LS Engine Torque Specifications
Reference guide for Gen 3 / Gen 4 / Gen 5 LS-based engines.
Values shown in ft-lbs unless noted otherwise. Always verify for your specific engine combination and bolt manufacturer.
Gen 3 LS Engines
(1997–2007 – LS1, LS6, early 4.8 / 5.3 / 6.0)
Cylinder Heads
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Long M11 head bolts (1st pass) | 22 ft-lbs |
| Long M11 head bolts (2nd pass) | +90° |
| Long M11 head bolts (3rd pass) | +70° |
| Short M11 head bolts (1st pass) | 22 ft-lbs |
| Short M11 head bolts (2nd pass) | +90° |
| M8 outer bolts | 22 ft-lbs |
Main Bearings / Bottom End
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Main cap bolts (inner) | 15 ft-lbs + 80° |
| Main cap side bolts | 15 ft-lbs + 70° |
| Rod bolts (stock) | 15 ft-lbs + 85° |
| Crank damper (balancer) bolt | 37 ft-lbs + 140° (do not reuse) |
| Flywheel bolts | 15 ft-lbs + 75° |
Camshaft & Timing Components
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Cam retainer plate | 18 ft-lbs |
| Timing cover bolts | 18 ft-lbs |
| Crankshaft timing sprocket bolt | 37 ft-lbs + 140° |
Intake & Exhaust
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Intake manifold | 44 in-lbs, then 89 in-lbs |
| Exhaust manifold | 11 ft-lbs |
| Spark plugs | 11 ft-lbs (dry) |
Gen 4 LS Engines
(2005–2017 – LS2, LS3, LS7, LC9, LY6, L92, etc.)
Cylinder Heads
LS7 uses M12 head bolts and different specs – confirm separately.
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Long M11 head bolts (1st pass) | 22 ft-lbs |
| Long M11 head bolts (2nd pass) | +90° |
| Long M11 head bolts (3rd pass) | +70° |
| Short M11 head bolts (1st pass) | 22 ft-lbs |
| Short M11 head bolts (2nd pass) | +90° |
| M8 outer bolts | 22 ft-lbs |
Bottom End
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Main cap bolts (inner) | 15 ft-lbs + 80° |
| Main cap side bolts | 15 ft-lbs + 70° |
| Rod bolts (stock powdered metal) | 15 ft-lbs + 75° |
| Crank damper (balancer) bolt | 37 ft-lbs + 140° |
| Flexplate / flywheel bolts | 74 ft-lbs (typical LS3) or 15 ft-lbs + 75° (others) |
Covers & Accessories
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Timing cover | 18 ft-lbs |
| Rear cover | 18 ft-lbs |
| Oil pan bolts (M8) | 18 ft-lbs |
| Oil pan bolts (M6) | 106 in-lbs |
Intake & Exhaust
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Intake manifold | 44 in-lbs, then 89 in-lbs |
| Exhaust manifold | 18 ft-lbs |
| Coil brackets | 89 in-lbs |
Gen 5 LT Engines
(2014+ – LT1, LT4, L83, L86, L87, etc. — many fasteners are single-use TTY.)
Heads & Valvetrain
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Head bolts (long – outer row) | 37 ft-lbs + 140° |
| Head bolts (medium – inner row) | 22 ft-lbs + 180° |
| Head bolts (short – top row) | 22 ft-lbs + 85° |
| Rocker arms | 22 ft-lbs |
Short Block
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Main cap bolts (inner) | 20 ft-lbs + 70° |
| Main cap side bolts | 30 ft-lbs |
| Connecting rod bolts | 15 ft-lbs + 85° |
| Crank damper (balancer) bolt | 37 ft-lbs + 140° |
| Flexplate / flywheel bolts | 37 ft-lbs + 66° |
Covers / Intake / Exhaust
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| Timing cover | 18 ft-lbs |
| Rear cover | 18 ft-lbs |
| Intake manifold | 44 in-lbs, then 89 in-lbs |
| Exhaust manifold | 18 ft-lbs |
Notes
- Torque-angle (TTY) fasteners require a degree gauge.
- Clean threads and lightly oil under bolt heads and washers unless the manufacturer specifies dry.
- Always follow specs provided with aftermarket hardware (ARP, etc.).
- Replace all torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts — do not reuse head, rod, or crank bolts.