Should you go old-school with a hopped-up small-block, a heavy-breathing big-block, or a more modern LS?Setting up the heartbeat for any project leaves you with endless performance options, starting with your chosen power source nailed to the chassis. If you’re looking for a vintage vibe with a modern twist, there are plenty of options to give that cutting-edge engine a nod to the past that’ll have viewers scratching their heads when they sneak a peek under the hood of your classic Chevy.
Chris Cerce of Chris Cerce Customs, started off the project by removing the factory oil pan from the engine.
On a recent visit to Chris Cerce Customs in Taunton, Massachusetts, we met with shop owner, Chris Cerce, who had just taken delivery of a fresh Chevrolet Performance 430hp LS3 long-block packed with a speed shop full of factory go-fast goods. Deep inside a cast-aluminum block with six-bolt, cross-bolted main caps, you’ll find a nodular iron crank linked to powdered metal rods wearing hypereutectic aluminum pistons generating a solid 10.7:1 compression. A hydraulic roller cam sets the beat while a set of cast-aluminum rectangle port heads with 68cc chambers generates plenty of power. To get the updates rolling, an Ultra Low Profile FiTech Plus LS Swap Oil Pan replaced the factory unit. This updated the system to a 6.10-quart capacity with high-quality, cast-aluminum unit construction, complete with sump baffle, pickup tube, sump plug, oil filter stud, and oil passage cover.
For plenty of nostalgic looks fused with cutting-edge performance, FiTech’s Dual Quad Retro Cast LS Port System comes complete with everything to handle the installation, including intake, dual classic gold throttle bodies (with matte black available) 55 lb/hr injectors, fuel rails, crossover, and all related sensors, hardware, and electronics. The intake here has been color-matched to the engine in satin gold by Cerce.
With the goods in place, it was time to pick a theme and start choosing options. Seeking to bring a perfect balance of vintage style to the build, Cerce looked into FiTech’s offerings to create a late-’60s-to-early-’70s muscle car aesthetic. Nothing sets the road ablaze better than their Dual Quad Retro Cast LS Port System available in classic gold or matte black finish. It’s engineered to handle high-performance applications with modern EFI technology, dual throttle bodies for 1,800 cfm airflow, and self-tuning capabilities that support up to 1,000 hp. The system is all-inclusive, showcasing everything needed to complete the upgrade. This includes fuel rails with 80-lb/hr injectors and crossover, complete throttle linkage, fuel pressure regulator with gauge, external ECU, all related wiring, sensors, and 4.5-inch display to allow for real-time tuning, monitoring, and adjustments. The system is also E85-compatible. With our application being for the LS3, we contacted ICT Billet for a set of their billet LS Rectangle Port Head to Cathedral Port Intake manifold adapters to make the application seamless. To complement the top end, Cerce also added one of ICT’s Low-Profile Valley Pans complete with oil pressure sensor port, O-ring gaskets, and installation hardware. The crowning touch arrived in the form of a pair of polished, finned, cast-aluminum Mohawk air cleaners by OTB Gear, specifically designed for dual-quad systems and adding an air of elegance.
We really dig the high-polished finned aluminum top covers, completing the look once fastened in place.
With the induction dialed in, it was time to focus on maintaining the vintage theme with a set of high-polished finned aluminum FiTech Plus two-piece, tall valve covers, designed for most high-lift valvetrain options. They come complete with O-ringed oil filler cap, gaskets, and all mounting hardware. Nestled inside, you’ll find FiTech’s Go-Spark ignition coils, which add optimum output over the OEM versions and feature built-in LED lights for when the coils are firing. To complete the ignition, FiTech offers their matching Go-Spark Ceramic Spark Plug Pre-Made Wire kit featuring 8mm wires and ceramic spark plug boot material able to withstand 2,000 degrees F, making them ideal for applications with close-tolerance headers.
To handle the exhaust, Cerce chose a set of Flowtech stainless LS turbo headers, fashioned from heavy-duty 16-gauge 304SS stainless with CNC mandrel-bent tubing for improved flow and smooth engine breathing.
Rounding out the build, you’ll find a set of Flowtech LS Turbo headers. Crafted from heavy-duty, 16-gauge 304SS stainless with CNC mandrel-bent tubes and a 3-inch collector, they arrive complete with matching V-bands, clamps, and premium aluminum header gaskets to complete the job.
