LS Engine DIY

Do It Yourself LS Engines

The Best Cylinder Heads for your Gen IV LS-Engine

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LS7, LS3, and LS9 Cylinder Heads Earlier Gen III LS heads, such as those found on LS1, LS6, and various Q Series truck engines, feature tall intake ports referred to as “cathedral” ports. The cathedral-roof shape at the top accommodates the fuel-injector path. The LS2 engine also features cathedral-port heads but is technically considered a […]

How to Choose the Best Cam & Lifters for a Gen IV LS-Engine

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Today’s performance aftermarket offers a wide selection of camshaft profiles for enhanced performance, from street-mild to all-out racing competition. While factory camshafts all utilize hydraulic roller lifters, the performance aftermarket offers lifter application in both hydraulic and solid designs. One very significant feature of the LS cam design is its cylinder firing order. While the […]

The Best Intake Options for a Gen IV LS-Engine

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EFI and Intake Manifolds The LS engine platform is versatile; as such, you have your choice of carburetion, central fuel injection, or multi-port injection. It all depends on the application and performance goals. The advantages of running a carburetor include lower cost and a more simplified system. Central injection, also called throttle body injection (TBI), […]

Gen IV LS-Engines Explained

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LS Gen IV Engine Overview The LS engine family began with what GM refers to as the Gen III engine platform, which included the LS1 and LS6. The Gen IV family began with the LS2 and includes LS7, LS3, LS9, and L92. Although the LS2 engine shared the cathedral intake port head design that carried […]

GM LT-Engine Transmission Options For Your Swap

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The Gen V LT-series engine uses three specific transmissions from the factory: the 6-speed automatic, the 8-speed automatic, and the Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual. Thankfully, these factory offerings aren’t the only options. Like the LS platform before it, the Gen V LT-series engine uses the standard SBC bolt pattern for the transmission bellhousing, allow­ing swappers […]

How to Choose the Right Exhaust for your LS-Swapped Chevelle

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Gen III/IV engines have the same basic requirements for their exhaust system as other automotive engines, but these high-performance engines have specific EFI system require­ments that must be met for the sys­tem to perform properly. The LS engine requires at least one oxygen sensor (as many as four), which must be placed a minimum of […]

Gen IV LS Turbo Shootout! Choose the Best for Power

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For maximum power production, it’s hard to beat boost from a turbo­charger. The cheap-date method for LS owners is to find a 5.3 truck engine in the junkyard then install a cam, springs, and turbo system. This combination has powered some seri­ous street machines, and the same philosophy can be applied to LS3 and LS7 […]