General Motors 60° V6 engine

TheGeneral Motors 60° V6engine family is a series of60° V6 enginesproduced for bothlongitudinalandtransverseapplications. All of these engines are 12-valve cam-in-block oroverhead valve engines,except for theLQ1which uses 24 valves driven bydual overhead cams.These engines vary in displacement between 2.8 and 3.4 litres (2,837 and 3,350 cc) and have a cast-iron block and either cast-iron or aluminum heads. Production of these engines began in 1980 and ended in 2005 in the U.S., with production continued in China until 2010. This engine family was the basis for theGM High Value enginefamily. These engines have also been referred to as theX enginesas they were first used in theX-bodycars.

General Motors 60° V6 engine
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	X engine
Production	1980–2005 (US) 1997–2010 (China)
Layout
Configuration	60° V6
Displacement	2.5 L; 151.9 cu in (2,490 cc) 2.8 L; 173.1 cu in (2,837 cc) 3.0 L; 182.2 cu in (2,986 cc) 3.1 L; 191.3 cu in (3,135 cc) 3.4 L; 204.4 cu in (3,350 cc)
Cylinder bore	89 mm (3.5 in) 92 mm (3.62 in)
Piston stroke	66.7 mm (2.63 in) 76 mm (2.99 in) 80 mm (3.15 in) 84 mm (3.31 in)
Cylinder blockmaterial	Cast iron
Cylinder headmaterial	Cast iron Aluminum
Valvetrain	OHV2 valves x cyl. DOHC4 valves x cyl.(LQ1only
Compression ratio	8.5:1, 9.6:1
Combustion
Turbocharger	Only on LG5
Fuelsystem	Carburetor Throttle-body fuel injection Multi-port fuel injection Sequential multi-port fuel injection
Fuel type	Gasoline,M85,E85
Oil system	Wet sump
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	112–215 hp (84–160 kW)
Torque output	145–225 lb⋅ft (197–305 N⋅m)
Chronology
Successor	GM High Value Engine Isuzu V engine(Isuzu applications only)

This engine is not related to theGMC V6 enginethat was designed for commercial vehicle usage.

This engine family was developed by Chevrolet, although it was used by many GM divisions, except for Saturn and Geo.

Generation I

The first generation of modern small GM 60° V6 engines featured an iron block and heads with inline valves. This "clean sheet" design was introduced in 1980 and versions were produced through 1995. Two different blocks with minor differences were developed:

• Atransverse enginefamily forfront-wheel drive
• Alongitudinal enginefamily forrear-wheel drive

Transverse

Thetransverse enginesbegan the 60° family in 1980. Like the rest of the Generation I engines, they were updated in 1985 with larger main journals for durability, along withmulti-point fuel injectionor E2SE carburetor andOBD I.Production of the Generation I transverse engines ended in 1988.

2.8 L

LE2

The 2.8 L (2,837 cc)LE2was the first version of the 60° engine. It was a transverse version produced from 1980 through 1986 for the A-body and X-body cars. The standard ( "X-code" ) engine for this line, it used a two-barrelcarburetor.Output was 115 hp (86 kW) for 1980–81, 112 hp (84 kW) for 1982–86, and 135 lb⋅ft (183 N⋅m) in high-output versions. Bore was 89 mm (3.5 in) and stroke was 76 mm (2.99 in).

Applications:

• 1982-1986Buick Century
• 1980–1985Buick Skylark
• 1982–1986Chevrolet Celebrity
• 1980–1985Chevrolet Citation
• 1982-1986Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera& Cutlass Cruiser
• 1980–1984Oldsmobile Omega
• 1982–1986Pontiac 6000
• 1980–1984Pontiac Phoenix

LH7

Introduced in 1981, the 2.8 L (2,837 cc)LH7was a High Output ( "Z-code" ) version of theLE2for the higher-performance X-cars like theChevrolet Citation X-11and higher-performance A-cars like the Pontiac 6000 STE. It retained a two-barrel carburetor and produced 135 hp (101 kW) and 165 lb⋅ft (224 N⋅m) for 1981 and 145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m) for 1982–1984 versions. The LH7 was replaced after 1984 with theMFIL44.

