When did Chevy stop using LS engines?
Chevrolet largely stopped using LS engines in new mainstream models around 2014–2015, adopting the LT small-block family instead. The LS persists in crate engines and legacy builds, but new production for most models uses LT engines.
Background: The LS era and the shift to LT
The LS family debuted in the late 1990s as GM's Gen III/IV small-block, powering a wide range of Chevrolet performance cars and trucks. In 2014, GM introduced the LT family (Gen V) with direct injection and variable valve timing, starting with the LT1 in the Corvette Stingray and rolling into other lineups in the ensuing years. Since then, most new GM vehicles have used LT engines rather than LS, although LS-based crate engines remain popular among enthusiasts and in retrofits of older platforms.
Milestones in the transition
- 2014: Corvette Stingray introduces the LT1 6.2L V8, marking the formal shift to the LT family in GM's flagship model.
- Mid- to late-2010s: Camaro SS and other performance models migrate to LT-based powertrains; trucks and SUVs follow with EcoTec3 family variants (L83 5.3L, L86 6.2L, etc.).
- 2020: Corvette C8 moves to LT2, continuing the LT lineage in GM's mid-engine sports car.
- Current: The LT family remains GM's standard small-block for new production, while the LS is kept alive for crate engines, performance builds, and retrofits.
Before diving into specific milestones, it helps to note the broad shift: GM phased the LT family into production across its lineup, gradually reducing the role of new LS engines in mainstream models.
These milestones illustrate how GM phased out new LS usage in favor of LT across most mainstream models, while preserving the LS for aftermarket and legacy applications.
Impact on the modern Chevrolet lineup
The shift to LT affects how buyers identify powertrains in current Chevrolet products. If you’re shopping for a new Chevy today, you’re most likely looking at LT-powered engines in trucks, SUVs, and performance cars like the Camaro, Corvette (with LT variants), and the Silverado/Sierra lines. Enthusiasts and shops still frequently install LS-based crate engines for swaps and restorations.
What to watch for when shopping or tuning
Engine badges (LT vs LS) are now common in new Chevys; you may also encounter LS-based crate motors and conversion packages in the aftermarket. When evaluating a used model, check the engine code (e.g., L83/L86 for LT family in many 2014+ trucks) to confirm the generation. The Corvette's transformation to LT platforms is a cornerstone of this shift, culminating in the C8's LT2 engine.
Summary
Chevrolet's move away from new LS engines began in earnest with the LT debut in 2014 and the subsequent migration of most mainstream models in the following years. The LS remains a staple in the aftermarket and crate motor world, but it is no longer the default choice for new Chevrolet vehicles. The LT family continues to define Chevrolet's small-block strategy into the 2020s and beyond, with the Corvette leading the way with the LT1 and LT2 engines.
