in vehicles from the factory but is available as a crate engine. It can handle up to 2,500 horsepower.

 

The first two LS engines were the LS1 and LS6 introduced in 1997 for the Corvette and then in 1998 for the F-Bodies (Camaro and Trans Am). They replaced the previous LT series engines and had aluminum blocks that were designed to be as strong as the LT iron blocks. They were the first GM engines to introduce a coil-on-plug design to replace the older distributor and plug wires arrangement. Yet they continued to use a push rod design while most other companies (including Ford) had moved to overhead cam designs. In spite of that "older" technology, the LS1 F-Bodies produced 325 horsepower, completely overwhelming the 260 horsepower of the 4.6L modular engines in the Mustangs of the time. This is what is believed to have started the horsepower wars in earnest - to all of our benefit.

 

Since the late '90s there have been about 30 engine models in the LS series although not all of them got an "LS" designation (some examples were the LM6, L77 and L98). In fact, the latest LS engines have revived the LT1 (naturally aspirated) and LT4 (supercharged) designations.

Edited by TheWizard
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LSX is a race engine. Simple as that, although I don't need to comment considering the guy above me is a human Wikipedia! That's some knowledge there Wizard :)

 

Let's not put a blanket statement out about LS F body's overwhelming their counterparts though. I can think of a couple 4.6L Modular fords that can half track those Camaros. Think 4 valve. Just sayin ;)

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