LT4 Engine and Transmission for Sale: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

If you’re searching for an LT4 engine and transmission for sale, you’re likely building or upgrading a high-performance vehicle. The LT4 is one of the most powerful small-block V8 engines ever made by General Motors. Whether you’re restoring a classic car or enhancing a Camaro, Corvette, or off-road beast, this guide will help you navigate through all the essential details before making your purchase.

What Is the LT4 Engine?
History and Development
LT4 Engine Specifications
Vehicles Equipped with the LT4
Why Buy an LT4 Engine?
LT4 Transmission Pairing: 8L90 vs. TR6060 vs. 10L90
Brand-New vs. Used LT4 Engine and Transmission Packages
Where to Find LT4 Engines and Transmissions for Sale
Cost of LT4 Engine and Transmission Combo
Things to Look for Before Buying
Swapping an LT4 Into Your Vehicle
Warranty, Maintenance & Longevity
LT4 Crate Engine Packages: GM Performance & Aftermarket Options
Final Thoughts: Is the LT4 Engine Worth It?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Is the LT4 Engine?

The LT4 is a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine produced by General Motors, part of the Gen V Small Block engine family. It delivers over 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most formidable production engines available for performance applications.

2. History and Development

The LT4 debuted in 2015 in the C7 Corvette Z06, representing a major leap from previous LS engines. GM engineers designed it with durability, efficiency, and performance in mind. The LT4 also powered the Camaro ZL1 and Cadillac CTS-V, bringing track-worthy performance to street-legal vehicles.

3. LT4 Engine Specifications

Specification	Value
Engine Type	Supercharged V8
Displacement	6.2L / 376 cu in
Bore x Stroke	103.25 mm x 92 mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Horsepower	650 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque	650 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm
Supercharger	1.7L Eaton R1740 TVS
Fuel System	Direct Injection
Redline	~6,600 RPM

4. Vehicles Equipped with the LT4

The LT4 powers several high-performance GM vehicles:

2015–2019 Corvette Z06 (C7)
2016–2024 Camaro ZL1
2016–2019 Cadillac CTS-V
2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (Revised version of LT4)
Crate Engines for Custom Builds and Restomods

5. Why Buy an LT4 Engine?

Here are some compelling reasons:

Insane Power-to-Weight Ratio
Proven Reliability
Street-legal Performance
Wide Aftermarket Support
Compatible with Automatic and Manual Transmissions
OEM Quality Assurance

6. LT4 Transmission Pairing: 8L90 vs. TR6060 vs. 10L90

When buying an LT4 engine and transmission combo, you’ll typically choose from three transmission types:

A. 8L90-E (8-Speed Auto)

Found in: Corvette Z06, Camaro ZL1 (early models)
Smooth, quick shifts for street and track

B. 10L90-E (10-Speed Auto)

Found in: Newer Camaro ZL1, Cadillac CT5-V
Lightning-fast shifts, better fuel economy, advanced programming

C. Tremec TR6060 (6-Speed Manual)

Found in: Camaro ZL1 (manual option)
Hardcore enthusiast’s choice, direct driving experience

7. Brand-New vs. Used LT4 Engine and Transmission Packages

New Crate Engine Combo:

Backed by GM warranty
Perfect for new builds
More expensive (~$18,000–$25,000)

Used / Salvaged Combo:

Budget-friendly
May come from wrecked ZL1 or Z06
Prices range $10,000–$18,000 depending on mileage and condition

8. Where to Find LT4 Engines and Transmissions for Sale

Here are some reliable sources:

A. GM Performance Parts

Official crate engine offerings
Warranty-backed

B. Junkyards / Auto Recyclers

Pull-outs from wrecked vehicles
Must inspect for damage or wear

C. Online Marketplaces

eBay Motors
Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist

D. Performance Retailers

JEGS
Summit Racing
Pace Performance
Texas Speed & Performance

9. Cost of LT4 Engine and Transmission Combo

Package Type	Price Range (USD)
New Crate Engine Only	$15,000 – $18,000
New Engine + Transmission	$20,000 – $25,000
Used Engine Only	$8,000 – $13,000
Used Engine + Transmission	$10,000 – $18,000

