There are several choices...
There are several choices when it comes to oil pans. The LS2 ships with a low-profile cast-aluminum oil pan (note the integral oil filter mount partially obscured by the pickup tube).
These engines were introduced in 2005 and were designed to accept GM’s “displacement on demand,” or DOD technology. A new lifter oil manifold was included, the cam sprocket was redesigned, a higher-volume oil pump was used, and the oil galleys were modified. For our purposes, the benefit is these blocks will accept a larger bore.
LS2: Gen IV engines introduced the big-bore versions of the LS series. The 6.0L LS2 was the new base engine for the Corvette beginning in 2005. With a 4-inch bore and a 3.62 stroke displacement, it comes out to 364 cubic inches. Compression was 10.9:1 and it was rated at 400 horses with 400 lb-ft of torque. In addition to Corvettes, these engines were also found in Cadillac CTS-Vs, Chevrolet SSRs, and the TrailBlazer SS.
Another oil pan option is...
Another oil pan option is this road race piece from ATS.
Introduced as the new base engine for the 2008 Vette and is based on a modified LS2 block. A bigger 4.06-inch bore results in 6.2L, or 376 cubic inches. High-flow heads, a bigger cam, an improved intake manifold, and larger injectors result in 430 hp with 424 lb-ft of torque.
LS7: Found in the 2006 Corvette Z06, the LS7 has a 4.125-inch bore and a 4.125-inch stroke that results in 7.0L/427 cubic inches. Horsepower is 505 at 6,300 rpm, torque is 470 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm, and the redline is at 7,000 rpm. Inside, the aluminum block is some tough stuff-the crankshaft and main bearing caps are forged steel, connecting rods are forged titanium, and the pistons are hypereutectic. The LS7 features a dry-sump lubrication system.
LS9: This astonishing engine is the ZR1 Corvette 6.2L asphalt shredder. Super charged and equipped with a dry sump oiling system, it pumps out 638 hp at 6,500 rpm and 604 lb-ft torque at 3,800 rpm.
Headers are available in four-tube...
Headers are available in four-tube and shorty styles. These are ATS race headers for LS-powered F-body cars and may fit some trucks as well.
Chevrolet introduced these engines for one purpose, maximum performance. The LSX is described as “boost ready” and the LSX454 can be configured with fuel injection or a carburetor.
What It Takes to Join the New Generation
Installing a computer-controlled engine in a street truck has become just as easy as any other engine swap. Look no further than our advertisers index at the back of the magazine or the list below (for LS-related components) to find everything you need, including complete engines, computers, wiring harnesses, throttle bodies, headers, and all the other little doodads necessary. However, there is one little oddity that you should be aware of if you’re contemplating a Gen III or IV engine installation: the positions of the cooling systems inlet and outlets. They stick straight out and may require some clever plumbing so as not to use up valuable under-hood space in an early truck. CCT
Thanks to a variety of aftermarket...
Thanks to a variety of aftermarket harnesses, installing a computer controlled engine is now a plug and play operation.
Fast can provide an ECM to...
Fast can provide an ECM to make all the electronic components of an LS engine function as they should.
March has introduced Gen III...
March has introduced Gen III and IV pulley and bracket systems that replace the cumbersome stockers.