LS Truck Labs — Build / Tune / Drive
PARTS • TOOLS • REFERENCES

Build Smarter.
Buy Once.

A practical resource hub for the hardware, supporting parts, measurement tools and reference information that keep LS truck projects moving forward without wasting money on the wrong piece twice.

Browse ResourcesBuild Checklists
THE LS TRUCK LABS RESOURCE SHELF

Parts & Tools

Filter by system. Each card focuses on what the part or tool is for, what to verify before buying, and where it fits into the build.

Showing all resource cards. Search by vehicle, system, software or task.
Tuning Hardware

Wideband O₂ Setup

A reliable wideband is one of the most useful tools in any modified LS truck.

  • Verify controller output type
  • Plan sensor bung location
  • Log commanded vs. measured lambda
Use: FuelingTuning Lab →
Tuning Hardware

Scan & Calibration Interface

Choose hardware that supports the controller and vehicle generation you’re actually working on.

  • Confirm ECU/TCM support
  • Budget for licensing
  • Keep stable laptop power
Use: LoggingTuning Lab →
Fuel System

Fuel Pressure Verification

Do not tune around a fuel-pressure problem. Verify pressure mechanically before chasing the calibration.

  • Correct pressure range
  • Idle and load checks
  • Inspect regulator behavior
Use: DiagnosisFuel Tech →
Fuel System

Injector Planning

Injector sizing should account for fuel type, target power, duty-cycle margin and accurate characterization data.

  • Use real flow data
  • Keep duty-cycle headroom
  • Match calibration data
Use: Power SupportInjector Calc →
Transmission

6L80 Support Parts

Cooling, fluid health and converter strategy matter just as much as the shift table on a heavy truck.

  • Transmission temperature monitoring
  • Appropriate cooler capacity
  • Converter matched to use
Use: 6L80Trans Tuning →
Transmission

4L80E Swap Planning

Plan the whole conversion before buying the transmission: control, crossmember, driveshaft, cooler lines and converter.

  • Controller strategy
  • Mechanical fitment
  • Driveshaft length
Use: SwapSwap Guides →
Swap Hardware

Engine Mount Strategy

Mount choice affects accessory clearance, oil-pan clearance, fan spacing and transmission location.

  • Confirm chassis generation
  • Check oil-pan clearance
  • Plan driveline angle
Use: Engine SwapSwap Tech →
Swap Hardware

Exhaust & O₂ Planning

Header and exhaust fitment can create downstream problems if sensor placement and floor clearance are ignored.

  • Primary and collector clearance
  • O₂ sensor orientation
  • Serviceability
Use: FitmentSee Builds →
Electrical

Digital Multimeter

A good meter solves more swap and drivability problems than replacing parts at random.

  • Voltage-drop testing
  • Continuity checks
  • Sensor reference voltage
Use: DiagnosisElectrical Tech →
Electrical

Grounding & Power Distribution

Bad grounds create strange symptoms. Build power and ground paths like they matter—because they do.

  • Battery-to-block ground
  • Block-to-chassis bonding
  • Clean fuse/relay distribution
Use: ReliabilityElectrical Tech →
Drivetrain

Gear & Tire Matching

Rear gear choice should be made with transmission ratios, tire diameter, vehicle weight and intended use together.

  • Calculate cruise RPM
  • Check shift MPH
  • Account for tire growth/size
Use: GearingGear Calculators →
Shop Tool

Torque Wrench & Angle Gauge

Use the right tightening method for critical fasteners rather than guessing by feel.

  • Correct torque range
  • Angle capability where needed
  • Keep calibration in mind
Use: AssemblyTech References →
LS Truck Labs resource cards are educational planning references. Always verify exact compatibility, specifications and installation requirements with the current manufacturer documentation for the specific vehicle and part.
VETTED SOURCE DIRECTORY

Start With The Source

Use primary manufacturer documentation for specifications, wiring, installation requirements and software behavior. LS Truck Labs field guidance should supplement—not replace—the exact document for your vehicle or part.

OEM • GM

GM Upfitter Body Builder Manuals

Model-year technical information including electrical schematics, body/frame dimensions and modification guidance for GM trucks.

