LS3 Capacities & Fluids

5.7 L (6 qt) Engine oil capacity (with filter change)

Wet-sump LS3. Per GM SI Engine Mechanical Specifications (6.2L LS3). For Z52 dry-sump option capacity see engine_oil_z52_dry_sump.

5.4 L (5.7 qt) Engine oil capacity (without filter change)

Wet-sump LS3, without filter change. Per GM SI Engine Mechanical Specifications (6.2L LS3).

9.9 L (10.5 qt) Engine oil capacity (Z52 dry sump) 5W-30 dexos-1 compatible synthetic engine oil

Engine oil capacity with filter for the Z52 dry-sump LS3 (Grand Sport package and base with Z52). From GM SI document 2467782 "Approximate Fluid Capacities". Significantly larger than the wet-sump value (5.7 L) because the dry-sump system uses a remote oil tank in addition to the pan.

11.3 L (11.9 qt) Cooling system total capacity Dex-Cool (orange) extended-life coolant, 50/50 with deionized water

Approximate fluid capacity for the LS3 (base trim, wet-sump) cooling system from GM SI document 2467782 "Approximate Fluid Capacities" (engine/maintenance-items section). The total includes radiator, surge tank, engine block, heater core, and connecting hoses. 50/50 DEX-COOL to clean water mix.

0.8 L Coolant surge tank capacity (at correct fill level) Dex-Cool (orange GM 12378560)

GM SI 2013984: "the surge tank holds approximately 0.8 liters when filled to the proper level." This is a sub-volume of the total cooling system capacity, not the total.

0.3 L (0.3 qt) Oil filter capacity

Oil retained by the AC Delco PF48 oil filter (LS3 base trim, wet sump). Derived from the difference between GM SI "Engine Oil With Filter" (5.7 L) and "Engine Oil Without Filter" (5.4 L) values for the 6.2L LS3, both from GM SI document 2467782 "Approximate Fluid Capacities". Use the with-filter figure (5.7 L) at every service that includes a new filter.

450 kPa Fuel rail pressure

Returnless rail, sequential port fuel injection.

124 kPa (18 psi) Cooling system pressure cap relief setting

GM SI 2013984: "The pressure valve is held against its seat by a spring and protects the radiator by relieving pressure if it exceeds 18 psi." kPa conversion is approximate.

87 °C (187 °F) Thermostat start-to-open temperature

GM SI 2013984 says the thermostat valve begins to open at 87°C (187°F). Prior preliminary value (86°C) from the GM Powertrain Application Manual is preserved as a variant.

100 °C Thermostat fully-open temperature

95 °C (204 °F) Cooling fan low-speed start temperature (engine coolant)

GM SI 2013984: "Cooling fan duty cycle starts when engine coolant temperature reaches approximately 95°C (204°F)" — low-speed start point.

113 °C (235 °F) Cooling fan after-shutoff trigger (engine coolant)

GM SI 2013984: "After the vehicle is shut OFF, if the engine coolant temperature at key-off is greater than 113°C (235°F)... the cooling fan runs after-shutoff to cool the engine."

110 °C (230 °F) Cooling fan off temperature (drops below)

GM SI 2013984: "If the coolant temperature drops below 110°C (230°F)... the fan will shut OFF."