LS Swap Guide for Chevy and GMC Trucks

LS Swap Guide for Chevy and GMC Trucks

LS Swap Guide: Every Engine, Every Platform, Every Budget

The LS swap is the single most popular engine conversion in the truck world — and for good reason. GM’s LS engine family delivers exceptional power, proven reliability, and a parts ecosystem so mature that you can build anything from a simple bolt-in daily driver to a 700-horsepower track weapon. This guide covers every LS engine variant, all four full-size Chevy and GMC truck platforms — Squarebody (1973–1987), GMT400/OBS (1988–1998), GMT800 (1999–2006), and GMT900 (2007–2013) — real-world cost breakdowns, and everything you need to plan your build correctly the first time.

Start here before you buy: read Gen III vs Gen IV — the engine, electronics & compatibility guide, then how to identify an LS donor before you buy. This page is the big-picture overview; those two go deep on picking a compatible engine.

What Is an LS Engine?

The LS engine family is GM’s Gen III and Gen IV small-block V8 architecture, introduced in the 1997 Corvette C5 and since used across virtually every GM platform. The “LS” designation technically refers to the Gen III architecture (1997–2007), while “Gen IV” covers the updated 2005–2014 variants — but in the truck world, the term “LS swap” encompasses all of them. What makes LS engines so swap-friendly is their compact dimensions, rear-sump oil pan compatibility, and the enormous aftermarket support built up over 25+ years.

LS Engine Options: Complete Guide to Every Variant

Choosing the right LS engine for your build depends on your budget, power goals, and how much fabrication you’re willing to do. Here’s the full breakdown of every major LS variant commonly used in truck swaps.

LS1 (5.7L Gen III — 1997–2004)

The original production LS engine. Found in C5 Corvettes (345 hp), Camaros, Firebirds, and GTO. The LS1 is an excellent budget entry point for truck swaps — plentiful junkyard supply keeps prices low. Expect 310–345 hp stock. Aluminum block keeps weight down. Requires a rear-sump oil pan swap for most truck applications. Typical junkyard price: $500–$1,200 pulled.

LQ4 / LQ9 (6.0L Gen III Truck — 1999–2007)

The truck-spec 6.0L is arguably the most popular LS swap engine and for good reason. The LQ4 (325 hp) came in GMT800 work trucks and Suburbans. The LQ9 (345 hp) was the premium version in Escalades and Denalis with higher compression. Both are iron block engines, which means they’re heavy but nearly indestructible. They respond extremely well to cam swaps, heads, and intake — a basic bolt-on LQ4 with a cam and tune easily reaches 400–450 hp. Junkyard prices: $300–$800 for a long block. This is the best bang-for-the-buck LS for a budget truck build.

LS6 (5.7L Gen III — 2001–2004)

The high-performance version of the LS1, found in the C5 Z06 Corvette (385 hp). Better heads, higher compression, and a more aggressive cam than the LS1. Rarer in junkyards but a bolt-in upgrade wherever an LS1 fits. Good mid-tier option for performance-focused builds.

LS2 (6.0L Gen IV — 2005–2007)

The first Gen IV LS engine, found in the C6 Corvette (400 hp), GTO, and SSR. Aluminum block, updated cylinder heads over the LS1/LS6. Better flow, better fuel economy. The LS2 is a popular swap choice when you want aluminum block weight savings with the larger 6.0L displacement. Pairs well with forced induction. Typical used price: $1,200–$2,500.

LS3 (6.2L Gen IV — 2008–2015)

The premium naturally aspirated LS choice. Found in the C6 Corvette (430–436 hp), Camaro SS, and G8 GXP. Rectangle-port heads with exceptional flow — the LS3 heads are often used to upgrade other LS engines. Makes over 400 hp in stock trim without any modifications. The gold standard for a high-performance street truck build. Typical used price: $2,000–$4,000.

L96 & L76 (6.0L Gen IV Truck — 2007–2014)

These are the truck-spec Gen IV 6.0L engines — and the L96 and L76 are not interchangeable, so treat them as separate engines. The L96 is an iron-block 6.0L used in GMT900 and later HD work trucks, vans and fleet vehicles; per GM’s own L96 documentation it is flex-fuel (E85) capable. The L76 is a related but distinct 6.0L used across different truck, SUV and passenger-car/export applications with differing displacement-on-demand and calibration content. Verify before ordering (application-dependent): VVT and AFM/cylinder-deactivation status vary by exact RPO, year and application on these engines and must be confirmed against the specific donor rather than assumed. The L96 is an excellent budget engine with more modern features than the older LQ4/LQ9 and is a strong choice for builds that want factory driveability with good power potential. Junkyard prices: $400–$900.

