Swap LS Engines into Camaros & Firebirds (1967-1981)

by Eric McClellan

Overview

The 1967-1981 Camaros and Firebirds are enduring classics that include the Z28, Firebird Formula 400, and the Smokey and the Bandit edition Trans Ams. But many owners want their rides to have the latest and greatest in GM engine technology and performance, and that's the LS engine. These F-Body cars readily accept these compact, lightweight modern V-8 engines. The LS engines produce more horsepower per cubic inch than almost all other pushrod V-8 engines, so the combination of the LS engine and a Camaro or Firebird make for an extraordinary performance car. And that's precisely why these engine swaps have become so popular.

To perform a professional caliber LS engine swap into a Camaro or Firebird, you need proper planning, the right combination of parts, and information to complete the project. Swap LS Engines into Camaros & Firebirds: 1967-1981 provides excellent instruction and guidance for selecting the best engine for a budget, choosing the adapter plates and engine mounts, dropping the engine into the car, selecting the ideal transmission and drivelines, and completing all facets of the swap. You need to ensure that all the other components on the car are compatible with the engine, so author McClellan instructs readers how to integrate the electronic engine control system on the early F-Body cars as well as select and install exhaust, intake, fuel pumps, and upgrade cooling system for the high-performance LS.

While the swapping process is covered in detail, the author also provides a helpful Gen III and Gen IV LS engine guide, so the reader finds the best performing and reliable engine suited for a particular car and application, such as Pro Touring, drag racing, and high-performance street. In addition, the author explains how to shop for and buy a used LS engine from a salvage yard, so you get a good engine with all required accessories. When you are ready to swap a stock powerplant engine for a GM LS, you are going to need this book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613250310
Publisher:	CarTech
Publication date:	01/20/2014
Series:	SA Design
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	1,072,680
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Eric McClellan is a freelance automotive journalist and has written scores of articles. He holds a masters degree and works as a counselor. Eric enjoys everything automotive and competes in autocross/road racing events. He has built a first-generation Camaro in the Pro-Touring style for both street and track use.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 4
Foreword by Steven Rupp 5
Introduction 6
Chapter 1: Choosing an LS Engine 8
Selection Process 8
GM LS Engine Architecture 10
Gen III Engines 11
Gen IV Engines 13
Gen IV Vortec Engines 15
Chevrolet Performance Engines 17
Other LS Engine Builders 18
Sourcing from a Junkyard or Salvage Yard 19
Sample Junkyard Pull and Buildup: A Turbo 5.3L 20
Chapter 2: Engine and Subframe 26
Front Clip Sheet Metal 27
Stock Subframe 29
Engine Mounts 34
Oil Pans 38
Oil 41
Chapter 3: Chassis and Suspension 42
Removing the Subframe 42
Front Suspension 47
Rear Suspension 50
Wheels 52
Tires 54
Installing Mini-Tubs 56
Brake Systems 56
Chapter 4: Front-Drive Accessories 59
Camaro, Corvette, Truck and GM Kits 60
Balancers and Dampeners 63
Aftermarket Options 65
Helpful Hints 70
Chapter 5: Fuel System 71
Proper Planning 72
Fuel Pump 72
Filter 74
Hose and Fittings 75
Stock Fuel Tank Replacement 76
Tank Replacement Sources 78
AN Line Fabrication 87
Gas Pedal 88
Chapter 6: Cooling System 89
Radiator 90
Radiator Hose Location 93
Coolant Steam Line 95
Heater Outlets 95
Coolant Temperature Sensor 95
Electric Fan 95
PCV System 96
Chapter 7: Transmission 97
T56 Install 99
New-Style Transmissions 108
Classic Transmissions 108
Crossmembers 109
Bellhousing 110
Chapter 8: Wiring 111
Gauges 112
Wiring Harness 117
Adapting an LSX Wiring Harness 123
ECM Calibration 130
Chapter 9: Exhaust and Induction 131
Headers 131
Oxygen Sensors 136
Catalytic Converters 137
Induction 138
Chapter 10: Initial Start-Up 140
Systems Checks 141
Leaks 141
Nut and Bolt the Car 142
Engine Break-In: First Firing and Test-Drive 142
Source Guide 143