As has been mentioned before, the LS engines were not expressly designed to go between the frame rails of the first- or second-generation F-Body. Every modern LS engine is fuel injected while every early F-Body car carried a carbureted engine. Fuel injection has many different requirements than carbureted engines. To run the Efisystem on an […]
Camaro and Firebird LS Swap: Front-Drive Accessory Guide
Many front-drive pulleys and kits are available from the aftermarket to suit a particular LS engine setup and accessory arrangement. Obviously, the LS engine was not designed specifically for first- or second-generation F-Body engine swaps. However, this engine series delivers exceptional performance, and with the correct complement of parts and some chassis modifications to the […]
Camaro and Firebird LS Swap: Chassis and Suspension
You need to upgrade the suspension and chassis to harness and fully utilize the power of an LS engine, While the Camaro’s unibody frame and suspension were modern manufacturing technology for the 1960s, these are antiquated now. The stock stamped-steel suspension arms and multi-leaf rear springs cannot offer a modern level of performance for an […]
Camaro and Firebird LS Swap: Engine and Subframe Guide
Years ago, installing an LS engine between the front fenders of first- or second-generation F-Body car was a challenging endeavor. That is no longer the case because aftermarket engine mounts, transmission crossmembers, and peripheral equipment are now readily available for about any combination. When swapping an LS engine into a 30- to 45-year old F-Body, […]
Choosing an LS Engine for Camaro and Firebird LS Swap
Many choose iron blocks rather than aluminum versions because they are inexpensive and are easily stroked. They are cheaper and can handle bigger power loads and this is why you see iron-block versions juiced to the hilt with nitrous. However, to be fair to the aluminum versions, I’ve seen some twin-turbo versions of the aluminum […]
LS SWAPS: Wiring Harness and Wiring Guide
The wiring aspect of any LS swap is undoubtedly the most difficult. Most builders are familiar with fabrication techniques, trouble shooting, and parts swapping to make things work, but electronics rise to a much higher level of complexity. Wiring has carried an aura of mystery that can send a shiver down the spine of even […]
LS SWAPS: Fuel Systems Guide
Fuel-injection systems require careful planning and component selection. There are many components that go into a fuel system (including tank, fuel pump, lines, fittings, and filters) and each one has multiple replacement/upgrade options. So, simply installing an electric fuel pump is not going to work. The fuel-pressure requirements alone necessitate some detailed planning. This […]
LS SWAPS: Engine Management Systems Guide
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
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
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 […]