Applications:

• 1982–1984Buick SkylarkT-Type
• 1984Chevrolet Celebrity(optional on first year Eurosport)
• 1981–1984Chevrolet Citation X-11
• 1989–1991Isuzu Trooper/Trooper II
• 1982–1984Oldsmobile OmegaSX
• 1983–1984Pontiac 6000 STE
• 1982–1984Pontiac PhoenixSJ/SE

L44

Engine bay of a 1988PontiacFieroFormula

TheL44was produced from 1985 to 1988, replacing the LH7. It was the first transverse 2.8 L (2,837 cc) to use multiport fuel injection, and was a High Output ( "9-code" ) engine option for the higher performance A-cars, X-cars, andPontiac Fiero.This engine produced 140 hp (104 kW) at 5200 rpm and 170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) of torque at 3600 rpm.This engine's camshaft and cylinder heads were later reused in theL323.4 L (3,350 cc) engine.

Applications:

• 1985–1986Chevrolet CelebrityEurosport
• 1985Chevrolet CitationX-11
• 1985–1986Pontiac 6000STE
• 1985–1988Pontiac Fiero

LB6

The LB6 ( "W-code" ) 2.8 L (2,837 cc) engine was introduced in 1985 to replace the original LE2. It used multiport fuel injection and produced 130 hp (97 kW) at 4500 rpm and 160 lb⋅ft (217 N⋅m) off torque at 3600 rpm.

Applications:

• 1985Buick Skylark
• 1985–1986Cadillac Cimarron
• 1985–1989Chevrolet Cavalier
• 1985–1986Chevrolet Celebrity
• 1985Chevrolet Citation
• 1985–1987Oldsmobile Firenza(GT)
• 1985–1986Pontiac 6000

3.1 L

LG6

TheLG6( "D-code" ) 3.1 L was produced from 1990 to 1996 in both transverse and longitudinal applications. It usedthrottle-body fuel injectionand iron heads. It produced 120 hp (89 kW) and 170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m).

Applications:

• 1990–1995Chevrolet Lumina APV
• 1991–1994Isuzu Pickup
• 1990–1992Isuzu Rodeo
• 1990–1995Oldsmobile Silhouette
• 1990–1995Pontiac Trans Sport

Longitudinal

Thelongitudinalversions had minor differences from the transverse engines on which they were based. This group appeared in 1982 with theLC1andLR2and never added the aluminum heads of theGeneration IIengines.

Like the rest of the family, larger journals appeared in 1985, along withmultiport fuel injectionfor theF-bodyLB8version.TBIwas added for the truck version in 1986. A 3.1 L (3,135 cc) version was added in 1990 with an 8 mm (0.3 in) longer stroke (now 84mm), and a 3.4 L (3,350 cc) appeared for 1993 with a 92 mm (3.6 in) bore andSFI.Production of the 2.8 and 3.1 L (2,837 and 3,135 cc) (Isuzu) engines ended in 1994. Production ended for all longitudinal 60° V6s in 1996. GM's performance-parts division continued production of a related crate engine after 1999.

2.8 Applications:

• 1986–1993Chevrolet S-10/GMC S-15 Sonoma
• 1986–1993Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy
• 1988–1991Isuzu Trooper II

3.1 Applications:

• 1991–1994Isuzu Pickup
• 1991–1992Isuzu Rodeo

2.8 L

LC1

The longitudinalLC1was produced from 1982 to 1984. It was a 2-barrel standard output ( "1-code" ) version for theF-bodycars. Output was 102 hp (76 kW) and 145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m). It was replaced by theLB8for 1985.

Applications:

• 1982–1984Chevrolet Camaro
• 1982–1984Pontiac Firebird

LR2

The longitudinalLR2was a truck version ( "B-code" ) produced from 1982 to 1986. It used a two-barrel carburetor and produced 115 hp (86 kW) and 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m).

Applications:

• 1982–1986Chevrolet S-10/GMC S-15 Sonoma
• 1982–1986Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy
• 1984–1986Jeep Cherokee
• 1986Jeep Comanche

LL1/LL2

The longitudinalLL1was a high-output version of theLC1produced in 1983 and 1984. It was an optional ( "L-code" ) engine on the Pontiac Firebird with 125 hp (93 kW).

Applications:

• 1983–1984Pontiac Firebird

The carburetedLL2( "R-code" ) was produced from 1982 to 1988. Another LL2 ( "R-code" ) withthrottle-body fuel injectionwas produced from 1986 to 1993. Output of the TBI version was 125 hp (93 kW).

Applications:

• 1986–1993Chevrolet S-10/GMC S-15 Sonoma
• 1986–1993Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy
• 1989–1991Isuzu Trooper

LB8

TheLB8( "S-code" ) replaced theLC1in 1985 and was produced until 1989. It used multiport fuel injection and was made for longitudinal mounting. Output was 135 hp (101 kW) and 165 lb⋅ft (224 N⋅m).

