The LS engine is an improvement upon the revolutionary Chevy 350 Small Block Engine. It bears the name “LS” because of its unique technical specifications in the horsepower and torque categories.
The idea behind its creation was to increase the Chevy 350’s power without compromising its small-block form (In fact, the LS and 350 engines share external dimensions). In addition to that, the LS engine had to satisfy modern economic and emission standards.
The LS Engine Series covers all Generation III, IV, and V engines featuring the small-block V8 configuration. Today’s article will discuss all there is about these engines, their LS firing orders, and LS cylinder numbers.
Read more: 6 Best Tuners For 5.3 Silverado Review [2023]
Gen III, IV, and V Chevy LS Engines
Gen III
The first Generation III LS Engine made its debut in 1997. It was first featured in the famous 5th Generation Chevrolet Corvette C5. It was an all-aluminum V8 masterpiece that built upon the popularity of the Chevy 350 Small Block.
During its reign from 1999 to 2007, many different Gen III LS engines graced the market, including the LS1, LS6, LR4, LM7, L59, LM4, and L33. They had varying displacements of 4806cc, 5327cc, 5665cc, and 5967cc.
Gen III LS Engines were available in popular vehicle models like the Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Avalanche, etc.
Gen IV
Generation IV LS Engines ruled the marketplace from 2005 to 2020. They succeeded Gen III Engines by offering higher displacement figures of 7,441cc. Unlike Gen III engines that were “rigid,” Gen IV LS Engines had the “Displacement On-Demand Technology”. It allowed users to deactivate any other cylinder in the firing order.
Gen IV’s engine roster included the LS2, L76, L98, L77, LY6, L96, LFA, and LZ1. These engines were the options across many vehicle models like the Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Suburban 3/4 ton, Chevrolet Impala SS, Chevrolet Camaro SS, etc.
Gen V
The Generation V LS Engines broke into the market in 2013 and are still in production. Even though they are structurally similar to the Gen III and IV engines, they come with significant internal upgrades.
For example, their cooling systems and new cylinders are much better. The popular LT1 engine is also part of Gen V’s roster. It debuted in late 2012 inside the Chevrolet Corvette C7.
Examples of other Chevy vehicles that rocked Gen V LS Engines include the Camaro SS, the Corvette C8, the Camaro ZL1, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, and the Corvette Z06.
Read more: 1999-2022 Chevy/GMC 5.3 Oil Capacity & Oil Type Free Lookup
LS Firing Order
All LS are internal combustion multi-cylinder engines. Specifically, they are V8 engines with eight cylinders and a single crankshaft. For a vehicle to move efficiently, the spark plugs in each cylinder must ignite and push the pistons in a particular order – This is the firing order.
“Firing Order” refers to the sequence at which internal engine cylinders are ignited to produce power. You can also define it as the order in which power is distributed across different engine cylinders.
All stock LS Engines have the 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 firing order. It’s an upgrade on the 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 firing order of the traditional Chevy Small/Big Block Engines.
Below are some of the advantages of the LS Firing Order:
- Promotes better harmonics.
- Boosts power.
- Enhanced torque.
- Better cooling.
- Allows for the general smooth running of the engine.
Changing your engine’s firing order from the traditional version to the improved LS order is possible. The procedure is called “The 4/7 Swap.” You should only proceed to do so after consulting experienced mechanics. They will tell you whether or not it’s worth it, depending on your needs.
LS Cylinder Numbers
Different manufacturers number their cylinders differently. In the LS Engine, we have four cylinders on the right of the block and four others on the left. “The Fold Method” is the most commonly used cylinder numbering system.
You have to stand in front of the vehicle and face it head-on to get it right. On the driver’s side, we have the 1-3-5-7 cylinders. Cylinder #1 is the closest to you, and cylinder #7 is the furthest. On the passenger side, we have the 2-4-6-8 cylinders. Similarly, cylinder #2 is the closest to you, and cylinder #8 is the furthest.
4.8 LS Firing Order and Cylinder Numbers
4.8 LS Engine Overview
The 4.8 LS Engine is also known as The Vortec 4800 (or 4.8L Vortec). Some people even refer to it as the LR4. It was first introduced into the market in 1999. Historically, it’s among the first truck engines of the LS Generation III. It remained in production until 2007.
As expected of LS Engines, the LR4 is a solid and durable masterpiece still usable today.
The 4.8 LS Engine is also compatible with upgrades like superchargers, turbos, high-flow cylinder heads, cams, nitrous oxide, and intake systems. A well-modified 4.8 LS engine can generate up to 1000 horsepower.
The 4.8 LS Engine was installed in several vehicle models, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1999 to 2006), the Chevrolet Tahoe (2000 to 2006), and the Chevrolet Express (2003 to 2006).
4.8 LS Firing Order
Like all other LS Engines, the 4.8 Engine has the 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 firing order in the clockwise direction.
4.8 LS Cylinder Numbers
It follows the “Fold” cylinder numbering system. Therefore, when facing your vehicle from the front, cylinder numbers 1-3-5-7 are on the driver’s side. Cylinder #1 is closest to you. On the hand, cylinder numbers 2-4-6-8 are on the passenger’s side, with cylinder #2 closest to you.
