The GM LY5 5.3-liter V8 engine was produced by the American concern from 2006 to 2014 and was installed on models based on the GMT 900 platform, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Silverado and Suburban. There is a Flexible-fuel modification of this power unit under its own LMG index.
Vortec family: LR4, LM7, LY2, LY5, LFA, L92, L86, L83, L87.
Specifications
| Production years | 2006-2014 |
| Displacement, cc | 5327 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 315 – 325 |
| Torque output, Nm | 455 – 470 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V8 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 96 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 92 |
| Compression ratio | 9.9 |
| Features | OHV |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | yes |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Chevrolet Tahoe 2010) — city — highway — combined |
14.4 9.5 12.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 268 |
The engine was installed on:
- Chevrolet Avalanche 2 (GMT940) in 2006 – 2013;
- Chevrolet Silverado 2 (GMT901) in 2006 – 2013;
- Chevrolet Suburban 10 (GMT931) in 2006 – 2013;
- Chevrolet Tahoe 3 (GMT921) in 2006 – 2014;
- GMC Sierra 3 (GMT902) in 2006 – 2013;
- GMC Yukon 3 (GMT922) in 2006 – 2014;
- GMC Yukon XL 3 (GMT932) in 2006 – 2013.
Disadvantages of the GM LY5 engine
- The unit is afraid of overheating, so keep an eye on the condition of the radiator and water pump;
- The throttle assembly is clogged from bad fuel, the fuel pump fails;
- The main cause of the tripling of this engine is the cracking of the ignition coils;
- Saving on oil here often leads to rapid wear of the camshaft liners;
- Exhaust manifold bolts can loosen on their own and then get lost.
Frequently asked questions about the GM LY5
How much power does the GM LY5 make?
The GM LY5 develops 315 - 325 hp and 455 - 470 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the GM LY5 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.7 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the GM LY5 have a timing belt or chain?
The GM LY5 uses a timing chain.
Is the GM LY5 turbocharged?
No, the GM LY5 is naturally aspirated.
Does the GM LY5 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the GM LY5 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the GM LY5 last?
The typical lifespan of the GM LY5 is ~400 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the GM LY5?
Chevrolet Tahoe 2010: city 14.4, highway 9.5, combined 12.2 L/100 km.
What cars was the GM LY5 installed on?
Chevrolet Avalanche 2 (GMT940) in 2006 - 2013; Chevrolet Silverado 2 (GMT901) in 2006 - 2013; Chevrolet Suburban 10 (GMT931) in 2006 - 2013; Chevrolet Tahoe 3 (GMT921) in 2006 - 2014; GMC Sierra 3 (GMT902) in 2006 - 2013; GMC Yukon 3 (GMT922) in 2006 - 2014 and 1 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the GM LY5?
The unit is afraid of overheating, so keep an eye on the condition of the radiator and water pump. The throttle assembly is clogged from bad fuel, the fuel pump fails. All known problems.





