The GEN 5 LT1 and LT4 engines are equipped with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) controlled by a cam phaser. A cam phaser is a computer-controlled cam gear that optimizes camshaft timing based on load and engine RPM. Engine oil is fed to the phaser through a computer-controlled solenoid into the control chambers. This technology was …
2007 Z06 Corvette Custom Build
When you are building custom cars there is always that one project that seems to just keep on going. This is the case with this Z06. I received the Corvette with an A&A 6 rib kit, cam, Kooks long-tube headers, Dewitts radiator and an ARE dry sump upgrade. The customer was in love with the …
LS Throttle Body Guide
Since the introduction of the LS engine in 1997 there have been several variations of throttle bodies. They have ranged from the original cable driven, three bolt 78mm, all the way up the 90mm, electronically controlled four bolt found on the LS3. Depending on your application a larger throttle body can provide some additional power. …
LS Engine Technical Specifications
GEN III 1997-2005 LS1 5.7L Aluminum block and heads 345 HP at 5600 RPM 350 LB FT at 4400 RPM 3.898” bore 3.622” stroke 346 CID 10.25:1 compression ratio Cathedral Port Cylinder Heads LS6 5.7L Aluminum block and heads 2001 385 HP 385 LB FT TQ 2002-2004 405 HP 400 LB FT TQ 3.989” bore …
LS Valve Cover Upgrade
One of the most effective ways to upgrade the look of an LS engine is to change the valve covers. The OE valve covers are made from cast aluminum and have a rough, unfinished look that is not very appealing. The ignition coils are mounted to a bracket or directly to the valve covers depending …
LS Timing and Rear Cover Alignment
The LS engine uses front timing cover and rear main seal cover made from cast aluminum. Each has a seal pressed in to keep the oil on the crankshaft from leaking out. Between each cover and the engine block are seals made from stamped aluminum impregnated with a rubber seal. Aligning these covers is critical …
LS Rocker Arm Upgrade
Look around these days at any car show or race track and you will find some kind of performance vehicle running an LS engine. From the street to the desert to the water, the LS engine has been proven to make exceptionally high, reliable power while remaining compact and light weight. A perfect combination for …
A Look into LS Cylinder Heads
There are a wide variety of OE, original equipment GM LS cylinder heads that flow excellent numbers and perform right from the production line. Depending on the application, the L92/LS3/LS7 cylinder head can support well over 1000+ horsepower. Take these heads and have them Custom CNC ported by a company like West Coast Cylinder Heads …
The Horsepower Wars Continue 2015 Corvette Z06 650HP 650LB-FT Torque
If you thought the horsepower wars were coming to an end, think again. GM announced this week the horsepower and torque ratings for the all new LT4 engine. Accomplished with a single camshaft and only 2 valves per cylinder, this should have the Europeans worried. The 2015 Corvette Z06’s 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 is the most …
LSA Supercharger Issues
GM has identified a problem on the 6.2L Supercharged LSA Engine found in the Camaro ZL1 and Cadillac CTS-V. Reports show that a rattle may develop from a bearing on the main input shaft. The grease in the shaft bearing may become contaminated causing the bearing to overheat and fail. Leading up to this owners …
LS Coils and Plug Wires
Performance Distributors offers an upgraded ignition coil for LS series engines. They produce additional voltage over the stock coil to help produce more power, better throttle response, quicker starting and smoother idle. Each coil produces 7000 additional volts and will fire plug gaps up to .065”. They will bolt up to the factory brackets in …
Project LS3 Conversion Segment 3
Segment 3 of the LS3 Conversion is focused on the camshaft installation and some detail work. With the short block complete I next installed the ARP head studs and PFADT Racing solid engine mounts. Going from a liquid filled mount to a solid makes a big difference in how the entire car feels. With an …
The All New Small Block Chevrolet
The Small Block Chevrolet as we know it started out in 1955 as a 265 cubic inch V8. In the past 59 years there have been substantial strides in technology, efficiency and durability. The latest debuts in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. There are three all new EcoTec3 engines available on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in …
Project LS3 Conversion Segment 2
Segment 2 of the LS3 Conversion focused on the cylinder heads. Matching the camshaft, combustion chamber volume and port design will yield excellent results in power and reliability. For help with this, The LSX Dr. called upon West Coast Cylinder Heads (WCCH) in Reseda, CA. WCCH is one of the premiere machine shops in the …
Project LS3 Conversion Segment 1
