How can i tell if i have an LS motor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sportfish69 · 01-21-2015, 11:13 PM

I purchased a wrecked 2011 chevy Tahoe with a 5.3 votex with 99k miles. No other info in the truck except 5.3 vortex. How can I find out if it is a LS motor?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Looking to put drive train in 69 GMC stepside. Also scored power leather bucket seats.

jmking9 · 01-21-2015, 11:18 PM

Yes, it is a "LS" motor. And its Vortec with a "C" not an "X".

**special-K** · 01-21-2015, 11:35 PM

Open the hood

Sorry, couldn't resist. It's an '11 with a 5.3. '11s had LS engines and 5.3 is an LS displacement. Knowing that, there's really no need to open the hood after all.

(sorry again)

*Fitz* · 01-22-2015, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Open the hood

Sorry, couldn't resist. It's an '11 with a 5.3. '11s had LS engines and 5.3 is an LS displacement. Knowing that, there's really no need to open the hood after all.

(sorry again)

That was funny!

tsetsaf · 01-22-2015, 09:00 AM

And here is how to identify which one you have... http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/...gm-v8-engines/

leftybass209 · 01-22-2015, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Open the hood

Sorry, couldn't resist. It's an '11 with a 5.3. '11s had LS engines and 5.3 is an LS displacement. Knowing that, there's really no need to open the hood after all.

(sorry again)

Classic!!!!!

**GMC-YA68** · 01-22-2015, 10:11 AM

You should have the 6speed auto tranny as well. That's the combo I am going to end up using.

BrianG · 01-22-2015, 10:46 AM

And will probably have to replace the pistons if they haven't already been done. Those have the displacement on demand and up until sometime mid 2011 I believe, they have bad problems with the piston rings getting caked up and blowing oil by them. Unless you know for sure what has been done to it, I'd recommend opening it up and taking a look.

67ChevyRedneck · 01-22-2015, 10:53 AM

The early DOD motors had several issues. They also had problems with lifters failing and ticking.

piecesparts · 01-22-2015, 04:24 PM

I have a 2011 GMC daily driver, with 120,000 on it. The 5.3 has served me well and for the first 50,000 the DOD was active, then we tuned it out with a computer tune. This truck runs great and hard, uses little oil and there have been no lifter issues. I believe that if you run them a little harder than just grocery getting, then the pistons will stay clear and your issues will be minimal.

If there is a failure, the engine will come out and we will put in somethng larger.

EARNHARDT#3 · 01-22-2015, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportfish69

I purchased a wrecked 2011 chevy Tahoe with a 5.3 votex with 99k miles. No other info in the truck except 5.3 vortex. How can I find out if it is a LS motor?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Looking to put drive train in 69 GMC stepside. Also scored power leather bucket seats.

Those seats will be awesome!!!

leftybass209 · 01-22-2015, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EARNHARDT#3

I hope to god you're not putting those modern seats in your '69. That would be hideous.

I highly doubt his seat choice needs to be ridiculed.

EARNHARDT#3 · 01-22-2015, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftybass209

I highly doubt his seat choice needs to be ridiculed.

Sorry. I changed my opinion.

01-21-2015, 11:13 PM	#1
sportfish69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: houma, louisiana Posts: 25	How can i tell if i have an LS motor I purchased a wrecked 2011 chevy Tahoe with a 5.3 votex with 99k miles. No other info in the truck except 5.3 vortex. How can I find out if it is a LS motor? Any help is greatly appreciated. Looking to put drive train in 69 GMC stepside. Also scored power leather bucket seats.

01-21-2015, 11:18 PM	#2
jmking9 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Riverton KS Posts: 832	Re: How can i tell if i have an LS motor Yes, it is a "LS" motor. And its Vortec with a "C" not an "X". __________________ 1970 SWB Build

01-22-2015, 09:00 AM	#5
tsetsaf Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern CA Posts: 210	Re: How can i tell if i have an LS motor And here is how to identify which one you have... http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/...gm-v8-engines/ __________________ 71 C-20 Custom Camper California Truck

01-22-2015, 10:11 AM	#7
GMC-YA68 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lee's Summit, MO (KC) Posts: 742	Re: How can i tell if i have an LS motor You should have the 6speed auto tranny as well. That's the combo I am going to end up using. __________________ -Keegan- '72 Jimmy 4x4 - 5.3/4L65E/NP205 swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663780

01-22-2015, 10:46 AM	#8
BrianG Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oakley, Michigan Posts: 735	Re: How can i tell if i have an LS motor And will probably have to replace the pistons if they haven't already been done. Those have the displacement on demand and up until sometime mid 2011 I believe, they have bad problems with the piston rings getting caked up and blowing oil by them. Unless you know for sure what has been done to it, I'd recommend opening it up and taking a look.

01-21-2015, 11:35 PM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: How can i tell if i have an LS motor Open the hood Sorry, couldn't resist. It's an '11 with a 5.3. '11s had LS engines and 5.3 is an LS displacement. Knowing that, there's really no need to open the hood after all. (sorry again) __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-22-2015, 10:53 AM	#9
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: How can i tell if i have an LS motor The early DOD motors had several issues. They also had problems with lifters failing and ticking. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

01-22-2015, 04:24 PM	#10
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: How can i tell if i have an LS motor I have a 2011 GMC daily driver, with 120,000 on it. The 5.3 has served me well and for the first 50,000 the DOD was active, then we tuned it out with a computer tune. This truck runs great and hard, uses little oil and there have been no lifter issues. I believe that if you run them a little harder than just grocery getting, then the pistons will stay clear and your issues will be minimal. If there is a failure, the engine will come out and we will put in somethng larger. __________________ Frank



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