LV3 4.3L engine: specs, donor vehicles & swap notes
The LV3 is a 4.3 L Generation V engine built 2014–2021, rated 285–297 hp. It came in 1 vehicle application, including Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500. Things to know: it has AFM, so an aftermarket cam means a full AFM delete; it has variable valve timing; it is direct-injected (Gen V parts and controller).
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| RPO | LV3 |
| Family | Generation V |
| Years | 2014–2021 |
| Displacement | 4.3 L / 260 ci |
| Horsepower | 285–297 hp |
| Torque | 305–330 lb-ft |
| Bore × stroke | 3.921 × 3.622 in |
| Compression | 11.00:1 |
| AFM/DOD | Yes |
| VIN 8th digit | H |
| Reluctor | 58x |
| Throttle | Drive-by-wire |
| Firing order | 1-6-5-4-3-2 |
- AFM lifter collapse/sticking causing misfire. Fix: Replace the valve lifter oil manifold and the affected bank of lifters (GM bulletin 15-06-01-002A); AFM delete/tune-out prevents recurrence.
- AFM-related high oil consumption. Fix: Check oil level regularly; AFM delete and correct-viscosity oil reduce consumption.
- Direct-injection intake valve carbon buildup. Fix: Walnut blasting is the most effective fix for intake valves and ports.
V6 (not a V8). Aluminum, VVT, AFM, DI, E85-capable
The LV3 specs above are not yet confirmed against GM documents; GM ratings varied by year and vehicle.
How the LV3 differs from the other 4.3 L Gen V engines
The LV3 is one of the two 4.3 L Gen V engines we list: LV1, LV3. From our engine table:
- AFM: yes.; the LV1 doesn't.
- Compression 11.00:1, tied with the LV1 for the lowest of the group.
- Up to 297 hp from the factory; the LV1 makes up to 265 hp.
- Variable valve timing. Also on the LV1.
- Built E85-capable (flex fuel) from the factory. Swapping an LV3 onto E85 still means wiring the flex sensor and setting up the tune for it.
- Built 2014–2021.
Swapping the LV3: what to plan for
- Computer: the LV3 is a Gen V direct-injection engine, so it needs a Gen V computer or a Gen V-specific aftermarket kit; Gen III/IV harnesses and computers don't run it. More: LS swap ECU comparison.
- Drive-by-wire throttle: plan on the pedal and throttle body that match the LV3 and its computer.
- AFM (cylinder deactivation): an aftermarket cam on the LV3 means a delete kit made for Gen V engines, plus the tune.
- A V6, not a V8: V8 swap kits, headers and harnesses don't fit the LV3.
Refresh parts for the LV3
Our Gen V refresh list was checked for the 5.3 L and 6.2 L Gen V engines. Head gaskets, head bolts and sensors on the LV3 can differ, so we don't pick parts for it here: confirm each part number fits before you buy. The list is in one place: refresh while it's out.
Donor vehicles with the LV3
Where to find an LV3 at the junkyard: 1 vehicle application below. Confirm it from the RPO sticker in the glovebox or the 8th VIN digit (for the LV3: H).
| Vehicle | Years |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 | 2014–2021 |
Buying a used LV3
A used LV3 has no single part number, so this page does not link a search. Confirm the engine from the RPO sticker or the 8th VIN digit (for the LV3: H) before you buy.