The GM LZD is a 3,967 cc, V8 naturally aspirated gasoline engine produced between 2004 and 2010. It features aluminum block and heads, active fuel management, and direct ignition delivering smooth power and refined operation. Active fuel management enables cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency during light — load cruising without sacrificing V8 torque.
Fitted to the Chevrolet Impala SS, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, and Saturn Relay, the LZD was engineered for…
Production years 2004–2010 meet Euro 4 standards .
The GM LZD is a 3,967 cc V8 naturally aspirated gasoline engine engineered for full-size vehicles (2004–2010). It combines aluminum construction with active fuel management to deliver refined performance and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances passenger comfort with reliable long-distance capability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,967 cc | |
Fuel type | Gasoline | |
Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 98.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
Power output | 200–210 kW (272–285 PS) | |
Torque | 370–380 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Valvetrain | OHV with roller lifters | |
Timing system | Chain (front-mounted) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 185 kg |
The GM LZD was used across GM's W-body/V-body platforms with longitudinal mounting and licensed to Holden for Australian-market applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the Impala SS and recalibrated ECU maps in the Grand Prix GXP-and from 2008 the facelifted Impala SS adopted the updated LZD-TU variant with revised camshaft profiles, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Holden's Statesman and Caprice to utilize this engine family. 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 manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. 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 LZD offers smooth performance and good durability but early models (2004–2007) are prone to premature camshaft lobe wear due to lubrication design limitations. Later revisions (post-2008) featured revised cam profiles and improved oil flow, so well-maintained examples with regular oil changes using GM dexos1 Gen 1 can be very reliable. Strict adherence to 10,000 km intervals is essential.
The biggest issues are premature camshaft lobe wear (leading to misfires and power loss), EGR valve sticking, timing chain tensioner wear, and valve cover gasket leaks. These are well-documented in GM service bulletins SI-18507 and G-3967-01. Oil leaks from the front seal also occur beyond 120,000 km.
This 3.9L V8 was used in the Chevrolet Impala SS (2006–2010), Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (2004–2008), Saturn Relay (2005–2007), Holden Caprice (2006–2010), and Holden Statesman (2006–2010). It was not used in any North American Buick or Cadillac models.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the LZD 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.
Moderate. In an Impala SS 3.9L, typical consumption is ~12.5 L/100km (city) and ~8.8 L/100km (highway), or about 32 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures range from 28–38 mpg (UK) depending on driving style and climate. Its large displacement and heavy vehicle applications limit efficiency despite variable valve timing.
Yes. The LZD is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can strike open valves, resulting in severe internal damage. Timely inspection and replacement of the tensioner and guides per GM TIS documentation are critical to prevent catastrophic failure.
GM specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting GM dexos1 Gen 1 specification. Always use a quality oil designed for overhead-cam V6 engines and change it every 10,000–12,000 km to minimize camshaft lobe wear and protect the timing components and valve train.
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.