Applications:

• 1985–1989Chevrolet Camaro
• 1985–1989Pontiac Firebird

3.1 L

LH0

The 3.1L LH0 as used in the rear-wheel-drive applications differed significantly from that used in front-wheel-drive applications. The latter retained the Generation-I architecture block and heads. Output was 140 hp (104 kW) and 180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m).

Applications:

• 1990–1992Chevrolet Camaro
• 1990–1992Pontiac Firebird

L32

The power rating of the 3.4 L (3,350 cc)L32( "S-code" ) used in the Camaro and Firebird was 160 hp (119 kW) at 4,600 rpm and 200 lb⋅ft (271 N⋅m) torque at 3,600 rpm. It has a 92 mm × 84 mm (3.62 in × 3.31 in) bore and stroke. TheF-body carsused the Generation I architecture, with iron heads, and without splayed valves.

Applications:

• 1993–1994Chevrolet Camaro(California models)
• 1993–1995Chevrolet Camaro
• 1993–1994Pontiac Firebird(California models)
• 1993–1995Pontiac Firebird

Generation II

The second generation, still 2.8 litres (2,837 cc), was introduced in 1987. It used aluminum heads with splayed valves and an aluminum front cover. It was produced exclusively for transverse, front-wheel-drive use. The next year, Chevrolet introduced a full-production long-stroke 3.1 L; 191.3 cu in (3,135 cc) version in thePontiac 6000STE AWD, with a 89 mm (3.5 in) bore and 84 mm (3.31 in) stroke compared to the 2.8 which shared the same bore, however with a 76 mm (2.99 in) in stroke. It was produced simultaneously with the 2.8 L (2,837 cc) in various compact and midsized vehicles until 1990, when the 2.8 L (2,837 cc) was dropped. MPFI was used on both, and a full-production turbo version was available on the 3.1 L (3,135 cc). An even higher displacementDOHC3.4 L (3,350 cc)LQ1was also developed, and eventually, the newGM High Value enginefamily followed. Production of OHV Generation II engines ended in 1994 after the introduction of theGeneration IIIin 1993.

2.8 L

LB6

The 2.8 L (2,837 cc) 60° V6 was used in these vehicles:

• 1987–1989Buick Century
• 1988–1989Buick Regal
• 1987–1988Cadillac Cimarron
• 1987–1989Chevrolet Beretta
• 1987–1989Chevrolet Cavalier
• 1990–1994 MexicanChevrolet Cavalier
• 1987–1989Chevrolet Celebrity
• 1987–1989Chevrolet Corsica
• 1987–1989Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
• 1990–1992Oldsmobile Cutlass CieraS
• 1988–1989Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
• 1987–1989Pontiac 6000
• 1988–1989Pontiac Grand Prix

Generation 2, 2.8L 60° V6 in a Buick Regal

A 3.1L engine in a 1990 Chevrolet Beretta

3.1 L

LH0

The 3,135 cc (3.1 L; 191.3 cu in)LH0( "T-code" ) was introduced in 1988 on the Pontiac 6000 STE AWD, featuring more advanced multi-port fuel injection. It was produced until 1994 (1996 for the Mexican market) and was exported in some models. This engine produced 135 hp (101 kW) and 180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m) of torque from 1988–1989; it was then upgraded to 140 hp (104 kW) at 4800 rpm and 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m) of torque at 3600 rpm.

Applications:

• 1989–1993Buick Regal
• 1990–1993Chevrolet Beretta
• 1990–1994Chevrolet Cavalier
• 1990Chevrolet Celebrity
• 1990–1993Chevrolet Corsica
• 1990–1994Chevrolet Lumina
• 1989–1993Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
• 1988–1991Pontiac 6000(STE AWD 1988–89, all models 1990–91)
• 1989–1993Pontiac Grand Prix
• 1991–1994Pontiac Sunbird
• 1990–1996 Chevrolet Cutlass (Mexico)
• 1990–1996 Chevrolet Century (Mexico)

L64

TheL64( "W-code" ) was introduced in 1991 as a flexible-fuel version of the 3.1 L (3,135 cc). The two versions were one that could runM85(85% methanol/15% gasoline) and one that could runE85(85% ethanol/15% gasoline).

Uses:

• 1991–1993Chevrolet LuminaVFV
• 1992–1993Chevrolet LuminaE85 VFV

LG5

TheLG5( "V-code" ) was a special 3.1 L (3,135 cc)turbochargedengine produced withMcLarenfor the 1989 and 1990 model years. It featured the same multiport fuel injection intake manifolds and throttle body as the LH0, and produced 205 hp (153 kW) at 5200 rpm and 225 lb⋅ft (305 N⋅m) of torque at 2100 rpm. Around 3,700 engines were produced each year. This engine had a block with more nickel content and hardened internals.

