Chevrolet Vans: V-8 LS-Series - tuning manuals

How to Build High-Performance Chevy LS1 / LS6 V-8s - Modifying and Tuning Gen III Engines

In 1997, Chevrolet introduced a major redesign of the most popular and widely modified American engine. The small-block V-8, first launched in 1955, had long been a favorite among hot rodders and performance enthusiasts. While its displacement and technology evolved over three decades, the basic design remained largely unchanged - until the Generation III LS1/LS6 engines appeared.

The LS1 debuted in the 1997 Corvette and soon powered the Camaro, Firebird, and numerous full-size Chevrolet trucks and SUVs.

This book is essential for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance from these engines, especially those familiar only with earlier small-block designs. Illustrated with full-color photographs, it covers everything from engine removal and installation to simple bolt-on modifications. It explains the electronic controls unique to Generation III engines and provides detailed build instructions for four power levels.

Clear guidance and practical tips make this book a comprehensive resource for anyone aiming to understand, maintain, or upgrade LS1/LS6 engines.

Product details

More information about CarTech S-A Design books

Chevy LS Engine Buildups - Covers LS1 through LS9 Models

This illustrated volume brings together 50 technical articles from "Super Chevy", "Chevy High Performance*, and "GM High-Tech Performance". It explains how to achieve maximum power and efficiency from the Chevy LS family of small-block engines. The material covers practical methods, tested combinations, and expert advice for both street and race applications.

The book examines key areas such as camshaft selection, full engine builds, and the use of crate engines. It also reviews cylinder heads, exhaust systems, and various power adders. Dyno test results show the effects of different parts and setups. Additional chapters look at supercharging, engine swaps, and tuning practices.

Several project vehicles are included to demonstrate real-world applications. The guide offers clear direction for builders who want reliable and strong LS engines.

Product details

Chevy LS Engine Conversion Handbook

This illustrated guide explains how to install GM's LS small-block engines into a wide range of vehicles, one of the most popular conversions in the aftermarket. It provides a complete overview of the Chevy LS engine series and step-by-step guidance on the necessary modifications.

The book covers transmission and drivetrain swaps, fuel system integration, wiring and ECU setup, exhaust installation, and other installation requirements. Detailed instructions make the process accessible for both experienced and novice builders.

Applications include muscle cars, street rods, import vehicles, and late-model cars and trucks. The guide emphasizes practical solutions to common challenges, helping readers complete reliable and high-performing LS engine conversions.

Product details

Chevy LS1 / LS6 Performance (1997 and up)

This technical guide provides a complete overview of performance upgrades for Chevrolet's LS1 small-block engines. It covers both LS1 and LS6 models from 1997 onward, offering clear advice for improving power and efficiency.

Key topics include bolt-on modifications, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, camshafts, and valvetrain components. Fuel injection, engine block preparation, final assembly, exhaust systems, and forced induction methods are also explained in detail.
The guide is designed to help builders understand each step and select the right parts for street or track applications.

Product details

High-Performance GM LS-Series Cylinder Head Guide

GM LS-Series V-8 engines are currently among the most popular in the aftermarket. Known for their power potential, they are widely available in both new and used condition across various displacements.

Selecting the right cylinder head is essential to achieving maximum performance from an LS-based engine.

This book reviews all widely available factory and aftermarket cylinder heads for GM LS-Series engines, presenting the information in a clear, comparable format.
It includes basic dimensions, claimed airflow rates, interchangeability, combustion chamber sizes, compression ratios, applications, and performance characteristics. Additional guidance, tips, and a chapter on intake systems are also provided.

Product details

How to Build Big-Inch GM LS-Series Engines

GM LS-Series engines deliver high horsepower efficiently, making them popular in GM vehicles, hot rods, and muscle cars. Among the most common and affordable modifications is stroking the engine to increase displacement, producing higher horsepower and torque.

This book by Stephen Kim guides readers through selecting the best LS engine for stroking and the step-by-step process of building a stroker or big-inch LS engine. Topics include available stroker options, maximum stroke and bore for aluminum and iron blocks, and recommended crankshafts, rods, and pistons from various aftermarket suppliers.

Readers can choose the parts or kits that best suit their engine and budget. Kim also explores the advantages and limitations of stroking LS aluminum and iron block engines, and examines aftermarket blocks from World, Dart, and GM Performance Parts.

With clear guidance and detailed explanations, this book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to maximize performance with an LS stroker engine.

Product details

More information about CarTech S-A Design books

How to Use and Upgrade to GM Gen III LS-Series Powertrain Control Systems

This book provides a detailed guide to the GM Gen III LS-Series Powertrain Control System, highlighting its efficiency, flexibility, and cost advantages. It addresses practical applications such as transmission swaps, converting from cable to electronic throttle, integrating cruise control, eliminating the Optispark distributor on LT1/LT4 engines, adapting Gen I small-block engines to distributor-less ignition, and enabling universal OBD-II diagnostics.

Readers will learn how to use a GM Series III PCM to control fuel injection, ignition timing, cooling fans, air conditioning, and electronic overdrive transmissions in classic and modern vehicles. Performance and tuning possibilities are discussed alongside significant cost benefits, showing that these upgrades can be achieved more affordably than with many aftermarket solutions.

This book is essential for anyone planning LS-Series engine conversions or seeking a thorough understanding of modern GM control systems.

Applications:
- LS Series engines
- Small-Block Chevy
- LT1 and LT4 engines
- 1996-newer Big-Block Chevy
- 4.3 L V-6 Chevy

Product details

More information about CarTech S-A Design books