Primary sourceFree accessModel-year specific
Open manuals ↗
OEM • GM

GM Upfitter Technical Bulletins

Current bulletins for issues and mid-year changes affecting GM vehicle modifications and systems.

Primary sourceFree accessCheck applicability
Open bulletins ↗
OEM • GM

GM Best Practice Manuals

Engineering recommendations covering body, chassis, electrical, paint and sealing for modified GM vehicles.

Primary sourceEngineering guidance
Open best practices ↗
OEM • Chevrolet Performance

Performance Installation Guides

Official installation documentation for crate engines, controllers, transmissions and related Chevrolet Performance systems.

Primary sourcePart-specific
Open guides ↗
Software • HP Tuners

HP Tuners Documentation

Official VCM Scanner and VCM Editor documentation for channels, logging, parameter navigation and calibration workflows.

Primary sourceSoftware docs
VCM Scanner ↗VCM Editor ↗
Calibration • HP Tuners

HP Tuners Tune Resources

Use HP Tuners' account/support ecosystem for calibration resources and compare files; verify controller, OS and application before using any tune file.

Account may be requiredVerify before use
HP Tuners ↗
Source rule: A document being official does not mean it applies to every truck. Match model year, RPO/controller, part number and document revision. GM's own Upfitter material cautions users not to assume a bulletin applies to a particular vehicle.
PLAN THE WHOLE JOB FIRST

Build Checklists

These quick lists are designed to catch the “one little thing” that turns a weekend job into a week-long parts wait.

Cam Swap Prep

Before the valve covers come off, make sure the supporting hardware and service items are sitting on the bench.

✓
Valve springs & sealsMatched to lift and intended RPM
✓
Pushrod length verificationDo not assume stock length is correct
✓
Timing set / front cover sealsInspect while access is easy
✓
Fresh oil, coolant & gasketsPlan the service items too

LS Swap Prep

Think in systems: engine, transmission, fuel, cooling, exhaust, wiring and driveline.

✓
Mounts + oil-pan clearanceConfirm engine position before ordering around it
✓
Fuel pressure + return strategyMatch the rail/injector setup
✓
Harness, fuses, relays & groundsPower distribution is part of the swap
✓
Cooling + fan controlPlan radiator, hoses and fan logic together
QUICK BENCH REFERENCE

Before You Order

A few measurements and decisions eliminate a huge amount of wrong-part frustration.

Measure First.
Then Spend.

Write down the truck generation, engine, transmission, tire diameter, rear gear, controller type and actual physical clearances before ordering anything. “LS-compatible” is not the same thing as “fits this exact truck.”

KnowEngine RPO
KnowECU / TCM
MeasureTire Diameter
VerifyRear Gear

Know A Resource We Should Add?

The best version of this page will grow from real build experience—tools that actually help, parts that solve specific problems, and reference material worth keeping bookmarked.

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PRIMARY TECHNICAL SOURCES

Bookmark These

When a spec matters, go back to the manufacturer or original technical document.

Chevrolet Performance Installation Guides

Controller, crate-engine, transmission and installation documentation straight from Chevrolet Performance.

Open Chevrolet guides ↗

HP Tuners Documentation

Current VCM Scanner channel, logging, layout and editor workflow documentation.

Open HP Tuners docs ↗

Injector Dynamics Fuel Flow

A more detailed injector/pump sizing tool using airflow, lambda, fuel type and differential pressure instead of relying only on guessed BSFC.

Open ID calculator ↗
ONE-STOP REFERENCE

Know The Combination, Not Just The Part Number.

Engine RPOs, bore and stroke, cylinder-head families, camshaft terminology and transmission ratios now live in dedicated master-reference guides.

Open The Reference Library →

DEEP REFERENCE

Plan Before You Buy.

Use these technical references before ordering parts.

Cam Reference

Published specs and real converter guidance.

Intake Selection

Port family, runner length and rpm tradeoffs.

Fuel Sizing

Injector, duty-cycle and pump-flow planning.

Build Recipes

Source-backed planning templates by goal.