few months ago we offered a look into spotting and identifying the GM LS Gen III and IV 4.8L and 5.3L LS engines. Now that you know what to look for, we can offer suggestions on how to pump up the power with these engines. Common sense might dictate that all that’s necessary is to just follow the footsteps of classic small-block Chevy builds, and in a general sense that would be correct.

But the Gen III/IV LS engines enjoy far superior flowing cylinder heads compared to the Gen I small-block. Even the most pedestrian cathedral port heads for the 5.3L LM7 engine flows better and enjoys far better combustion efficiency than the best production Gen I head. While stock 5.3L (325ci) truck engines are only rated at 300 hp, the modern factory correction factors are very conservative compared to the normal aftermarket dyno test procedures.

hen our buddy Ryan Foss first purchased his 1992 Chevy Camaro, affectionately known as “Copmaro” due to its past life as a high-speed pursuit vehicle busting moonshiners, speeders, and truck drivers hauling Coors outta Texarkana, Texas, it became apparent that there was more to be desired from the instrument panel. While it displayed most of the information that most of us would require, it didn’t present it accurately. The tach and speedo were off and one of the auxiliary gauges wasn’t functioning whatsoever. A new cluster was in order, so a call to our buddies at Dakota Digital was made. Turns out, they had just released a new cluster for the 1990-92 Camaros as part of their trick RTX line.

Designed with the OE cluster in mind, Dakota Digital’s RTX line blends classic form with modern function by utilizing a single control box to process all the information received from a handful of sensors and sending units, transferring said information to the RTX gauge cluster via a single communication cable. Fully programmable with a myriad of color combinations and additional information presented on the TFT message centers, the RTX gauge cluster fits the classic lines of Ryan’s Camaro, until the key is turned and the LED backlighting illuminates the modern cluster.

lumbing all the different fluid systems in a custom vehicle can be a daunting task. Determining the proper hose for the respectful fluids they’ll be responsible for, and the size for that matter, can be a confusing task for the uninitiated and experienced alike. Add in factors like the various sealing methods, tapers, fittings, thread count, and so on, and it can get overwhelming very quickly. Thankfully, if we don’t mix and match improper fittings and materials, it can be broken down fairly simply.

When it comes to the brake system of a classic Chevy there are a couple options for the hard lines as well as the hoses. One common hard line material that has recently gained popularity is a combination of mild steel and some sort of anticorrosive alloy like nickel or copper, commonly referred to as NiCopp. Easier to bend and form than steel tubing, it has the strength and structural integrity of steel lines, with the added benefit of being much more corrosion resistant. In addition to the brake system, NiCopp is also popularly used in transmission and fuel lines.

egardless which style of hopped-up V-8 you’re packing underhood, the most important part of linking it all to the street lies in your controls. Once you’ve hit the starter, it’s all business in trying to channel every bit of that hard-earned horsepower once the wheels are turning. Sure, bone-stock parts always do their job but in the world of performance technology, there’s always a better way to raise the bar to the next level. When addressing the heartbeat of your classic Chevy, upgrading your steering, shifting, and pedals just makes great sense, seeing they’ll get quite a workout from street to strip and everywhere in between.

The 1971 Camaro laid out across our pages has become a familiar sight to regular readers of All Chevy Performance over the years. It’s been transformed from that of a bare shell with us covering all facets of the build, from suspension and brakes to its LS driveline, cooling, exhaust, sheetmetal, wiring, and even insulation. With all of the modifications fused into its resurrection, it was a perfect time to look deep into the business office to see the best way to upgrade its control systems with products from industry-leading manufacturers. Having a wicked 5.3L LC9 LS V-8 now residing between the framerails linked to a T56 six-speed manual transmission, it’s time to get the car ready for action.

f you still have your airbrushed T-shirt, neon sunglasses, and cut-off shorts, then you probably remember the ’80s and ’90s very well. Tourist towns like Daytona Beach have been a hot spot for car shows for decades, and one of the biggest is the Daytona Turkey Run, an event that is held twice a year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. While the Fall event, which is held on Thanksgiving weekend, tends to get the most recognition, the Spring event has a lot to offer as well.

Held at the Daytona International Speedway, the Spring Turkey Run is too much to see in one day on foot. The event is held in the infield of the giant speedway and features a car show, parts vendors, an enormous swap meet, historic race car displays, and much more. There is also a huge car corral, where hundreds of cars are up for grabs for the right price. Dozens of food vendors line every possible walkway, ensuring you won’t go hungry or thirsty. The layout of the event requires a lot of walking, but it’s worth every step. If you didn’t get enough during the day, there is a free cruise-in each night called Turkey Run Nites held right outside the speedway with music, food vendors, and a great turnout of cars under the lights.

ast Tennessee is known for moonshine and fast cars, and the tourist town of Pigeon Forge is covered with amazing car events from March until September. The kick-off to the car show season is always the Corvette Expo, as it takes place in mid March. This event is celebrating its 48th year, and it was once strictly Corvette-based. Now incorporating all Chevrolet makes and models, the Chevys in the Smokies portion of the event has given the show a breath of fresh air. The event features an indoor and outdoor car show, a swap meet, lots of great vendors, and Corvette cruise opportunities on the famous Tail of the Dragon.

We were blown away with the turnout of cars at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. The convention center was packed with high-end restorations, amazing survivors, and dozens of cars with outstanding history. Some notable cars included a pair of 1965 Chevelle Z16s, one restored and one unrestored. Then, there was an unrestored ’69 COPO Camaro that has been a drag car its entire life, as well as a documented L79-powered 1965 Chevelle with COPO heritage. The most significant COPO in attendance was a ’65 Chevelle 300 two-door sedan, a one-off car that was ordered with a 396/425hp big-block, M22 four-speed, and 4.88:1 gears. Additionally, a Yenko Stinger Corvair and many other great cars gave us plenty to admire during the three-day event.