L92 / L94 (6.2L Gen IV Truck — 2007–2013)

The premium truck-spec 6.2L, found in Escalades, Denali trucks, and Yukon Denalis. Features large rectangular-port cylinder heads (the same port family as the LS3), which is why “L92 heads” are a popular and relatively affordable upgrade for other LS builds. Note that “L92” is used both as an engine RPO and, loosely, as a cylinder-head/port description — confirm whether a listing means the complete engine or just the heads. Moving rectangular-port heads onto a cathedral-port engine also changes intake-manifold, injector-height and related requirements, so it is not a bolt-on-in-isolation upgrade. The L92 makes 403 hp stock. A complete junkyard L92 engine is a near-plug-and-play high-performance option for any LS swap. Typical pulled price: $1,000–$2,500.

LS7 (7.0L Gen IV — 2006–2014)

The King. Dry-sump, titanium connecting rods, 505 hp from the factory. Found only in the C6 Z06 Corvette. The LS7 is rare, expensive ($5,000–$12,000 used), and overkill for most street truck builds. For dedicated performance builds where budget is not the constraint, nothing in the naturally aspirated LS family touches it.

LSA / LS9 (Supercharged)

The LSA (556 hp, from ZL1 Camaro and CTS-V) and LS9 (638 hp, from C6 ZR1) are factory supercharged LS engines. Complex, expensive, and require significant supporting modifications. Used in extreme builds. Not practical for most truck swaps unless you have serious budget and build experience.

LS Swap by Platform: What Works Where

LS Swap: OBS Chevy / GMT400 (1988–1998)

The OBS GMT400 is one of the most popular LS swap platforms. The engine bay is spacious, the frames are robust, and the community support is massive. The factory 4L60E or 4L80E transmissions can be reused or upgraded. Key considerations for OBS LS swaps: you’ll need a motor mount adapter kit (ICT Billet and Dirty Dingo both make excellent options), a swap-specific oil pan chosen for GMT400 crossmember and steering clearance (the stock car/Corvette pan will not clear), and a standalone wiring harness or a conversion harness for the factory PCM. The most common engine choices for OBS builds are the LQ4 (budget), LS3 (performance), and LS1 (mid-range). Transmission options: the NV3500 and SM465 factory manuals can be adapted with a kit, or keep the factory 4L60E/4L80E with a PCM tune.

LS Swap: GMT800 Silverado / Sierra (1999–2006)

GMT800 trucks already came with LS engines from the factory (4.8L LR4, 5.3L LM7/L59, 6.0L LQ4/LQ9). So a “GMT800 LS swap” typically means upgrading to a larger or higher-performance engine within the same family. Swapping from the factory 4.8L or 5.3L iron block to an LS3, L92, or LQ9 is a popular upgrade. The engine mounts, wiring, and transmission tunnel are already LS-compatible — this makes GMT800 LS upgrades significantly easier and less expensive than swapping into an OBS or Squarebody. Key requirement: a tune to match the new engine’s calibration to the existing PCM or a new PCM swap.

LS Swap: GMT900 Silverado / Sierra (2007–2013)

Same story as GMT900 — these came with Gen IV LS engines from the factory. Performance upgrades follow the same path: cam swap, head swap, or full engine upgrade to the L92/LS3. The AFM/DOD delete is the most common “upgrade” on GMT900 trucks before any performance modifications are considered. A cam swap on the stock 5.3L with an AFM delete is one of the most cost-effective power upgrades in the GMT900 ecosystem.

LS Swap: Squarebody C10 / C20 (1973–1987)

Squarebody LS swaps are among the most technically involved because the factory engines were carbureted and the chassis predates EFI by decades. Key components: LS motor mounts (Hooker, ICT Billet, or Trans-Dapt), a swap-specific oil pan chosen for Squarebody crossmember, steering and 2WD/4WD clearance, a transmission crossmember modification for the 4L60E/4L80E, a full standalone EFI harness (recommended over conversion), and upgraded fuel system (return-style fuel pump and lines). The Squarebody swap community is huge — platforms like Squarebody Syndicate and FullSizeChevy have thousands of documented builds. Budget approximately $3,000–$6,000 for a complete junkyard LQ4 swap with all supporting parts in a Squarebody.

