How to Rebuild GM LS-Series Engines

by Chris Werner

Overview

This book gives considerations for both stock and performance rebuilds and guides you through both the easy and tricky procedures, showing you how to rebuild your engine and ensure it is working perfectly. As with all Workbench titles, this book details and highlights special components, tools, chemicals, and other accessories needed to get the job done right, the first time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613252611
Publisher:	CarTech Inc.
Publication date:	05/14/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	152
Sales rank:	713,404
File size:	55 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Since 1998, Chris Werner has been a regular contributor to several enthusiast automotive publications, most notably GM High-Tech Performance. Modifying small-block-powered GMs since his teenage years, his interests led him to seek a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating with honors from Clemson University, he attended law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Now an attorney admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, he specializes in automotive lemon, warranty, and product liability law. Yet, he still manages to spend every spare waking moment fueling his true passion, namely, upping the performance of GM muscle cars.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     5
Introduction: What is a Workbench Book?     6
The Small-Block Reborn: GM's Gen III and IV V-8s     9
Generation I     10
Generation II     10
The Gen III Era Begins     11
The Gen IV: Improvements Abound     14
Determining Whether Your Engine is a Gen III/IV     16
The Small-Block Lives!     17
Engine Rebuilding: Skills, Techniques and Tools     18
What is a "Rebuild?"     18
Do I Need a Rebuild?     19
Who Can Perform a Rebuild?     20
What Tools are Needed?     20
Where Can a Rebuild be Performed?     26
Conclusion     26
Engine Disassembly     28
Organization Techniques     28
Step-By-Step Engine Disassembly     30
Parts Inspection and Selection     46
Parts Selection Words of Wisdom     46
Engine Block     47
Rotating Assembly     48
Cylinder Heads     58
Valvetrain     61
Gaskets     63
Fasteners     64
Other Engine Parts     65
Conclusion     66
The MachineShop     67
Selecting a Machine Shop     67
Before Heading to the Machine Shop     68
Block Machine Work     69
Crankshaft Machine Work     72
Connecting Rod Machine Work     73
Piston Machine Work     74
Balancing the Rotating Assembly     75
Cylinder Head Machine Work     77
Other Machining Processes     79
Final Machine Shop Notes     79
Component Cleaning and Preparation     80
Cleaning Supplies     81
Safety First!     83
Final Hints     84
Step-By-Step Engine Component Cleaning     84
Pre-Assembly Procedures     92
Do I Really Need to Pre-Assemble?     92
Pre-Assembly Supplies     92
Step-By-Step Pre-Assembly Procedures     93
What If Anything Goes Wrong?     94
Pre-Assembly Complete     110
Final Assembly     111
Before You Begin     111
Final Assembly Supplies     111
Step-By-Step Final Assembly Procedures     113
Break-In and Tuning     140
Engine Reinstallation     140
Final Preparation      140
Start-Up     141
Break-In     141
ECM/PCM Tuning     143
Conclusion     144
General Calculations for Rotating Assembly     145
Compression Ratio Calculation     146
Helpful Unit Conversions     147
Glossary of Common Abbreviations     147
Work-A-Long Sheets     148
Typical Gen III/IV Fastener Tightening Specifications     151
Source Guide     152

Editorial Reviews

"Werner is well versed in all things LS, and his experience comes through here on every page." -Super Chevy, September 2008

Super Chevy

Book mention in tech section.

GM High-Tech Performance

Product mention.

Corvette Enthusiast

Product mention.

GM High Tech Performance

Product mention.

LineChaser

Product mention.

Camaro Performers