Description
By: Shawn Henderson .
Book Description
GM's family of LS engines has become one of the most popular in small-block history since its debut in 1997. The Chevy LS Engine Conversion Handbook offers information on how to swap the LS into just about any vehicle. It begins with a discussion on engine RPO and production variations, then details the dimensions, specifications, and parts interchangeability between various LS models. It also includes information on:
- Retrofitting an LS Engine
- Conversion Kits
- Swap Solutions
- Tips and Tricks for Various Swaps
- Adapting Transmissions
- LS Fuel Systems
- Cooling Systems
- Exhaust Systems
- Wiring the ECU
- Installing a Harness
Introduction
Are you thinking about bringing that classic GM muscle car into the twenty-first century, or converting a nimble import to American brute power? Then there's only one choice—a Gen III/Gen IV Chevy/GM small block. Known as the LS-series or LSX-series, these engines have proven to be the most powerful V-8 engines ever produced by GM. This power is matched with incredible fuel economy and eco-friendly emissions that can produce triple the gas mileage of a big block with the same power. In addition to horsepower, LS engines feature excellent reliability with countless 200,000-mile engines continuing to run strong with only routine oil changes for maintenance. GM's LS-series engines have advanced pushrod technology to new heights, and helped change the way the aftermarket views the future of pushrodengine performance. Different from all previous GM engines, LS-series engines all feature a number of innovations that set them apart from previous GM-produced V-8s.
Even the legendary big-block Chevrolet engine has ended its long production run at GM. At countless car shows, the LS-series engines have become a common sight in old-school GM iron. The LS-series engine is the future of the automotive hobby and it can now be transplanted into nearly any chassis imaginable. The expanding variations of the LS engine, combined with over 10 years of production, has created an abundance of engines that are suitable for retrofitting. This book will offer an illustrated overview of the LS conversion process and outline several options on completing a conversion in various applications. It will also provide insight into these swaps with tips and tricks that will help the first-time engine swapper as well as the seasoned LS conversion junkie.
The following chapters will take the guesswork out of the installation process and save you time and money by demonstrating how to properly install an LS engine into vehicles not originally equipped with one. You'll also find information about the unique features that affect a modern LS engine that has been transplanted. All the steps from finding the right engine to mounting the drivetrain, plumbing fuel systems, wiring electronics and completing cooling systems and exhaust systems is discussed in detail. This installation advice comes from the best sources in the industry including GM Performance Parts, Retro LSX, Street and Performance (S&P), Car Shop Inc., and countless others.
Any conversion can proceed smoothly if all aspects of the swap are planned and budgeted before getting knee deep in the project. To that end, I strongly urge you to read the California Swap Guidelines beginning on page 87. Although every state has its own rules on swaps, many have or are in the process of adopting California's.
Engine swaps can become unnecessarily expensive without proper planning. This book will help avoid the common pitfalls and keep you from ending up with a garage full of expensive, unused parts.
Shawn Henderson
