How many valves does an LS have?
The GM LS V8 family uses 32 valves in total, four valves per cylinder across its eight cylinders.
In this article, we’ll explain what that means for the LS lineup, how the valve configuration works, and give examples from common LS engines to illustrate the standard valve count.
Overview of the LS engine and its valve architecture
The LS family represents GM’s line of high-performance V8 engines introduced in the late 1990s. All mainstream LS V8s use four valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) to operate them, yielding a total of 32 valves on an eight-cylinder engine. This design supports improved airflow, higher RPM potential, and better efficiency compared with older two-valve configurations.
Key takeaway: across the major LS V8 variants, the valve count remains 32 valves in total.
Before listing specific models, here is a quick breakdown of how the count is calculated:
- Four valves per cylinder × eight cylinders = 32 valves total.
- Two intake valves and two exhaust valves per cylinder are typical, driven by DOHC arrangements for precise timing.
- Valve count is consistent across the standard production LS V8 lineup, regardless of displacement or horsepower tweaks.
In short, the LS V8 lineup adheres to a 32-valve standard.
LS variants and examples of valve counts
To illustrate, here are representative LS engines and their valve counts, showcasing the uniform 32-valve configuration across generations.
Notable LS engines
- LS1 (5.7L): 32 valves
- LS2 (6.0L): 32 valves
- LS3 (6.2L): 32 valves
- LS6 (5.7L, high-performance): 32 valves
- LS7 (7.0L): 32 valves
- LSA/LS9 variants (supercharged 6.2L): 32 valves
All listed LS engines maintain the 32-valve DOHC design across their respective configurations.
Summary
Across the GM LS engine family, the standard valve count is 32 valves, achieved by four valves per cylinder in an eight-cylinder layout. This configuration is a defining feature of the LS lineup and remains consistent across its major variants.