LS Swap Parts List: What You Actually Need

Here’s the core parts list every LS swap requires, regardless of platform:

  • Engine — LQ4/LQ9 for budget, LS3/L92 for performance. Ensure you get the complete engine with accessories.
  • Transmission — 4L60E (up to ~450 hp), 4L80E (heavy duty, preferred for 500+ hp builds), T56/TR6060 (manual option for performance builds).
  • Motor mounts — Platform-specific adapter kits. ICT Billet, Dirty Dingo, Hooker Blackheart are the top brands.
  • Oil pan — Use a swap-specific pan chosen for your chassis, not a “front vs rear sump” rule of thumb. The correct pan depends on crossmember, steering-linkage, engine and mount position, sump depth/location, pickup and windage-tray compatibility, stroke, and 2WD vs 4WD front-differential clearance. A popular example is the Holley 302-2 (a rear-sump wet-sump swap pan; note Holley excludes the LS7 and strokes over 3.62″).
  • Wiring harness — Either a standalone harness (PSI Conversions, Speartech) or a conversion harness matched to your PCM strategy.
  • PCM / ECM tuning — HP Tuners or EFI Live for custom tuning. Mandatory for any engine change.
  • Throttle body and intake — LS3 or FAST 102mm intakes for performance builds. Factory intake works fine for daily drivers.
  • Headers — Long-tube headers improve power significantly. Hooker Blackheart, Kooks, or American Racing Headers by platform.
  • Fuel system — High-flow in-tank pump (Walbro 255 or similar), return-style fuel system for carbureted-era swaps.
  • Radiator and cooling — Upgraded aluminum radiator recommended. Ensure correct hose routing for your platform.
  • Accessory drive — LS accessory drive swap kit or custom bracket setup. Vintage Air for Squarebody A/C integration.
  • Exhaust — Custom midpipe or cat-back matched to your headers and body style.

LS Swap Cost Breakdown: Real Numbers

Budget LevelEngineEstimated Total CostBest For
Entry / BudgetLQ4 or LQ9 junkyard$2,500–$5,000Daily driver OBS or Squarebody
Mid-RangeLS1 or LS2$5,000–$9,000Street performance builds
PerformanceLS3 or L92$9,000–$15,000Show truck / weekend driver
Full BuildLS3 + heads/cam/tune$15,000–$25,000+Dedicated performance truck

Note: These estimates include engine, transmission, mounting hardware, wiring, tuning, headers, and basic fuel system. Labor costs vary widely — a shop LS swap runs $3,000–$8,000 in labor on top of parts.

LS Swap Wiring: The Part Everyone Gets Wrong

Wiring is where most LS swaps stall out. There are two approaches:

Standalone Harness: Companies like PSI Conversions, Speartech, and Painless Performance sell pre-made harnesses designed specifically for your engine/PCM combination. You buy the harness, connect the labeled wires, and the engine runs. This is the cleanest approach for older platforms (OBS, Squarebody) that have no factory EFI infrastructure. Cost: $800–$1,800 for a quality standalone harness.

Factory PCM Conversion: For GMT800 and GMT900 upgrades (where the platform already has LS wiring), you keep the factory PCM and have the harness extended or modified to match the new engine. A HP Tuners or EFI Live tune recalibrates the PCM for the new engine specs. This is significantly cheaper and works very well for same-family engine swaps.

LS Swap Tuning: What You Need to Know

Nearly every production-donor LS swap needs some calibration work, but “every swap needs a tune, no exceptions” oversimplifies what that means. The real work splits into separate buckets: security/VATS setup so the engine will start, transmission and gear/tire configuration, injector and MAF setup, fan and emissions-readiness settings, and — separately — optional custom performance tuning. A correctly matched, pre-calibrated control package (such as a Chevrolet Performance crate control system, or an aftermarket standalone controller supplied with a valid base calibration) can arrive ready to run its specified hardware, while a mismatched junkyard PCM must be recalibrated before it drives correctly. Work out which of these your specific engine, transmission and controller combination actually needs rather than assuming one blanket tune. The two dominant tuning platforms are HP Tuners (most user-friendly, excellent community support) and EFI Live (more powerful, preferred by professional tuners). For a standalone swap, you’ll also need to configure the VATS (vehicle anti-theft) system and set up idle control, transmission shift points, and fan control. Budget $300–$600 for a professional remote tune or $150–$300 to DIY with HP Tuners if you’re willing to learn the software.

