What is VVT and Do I Have It? A Guide for Chevy LS Builders

If you're building an LS-swapped vehicle or upgrading an LS-powered car with a March Performance serpentine system, one question that comes up regularly is: does my engine have Variable Valve Timing (VVT)? The answer matters — and this guide will help you figure it out fast.

What Is Variable Valve Timing?

Variable Valve Timing, or VVT, is a technology that allows the engine's camshaft timing to change while the engine is running. Rather than fixed cam timing, VVT systems use oil pressure controlled by a cam phaser to advance or retard valve timing depending on RPM and load. The result is better low-end torque, improved high-RPM power, and better fuel efficiency — all from the same engine.

On LS engines, VVT is managed by the ECU and operates through a cam phaser mounted at the front of the camshaft, behind the crankshaft pulley area. This phaser requires its own dedicated drive and is something to be aware of when selecting your accessory drive system.

Which LS Engines Have VVT?

Not all LS engines have VVT. Here's a quick breakdown:

LS Engines WITHOUT VVT

• LS1 (1997–2004) — Corvette, Camaro, Firebird, GTO, CTS-V
• LS6 (2001–2004) — Corvette Z06
• LS2 (2005–2007) — Corvette, GTO, Trailblazer SS, SSR
• LS3 (2008–2013) — Corvette, Camaro SS
• L76/L77/L98 — truck and SUV variants, no VVT

LS Engines WITH VVT

• LS4 (2005–2009) — front-wheel drive applications
• L92/L9H (2007+) — truck engines with Active Fuel Management
• LS9 (2009–2013) — supercharged Corvette ZR1 (unique setup)
• LSA (2012–2015) — supercharged Camaro ZL1/CTS-V
• LT1/LT4/LT5 — Gen V engines (technically not LS, but commonly confused)

How to Tell If Your Engine Has VVT

The easiest visual check: look at the front of the engine at the cam sprocket area. If you see a cam phaser — a larger, multi-piece assembly behind the timing cover at the front of the cam — your engine has VVT. A standard non-VVT LS will have a simple single-piece cam sprocket.

You can also check your RPO codes (found on the sticker in your glovebox or door jamb on GM vehicles) or look up your engine casting number.

Why It Matters for Your March Performance System

Most LS swap builders are working with LS1, LS2, LS3, or LS6 engines — none of which have VVT — and March Performance's LS serpentine systems are designed around these non-VVT engines. If you're running one of the VVT-equipped engines listed above, call our tech line at 1.888.729.9070 before ordering so we can confirm compatibility and point you to the right system.

For the vast majority of LS swap and restomod builds, you're running a non-VVT engine and our standard Chevy LS lineup will fit perfectly. Browse our full LS selection at marchperformance.com/chevy/chevy-ls/.