LS3 Engine Specs, Performance & Complete Guide (2008–2017)

 

LS3 Engine Specs, Performance & Complete Guide (2008–2017)

The LS3 is one of the most popular and powerful LS engines ever produced by General Motors. Found in high-performance cars like the Corvette and Camaro, the LS3 is known for its strong power, excellent airflow, and reliability.

In this guide, we’ll break down complete LS3 engine specs, including heads, camshaft, internals, and the vehicles it came in.

LS3 Engine Overview

  • Engine Family: Gen IV LS
  • Displacement: 6.2L (376 cubic inches)
  • Production Years: 2008–2017
  • Block Material: Aluminum
  • Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection
  • Valvetrain: OHV (2 valves per cylinder)

Basic Performance Specs

  • Horsepower: 430–436 HP
  • Torque: 424–428 lb-ft
  • Compression Ratio: 10.7:1

The LS3 is a high-compression engine designed for naturally aspirated performance.

Engine Block Specs

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Bore: 4.065 inches
  • Stroke: 3.622 inches
  • Displacement: 6.2L / 376ci
  • Main Caps: 6-bolt

 Strong and lightweight, ideal for performance builds.

Rotating Assembly Specs

Crankshaft

  • Material: Forged steel
  • Reluctor: 58x

Connecting Rods

  • Material: Powdered metal
  • Length: ~6.098 inches

Pistons

  • Material: Hypereutectic aluminum
  • Style: Flat-top
  • Compression Ratio: 10.7:1

 Designed for high RPM and naturally aspirated power.

Cylinder Head Specs (821 Castings)

The LS3 comes with high-flow rectangle port heads.

Head Casting:

  • 821 Casting

Valve Sizes:

  • Intake Valve: 2.165 inches
  • Exhaust Valve: 1.590 inches

Valve Material:

  • Lightweight hollow-stem intake valves
  • Strong exhaust valves for heat resistance

These heads flow extremely well and are one of the biggest reasons the LS3 makes strong power from factory.

Camshaft Specs

  • Duration: 204/211
  • Lift: .551/.522
  • LSA: 117°

 The LS3 cam is more aggressive than truck engines, helping it produce higher horsepower.

Valvetrain Details

  • Lifters: Hydraulic roller
  • Rocker Ratio: 1.7
  • High RPM capable

With upgrades, LS3 valvetrain can handle very high RPM.

Does LS3 Have DoD or VVT?

  • DoD (Displacement on Demand): ❌ No
  • VVT (Variable Valve Timing): ❌ No

     This makes LS3:

  • Simpler
  • More reliable
  • Easier to modify

Vehicles That Came With the LS3

 Chevrolet Corvette (2008–2013)

  • C6 Corvette
  • 430–436 HP

 Chevrolet Camaro SS (2010–2015)

  • Manual versions used LS3
  • Automatic versions used L99 (with DoD/VVT)

 Pontiac G8 GXP (2009)

 Chevrolet SS Sedan (2014–2017)

LS3 Production Timeline

  • 2008: LS3 introduced in Corvette
  • 2010: Added to Camaro SS
  • 2017: Final production year

Why the LS3 Is So Popular

  • Excellent airflow (821 heads)
  • Strong aluminum block
  • High compression for NA builds
  • No DoD or VVT
  • Huge aftermarket support

 Easily capable of:

  • 500+ HP with cam upgrades

Final Thoughts

The LS3 is one of the best all-around LS engines ever made. With strong internals, high-flow heads, and great factory performance, it’s a perfect platform for both street and track builds.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a powerful, reliable, and easy-to-modify engine:

 The LS3 is one of the best choices available.

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