njvetteguy1

I was thinking today about the LS V8s, and I was wondering what the significant differences are, other than displacement, between the 3rd gen (LS1, LS6) and 4th gen(LS2, LS3, etc). When you look at history, there are very significant engineering differences between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen engines, but I cant really think of any between an LS1 and an LS2. Was calling the LS2 a new "generation" engine just a marketing strategy, or is there some big difference that I'm unaware of?

RicK T

Here's a very detailed article on the LS series history. The same article is on Wikipedia.

Part 1:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...SPrimer/Part1/


Part 2:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...SPrimer/Part2/

Marc V.

Small block Chevy still has same basic design since 1955.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrol...l-block_engine

haljensen

The only thing thats the same as early true small blocks is the bore spacing, EVERYTHING else is different. Calling the LS series motors a small block is just GM advertizing hype.

Never heard of the LS2 being called a new generation. I thought Generation 4 was the LS series? LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7 and LS9 are all Generation 4 engines.

roscoe118

Hal, read the article that you quoted in your post (the 1st paragraph)...

haljensen

I'd have to argue with calling the LS series two generations. Details change but not basic structure.

The Wikipedia article doesn't call for any 4th generation, the other article (one guy) does and he even states the changes from his Gen 3 to his named Gen 4 are only incremental details.

Marc V.

Bore spacing, along with single cam, pushrod 16 valve engine with same basic design.

The LT5 in the C4 ZR1 is not a Chevy small block.