Table of Contents
Acknowledgments Part 1: LS Gen IV
Chapter 1: LS Gen IV Engine Overview
LS2 Differences
Performance Gains
Retrofitting the LS
Chapter 2: Engine Blocks
Stock Blocks
Modifying the Stock Aluminum Block
Disabling Performance-Robbing Displacement on Demand
Main Caps
Aftermarket Blocks
Chapter 3: Crankshafts and Connecting Rods
Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel
Crank Snout Length
Connecting Rods
Rod Bearings
Crank Stroke and Rod Length
Aftermarket Connecting Rods
High-Performance Crankshafts
Chapter 4: LS7, LS3, and LS9 Cylinder Heads
LS7
LS3
L92
LS9
Cylinder Head Interchangeability
Water Temp Holes
Rocker Arm Pedestal Rails
Aftermarket Performance Heads
Selecting a Cylinder Head
Chapter 5: Pistons
Piston Compression Height
Bore Size, Dome, and Compression Ratio
Skirt-to-Wall Clearance
Piston and Rod Orientation
Skirts and Major/Minor Thrust
Offset Pin
Piston Coatings
Chapter 6: Camshafts and Lifters
Camshaft Terminology
Factory Camshafts
Active Fuel Management (AFM)
Intake and Exhaust Difference
Camshaft Firing Order
Hydraulic or Solid
Cam Gears
Lifters and Lifter Guides
Chapter 7: Rocker Arms
Stock LS Rocker Arm Trunnion Upgrades
Tool Note
Aftermarket Rockers
High-Performance Rocker Arms
Chapter 8: Oiling Systems
Rear Main Seal
High-Pressure/Volume Upgrade
Dry Sump
Oil Pressure Sensor
Chapter 9: EFI and Intake Manifolds
Intake Manifolds
Throttle Body Injection
Fuel Injector Size
Low Impedance versus High Impedance
Part II: Two High-Performance LS Builds
Chapter 10: Dual-Carb LS 408
Block
Camshaft
Crankshaft
Connecting Rods
Pistons
Timing Set
Oil Pump
Cylinder Heads
Lifters
Pushrods
Water Pump
Crank Damper
Intake Manifold
Carburetors
Ignition
Our Dyno Results
Chapter 11: Dart LS Next Build
The LS Next Block
Machining the LS Next Block
Crankshaft Balancing
Pistons
Connecting Rods
Camshaft
Timing Set
Piston/Rod Assembly
Oil Pump
Oil Pan
Lifters
Crank Damper
Cylinder Head Installation
Rockers
Pushrods
Intake System
Ignition Coils
The LS Next Dyno Session
Chapter 12: Assembly Procedures
Crankshaft Installation
Cylinder Head Installation
OEM Lifter Buckets
Rear Oil Diverter
Rear Main Seal Installation
Front Cover
Valley Plate
Crank Damper/Pulley Installation
Timing Chain Damper
Connecting Rod Bolts
Changing Camshafts
Valve Cover Swap
Carb Setup on LS
Custom Cylinder Head Steam Plumbing
Hose Lengths
Appendix
Source Guide