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 […]

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 […]

Gen IV LS-Engine: Nitrous Oxide Combos for Power

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When it comes to bang for the buck, nothing compares to nitrous oxide. Toss in the fact that it is easy to install (and conceal) and the power output is adjustable (as with forced induction). It’s easy to see why nitrous oxide is all the rage among street racers and enthusiasts. Short of a well-prepared […]

Gen IV LS Cylinder Head Shootout! Choose the Best for Power

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Working with the intake and camshaft, the cylinder heads are part of the trio of performance components that dictate the power output of the engine. In the case of the LS3 and (especially) LS7, the factory heads offer exceptional air­flow. Unlike cathedral-port heads (706, 317, 243, etc.), it is difficult to improve upon the power […]

How to Install the Right Fuel Pump on an LT-Swap

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When it comes to fuel pumps, there are two categories: in-tank or external. The in-tank pumps are more complicated to install, but they tend to last longer, hold higher pressure, and run quieter. Retrofitting an in-tank pump costs more, but the cost is worth it in reliability. There are two ways to add an in-tank […]

How to Choose Performance Pistons for Gen IV LS Engines

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The OEM pistons for LS  engines are all cast hypereutectic construction except for the LS9 with its factory-forged pistons. Don’t be alarmed about the “cast” term. Unlike earlier cast pistons, hypereutectic pistons feature a dense casting process with high silicon content. They’re stronger than old-school cast pistons, and they’re more stable in terms of thermal […]