This is a comprehensive guide to rebuilding Gen III/IV LS engines. Below I have a list of tools, parts I used to build this engine.

I will not be covering the rod and main bearing clearances because I already made a video entirely about how to measure oil clearances here:    • How to Measure Engine Oil Clearances  

One thing I couldn't cover in this video was the assembly of a gen IV rod and piston. The Gen III has pressed wrist pins whereas the Gen IV has floating wrist pins. I have another video showing how we did that on a 6.2L Gen IV here:    • Installing LS3 Connecting Rods and Fo...  


Don't forget to Subscribe: https://goo.gl/2SdRG8

Special Tools needed for this job

Cheap torque angle gauge: https://amzn.to/3hdV6NP
Torque wrench with torque angle built in: https://amzn.to/3shrnds
Inch lbs Torque wrench: https://amzn.to/3IiaQvi
Beam style torque wrench: https://amzn.to/3sbduNH
Manual piston ring filer: https://amzn.to/36pkvSz
Electric piston ring filer: https://amzn.to/3Ih20xT
Piston Ring Pliers: https://amzn.to/3v7AoYi
Universal Piston Ring Compressor: https://amzn.to/3hbNdZy
Nice Piston Ring Compressor tool for 3.78 bore: https://amzn.to/3LWr0MT
Front and rear cover alignment tool: https://amzn.to/35pVZjC
Jaw puller for timing gear: https://amzn.to/3veT0FW
Harmonic Balancer installer tool (Long Reach): https://amzn.to/3IwG5TD
Pick set for cleaning pistons: https://amzn.to/3hehVkK
Dial Bore Gauge: https://amzn.to/3554iBR
Dial indicator with magnetic base: https://amzn.to/3JOV1g2

Parts used in this video

Verify the fitment of your specific application. I gathered most of what I could find that is specific to Gen III/IV LS engines. This does not include DOD, AFM, or VVT engines.

Cheap Cylinder Head Bolts (Gen III need 2): https://amzn.to/3Io7ozq
Cheap Cylinder Head Bolts (Gen IV need 2): https://amzn.to/3tmVhML
ARP Cylinder Head Bolts (Gen III): https://amzn.to/3H9IH8g
ARP Cylinder Head Bolts (Gen IV): https://amzn.to/3pcjzaS
ARP Connecting Rod Bolts (Must Resize Rods!): https://amzn.to/3Ij9MXR
Fel Pro engine gasket set I used (Gen III the only problem was the head gaskets weren't very good.): https://amzn.to/3JR2mf2
Mahle Cam Retainer plate (no bolts): https://amzn.to/3BJuzSd
Mahle Head Gasket (Need 2): https://amzn.to/3seSV35
Valley Cover Gasket (Gen IV): https://amzn.to/3sdPGbY
Knock Sensor (Gen III): https://amzn.to/3IiAeRo
Knock Sensor (Gen IV): https://amzn.to/3p7R6CP
Knock Sensor Harness (Gen III): https://amzn.to/3t6hP47
Knock Sensor Grommet (Gen III): https://amzn.to/3viERHP
Crankshaft Position Sensor (Gen III/IV): https://amzn.to/3Ih0MTj
Camshaft Position Sensor (Gen III rear mount): https://amzn.to/3HkQzDP
Camshaft Position Sensor (Gen IV front mount): https://amzn.to/3paVfWI
Harmonic Balancer bolt: https://amzn.to/3JPxfAt
Oil Pump: https://amzn.to/3LTE7yx
Oil Pickup Tube (for truck deep sump oil pans): https://amzn.to/3sfGO5L
Lifter guides: https://amzn.to/3LWQ1aN
Lifters: https://amzn.to/3M8rIqP
Barbell Oil Diverter: https://amzn.to/3sfCALr
Timing chain set (3 bolt): https://amzn.to/3sbcn0t

Disclaimer
I am an Amazon Associate and I receive a small commission if you choose to purchase tools or parts through my links. They don't cost you any extra and it helps us to continue creating more fun videos like this one.

My videos are for entertainment purposes and not for expert automotive advice. I am definitely not an Automotive expert.

I like to show the struggles that most channels make look easier than they really are. I build our cars inside my garage with the limited tools I have available. I hope you still find my failures entertaining and have a great day!

Time Stamps

00:00 Intro and Clearances review
01:30 Installing the Crankshaft
04:11 Calculating Piston Ring Clearances
05:18 How to check Piston Ring Clearances
07:38 How to file Piston Rings
09:30 Piston Ring Orientation
10:15 How to install Piston Rings
12:58 How to install Pistons
17:11 How to install the Camshaft
19:08 How to remove lower timing gear
21:02 How to install new lower timing gear
22:57 How to install the cam gear and timing chain
25:27 How to install the oil pump
26:43 How to install lifters and trays
27:51 How to Check Pushrod Length
30:29 How to Check Piston to Valve Clearance
32:15 How to Install Cylinder Heads
33:32 How to install rocker arms
34:59 How to install Knock sensor grommets
36:57 Windage tray and pickup tube install
37:53 Front and Rear Cover install
40:39 Oil Diverter Barbell install
41:09 Oil Pan Install
41:42 Harmonic Balancer Install
44:43 Valve Cover Install
45:55 A look back at where this build started
47:55 Final Thoughts
48:52 Outtakes