MuscleRods LS Engine Swap Kit for 1982-2005 Chevy S10 Blazer and GMC S15 Jimmy 2WD
When fitting an LS engine into a 1982-2005 Chevy S10 Blazer or GMC S15 Jimmy two wheel drive, this kit delivers a direct fit solution by holding the powerplant at the factory angle, preserving LH8 oil pan clearance and aligning Corvette style accessory belts. Anchored by precision machined motor and frame mounts, the assembly locks engine and transmission to minimize driveline shudder under load. The steel crossmember fits T56, 4L60E and 4L80E units without cutting the tunnel or floor, preserving chassis integrity and oil pickup reliability. Manufactured in the USA, each bracket ensures precise fit and adapts Corvette style accessory drives to the S Series frame rails.
Precision Engine and Frame Mounting for Optimal Alignment
The kit's motor and frame brackets are crafted with precision machining that secures the LS powerplant at the exact factory recommended angle. This careful alignment minimizes driveline shudder by preventing torsional stress on the crankshaft and transmission input shaft. Precise fit to the original S Series rails also reduces unwanted vibration in the cabin and improves longevity of related drivetrain components. Maintaining the factory angle ensures that Corvette style accessory belts remain aligned with pulleys, avoiding premature belt wear and ensuring reliable operation of the water pump and alternator. Because each bracket indexes to existing bolt holes there is no need for custom fabrication or welding, streamlining installation and guaranteeing repeatable results across every build.
Reinforced Steel Crossmember Preserving Chassis Integrity
The transmission crossmember is formed from reinforced steel plate and engineered to bolt directly to the factory frame rails without requiring floor modifications. By accepting T56, 4L60E and 4L80E transmissions straight out of the box, it preserves interior sheet metal and headliner fit while maintaining chassis stiffness under load. Precisely located mounting holes align with original spots to ensure that power flows through the strongest path in the frame, rather than creating stress points around the tunnel. For other transmission choices a simple flattening of the pinch weld seam offers additional clearance, making this crossmember a versatile solution for a range of drivetrain applications.
Engine Bay Compatibility with LH8 Oil Pan and Corvette Drives
This kit is carefully designed to clear the wider footprint of the LH8 oil pan, ensuring full sump capacity and dependable oil pickup under all driving conditions. Specially sized brackets adapt Corvette balancer and water pump assemblies to the confined S Series engine bay while preserving accurate belt alignment. By avoiding the need for firewall trimming or extended pickup tubes, the design minimizes potential leak paths and throttle body interference. The result is a robust oiling system and accessory drive that deliver consistent performance in everyday use or spirited driving, backed by precise engineering from US-based manufacturing.
Durable Polyurethane Transmission Support and Vibration Control
The included polyurethane transmission mount and spacer set replaces the factory rubber isolator with a more resilient medium that resists deformation under load. Polyurethane offers superior resistance to fluid soak and material fatigue, extending mount life compared with stock pads. By controlling transmission movement more precisely, this mount reduces drivetrain lash and prevents unwanted motion that can lead to binding or vibration. All necessary hardware is supplied for a straightforward bolt in process, improving shifter feedback and enhancing drivetrain response throughout the RPM range.
Count on MuscleRods for reliable fit and lasting performance. To access a more robust kit where you can build this same kit and select parts to better suit your needs see our Complete LS Swap Kits - LS Kit Builder.