What does "LS" in Chevy's engine stand for?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
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From: Boca Raton Florida
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GM LS engine Manufacturer General Motors
Also called GM Vortec engine
Production 1997–present
Predecessor GM LT engine, Chevrolet Small-Block engine, Chevrolet Big-Block engine
The LS series is a new design intended as the only V-8 engine utilized in General Motors' line of RWD cars and trucks. The LS series was a clean sheet design with little in common with the classic Chevrolet small block V8. The LS is all-aluminum and has 6-bolt main bearing caps.
The LS engine has been the sole powerplant of the Chevrolet Corvette since 1997 and has seen use in a wide variety of other General Motors vehicles, ranging from sport coupes to full size trucks. Due to the engine's relatively compact external dimensions compared to its displacement and power output, the engine family is also a popular choice for kit cars, hot rods, buggies, and even light aircraft.
Jump to: navigation, search
GM LS engine Manufacturer General Motors
Also called GM Vortec engine
Production 1997–present
Predecessor GM LT engine, Chevrolet Small-Block engine, Chevrolet Big-Block engine
The LS series is a new design intended as the only V-8 engine utilized in General Motors' line of RWD cars and trucks. The LS series was a clean sheet design with little in common with the classic Chevrolet small block V8. The LS is all-aluminum and has 6-bolt main bearing caps.
The LS engine has been the sole powerplant of the Chevrolet Corvette since 1997 and has seen use in a wide variety of other General Motors vehicles, ranging from sport coupes to full size trucks. Due to the engine's relatively compact external dimensions compared to its displacement and power output, the engine family is also a popular choice for kit cars, hot rods, buggies, and even light aircraft.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: NYC NY
I don't think it stands for anything in particular. I believe it's just an engine option code like any other option code for that matter. LT1, L88, Z/28, F41, G80, are the codes that were listed on the build out sheets. Look at some old window stickers an you will see next to each listed option is a code which is usually a combination of 3 letters and numbers.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2020
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I don't think it stands for anything in particular. I believe it's just an engine option code like any other option code for that matter. LT1, L88, Z/28, F41, G80, are the codes that were listed on the build out sheets. Look at some old window stickers an you will see next to each listed option is a code which is usually a combination of 3 letters and numbers.
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Brett Foote
1967 Pedal Car Champion
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From: US-PNW
I believe the L merely indicates the option group that engines belong to; like M is the transmission group, C is the A/C group, U is the radio/entertainment group, etc. There were L-designations for the engine options long before the LS or LT appeared on the list.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
It looks like the alphabet option structure came about in 1963. Prior to that they were "RPO xxx" with a 3-digit number.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
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From: Western New York
LS....Initials stood for Leslie Snobkowski. She worked at the beginning of the line at the Tonawanda Engine Plant. She lifted the blocks out of the crates and put them on the line. Doesn't that form a scary picture in your mind? 
Duane
Duane
Team Owner
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From: Crossville TN
Eleven years.....and we still don't have a decent answer to the original question. Now, I don't KNOW the answer...but since GM designates these as LS series engines, I am absolutely positive that GM knows what the LS stands for. 
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,074
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From: US-PNW
I think mine is a half-way decent answer. The L is merely the alphabetical option group. Nothing more or less to it. The real question should be: what does the S or T stand for as in LS-5 or LT-1? AND, why throw a wrench in the scheme with leading Zs for ZL-1 or ZL-2? (you'll note the L-engine group tag remains)
