Mix and match parts for your LS engine to maximize power on a budget!
With its debut in 1997, the General Motors LS-series engine arguably became the most popular V-8 engine in the world. It was first offered in Corvettes and then migrated to the entire General Motors lineup (where V-8s were offered), and millions have been manufactured. These engines are compact, powerful, and abundantly available through salvage yards and crate-engine programs. Due to being manufactured for more than 20 years, many versions of the LS-engine platform exist, including more than 30 variants. Many parts are interchangeable, but some are not.
In LS Engine Parts Interchange: 1997–2020, veteran LS-engine authors Joseph Potak and Jefferson Bryant present a wealth of knowledge regarding which parts work well together and which parts do not. Parts that are covered include engine blocks, rotating assemblies, cylinder heads, camshafts and the valvetrain, oiling systems, intake manifolds, electronic engine controls, and more.
Which cam works best for your application? Perhaps you are interested in building a stroker with factory parts. Can you retrofit the free-flowing Gen IV heads onto a Gen III block? This book covers each of these topics. If you would like to extract more horsepower using all factory parts, if you want to plan for a swap, or if you simply want to know more about the entire LS engine family, this book is a vital resource. r
About the Authors
Introduction
Chapter 1: Production LS-Series Engines
5.7L LS-Series Gen III Engines
Vortec Family Gen III Engines
Gen IV Powertrains
Gen IV Performance Engines
Gen IV Vortec Truck Engines
Active Fuel Management
Variable Valve Timing
Gen III and Gen IV Identification
Chapter 2: Engine Blocks
5.7L Gen III Aluminum Engine Block LS1/LS6
4.8L/5.3L Gen III Iron Engine Blocks LR4/LM7/L59
5.3L Gen III Aluminum Engine Blocks L33/LM4
6.0L Gen III Iron Engine Block LQ4/LQ9
6.0L Gen IV Aluminum Engine Block LS2/L76/L77
6.2L Gen IV Aluminum Engine Block (Naturally Aspirated Applications) LS3/L99
6.2L Gen IV Aluminum Engine Block (Supercharged Applications) LSA/LS9
7.0L Gen IV Aluminum Engine Block LS7
4.8L/5.3L Gen IV Iron Engine Block LY2/L20/LY5/LMG/LMF
5.3L Gen IV Aluminum Engine Block LH6/LH8/LH9/LC9
6.0L Gen IV Iron Engine Block
Aftermarket Blocks: LSX, RHS, and LSR
Block Upgrades
Chapter 3: Rotating Assembly Components
Factory LS-Series Crankshafts
Reluctor Wheels
Connecting Rods
Pistons
Rotating Assembly Balancing
Internal Engine Critical Clearances
Performance Rotating Assemblies (Stroker Kits)
Weaknesses and Upgrades
Chapter 4: Cylinder Heads and Valvetrain
Cathedral-Port Cylinder Heads
Rectangle-Port Cylinder Heads
L92, L94, L76, L98, and L99 versus LS3, LSA, and LS9 Cylinder Heads
LS7 Cylinder Heads
Ported Cylinder Heads
Aftermarket Cylinder Heads: Performance Castings
OEM Valve Springs
Aftermarket Valve Springs
OEM Rocker Arms and Upgrades
Chapter 5: Camshafts and Hardware
Gen III and Gen IV Camshaft Basics
Rocker Arms
Pushrods
Dial-Indicator Method
Counting Turns Method
Hydraulic Lifters
Lifter Tray Designs
Active Fuel Management Lifters
Timing Chains
Timing Chain Guide/Tensioners
Cam Bearings
Chapter 6: Crankcase and Oiling Systems
Oil Pans
Aftermarket Oil Pans
Engine Oil Pump
Sticking Pressure Regulator
AFM Oil-Pressure Regulator
Oil Pump Modifications
Melling Oil Pumps
Supplemental Oil-System Upgrades
Chapter 7: LS Intake Manifolds and Accessory Drives
Gen III Intakes: Performance Cars
Gen III Intakes: Trucks/SUVs
Gen IV Intakes: Performance Cars
Gen IV Intakes: Truck Versions
Factory Supercharged Engine Supercharger Fitment
FWD Intake Manifold
Accessory Drives
Chapter 8: LS Engine Controls
Gen III Engine Controllers
Gen IV Engine Controllers
Aftermarket ECMs
Chapter 9: External Covers, Fasteners, Gaskets, and Seals
External Cover Sealing
Water-Pump Gaskets
Gen III Valve/Rocker Covers
Front Timing Covers
Timing-Cover Gasket and Crankshaft Seal
Rear Cover and Crankshaft Seal
Cylinder-Head Gaskets
Aftermarket Head Gaskets
OEM Head Bolts
ARP Head Bolts and Studs
Main Bolts
Windage Tray Spacing
Gen III Valley Plates
Gen IV Valley Plates
Coolant Pipe Gaskets (Steam Lines)
Crankshaft Bolts
Flywheel/Flexplate Bolts
Camshaft Retainer Plate
Appendix: LS-Series Engine Torque and Bolt Specifications: 1997–2020 Gen III and Gen IV
Soure Guide
1-800-551-4754 
