April 10, 2025
Inside the Cadillac LF4 Twin-Turbo V6: Powering the ATS-V and CT4-V Blackwing
The Cadillac LF4: Twin-Turbo Excellence for the V Series
When Cadillac set out to redefine American performance sedans, the result was a powerplant that struck the perfect balance between brute force and precision engineering. The Cadillac LF4 engine, an evolution of the LF3, is a 3.6L twin-turbocharged V6 built specifically for the Cadillac ATS-V and CT4-V Blackwing, two of the most revered models in the Cadillac V Series lineup.
Cadillac LF4 Twin-Turbo V6
Built on the same foundation as the LF3, the LF4 introduces a suite of performance upgrades that transform it into a true track-ready engine, without sacrificing daily drivability.
Key Performance Enhancements Over the LF3
Cadillac engineers took the already potent LF3 and turned up the performance dial to deliver a more responsive and capable engine for the V-Series. Here are the notable upgrades that define the LF4:
Turbochargers: The LF4 features low-inertia titanium-aluminide turbines with vacuum-actuated wastegates. This setup ensures quicker spooling and more responsive torque delivery throughout the rev range.
Optimized Compressors: Matched specifically for peak efficiency at high power levels, perfect for sustained performance during aggressive driving or track use.
Charge-Cooling System: Cadillac integrated a patent-pending low-volume charge-cooling system to improve packaging efficiency while maximizing boost pressure and reducing lag.
Lightweight Titanium Connecting Rods: All ATS-V models use titanium rods to reduce rotating mass and improve engine response. In the CT4-V Blackwing, only the manual transmission models receive titanium rods, while 10-speed automatic versions use steel rods.
Increased Boost Pressure: Boost was increased to 18 psi (1.2 bar), up from the LF3’s 12 psi (0.83 bar), resulting in greater horsepower and torque.
Fuel System & Oil Management: Upgraded higher-flow fuel injectors and baffled oil pans ensure consistent fuel delivery and oil control, even under high cornering loads on the track.
Cadillac LF4 Twin-Turbo V6 Engine Vehicles
ATS-V (2016–2019):
Horsepower: 464 hp (346 kW) @ 5850 RPM
Torque: 445 lb-ft (603 Nm) @ 3500 RPM
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
0-60 MPH: Approximately 3.8 seconds
CT4-V Blackwing (2022–2026):
Horsepower: 472 hp (352 kW)
Torque: 445 lb-ft (603 Nm)
Transmission: 6-speed manual (w/ titanium rods) or 10-speed automatic (w/ steel rods)
0-60 MPH: As low as 3.9 seconds (10AT)
The minimal horsepower bump in the CT4-V Blackwing comes alongside refinements in the air/water intercooler, engine/transmission tuning, enhancing overall performance and daily usability. It has also been noted that the equidistant intakes on the Blackwing are a better design over the previous generation OEM ATS-V system. The aftermarket vendors have addressed this for the ATS-V.
Why the LF4 Engine Matters in the V-Series Legacy
The LF4 is a perfect embodiment of Cadillac’s commitment to balancing luxury, power, and innovation. As larger naturally aspirated engines gave way to more efficient forced induction setups, the LF4 proved that V-Series performance didn’t have to mean V8-only muscle.
This twin-turbo V6 delivers consistent, linear power and a thrilling exhaust note, all while fitting into a more compact, agile chassis. Whether in the sharp-edged ATS-V or the refined yet aggressive CT4-V Blackwing, the LF4 delivers performance that lives up to the badge.
For enthusiasts, the inclusion of titanium connecting rods in manual models is more than just a spec, it’s a nod to purists who value lightweight internals and fast high-revving capability. The engine’s versatility, responsiveness, and durability make it one of the standout motors in the modern Cadillac performance family.
Final Thoughts: A Modern Performance Marvel
The Cadillac LF4 twin-turbo V6 isn’t just a means to an end—it’s the beating heart of two of Cadillac’s most engaging V Series cars. For those looking to modify, track, or simply enjoy a world-class luxury performance sedan, the LF4 is an engine that delivers in every aspect.