Applications:

• 1989–1990Pontiac Grand PrixTurbo
• 1990Pontiac Grand PrixTurbo STE

3.4 L

LQ1

3.4L 60°DOHCV6 (LQ1)

TheLQ1(also called theTwin Dual CamorTDC) was a 3.4 L (3,350 cc) DOHC V6 engine ( "X-code" ) based on the aluminum-headed second generation of GM's 60° engine line, sharing a similar block with itspushrodcousins, the 3.1 LLH0V6 and the then recently retired 2.8 L (2,837 cc)LB6V6. The engine was built only for front-wheel-drive applications, and was featured exclusively in the first generation ofGM's W-body platform.

It was built from 1991 to 1997. From 1991 to 1993, it used tuned multiport fuel injection, and made 200–210 hp (149–157 kW) at 5200 rpm and 215 lb⋅ft (292 N⋅m) of torque at 4000 rpm. From 1994 to 1997, it used sequential port fuel injection, and made 210 hp (157 kW) at 5200 rpm and 215 lb⋅ft (292 N⋅m) of torque at 4000 rpm. In 1996, the heads were redesigned for better flow, as well as now making the engine an interference design and adapting the engine for federally mandatedOBD-IIemissions. Output for the 1996–97 LQ1 is 215 hp (160 kW) and 220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m). It had four valves per cylinder. The 3.4 L (3,350 cc) engine substituted the standard camshaft for a chain-driven intermediate shaft, which drives four overhead cams via a cogged belt. Adapting the 60° pushrod block for the LQ1's overhead cams significantly increased packaged engine height.

Bore was increased to 92 mm (3.6 in), and the 3.1 L (3,135 cc) engine's 84 mm (3.31 in) stroke was retained. Only a few interchangeable parts are use between this DOHC engine and other members of the 60° family, primarily the connecting rods and crankshaft.

The heads and intake manifolds were redesigned for the 1996 model year, incorporating a larger throttle body and plenum area, slightly longer intake runners, cloverleaf combustion chambers, and larger "pill" -shaped exhaust ports. Camshafts and cam timing were also revised for the new, higher-rpm powerband.

Optional from 1991 to 1993 was aGetrag284 five-speed manualtransaxle,which was also exclusive to theGM W platformand was available only with the LQ1. The electronically-controlledHydramatic4T60-Efour-speed automatictransaxlewas the alternative, used during the entire production run with the exception of the 1997 Monte Carlo Z34 and 1997 Lumina LTZ, which received the 4T65-E.

Applications:

• 1991–1997Chevrolet Lumina
• 1995–1997Chevrolet Monte Carlo
• 1991–1996Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
• 1991–1996Pontiac Grand Prix

Generation III

The third generation of the 60° engine was introduced in the 1993Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.Like its predecessors, it continued to use anoverhead valveconfiguration with two valves per cylinder, acast-ironcylinder block,aluminumcylinder heads,and an aluminumintake manifold.However, the heads and intake manifold were redesigned for better air flow,the cylinder block was stiffened,and theflat-tappetsof the Generation I and II engines were replaced withroller tappets.This generation also came standard with sequential multiport fuel injectionandstructuraloil pan.

3.1 L

L82

TheL82( "M-code" ) was an updated, SFI replacement for the MPFILH0,produced from 1993 through 1999. It featured a structural oil pan, a stiffer redesigned engine block, sequential fuel injection, and revised aluminum heads. Output for the L82 was up 20 hp (15 kW), over the previous Gen II LH0, to 160 hp (119 kW) at 5200 rpm and 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm. Compression ratio for the L82 was 9.5:1 and the bore measured 89 mm (3.5 in), while the stroke was 84 mm (3.31 in) giving it a displacement of 3.1 L; 191.3 cu in (3,135 cc).