Chevy 5.3 (5.3 Vortec) Firing Order and Cylinder Numbers
5.3 LS Engine Overview
The 5.3 LS Engine is part of the Gen III Small Block Series. It’s also referred to as the Vortec 5300 or the LM7/L59/LM4. Like the 4.8L engine, it reigned from 1999 to 2007.
According to some auto enthusiasts, it was the most robust and popular engine across Gen III, IV, and V LS Engines. Even today, an old 5.3 LS Engine in a salvage yard can serve you efficiently. Some units will continue working well even after hitting the 100,000-mile mark.
Like all other LS Engines, it’s compatible with upgrades like turbos, superchargers, intake systems, high-flow cylinder heads, and nitrous oxide.
In its tenure, it was an option in several classics, including the Chevrolet Silverado (1999 to 2007), the Chevrolet Tahoe (1999 to 2006), the Chevrolet Avalanche (2002 to 2006), and Chevrolet Express (2003 to 2007).
5.3 LS Firing Order
The 5.3 firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3, in the clockwise direction.
5.3 LS Cylinder Numbers
It uses the fold cylinder numbering system. As you look at your vehicle from the front, cylinders 1-3-5-7 are on the driver’s side. On the hand, cylinders 2-4-6-8 are on the passenger’s side.
Chevy 6.0 Firing Order and Cylinder Numbers
6.0 LS Engine Overview
The Gen III 6.0 LS Engine is also called the LQ4 or the Vortec 6000. It’s a truck engine that was popular between 1999 and 2007.
They used this engine in several vehicle models, including the Chevrolet Suburban (1999 to 2004), the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (1999 to 2004), the Chevrolet Silverado 1500HD (2001 to 2007), the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 (2001 to 2007), and the Chevrolet Express (2003 to 2007).
Like its other LS Engines, it performs well with upgrades like superchargers, turbos, intake systems, cams, high flow cylinder heads, etc.
6.0 LS Firing Order
The 6.0 LS Engine has the standard 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 LS firing order in the clockwise direction.
6.0 LS Cylinder Numbers
The 6.0 LS Engine follows the Fold cylinder numbering system. As you face your vehicle from the front, the cylinders 1-3-5-7 are on the driver’s side. Meanwhile, the cylinders 2-4-6-8 are on the passenger side. In that view, cylinders 1 and 2 are closest to you and opposite each other.
Chevy 6.2 Firing Order and Cylinder Numbers
6.2 LS Engine Overview
The 6.2 LS Engine is a small block Gen IV engine, also known as the L92 or the Vortec 6200. With a more robust casting and larger bores, it succeeded the 6.0 LS2. It’s also compatible with upgrades like turbos, superchargers, cams, etc.
Throughout its tenure from 2000 to 2017, it was featured in several GM luxury trucks and SUVs. The most popular vehicle models of the time included the Chevrolet Grand Sport (2008 to 2013), the Chevrolet Corvette W/Open Exhaust (2008 to 2013), the Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe and Convertible (2009 to 2015), and the Chevrolet SS (2015 to 2017).
6.2 LS Firing Order
The 6.2 LS Engine firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 (clockwise direction).
6.2 LS Cylinder Numbers
Its cylinder numbering follows “The Fold Method.” As you face your vehicle from the front, all odd cylinder numbers 1-3-5-7 are on the driver’s side. On the other hand (left), we have all even cylinder numbers 2-4-6-8.
LS Firing Order Vs. SBC/BBC Firing Order
LS Firing Cylinder Numbers Vs. SBC/BBC Cylinder Numbers
All LS, Small Block, and Big Block engines have the same cylinder numbers. They all adhere to the Fold Cylinder Numbering System.
Therefore, as you face your vehicle from the front, odd cylinders 1-3-5-7 are on the driver’s side. On the hand, even cylinders 2-4-6-8 are on the passenger’s side. Cylinders #1 and #2 are closest to you and opposite each other.
LS Firing Order Vs. SBC/BBC Firing Order: Which is better?
The firing order of SBC and BBC is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. On the other hand, LS Engines have the new 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 firing order.
After countless computer simulations and engine tests, GM came up with the LS firing order. It is better than the firing order of SBC and the BBC.
Below are the pros and cons of the LS firing order.
Pros
- Reduces crash-shaft irregularities, thus increasing the engine’s durability.
- Comes with a power boost.
- It offers better heat management.
- It allows for harmonious engine operation that reduces vibrations and tears.
- Offers enhanced torque.
Cons
- It requires a considerable amount of money and effort to swap a V8 engine from the traditional to the LS firing order. At times, it’s not worth it.
Conclusion
For many, the Chevy 350 Small Block V8 Engine was among the best inventions of the 20th century. From 1955 to 2004, it ruled the automobile industry (Not only in vehicles but also boats). However, in 1997, the LS Engine made its debut and took over the industry as the Chevy 350’s successor.
Not only does LS Engine offer more economic power, but it also comes with a new firing order that offers better cooling, more torque, and a generally harmonious performance that ensures engine durability.
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!
Highly appreciate. Thanks
Hi there, I log on to your new stuff daily. Your writing style is awesome, keep up the
good work!
Thanks.