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How to Remove an LS1

The LS1 engine is a small block motor produced by Chevrolet used in sports cars, sedans and SUVs. Engine removal becomes necessary when a car sustains body damage exceeding its value, but the engine is preserved, or when a swap is performed. The LS1 has high horsepower output, economical gas mileage and is light weight, making it a popular engine for car owners upgrading to a larger motor. Executing an LS1 removal requires expert knowledge in automotive mechanics to avoid engine and component damage.

Instructions

1

Unhook the battery, using a combination wrench to loosen the terminal bolts. Unclip the engine wiring harness, including any sensors and component connections. If reusing the wiring harness, ensure no dirt enters the wiring connections.

2

Drain the radiator into a drain pan and remove the radiator and heater-core hoses with a screwdriver. The LS1 is a large engine and the working space is cramped. Remove the radiator fans, air bridge and radiator by unbolting the mounting bolts with a socket set to provide engine removal room.

3

Drain the engine oil into a drain pan by removing the oil-drain bolt with a socket set. This prevents oil from damaging the top end of the engine during removal. Unbolt the exhaust manifolds and smog system, using a socket set. If the bolts are seized, apply penetrating oil and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before removing the bolts.

4

Remove the air-conditioning system, using a pipe wrench to loosen the line connectors. If the air-conditioning system is charged, uncharge both the high and low pressure sides by depressing the service ports on each respective side with a screwdriver prior to removing the air conditioning lines. Remove the power-steering assembly, using a socket set. Use a drip pan to catch any power-steering fluid draining from the system.

5

Unhook all vacuum hoses and the transmission-to-engine connections using a screwdriver and socket set. Unbolt the starter from the transmission, using a socket set, and remove the wires on the starter, using an adjustable spanner wrench. Place a jackstand under the transmission to support it after the engine is removed.

6

Unbolt the transmission from the engine using a socket set and remove the dust shield. For automatic transmissions, remove the torque converter-to-flexplate bolts as well. Remove the valley cover by unbolting it with a socket set.

7

Secure the LS1 to an engine tilt sling and attach the tilt sling to a chain rated for at least 800 lbs. Attach the other end of the chain to an engine hoist. Use four valley-cover bolts placed into the valley-cover bolt holes to attach the tilt sling directly to the engine. Place a washer between the chain mounts on the tilt sling and the engine block to prevent marring.

8

Unbolt the engine mounts with a socket set. The engine is now free from the chassis and car. Tilt the front end of the engine up and hoist it out diagonally using the hydraulic jack on the engine hoist. Attach it to either an engine stand using the transmission-to-engine bolting points or place it on a used tire to prevent bottom-end damage.

Posted by Unknown at 5:30 AM

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