What engine is in a Lumina SS?
The Lumina SS uses a 3.4-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 (GM LQ1), delivering roughly 180–190 horsepower depending on the model year and equipment. This engine is the defining powerplant of the Lumina SS compared with its base Lumina variants.
Engine details
Key specifications and characteristics of the Lumina SS engine are summarized below.
- Displacement: 3.4 L (RPO LQ1)
- Configuration: V6, 60-degree
- Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) with 24 valves
- Fuel system: Sequential multiport fuel injection
- Power output: Approximately 180–190 hp, torque around 205–210 lb-ft depending on year and transmission
- Production years for the Lumina SS: 1995–1999 in the North American market
These figures reflect typical specifications for the Lumina SS across its U.S. run, with minor year-to-year variation due to emissions and tuning differences.
Context within the model lineup
In the Chevrolet Lumina range, the SS badge signified the performance-oriented variant. While base Lumina models often used smaller 3.1–3.4-liter V6 options, the SS version locked in the 3.4-liter DOHC V6 as its core engine, differentiating it from less powerful trims and contributing to its sportier identity during the late 1990s GM lineup.
Notes on power figures
Horsepower and torque can vary by year, transmission choice, and regional specifications. Most U.S.-market Lumina SS examples center around the 180–190 hp window with torque in the vicinity of 200–210 lb-ft, but exact numbers should be verified for a specific vehicle by checking the RPO and build sheet.
Summary
The Lumina SS is defined by its 3.4-liter DOHC V6 (LQ1) engine, a 24-valve, dual-overhead-cam powerplant that produced roughly 180–190 horsepower and about 205–210 lb-ft of torque in its late-1990s configuration. This engine set the SS apart from the base Lumina trims and anchored its performance-focused branding in Chevrolet’s sedan lineup of that era.
