How to Swap LS & LT Engines into Chevy & GMC Trucks: 1960-1998
In the last few years of the automotive collector market, light trucks have become a hot commodity—especially Chevy trucks. Unlike in the past, heavily modified vehicles command a premium over stock restorations. Owners of these trucks, which were often fairly crude and not much fun to drive, are demanding modern performance and technology in each system. The brakes, suspension, steering, air conditioning, and electronics can be upgraded to make your old truck drive like new. Of course, the drivetrain is arguably the most important part of that equation, and that means swapping an LS or LT engine and a modern transmission into your classic Chevy truck.
To perform a successful LS or LT engine swap into an older Chevy truck, proper planning, the right combination of parts, and the correct information is required to complete the project. How to Swap LS & LT Engines into Chevy & GMC Trucks: 1960–1998 provides instruction and guidance for selecting the best engine for your budget, choosing the adapter plates and engine mounts, dropping the engine into the truck, selecting the ideal transmission and drivelines, and completing all facets of the swap. You must ensure that all of the other components on the car are compatible with the engine, so author Bryant instructs you how to integrate the electronic engine control system; select and install the exhaust, intake, and fuel pumps; and upgrade the cooling system for the high-performance LS and LT.
While the swapping process is covered in detail, the author also provides a helpful LS and LT engine guide. This helps you find the best option for your application and understand the different considerations for these two engines. Whether you are ready to get started right now or want to use this book to determine whether you want to tackle this project, this book is essential to making informed decisions along the way.
In the last few years of the automotive collector market, light trucks have become a hot commodity—especially Chevy trucks. Unlike in the past, heavily modified vehicles command a premium over stock restorations. Owners of these trucks, which were often fairly crude and not much fun to drive, are demanding modern performance and technology in each system. The brakes, suspension, steering, air conditioning, and electronics can be upgraded to make your old truck drive like new. Of course, the drivetrain is arguably the most important part of that equation, and that means swapping an LS or LT engine and a modern transmission into your classic Chevy truck.
To perform a successful LS or LT engine swap into an older Chevy truck, proper planning, the right combination of parts, and the correct information is required to complete the project. How to Swap LS & LT Engines into Chevy & GMC Trucks: 1960–1998 provides instruction and guidance for selecting the best engine for your budget, choosing the adapter plates and engine mounts, dropping the engine into the truck, selecting the ideal transmission and drivelines, and completing all facets of the swap. You must ensure that all of the other components on the car are compatible with the engine, so author Bryant instructs you how to integrate the electronic engine control system; select and install the exhaust, intake, and fuel pumps; and upgrade the cooling system for the high-performance LS and LT.
While the swapping process is covered in detail, the author also provides a helpful LS and LT engine guide. This helps you find the best option for your application and understand the different considerations for these two engines. Whether you are ready to get started right now or want to use this book to determine whether you want to tackle this project, this book is essential to making informed decisions along the way.
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Gen III, Gen IV, and Gen V Engines
LS-Series Engines
Gen III: The Evolution of V-8 Performance
Gen III Vortec Engines
Gen IV: Improving the Legend
Gen IV Vortech Engines
Gen V LT-Series Engines
Sourcing an Engine
Chapter 2: Engine and Transmission Mounts
1963–1966 C10
1967–1972 C10
1963–1972 K10
1973–1987 C10
1973–1987 K10
1988–1998 C1500
1988–1998 K1500
Universal Adapter Plates
Early-Style Adapters
1973-and-Newer Clamshell Universal Adapters
Transmissions
Chapter 3: Oil Pans, Pan Modifications, and Aftermarket Options
Stock Oil Pans
LS Oil Pans
Gen V Oil Pans
Aftermarket Gen III and Gen IV Oil Pans
Sump Eliminator Kit
Oil System Modifications
Adding Oil Coolers
Chapter 4: Accessory Drives and Cooling Systems
Stock Gen III and Gen IV Accessory Drives
Gen V Accessory Drives
Stock Drives
Aftermarket Drives
Cooling Systems
Factory Radiators
Overflow Tanks
Steam Lines
LT1 Cooling Systems
Adapters
Chapter 5: Transmissions
Automatics
Manual Transmissions
Hydraulic Clutch System
Transfer Case
Chapter 6: Wiring a C10 LS/LT Swap
LS Engine Harness Considerations
Cam Sensor Locations
Factory ECM Pinouts
LT Engine Harness Considerations
Aftermarket Harnesses
Gauges
Factory Harness Integration
Sensors
1991 GMT400 Gauge Wiring
Oil Sensors
Coolant
Chapter 7: ECMs and Initial Setup
LS ECMs
LT ECMs
Aftermarket ECMs
Displacement on Demand/Active Fuel Management Delete
Throttle Pedals
Tuning Software
Chapter 8: Fuel Syste
Fuel Pumps
1960–1972
1973–1987
Universal Modules
Chapter 9: Air Intake and Exhaust
Air Intake
Building an Air Intake
Vacuum and PCV Issues with LT Engines
Exhaust
Stock LS Manifolds
Stock LT Exhaust Manifolds
Aftermarket Headers
Catalytic Convertors
Source Guide