The GM LBF – Petrol is a 1,399 cc, inline‑three turbocharged engine produced between 2011 and 2016. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct fuel injection, delivering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness for its compact segment. In standard form, it produced 103 kW (140 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, enabling brisk acceleration from its small displacement.
Fitted primarily to the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa and Adam, the LB…
Production years 2011–2016 meet Euro 5 standards .
The GM LBF – Petrol is a 1,399 cc inline‑three turbocharged engine engineered for supermini applications (2011-2016). It combines direct fuel injection with a small, single-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and competitive fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it offers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency for its class.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,399 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 81.3 mm | |
Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 4,900-6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,850-4,900 rpm | |
Fuel system | Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single-scroll (Honeywell) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 105 kg |
The GM LBF – Petrol was used across GM's global Gamma platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-including unique engine mounts for the Opel Adam and revised exhaust manifolds for the Opel Corsa-creating minor interchange considerations. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2012-2016) and aggregated owner-reported failure data (2014-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The GM LBF – Petrol is generally reliable if maintained properly. Its main known issue is intake valve carbon buildup, which is manageable with periodic cleaning. The turbocharger and timing chain are typically robust. Using the correct GM Dexos 2 oil and adhering to service intervals is crucial for preventing major issues. Many examples exceed 150,000 km without significant problems.
The most frequent issues are carbon buildup on intake valves (causing rough idle), turbocharger wastegate sticking (affecting boost), and high-pressure fuel pump failure. Oil leaks from the cam cover are also common as the engine ages. These are well-documented in GM service information and forums.
This 1.4L turbo engine was used in the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa E (2014-2016) and the Opel Adam (2013-2016). It was a key performance engine for GM's small car lineup during this period, offering a fun driving experience in an efficient package.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the LBF platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Real-world fuel economy is around 6.5-7.5 L/100km (38-43 mpg UK) combined, depending on the vehicle and driving style. Highway cruising can achieve 5.5 L/100km (51 mpg UK), while aggressive city driving may consume 8.5 L/100km (33 mpg UK). It's efficient for a turbocharged performance engine.
Yes. The GM LBF – Petrol is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing catastrophic internal damage. This underscores the importance of addressing any timing chain noise immediately, although failures are rare.
GM mandates the use of Dexos 2 specification oil, typically in 5W-30 viscosity. This low-SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur) oil is crucial for protecting the turbocharger, emissions components, and mitigating sludge that contributes to carbon buildup. Using non-Dexos oil can void warranties and lead to premature wear.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.