What LS engine is in a 2002 Chevy Silverado?
There isn’t a factory LS engine in a 2002 Silverado. The trucks used GM’s Vortec-powered V6 and V8 engines, with larger mill options in heavier-duty models, rather than the modern LS family.
Overview of the 2002 Silverado powertrains
The 2002 Silverado lineup offered a range of Vortec-based powertrains depending on model and configuration. The light-duty 1500 models typically used V6 and V8 options, while heavier 2500/HD versions could be equipped with even larger V8s. The LS designation refers to a later GM engine family and was not used for factory Silverado powertrains in 2002.
Light-duty Silverado 1500 engine options
Before listing the engines commonly found in the 1500 series, note that these are the primary options for most 2002 light-duty Silverados:
- 4.3L V6 Vortec (RPO L35) — roughly 190–200 hp and about 260–290 lb-ft of torque.
- 4.8L V8 Vortec (RPO L18) — roughly in the mid-200s to high-200s hp and about 285–315 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.3L V8 Vortec (RPO LM4/LM7 family) — roughly 285–305 hp and about 320–335 lb-ft of torque, depending on calibration and emissions equipment.
In addition to these, heavier-duty lines used larger displacement engines in the 2500/HD configurations, not typically paired with the lighter 1500 model. The following options show the HD trajectory for context.
Heavy-duty Silverado 2500/2500HD engine options
- 6.0L V8 Vortec (Vortec 6000) — typically around 300–325 hp and 360–380 lb-ft of torque, depending on year and configuration.
- 8.1L V8 Vortec — about 340–360 hp and roughly 450–455 lb-ft of torque, used in certain 2500/HD configurations.
Note: The 6.0L and 8.1L engines were not offered in the light-duty 1500, and exact power figures varied with emissions equipment and model specifics. Also, the “LS” label is associated with a different GM engine family introduced later for many cars and trucks; the 2002 Silverado used Vortec-branded engines instead of the LS family.
Is there a factory LS engine in a 2002 Silverado?
No. GM did not install an LS-series engine in the 2002 Silverado from the factory. If someone installs an LS engine, it would be an aftermarket swap, not a factory option.
Summary
For a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, there is no factory LS engine. The truck lineup relied on Vortec-powered engines: 4.3L V6, 4.8L V8, and 5.3L V8 for light-duty models, with 6.0L and 8.1L V8 options in heavier-duty 2500/HD variants. The LS engine family is not part of the factory 2002 Silverado powertrain, though LS swaps are a popular aftermarket project for enthusiasts seeking modern power and efficiency.
