From 2005 to 2012, the 2.4-liter 16-valve General Motors LE5 engine was manufactured in the United States and fitted to well-known vehicles like the Saturn Aura, Pontiac Solstice, and Chevrolet HHR. This power unit’s modification for hybrid cars is referred to as the LAT index.
GM Ecotec’s second generation comprises LDK, LHU, LNF, LAF, LEA, LE5, and LE9.
Specifications
| Production years | 2005-2012 |
| Displacement, cc | 2384 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 165 – 177 |
| Torque output, Nm | 215 – 235 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 88 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 98 |
| Compression ratio | 10.4 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | Dual VVT |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Chevrolet HHR 2007) — city — highway — combined |
12.0 7.3 9.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 145 |
The engine was installed on:
- Chevrolet Cobalt 1 (GMX001) in 2005 – 2008;
- Chevrolet HHR 1 (GMT001) in 2005 – 2008;
- Chevrolet Malibu 7 (GMX386) in 2007 – 2012;
- Pontiac G5 1 (GMX001) in 2006 – 2008;
- Pontiac G6 1 (GMX381) in 2005 – 2010;
- Pontiac Solstice 1 (GMX020) in 2005 – 2009;
- Saturn Aura 1 (GMX354) in 2007 – 2009;
- Saturn Ion 1 (GMX357) in 2005 – 2007;
- Saturn Sky 1 (GMX023) in 2006 – 2009;
- Saturn Vue 2 (GMT319) in 2007 – 2009.
Disadvantages of the GM LE5 engine
The short-lived timing chain is a known issue with this power unit.
Update the balancer chain tensioner (which is not part of the timing kit) when changing chains.
Ignoring the rattling chains causes the phase regulators’ stars to deteriorate quickly.
Because of the presence of rings, lubricant consumption is frequently observed on runs longer than 100,000 kilometers.
Additionally, the exhaust manifold is cracking and the crankcase ventilation is frequently clogged.