The GM LS9 is a 6,162 cc, supercharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2009 and 2013. It features an Eaton TVS R2300 roots — type supercharger, aluminum block and heads, and dual overhead camshafts. This high — performance powerplant delivered 477 kW (638 PS) and 805 Nm of torque, with its forced induction system engineered for explosive acceleration in flagship applications.
Fitted exclusively to the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the LS9 was engineered for track — capable pe…
Production years 2009–2013 meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards (EPA Certificate of Conformity #AALMF.LS962).
The GM LS9 is a 6,162 cc supercharged V8 petrol engineered for flagship performance vehicles (2009-2013). It combines a roots-type supercharger with an aluminum block and cylinder heads to deliver explosive power and track-ready performance. Designed to meet U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 standards, it balances extreme output with regulatory compliance for its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 6,162 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | V8, 90°, OHV, 16-valve | |
Aspiration | Supercharged | |
Bore × stroke | 103.25 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 477 kW (638 PS) | |
Torque | 805 Nm @ 3,800 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI) | |
Emissions standard | U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 | |
Compression ratio | 9.1:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Supercharger | Eaton TVS R2300 roots-type (2.3L) | |
Timing system | Chain‑driven | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 220 kg |
The GM LS9 was used exclusively in the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 with longitudinal mounting. This engine received no major platform-specific adaptations or facelift revisions affecting core interchangeability within its production run. All applications are documented in OEM service manuals.
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.
The LS9's primary reliability risk is supercharger coupler failure, with elevated incidence in track-driven or high-RPM engines. GM service data indicates this was a targeted issue leading to a technical service bulletin for performance applications. Aggressive driving and neglecting coolant/oil changes accelerate wear on the supercharger and engine internals, making adherence to maintenance schedules critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical service bulletins (2009-2013) and NHTSA consumer complaint data (2010-2015). 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 LS9 is a robust and powerful engine with proper maintenance, but it has known high-performance weak points. The supercharger coupler is its primary concern and should be preemptively replaced in track-driven cars. The intercooler pump and oil cooler lines are also common failure points. Using premium fuel, changing oil regularly, and avoiding excessive heat are essential for longevity. With these addressed, the engine's bottom end is exceptionally strong.
The most frequent and critical issue is supercharger coupler failure, leading to sudden loss of boost. Intercooler pump failure causing heat soak, oil cooler line leaks, and ignition coil failure under boost are also very common. These are well-documented in GM service bulletins and owner communities.
The 6.2L LS9 supercharged petrol engine was used exclusively in the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 (2009-2013). It was the most powerful production engine offered by GM at the time and remains a highly sought-after performance engine.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the LS9 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.
Fuel economy is very poor due to its performance focus. Expect around 18.1 L/100km city and 11.8 L/100km highway, or approximately 15 mpg combined (US). Real-world figures are often closer to 10-12 mpg (US) with spirited driving, reflecting its role as a flagship performance engine.
No. The GM LS9, like all Gen IV LS engines, is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail, the pistons would not collide with the valves, preventing catastrophic internal engine damage. This is a key design feature of the LS engine family.
GM mandates the use of dexos1™ full synthetic oil, typically in 5W-30 viscosity. Using the correct specification is critical for protecting the supercharger, timing chain, and engine internals under high stress. Oil should be changed every 5,000 miles or 6 months under normal conditions, or more frequently if the car is tracked or driven hard.
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.