LS Swap Headers: Best Options by Platform

Headers are one of the highest-value power additions in any LS build. Long-tube headers on an otherwise stock LS engine add 25–40 hp at the crank. Key brands by platform:

  • OBS GMT400: Hooker Blackheart PN 70101302 (1-7/8″ primary tubes), American Racing Headers OBS-specific kits
  • Squarebody C10/C20: Hooker Blackheart 70201302, ICT Billet compatible kits — verify clearance with your specific motor mount position
  • GMT800 performance upgrade: Kooks 1-7/8″ long tubes, Doug Thorley headers, Flowmaster scavenger headers
  • Universal: LS1 Tech headers with a midpipe fab — requires custom work but maximum flexibility

GMT400 LS Swap Headers: Clearance, Fitment, and What Actually Bolts In

The “gmt400 ls swap headers” question is one of the most common LS-swap questions on the GMT400 platform — and the answer is more involved than a single part number. The 1988–1998 Chevy and GMC truck frame, steering, and oil pan geometry creates real-world clearance issues that don’t exist on car-platform LS swaps.

Why Stock LS Truck Manifolds Usually Don’t Fit a GMT400

The stock cast-iron exhaust manifolds from a donor LS truck (LM7, LQ4, LQ9) work in their own GMT800/GMT900 chassis but typically create problems in a GMT400 swap. Three reasons:

  • Frame rail clearance: The GMT400 frame is narrower and the LS engine sits differently on swap mounts than it does on the factory crossmember. Stock truck manifolds tend to interfere with the frame rail on at least one side, depending on motor-mount kit geometry.
  • Steering shaft interference: The driver-side stock manifold routes directly through the GMT400’s intermediate steering shaft path. Even slight contact causes long-term wear and exhaust leaks.
  • Oil pan and crossmember clearance: Stock manifolds were designed for the LS truck oil pan. When you swap to a GMT400-compatible swap oil pan, the manifold geometry can foul the crossmember.

What Headers Actually Work on a GMT400 LS Swap

The well-known options for GMT400 LS-swap headers fall into three categories:

  • Mid-length headers designed for GMT400 LS swaps: Several aftermarket manufacturers including Hooker Blackheart, Doug Thorley, and Speed Engineering produce mid-length header sets specifically for GMT400 LS-swap applications. These are the safest bet for a reasonably stock motor-mount setup.
  • Long-tube headers (platform-specific): Long-tubes deliver the strongest power gains but demand more clearance work. Long-tube swap headers exist for GMT400 LS conversions from Hooker Blackheart and American Racing Headers (made-to-order GMT400 LS kits). Long-tubes typically require minor floor pan or frame tab modifications depending on the motor-mount kit.
  • Universal swap shorty headers: Generic LS shorty headers can sometimes be made to fit a GMT400 but expect to rework the exhaust downpipe routing. This is the budget-build path — workable, but not the path of least resistance.

Verify exact part fitment against the header manufacturer’s documentation for your specific year (1988–1995 GMT400 versus 1996–1998 OBS), cab configuration (regular, extended, crew), and 2WD/4WD before ordering. Header makers publish fitment notes specifically for these distinctions; trusting a generic “GMT400 LS swap” listing can leave you with a part that needs grinding to fit.

Critical Clearance Points to Check Before Bolting In

Regardless of which headers you choose, walk these checks before the engine goes back in:

  • Intermediate steering shaft: Driver-side header collector vs steering shaft is the #1 clearance failure point on GMT400 LS swaps. Verify at least 1/2 inch clearance with the steering at full lock both directions.
  • Front oil pan kickout (4WD only): The 4×4 GMT400 front differential crossmember runs close to the LS oil pan kickout. Header tubes can foul the diff housing if the motor sits too far forward in the cradle.
  • Starter: The LS starter ear is close to the driver-side header collector. Standard LS starters with a properly cut starter heat shield clear most long-tubes. Mini starters help significantly if you’ve already tried and got contact.
  • Frame rail: Both passenger and driver-side primary tubes should clear the frame rail by at least 3/8 inch. Tight clearance on a cold engine becomes hard contact when the headers heat-soak.
  • Brake booster (1996–1998 OBS): OBS trucks with the larger brake booster have less driver-side clearance than 1988–1995 GMT400s. Long-tube fitment is tighter on 1996-up.

