Does the Chevy SS have a LS3 engine?
No. The Chevrolet SS uses a 6.2-liter V8 from GM's LT1 family (Gen V small-block), not the older LS3 design.
The Chevrolet SS, produced from 2014 to 2017, was GM’s rear-wheel-drive sedan based on the Holden Commodore platform. Its powertrain reflects GM’s shift to the Gen V small-block with modern fuel-injection and efficiency features, rather than the earlier LS3 configuration.
Engine family and specs
The LS3 and LT1 are both 6.2-liter V8s, but they belong to different GM generations and employ different technologies. The LS3 is part of the Gen IV family and typically uses port fuel injection, while the LT1 (Gen V) adds direct injection, variable valve timing, and often active fuel management, with tuning aimed at improved efficiency and performance.
Chevrolet SS powertrain highlights:
- Engine: 6.2L V8 from GM’s LT1 family (Gen V small-block), with the SS specifically tuned to deliver 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
- Platform: Based on the Holden Commodore architecture, adapted for GM’s U.S. market as a full-size sports sedan.
- Technology: Incorporates direct injection and other Gen V small-block refinements absent on most LS3 applications.
In short, the SS’s V8 is an LT1-based design rather than the LS3, aligning the sedan with GM’s newer small-block technology while delivering its own distinct performance profile.
What this means for enthusiasts
For fans accustomed to the LS3-powered Camaro SS (earlier generations), the Chevy SS represents a different generation of GM V8 technology. While both engines are 6.2 liters, the LT1-based design in the SS brings newer features and a separate tuning target, rather than a direct LS3 configuration.
Transmissions and performance tuning vary by model year and market, but the core distinction remains: the Chevy SS is LT1-based, not LS3-based.
Summary
The Chevrolet SS does not use an LS3 engine. It relies on GM’s LT1-based 6.2-liter V8, a Gen V design with modern fuel delivery and timing technology, tuned to produce 415 horsepower for the SS model. This places the SS in a different generation of GM small-block engines compared to the LS3-equipped variants.