Applications:

• 1994–1999Buick Century
• 1994–1996Buick Regal
• 1994–1998Buick Skylark
• 1994–1996Chevrolet Beretta
• 1994–1996Chevrolet Corsica
• 1995–1999Chevrolet Lumina
• 1997–1999Chevrolet Malibu
• 1995–1999Chevrolet Monte Carlo
• 1994–1998Oldsmobile Achieva
• 1997–1999Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS
• 1994–1996Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
• 1993–1997Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme(1993 received bothLH0and L82 3.1 L (3,135 cc) motors)
• 1994–1998Pontiac Grand Am
• 1994–1999Pontiac Grand Prix

LG8

3.1L 60° V6 (LG8)

TheLG8( "J-code" ) was an updated version of the engine that displaced 3.1 L (3,135 cc).It still had an iron block, two-valve pushrod aluminum heads, and full sequential port fuel injection. The LG8 also featured a new intake manifold and numerous changes to improve parts-sharing with the larger-displacement LA1 3400. Emissions were improved withsecondary air injectionand it earnedLEVstatus. The engine featured a 89 mm (3.5 in) bore and a 84 mm (3.31 in) stroke and a 9.6:1 compression ratio. It produced 170–175 hp (127–130 kW) and 190–195 lb⋅ft (258–264 N⋅m). The LG8 was built inRamos Arizpe,Coahuila,Mexico,andTonawanda, New York.

Applications:

• 2000–2005Buick Century
• 1999–2003Chevrolet Malibu
• 2000–2001Chevrolet Lumina
• 2000–2003Pontiac Grand Prix SE

3.4 L

LA1

TheLA1or3400( "E-code" ) was a larger-bore version of theL82.It was first used on the 1996U-platform minivans.It displaces 3,350 cc (3.4 L; 204.4 cu in) and has a 92 mm × 84 mm (3.62 in × 3.31 in) bore and stroke with a 9.5:1 compression ratio.Emissions are controlled via acatalytic converterandexhaust gas recirculation.Fuel shut-off is at 6000 rpm. Starting around 2000, most vehicles have been equipped with GM'sEngine Oil Life Monitor.This engine was assembled at bothTonawanda engineand the MexicanRamos Arizpe engine plant.

Horsepower	Torque	Applications	Dyno chart
170 hp (127 kW) at 4700 rpm	200 lb⋅ft (271 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm	Pontiac Grand Am Oldsmobile Alero	linkArchived2015-09-02 at theWayback Machine
175 hp (130 kW) at 4700 rpm	205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm	Pontiac Grand AmGT	linkArchived2015-09-02 at theWayback Machine
180 hp (134 kW) at 5200 rpm		Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet Monte Carlo	link link
185 hp (138 kW) at 5200 rpm	210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm	Chevrolet Venture Pontiac Montana Pontiac Aztek Buick Rendezvous Oldsmobile Silhouette

Applications:

• 2002–2005Buick Rendezvous
• 2000–2005Chevrolet Impala
• 2000–2005Chevrolet Monte Carlo
• 1996Chevrolet Lumina Minivan
• 1997–2005Chevrolet Venture
• 1999–2004Oldsmobile Alero
• 1996–2004Oldsmobile Silhouette
• 2001–2005Pontiac Aztek
• 1999–2005Pontiac Grand Am
• 1999–2005Pontiac Montana
• 1996–1998Pontiac Trans Sport

Production in China by SAIC-GM

GM partnered withSAIC Motorto formSAIC-GMin 1997. This partnership manufactured variants of the 60° V6 engine in China, primarily for use in Chinese-market GM products. Chinese-builtLNJengines were used in the U.S. for the 2005–2009Chevrolet EquinoxandPontiac Torrent.

LB8

2.5L 60° V6 (LB8)

TheLB8isGeneral Motors' base V6 in China. It is a derivative of the LG8 with the same 89 mm (3.5 in) bore and a shorter 66.7 mm (2.6 in) stroke for 2.5 L (2,490 cc). It remains an iron block with pushrods and an aluminum two-valve head. Power is 145 hp (108 kW) and 155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m).

Applications:

• Buick GL/GLX (China)
• Buick GL8 (China)
• Buick Regal (China)

LW9

TheLW9is a larger version of theLB8with an 80 mm (3.1 in) stroke for 3.0 L (2,986 cc). Power is 170 hp (127 kW) and torque is 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m).

Applications:

• Buick GL/GLX (China)
• Buick GL8 (China)
• Buick Regal (China)

LNJ

An updated version of the Generation III 3400 engine. It includes a new block, intake manifold, oil pan, engine cover, and fuel system, as well aselectronic throttle control.It was built in China and shipped to Canada for installation in theChevrolet EquinoxandPontiac Torrent.The LNJ makes 185 hp (138 kW) and 210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m).

Applications:

• 2005–2009Chevrolet Equinox
• 2006–2009Pontiac Torrent

References

• Road and Track Magazine, April 1989.(1989-1990 Turbo Grand Prix performance figures)
• 1995 Corsica/Beretta Service Manual, 1994, General Motors Corporation(Gen III/L82 Engine's usage in Corsica/Beretta)

External links

• 60degreev6.com