Stay tuned to VSeriesCadillac.com as we continue to explore the engineering and experiences that make the Cadillac V Series so legendary. From tech posts to owner stories, we’ve got the V scene covered.
Cadillac LF4 Engine – U.S. GM Part Number Reference (Fluids, Sealants & Lubricants)
If you’re working on a Cadillac LF4 (3.6L twin-turbo, as used in the ATS-V or the CT4‑V Blackwing), the correct fluids, sealants, and lubricants are critical. Below is a consolidated list of United States GM part numbers taken from factory service data, organized by application.
Note: This section focuses on U.S. part numbers only for the LF4 engine. Canadian equivalents are omitted here for clarity.
Engine Sealants & Thread Sealers (U.S. GM Part Numbers)
Block pan rail (sealant) GM Part Number: 19369831
Crankshaft rear oil seal housing (sealant) GM Part Number: 19369831
Engine front cover / split lines (sealant) GM Part Number: 19369831
Oil pan, engine front cover, crankshaft rear oil seal housing (RTV sealant – cartridge option) GM Part Number: 19369831 (150 g cartridge)
Oil pan, engine front cover, crankshaft rear oil seal housing (RTV sealant – squeeze tube) GM Part Number: 88861417 (75 g squeeze tube)
Coolant drain threaded plug (sealant) GM Part Number: 12346004
Coolant and oil plug threads (sealant) GM Part Number: 12346004
Oil gallery threaded plug (sealant) GM Part Number: 12346004
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) orifice (sealant) GM Part Number: 19369831
Threadlockers – Critical Fasteners (U.S. GM Part Numbers)
Coolant expansion plugs (threadlocker) GM Part Number: 12345382
Flywheel bolt (threadlocker) GM Part Number: 19333511
Lower intake manifold bolt (threadlocker) GM Part Number: 12345382
Thread repair (threadlocker) GM Part Number: 89021297
Turbocharger bolt (threadlocker) GM Part Number: 19332211
Timing chain tensioner bolt (threadlocker) GM Part Number: 19369733
Engine Oil & Prelube – 5W‑30 Applications (U.S. GM Part Numbers)
For the LF4 engine, 5W‑30 is specified in multiple assembly and lubrication points and is associated with the same GM service part number:
Crankshaft bearing surfaces (5W‑30) GM Part Number: 19293000
Crankshaft connecting rod bearing journals (5W‑30) GM Part Number: 19293000
Crankshaft prelube (5W‑30) GM Part Number: 19293000
Engine oil – standard service fill (5W‑30) GM Part Number: 19293000
Fuel injection fuel rail fuel pressure sensor sealing cone/threads (5W‑30 used as lubricant) GM Part Number: 19293000
Fuel rail sealing cone/threads (5W‑30 used as lubricant) GM Part Number: 19293000
Piston pin bores (5W‑30) GM Part Number: 19293000
Stationary hydraulic lash adjuster (SHLA) – lubrication (5W‑30) GM Part Number: 19293000
SHLA bores in cylinder head (5W‑30) GM Part Number: 19293000
SHLA pivot spheres (5W‑30) GM Part Number: 19293000
Valve stem/guide ID (internal diameter) lube (5W‑30) GM Part Number: 19293000
Specialized Lubricants & Cleaners (U.S. GM Part Numbers)
Camshaft prelube (lubricant) GM Part Number: 88862586
Ignition coils (dielectric / specialty lubricant) GM Part Number: 19260901
Thread repair cutting oil (lubricant) GM Part Number: 1052864
General cleaner (as listed in factory data) GM Part Number: 88862650
Quick Notes for Builders and Technicians
RTV & anaerobic sealants:
Where the document notes “Ensure proper use of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant”, always follow GM’s surface prep and bead-size guidelines. Over- or under-applying RTV can cause leaks or internal contamination.Don’t mix products by guesswork:
Many of these numbers look similar but have very different properties (threadlocker vs. sealant vs. lubricant). Matching the exact GM part number to the exact application is especially important on a high-output twin‑turbo engine like the LF4.Service vs. assembly context:
Some of these part numbers are more relevant to engine building/re-building (short block / long block assembly), but they still matter for dealer-level repair where covers, pans, and plugs are removed.
