LS Engine DIY

Do It Yourself LS Engines

LS SWAPS: Oil Pan Guide

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Once the motor mounts have been sorted out, the next step is to choose an oil pan. Many stock oil pans are available for LS engines, each one designed for a specific chassis. With so many different oil-pan options, there is confusion as to which oil pans fit which chassis.   This Tech Tip is […]

LS SWAPS: Engine and Driveline Guide

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The first piece of the puzzle of any engine swap is to actually mount the engine into the chassis. This can be as simple as bolting a set of adapter plates to the block or as complicated as fabricating an entirely new pair of frame stands. It all depends on the chassis. This chapter covers […]

What You Need to Know About LS-Series Engines

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Development for the Gen III engine began after the short-lived LT1/LT4 (1992–1997) engine failed to meet GM’s performance expectations. General Motors essentially started from square one and created the new Gen III V-8 engine, which shared very little with the original small-block Chevy LT1/LT4 plat-form that it replaced. A phenomenal high-performance engine, the Gen III […]

Gen III LS PCM Conversion Upgrades: Projects, Lessons and Strategies

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For years now, enthusiasts have been retrofitting early project cars with LS-series engines and Gen III PCM conversions. The available features (cable or electronic throttle, cruise control, forced induction support, and so on) make the Gen III PCMs highly desirable for nearly any conversion. The following projects are fine examples of Gen III control systems […]

GM Gen III LS PCM/ECM: On-Board Diagnostics Troubleshooting

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Modern fuel injection systems have many sensors and switches installed at key locations on the engine and transmission to allow the engine (and transmission) computer to operate in the ways they are  intended. These sensors and switches are used to deliver the proper amount of fuel, the correct amount of spark timing, the most appropriate […]

Upgrading to Gen III LS-Series PCM: Cruise Control Guide

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All Gen III vehicles were available with cruise control. Engines with a cable-actuated throttle body require an electronic cruise control module with an internal stepper motor to pull and release a throttle cable to maintain vehicle speed. Engines with an electronic throttle body rely on the TAC module to increase and decrease throttle blade angle […]

Upgrading to Gen III LS-Series PCM: Air Conditioning Guide

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All too often PCM-controlled (or monitored) air conditioning is overlooked after the engine has been swapped, the new wire harness has been installed, and custom calibrated PCM has been received from the tuner. The A/C system is commonly one of the many “I’ll think about that later…” tasks as the excitement builds for the first […]

Upgrading to Gen III LS-Series PCM: Transmission Guide

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Gen III PCM control goes beyond the engine to be one of best solutions for electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmissions. Owners not using the LS1 PCM for engine control must look to the aftermarket for a standalone transmission controller that may cost in excess of $1,000. While many who desire an automatic transmission choose either […]

Upgrading to Gen III LS-Series PCM: Electric Fan Guide

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Gen III PCMs are powerful control modules but they are of little use without tuning software to change engine (and transmission) operating parameters. Before getting too far into a discussion of electric fans and PCM calibrations, it is important to first consider air conditioning control. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, HOW TO USE […]