10. Things to Look for Before Buying

Before committing to a purchase, check:

Mileage (if used)
Compression test results
Supercharger health
Transmission condition (shifting/sync)
ECU and wiring harness included
VIN verification of donor vehicle
Warranty availability

11. Swapping an LT4 Into Your Vehicle

Common swaps include:

Chevy C10 Trucks
1970s-80s Camaros
Chevelle / GTO / El Camino
Hot Rods / Kit Cars

Key Components Needed:

LT4 ECU + harness
Accessory drive kits
Motor mounts
Cooling system upgrades
Proper transmission crossmember
Driveshaft adjustment

12. Warranty, Maintenance & Longevity

Warranty:

GM crate engine warranty: 24 months / 50,000 miles
Some aftermarket vendors offer extended warranties

Maintenance Tips:

Use Dexos2-approved synthetic oil
Keep the supercharger belt in check
Avoid heat soak—install an upgraded intercooler or heat exchanger
Perform regular coolant flushes

Longevity:

With proper care, LT4 engines often last 150,000+ miles, even under performance use.

13. LT4 Crate Engine Packages: GM Performance & Aftermarket Options

GM Performance LT4 Crate Kit Includes:

Supercharged 6.2L LT4 Engine
Engine Controller Kit
Sensors
Fuel system components

Aftermarket Upgrade Kits:

Pulley upgrades for more boost
Ported superchargers
Custom cams
Forged pistons for high-boost builds

14. Final Thoughts: Is the LT4 Engine Worth It?

If you’re looking for factory-proven horsepower, OEM reliability, and killer performance, the LT4 engine and transmission combo is a top-tier choice.

Whether it’s for a restomod project, drag strip monster, or track-day weapon, the LT4 offers unmatched value for power-hungry enthusiasts.

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much horsepower can an LT4 handle with mods?

Answer: The stock LT4 can reliably handle 750–800 hp with bolt-ons like a smaller pulley, intake, headers, and E85 tuning. With forged internals, it’s capable of 1,000+ hp.

Q2: Can I install the LT4 in a classic car?

Answer: Absolutely. The LT4 is a common swap candidate for muscle cars like the Chevelle, Nova, Camaro, and C10. You’ll need a swap kit, ECU, harness, and compatible transmission.

Q3: What’s better: LT4 or LS3?

Answer: The LT4 is newer, more powerful (supercharged), and more efficient due to direct injection. However, the LS3 is simpler, easier to tune, and often cheaper. If you want high horsepower with OEM tech, go LT4.

Q4: Does the LT4 require premium fuel?

Answer: Yes. The LT4 needs 93-octane or higher to prevent detonation due to its high compression and supercharging.

Q5: What transmission comes with the LT4 crate engine?

Answer: GM offers the 8L90 automatic or T56/TR6060 manual options. The newer crate kits may include a 10L90 as well.

Q6: Is the LT4 reliable?

Answer: Yes. The LT4 is engineered for performance and longevity. With regular maintenance, it’s very reliable—even under track use.

Q7: How much does an LT4 swap cost?

Answer: A full LT4 engine and transmission swap can cost between $20,000 and $35,000, depending on labor, extra components, and tuning.

Q8: Where can I find the best deals on LT4 engine and transmission packages?

Answer: Try reputable sellers like Summit Racing, Pace Performance, and Facebook LS swap groups. Be wary of unusually cheap listings—they may be scams or poor condition units.

Q9: What’s the difference between LT4 and LT5?

Answer: The LT5 (from the C7 ZR1) is a 6.2L supercharged V8 like the LT4 but has a 2.65L blower, 755 hp, and is rarer. The LT4 is more common and easier to find.

Q10: Can I use the LT4 transmission with other LS or LT engines?

Answer: In most cases, yes—but you’ll need proper adapter plates, TCM (Transmission Control Module) programming, and wiring harness compatibility.