Intro to the LY2, L20, LY5, LMG, and LMF

LY2

The LY2 was introduced in 2007. It replaced the LR4 as the Vortec 4800. It was available in GM pickups, vans, and SUVs until 2009.

L20

The L20 replaced the LY2 in 2010. It was upgraded with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Flex Fuel technology. It was available in GM pickups and vans until 2014. It was also known as the Vortec 4800.

LY5

The LY5 was introduced in 2007. It replaced the LM7  as the Vortec 5300. The LY5 was upgraded with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology. It was available in GM pickups and SUVs until 2009.

LMG

The LMG was also introduced in 2007. It replaced the L59 as the flex fuel Vortec 5300. Like the LY5, it was upgraded with AFM technology. In 2010, the LMG added VVT technology and replaced the LY5. The LMG was available in GM pickups until 2013. It was also available in GM SUVs until 2014.

LMF

The LMF was introduced in 2010. It was a less expensive version of the LMG. (It did not use AFM.) It was only used in full size cargo vans until 2014. The LMF was also known as the Vortec 5300.

For specific details about these engines, please follow the links below:

• Chevy LY2 Engine Specs
• Chevy L20 Engine Specs
• Chevy LY5 Engine Specs
• Chevy LMG Engine Specs
• Chevy LMF Engine Specs
• Upgrading the LY2, L20, LY5, LMG, and LMF Engines

Benefits

These engines are strong and durable. Many people use them with boost or nitrous. With upgraded internals, the blocks can handle over 1,000 hp.

The engines all have a 3.780 in. bore diameter. The cylinders can be bored to LS1 size (3.898 in. +). However, that will thin out the cylinder walls. A smaller bore size will keep the block strong and rigid.

What's the difference?

The easiest way to tell the difference is to check the 8th digit of the VIN code.

• Follow this link to Identify the LS Engine by VIN.

The engines are all similar, but there are visible differences. First, identify the special technology used on each one.

• Follow this link to Identify AFM.
• Follow this link to Identify VVT.
• For fuel compatibility, you can pull the injectors.
• • Standard injectors had 2 holes on the end of the nozzle.
  • Flex Fuel injectors had 4 holes on the end of the nozzle.

The only 2 engines with the same technology is the L20 and the LMF. The difference between these engines is Displacement. Pull the oil pan to check the crank and rods.