FiTech Plus offers an excellent alternative to the factory LS3 oil pan with their Ultra Low Profile LS Swap kit (PN 130203), featuring a 6.10-quart capacity with filter. It arrives with everything needed to complete the update, including a cast-aluminum pan, sump baffle, oil pickup tube, sump plug, oil filter stud, and oil passage cover.The factory oil pickup tube was then removed from the oil pump and replaced with the FiTech Plus oil pickup tube.Next, replace the factory sump baffle with the FiTech Plus unit, then install the supplied oil pan gasket on the pan.Prepare the engine block surface by cleaning the bottom area, timing cover, and rear cover with lacquer thinner. Cerce adds a dab of Permatex Oil Resistant Gasket Maker to the bottom surface areas for a perfect seal. Install the drain plug with a coating of Loctite 545 to the threads and follow by installing the pan to the block using the provided hardware.Remove the factory valley cover. Prepare the new ICT Billet aluminum valley cover by first installing the provided O-rings and perimeter gasket into the bottom side of the cover.After cleaning the top block surface with lacquer thinner, align the valley cover to the top surface of the block.Using the stainless hardware provided, hand-thread each bolt in place and follow with a 5mm Allen head socket to secure.Here you can see the installed oil pressure sensor adapter and the stunning visual impact the new valley cover has on the engine.The Chevrolet Performance 6.2L Gen IV LS3 features cast-aluminum, rectangle-port cylinder heads. In order to adapt for the new FiTech system designed for cathedral-port heads, a call was placed to ICT Billet for a set of their billet aluminum adapters. To prepare the adapters for installation, first put in the provided O-ring seals.Follow by installing the adapters to the individual cylinder heads by first coating the bolt threads with antiseize. Continue by hand-threading the 5mm Allen head stainless bolts in place, then tightening till secure.With the intake flipped over on the bench, install the provided O-rings into the sealing grooves on the intake flange.After installing the throttle body mounting flanges and gaskets to the intake, carefully lower the intake manifold in place, making sure all O-rings remain in their grooves.Using the supplied intake manifold bolts and washers, noting there are two different sizes for correct placement, use a dab of engine oil on the threads before threading them into place and tightening with a 5mm Allen socket and wrench. Be sure to use the included chart with torque values and proper tightening sequence to complete the installation.Hand-thread the throttle body mounting studs into the mounting flanges and tighten in place.Install the dual throttle bodies to the intake making sure the throttle linkages on each are facing to the front of the engine. Secure in place using the provided washers and nuts, tightening till snug.Apply a dab of oil to the upper and lower O-rings on each injector. Follow by carefully installing each into the intake manifold ports noting to have the electrical connectors facing upward to the outside of the engine.Assemble each fuel rail with the included mounting hardware using a 13mm socket. Then carefully settle the complete fuel rail onto the top of the injectors by aligning them first and lightly pressing down on the rail to set them in place. Be cautious as not to bind any of the injectors or connectors.Secure the fuel rails in place and torque to 20 ft-lb.Next, install the fuel rail crossover.At this point we began assembly of the complete dual-quad throttle linkage assembly included in with system.Here you can see just how perfectly engineered the completed throttle linkage is. Check out how cool the system looks, including the final icing from OTB Gear with a set of their elegantly polished, finned, cast-aluminum Mohawk air cleaners, specifically designed for dual-quad applications.To dial in the dazzle, FiTech offers an excellent option to give your LS a clean look with their FiTech Plus two-piece, tall valve covers with internal coil mounts. After removing the factory covers, clean and prep the area and start by adding the supplied fresh valve cover gaskets and install using the included hardware.Tighten the valve cover base to the block.We followed with a set of FiTech Go-Spark Ignition Coils for plenty of energy and set them in place with the supplied 10mm bolts.The FiTech upgrades clearly transform the LS, infusing it with classic visual appeal and an unmistakable early-era vibe that makes it a true engine-bay standout.Installation was a snap with the provided premium aluminum header gaskets. The kit even includes 3-inch V-band clamps for when you are completing the exhaust system.To wrap up the build, a set of FiTech Go Spark Ceramic 8mm spark plug wires sealed the deal. Each set is crafted to deliver optimal energy delivery and ensure peak performance in your muscle car or hot rod.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