Year, Cab, and Drive Distinctions That Change the Answer

  • 1988–1995 GMT400: Generally the most forgiving for header fitment — smaller brake booster, simpler frame layout.
  • 1996–1998 OBS: Larger brake booster intrudes into driver-side clearance. Some long-tube kits that fit 1988–1995 trucks will not fit 1996–1998 OBS without modification.
  • 2WD vs 4WD: 4WD adds the front diff crossmember and changes oil-pan geometry; verify your header set is listed as 4WD-compatible.
  • Regular cab vs ext/crew: Cab length itself doesn’t usually affect header fitment, but exhaust routing downstream of the headers does change.

Common GMT400 Header Install Mistakes

  • Ignoring motor-mount geometry: ICT Billet, Hooker Blackheart, Dirty Dingo, and Trans-Dapt all locate the LS slightly differently in the GMT400 cradle. A header designed against one mount kit may foul on another.
  • Reusing donor-truck exhaust manifold gaskets: New multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets cost $20–$40 and last the life of the engine. Reusing old gaskets is the most common cause of post-install leaks.
  • Skipping the heat shield: GMT400 starters live close to header collectors. Without a starter heat wrap or shield, the solenoid can hot-soak and fail to engage on hot restart.
  • Anti-seize on header bolts: LS heads use M8 bolts into aluminum. Anti-seize prevents thread damage at the next removal — skip it once and you’ll be drilling out broken bolts later.

Common LS Swap Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wrong oil pan: A stock car/Corvette LS pan usually will not clear a truck crossmember and can create pickup and clearance problems. Choose a swap-specific pan matched to your chassis, engine position and 2WD/4WD front-differential clearance rather than assuming a generic “front-sump” pan.
  • Skipping the tune: Running a swapped LS without a proper tune causes rich/lean conditions, poor idle, and long-term engine damage. Always tune.
  • Cheap motor mounts: Flex-plate cracking and vibration issues trace back to poor motor mount fitment. Buy quality mounts from proven brands.
  • Ignoring the cooling system: The LS runs hot under hard use in a heavier truck chassis. Upgrade the radiator and ensure your coolant routing is correct for your platform.
  • Forgetting the fuel system: Especially critical for Squarebody and OBS builds — the factory mechanical fuel pump setup cannot feed an EFI LS engine. A return-style EFI fuel system is mandatory.

LS Swap by Platform

Every full-size Chevy and GMC truck generation has its own quirks, parts ecosystem, and common build paths. Here’s a detailed breakdown for each platform — what mounts work, what oil pan you need, which engine makes the most sense, and where to find more information.

Squarebody (1973–1987 C/K)

The Squarebody C10 and K10 are among the most popular LS swap hosts in the country, and the aftermarket has responded with complete bolt-in solutions. For frame mounts, ICT Billet PN 551170 and Hooker Blackheart PN 71221305-1 are the two most widely used motor mount kits — both correctly position the LS relative to the firewall without requiring frame modifications. The factory crossmember typically needs to be modified or replaced with a transmission crossmember kit specific to the 4L60E or 4L80E. Some builders opt for a complete aftermarket crossmember from Hamburger’s Performance or Chassis Engineering for a cleaner install.

The LM7 (5.3L iron block) and LQ4 (6.0L iron block) are the most common engine choices for Squarebody builds — both are affordable, durable, and commonly use a swap-specific oil pan such as the Holley 302-2 — which is actually a rear-sump wet-sump pan designed to add front clearance for swaps, not a “front-sump” pan. Pan choice still has to be verified against your crossmember, steering linkage, engine and mount position, and 2WD/4WD front-differential clearance. The LM7 makes 270–295 hp stock while the LQ4 pushes 325 hp, with both responding well to cam-and-tune upgrades that push output past 400 hp without touching the heads.

Steering shaft clearance is the most common surprise on Squarebody builds. The factory intermediate shaft runs close to the driver-side of the LS block and, depending on mount kit geometry, some installs require a collapsible or telescoping replacement — Flaming River FR1820 or an Ididit column-drop kit — to eliminate contact. Always mock up the engine with the shaft installed and turned to full lock in both directions before committing to the final motor position. For the complete platform overview including rust locations, cab specs, and full build stages, see the Squarebody C10 Complete Guide.

GMT400 / OBS (1988–1998 C/K)

The GMT400 is the most extensively documented LS swap platform in full-size truck history. The engine bay is spacious, the frame is robust, and decades of community builds mean nearly every fitment problem has been solved. For motor mounts, ICT Billet PN 551453 is the most widely used OBS LS swap kit; Dirty Dingo’s OBSCK-LS-KIT is a strong alternative. Both correctly position the LS relative to the steering shaft and front crossmember.

