LS Engine DIY

Do It Yourself LS Engines

LS SWAPS: Engine Management Systems Guide

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Each engine requires its own computer, and the programming must match the engine, so computers can’t be swapped even if the plugs are the same type. General Motors produces several computer types and each is built for a specific engine group. Some work with many engines, and some only work with one. It is very […]

LS SWAPS: Accessory Drives and Cooling System Guide

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Stock accessory drives were designed to fit in late-model vehicles with modern frames and spacing. Depending on which accessory drives are retained, clearance may or may not be an issue. However, the A/C compressor constantly presents an issue. It’s typically mounted low on the passenger’s side of the engine, and it tends to hit the […]

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. The relationship between the front […]

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 […]