Not all LS engines weigh the same. Truck engines, iron blocks, and supercharged versions can be significantly heavier than their performance-car counterparts.
This guide provides a complete LS engine weight chart, covering nearly every factory LS engine produced by General Motors.
LS Engine Weight Chart
| Engine Code | Displacement | Block Material | Vehicle Application | Approx. Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS1 | 5.7L (346 ci) | Aluminum | Camaro, Corvette C5 | 430 |
| LS6 | 5.7L (346 ci) | Aluminum | Corvette Z06 | 430 |
| LS2 | 6.0L (364 ci) | Aluminum | Corvette C6, GTO | 435 |
| LS3 | 6.2L (376 ci) | Aluminum | Corvette C6, Camaro SS | 445 |
| LS7 | 7.0L (427 ci) | Aluminum | Corvette Z06 | 470 |
| LS9 | 6.2L (376 ci) | Aluminum | Corvette ZR1 (Supercharged) | 530 |
| LSA | 6.2L (376 ci) | Aluminum | CTS-V, Camaro ZL1 | 535 |
| LQ4 | 6.0L (364 ci) | Cast Iron | GM Trucks, Vans | 580 |
| LQ9 | 6.0L (364 ci) | Cast Iron | Silverado SS, Escalade | 585 |
| LM7 | 5.3L (325 ci) | Cast Iron | GM Trucks, SUVs | 515 |
| L59 | 5.3L (325 ci) | Cast Iron | Flex-Fuel Trucks | 515 |
| LR4 | 4.8L (293 ci) | Cast Iron | GM Trucks | 505 |
| LY5 | 5.3L (325 ci) | Cast Iron | GM Trucks | 515 |
| LC9 | 5.3L (325 ci) | Aluminum | GM Trucks | 460 |
| LH6 | 5.3L (325 ci) | Aluminum | GM Trucks (AFM) | 460 |
| L33 | 5.3L (325 ci) | Aluminum | Silverado, Sierra | 445 |
| L76 | 6.0L (364 ci) | Aluminum | Holden, GM Trucks | 470 |
| L92 | 6.2L (376 ci) | Aluminum | Escalade, Yukon Denali | 480 |
| L94 | 6.2L (376 ci) | Aluminum | GM SUVs (AFM) | 485 |
| LT1 (Gen V)* | 6.2L (376 ci) | Aluminum | Corvette C7, Camaro | 465 |
| LT4 (Gen V)* | 6.2L (376 ci) | Aluminum | Corvette Z06, Camaro ZL1 | 520 |
Related LS Engine Identification Chart(For All LS Models)
Lightest LS Engines Ever Made
| Engine | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| LS1 | ~430 |
| LS6 | ~430 |
| LS2 | ~435 |
| L33 5.3L | ~445 |
Related LS Engine Swap Compatibility Chart(For All Models)
Heaviest LS Engines
| Engine | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| LQ9 6.0L Iron | ~585 |
| LQ4 6.0L Iron | ~580 |
| LSA Supercharged | ~535 |
| LS9 Supercharged | ~530 |
Related LS Engine Bore and Stroke Chart(For All Models)
What Affects LS Engine Weight?
Several factors influence LS engine weight:
- Block material (aluminum vs cast iron)
- Cylinder heads (aluminum heads are standard, but design varies)
- Displacement and rotating assembly
- Forced induction (superchargers add weight)
- Accessories and manifolds
Aluminum vs Iron LS Engine Weight Comparison
| Block Type | Average Weight | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum LS | 430–480 lbs | Lighter, better handling, ideal for swaps | More expensive |
| Iron LS | 505–585 lbs | Strong, cheaper, great for boost | Heavier, affects balance |
An iron 5.3L can weigh 80–150 lbs more than an aluminum LS1 or LS3, which is equivalent to carrying an extra passenger over the front axle.
Related LS Engine Torque Specs(For All Components)
Why LS Engine Weight Matters for Swaps
When swapping an LS engine into a smaller chassis (Miata, RX-7, BMW E36, Datsun Z, or Fox Body Mustang), engine weight plays a major role in:
- Front-to-rear weight distribution
- Suspension geometry
- Brake performance
- Overall drivability
Many builders prefer aluminum LS engines such as the LS1, LS2, LS3, or L33 because they closely match or improve upon the weight of many factory inline-6 or V6 engines.
FAQs
How much does a LS engine weigh?
A typical LS engine weighs between 430 and 585 pounds, depending on the block material and configuration. Aluminum-block LS engines such as the LS1, LS2, and LS3 usually weigh 430–480 lbs, while iron-block truck LS engines like the 5.3L and 6.0L weigh 505–585 lbs. Supercharged LS engines are heavier due to added components.
How much does a 5.3 engine weigh?
A 5.3L LS engine weighs about 515 lbs when it has a cast-iron block (common in trucks). Aluminum versions of the 5.3L, such as the L33, LC9, or LH6, are lighter and typically weigh 445–460 lbs.
How heavy is a 6.0 LS engine?
A 6.0L LS engine weighs around 470 lbs with an aluminum block (L76, LFA). Iron-block 6.0L engines like the LQ4 and LQ9 are significantly heavier, averaging 580–585 lbs.
How much does a 6.2 LS weigh?
A 6.2L LS engine weighs between 445 and 485 lbs for naturally aspirated aluminum versions such as the LS3 and L92. Supercharged 6.2L engines like the LS9 and LSA weigh more, typically 530–535 lbs.
What LS is the lightest?
The LS1 and LS6 are the lightest LS engines ever produced, each weighing approximately 430 lbs. These aluminum-block engines are popular for lightweight swaps and performance builds where front-end weight reduction is critical.
How much does a LS2 V8 weigh?
The LS2 6.0L V8 weighs about 435 lbs. It uses an aluminum block and heads, making it only slightly heavier than the LS1 while offering more displacement and power.
What is the weight difference between LS and SBC?
An aluminum LS engine weighs roughly the same or slightly less than a traditional small-block Chevy (SBC), while producing more power. An iron SBC typically weighs 575–600 lbs, whereas an aluminum LS can weigh 430–480 lbs, resulting in a 100–150 lb weight savings in many swaps.
Is there a difference between 5.3 Vortec and 5.3 LS?
Yes. While both are part of the LS family, 5.3 Vortec engines are usually iron-block truck engines weighing around 515 lbs. Aluminum 5.3 LS variants like the L33 or LC9 weigh 50–70 lbs less and are more desirable for performance swaps due to reduced front-end weight.
How much does a LS3 weigh?
The LS3 6.2L engine weighs approximately 445 lbs. Its aluminum block and heads make it one of the best power-to-weight engines in the LS lineup, which is why it’s extremely popular for performance cars and engine swaps.
Final Thoughts
The LS engine family offers an unmatched combination of power, reliability, aftermarket support, and weight efficiency. Whether you’re choosing a lightweight LS1 for a balanced street build or a heavy-duty iron 6.0L for forced induction, understanding engine weight helps you make the right decision.
For most swaps, aluminum LS engines strike the best balance between performance and handling. However, iron blocks remain unbeatable for budget builds and extreme power applications.