Oil pan: The rear-sump car/Corvette LS pan will foul the GMT400 crossmember. The Holley 302-2 Swap Series oil pan is the standard solution. On 4WD builds, confirm the pan clears the front differential crossmember before finalizing. Transmission: the 4L60E handles builds up to 400–425 rwhp reliably; for higher power or serious towing, step up to the 4L80E and plan for a different crossmember location plus a driveshaft length adjustment. Wiring harness: PSI Conversions and Speartech both produce plug-and-play standalone harnesses for OBS applications covering the P01/P59 PCM route and full standalone ECM options. See the OBS Chevy LS Swap Wiring Harness Guide for a full vendor comparison and connector-level detail.

GMT800 (1999–2006 Silverado / Sierra)

The GMT800 is the easiest LS “swap” platform because it already shipped from the factory with an LS engine — the 4.8L LR4, 5.3L LM7/L59, or 6.0L LQ4/LQ9. Engine mounts, wiring, PCM, and transmission tunnel are all LS-native, making an engine upgrade dramatically simpler and less expensive than a true swap into an older platform. The two most common reasons to swap: a high-mileage engine that is worn out — on the 5.3L LM7 that usually means general high-mileage wear or a leaking oil-pump pickup-tube O-ring, not AFM lifter failure, because the LM7 is a Gen III non-AFM engine with no AFM lifters — or an owner who simply wants more displacement and power without a full teardown.

For a budget upgrade, a junkyard LQ9 (6.0L, 345 hp stock) drops in with minimal modifications and an HP Tuners or EFI Live retune — total parts cost typically stays under $2,500. For a performance build, the L92 (6.2L, 403 hp) or an LS3 crate engine (430 hp) are the top choices; both respond well to cam-and-tune work and reach 450–500+ rwhp on a mild build. Key technical note: crank reluctor count and cam signal must match your controller — don’t infer them from the generation name. Most Gen III truck engines (LM7, LQ4) use a 24x crank reluctor with a 1x cam signal, and most later Gen IV engines use 58x/4x — but there are real transition exceptions. The 2005 LS2, for instance, is a Gen IV engine that still uses 24x/1x with an early controller, while the 2006 LS2 moved to 58x/4x. Verify the crank reluctor, cam signal and the matching PCM and crank sensor on the exact engine you are buying before you commit. See the GMT800 Vortec Engines guide for full spec comparisons across the 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 8.1 lineup.

GMT900 (2007–2013 Silverado / Sierra)

GMT900 trucks came with Gen IV LS engines standard across the entire lineup — the 4.8L LY2/L20, 5.3L LMG/LY5/LC9, 6.0L L96, and 6.2L L92/L94 in Denali and Escalade variants. Because the factory already installed capable LS power, the most common and cost-effective performance path on a GMT900 is not a full engine swap — it’s a cam swap + AFM delete + tune on the existing 5.3L or 6.0L. This combination reliably adds 50–80 hp, eliminates the AFM lifter failure risk that plagues high-mileage 5.3L engines, and keeps factory driveability intact. Popular cam choices include the Texas Speed 228/228 and the COMP Cams 54-454-11 — both work on stock valvetrain with a quality tune and produce strong results without requiring a converter or additional supporting mods.

For those who want more displacement, the 6.2L L92 or LS3 installs on factory mounts with a PCM retune. No crankshaft sensor changes are required since all Gen IV GMT900 engines already run the 58x reluctor wheel. The AFM delete is almost always step one on any GMT900 performance build before cam work or engine swaps are considered — see the AFM Delete Guide for 5.3L Silverado for the complete procedure including cam options, lifter replacement specs, and tuning notes.

LS Swap Resources on FullSizeChevy

FullSizeChevy has detailed guides covering every major LS swap scenario. Whether you’re dropping an LQ4 into an OBS, building a Squarebody restomod, or upgrading a GMT800 with an L92, the FSC community has documented it. Browse the LS Swap category for platform-specific walkthroughs, or head to the FSC Forum to post your build questions and get feedback from experienced builders.

📊 Chevy or GMC? See our detailed comparison: Chevy Silverado vs GMC Sierra — Which Should You Buy?

📅 Buying a Silverado? See our Best Year Silverado to Buy — generation-by-generation guide and our complete Chevy truck reliability guide.

🆚 Comparing trucks? See our Chevy Silverado vs Ford F-150 honest comparison.

💰 Budget planning? See our LS swap cost breakdown guide — real numbers for every component.

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