How it's done
Step 1: Consultation and Power Goals
It all starts with a dream, we help that dream become reality.
Once we discuss things such as budget, power goals, and packaging, the process of building your dream vehicle begins.
Whether you're looking to completely re-power your ride or simply step up in displacement, the GM LS platform is an amazing starting point.
Available in sizes ranging from 4.8L all the way to 7.0L or even bigger stroker builds and power levels from 300-1500+ horsepower, the sky is the limit.
Step 2: Sourcing of Engine and Parts
With an understanding of your goals, we can now get to work with piecing together your dream build.
We'll figure out all the details needed to adapt your vehicle to accept it's new power-train, this includes, but is not limited to:
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-Aftermarket swap kits (engine and transmission mounts, transmission adaptor)
-Engine management and wiring harness
-Accessory drives components
-Engine components (camshafts, valve springs, lifters etc)
-Modifications to fuel system
Step 3: Engine Tear Down and Reassembly (used engine)
If a second hand engine is better suited for the application and/or budget, we take the steps necessary to ensure longevity and reliability. These steps include, but are not limited to:
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-Heat tanking bare engine blocks
-Heat tank and polishing crank shaft
-New main, rod, and cam bearings
-Vacuum testing head for proper sealing and checking flatness
-Verifying proper piston ring gap
-Complete engine reseal kit
-New timing chain components
-New spark plugs
-Installation of any aftermarket components
Step 4: Heart transplant surgery
Only once your swap components are ready to go, do we ask you to bring the vehicle.
This allows us to maximize the space in our parking lot and let's you drive your vehicle in the meantime.
When the time does come, we then go through the entire process of removing the factory engine and starting the process of adapting the vehicle to accept it's new LS power-plant.
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This includes
-Installing the aftermarket ECU and wiring harness
-Making any sort of fuel lines necessary
-Converting non-return fuel systems
-Installing shifter adaptors to line up with OEM shifter locations
-Making sure aftermarket driveshafts properly fit
-Modifications to cooling systems
Some applications (such as Miatas) require cutting and reworking of the engine bay and transmission tunnels to make enough space to accept the new package.
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Step 5: Break in period
Once all work is complete and has been thoroughly tested, do we then return the car.
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We urge owners to fight the excitement and not slam on the loud pedal leaving the parking lot!
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Components such as the camshaft, piston rings, new bearings, and clutch all require this break in period to allow the material to go through a few heat cycles, reducing the possibility of warping and premature damage.
We recommend keeping it under 4,000 RPM for the first 500 miles and off the redline until 1000.
Once you hit 1000, we'll have you come in for a routine check and oil change.
The first oil change allows us to check for any early signs of a malfunction and also rid the engine of any remaining assembly lubricants that could remain in the system.
If we're satisfied with how all the components and tune are holding up, at this point, you have the green light to let her rip.
Step 6: Go have fun
You have a battalion of bald eagles furiously screaming under your hood, ready to liberate the tires of all traction. George Washington himself would spit out his wooden teeth if you gave him a ride along.
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Be safe, and ease into it if this is your first time driving a vehicle with so much torque and throttle response.
Turn some heads, hurt some feelings, and enjoy the smiles per gallon.
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