In Part 2 of our Ultimate 5.3 LS Engine Series, we dive into all the critical external upgrades—the stuff that keeps your LS alive under serious abuse and helps it make real power.
Whether you’re daily driving, drifting, tracking, or building a street killer, we cover what’s essential, what’s nice-to-have, and what to skip. From Sikky’s baffled oil pans and Improved Racing windage trays to FAST’s high-rise intake manifold and MSD’s high-torque starter, we break down what works, what’s junk, and what’ll actually save your engine.
✅ Must-have oiling system upgrades
✅ LS intake manifold performance shootout
✅ Why your headers are probably too small
✅ Are MSD coils and starters worth it?
✅ BONUS: Tips for building a competition-grade LS on a budget
If you’re serious about your 5.3 LS build, this episode is packed with tech, tested advice, and hard-earned lessons. Subscribe for Part 3 where we drop the engine in the car and get into the swap-specific stuff.
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