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What Is VVT and Do I Have It?

Engine-Specific Guides

Find out if your Chevy LS engine has Variable Valve Timing and why it matters when selecting a March Performance serpentine system or pulley kit.

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.

Gen III, Gen IV and Gen IV VVT LS timing covers side by side

Gen III, Gen IV and Gen IV VVT timing covers. The VVT cover carries the cam phaser sensor boss.

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 an LS1, LS2, LS3 or LS6. None of those have VVT, and the bulk of our Chevy LS lineup is built around non-VVT engines.

A March Performance Evolution serpentine system

Evolution systems.

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Running VVT?

On Chevy LS, our Evolution systems are the only March Performance kits compatible with VVT.

If you are running one of the VVT engines listed above, Evolution is the line to look at. Call our tech line at 1.888.729.9070 and we will confirm the right part number for your build. For the vast majority of LS swap and restomod builds you are running a non-VVT engine, and our standard Chevy LS lineup will fit perfectly. Browse the full selection at marchperformance.com/chevy/chevy-ls/.

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