If you have a GEN5 Camaro with an automatic transmission then you are most likely familiar with the Active Fuel Management feature on the L99. For some drivers, they like the feature of 4 cylinders deactivating on the highway to save fuel. Others are annoyed at the exhaust drone and lack of performance. One popular …
GM Reveals Three New Gen V EcoTec3 Engines
On December 13, 2012, GM revealed three new Gen V EcoTec3 engines. All three will be available in the 2014 Silverado/Sierra full size pickups. GM engineers have designed these engines to be used for the way customers use their trucks in the real world. All three engines feature direct fuel injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable …
5.3L Silverado Engine Build
The LS series family of engines from GM has proven to be one of the most reliable and powerful lines in the company’s history. Ranging from 4.8 liters to the almighty 7.0L found in the ZO6 Corvette, these engines have dominated the racing world for years. There are tons of aftermarket parts available to increase …
Chevy Reveals GEN5 Small Block
The all new Chevy V8 will be designated as the LT1. It features direct fuel injection and reversed position of intake and exhaust valves. Early reports from GM say it will make over 450 horsepower. Final numbers when the 2014 Corvette is released. Specs released from GM: Engine type: 90-degree V-8 with overhead valves; continuous …
Elite Engineering Catch Can Install
Elite Engineering offers an Oil Catch Can for the GEN5 Camaro that will eliminate oil from the intake system. Installation is simple and the unit has been proven effective. Excessive oil vapors in the intake system can cause performance loss and be detrimental to the overall longevity of the engine. There are several ways excessive …
AC Delco Announces New Rapid Fire Spark Plugs
AC Delco has added 2 new Rapid Fire Spark Plugs to their lineup. These new spark plugs will cover nearly 3.3 million vehicles on the road. The new RAPIDFIRE Plugs are designed for engines running platinum tipped plugs and will also work for engines running conventional plugs. Platinum tipped plugs deliver longer life and improved …
KOOKS Long Tube Headers and Exhaust
KOOKS 1 7/8 Long Tube Headers KOOKS 3” Race Exhaust System ARP Header Studs When looking to increase Horse Power and overall Performance on your GEN5 Camaro SS installing long tube headers and a free flowing exhaust is one of the most cost effective ways of doing so. The stock manifolds and catalytic converters are …
ARP Fasteners
When is comes to bolts, studs or any kind of fasteners ARP is the world leader. Started back in 1968, ARP’s product line has expanded to thousands of part numbers to virtually include every fastener in the engine and driveline. ARP is the choice for NASCAR, NHRA, Formula 1 and IndyCar. The LSX Dr. has …
Dual Optima Battery Install
The Optima RedTop Battery is a popular choice for high performance vehicles. The RedTop will outperform and outlast traditional batteries in demanding cranking/starting applications. The RedTop is completely spill proof and can be mounted in many positions unlike traditional acid filled batteries. The LSX Dr. has done a custom Dual RedTop installation in our GEN5 …
Granatelli Spark Plug Wire Upgrade
One of the easiest ways to add more horse power to your LS Engine is installing long tube headers and a free flowing exhaust. This allows the engine to breathe and run more efficient. Long tube headers are typically made from stainless steel and stock manifolds from cast iron. Because of the different characteristics of …
How to Pin a Crankshaft
LS Based engines are equipped with a pressed on harmonic balancer that is held on with a torque to yield bolt. There is no keyway or timing mark alignment. The factory bolt is designed to be used one time as it stretches on installation. When adding a supercharger it will be necessary to “Pin” the …
Slippery When Wet
When adding a product to your car it not only has to have great aesthetics but needs to perform just as good as it looks. The Reusable oil filter from Pure Power is one such product. They are made from 6061 T6 Billet Aluminum and feature 100% Filtration through T304 Stainless Steel Media. This is …
Get Some Good Vibrations with Fluidampr
A properly balanced engine is the key to performance and longevity. The all-new Fluidampr Balancer for the GEN5 Camaro LS3 / L99 is American made and built to last. The internal silicone technology continuously self-tunes in real time. This optimizes dampening the torsional vibrations at peak levels across a broad changing frequency range. The Fluidampr …
Getting Some Fresh Air
One of the most popular and effective ways to add power to your GEN5 Camaro is the addition of a Cold Air Intake. The introduction of clean, cool air increases efficiency and power. The guys at ADM Performance have a fantastic product that accomplishes just this. They have designed a replacement air intake system that …