Complete MuscleRods LS Engine Swap Kit for 1978-1988 G-Body
Swapping an LS powerplant into a G-Body chassis built from 1978 through 1988 often means wrestling with misalignment and unwanted vibration in the driveline. This LS Conversion Kit secures the engine at its factory tilt on a direct bolt on crossmember and aligns crank and transmission interface precisely, so installers can attach T56, 4L60E, 4L80E or 6L80E gearboxes without altering the floorpan. A choice of high clearance oil pan or the LH8 shallow pan option preserves underbody space for lowered or off road setups, while heavy gauge steel mounts fabricated in the USA ensure rigid support under load.
Precise Drivetrain Angle for Vibration Free Operation
By securing the LS engine at its factory tilt on a direct bolt on crossmember, this kit preserves the original crank and transmission alignment. Maintaining the correct drivetrain angle minimizes wear on universal joints and couplings, leading to vibration free starts and smooth highway cruising. Installers save time by avoiding trial fits and chassis modifications, while drivers enjoy consistent power delivery. The result is reduced maintenance and a more refined driving experience under all load conditions.
Adaptable Transmission Mounting Without Modifications
This conversion solution accepts T56, 4L60E, 4L80E and 6L80E transmissions using purpose-built crossmember brackets with no additional adapters. Each bracket pattern matches the factory bolt circle of the supported gearboxes, simplifying alignment and bolting. A durable polyurethane transmission mount isolates torque reaction, absorbing residual pulses under acceleration and braking. As a result, cabin noise and driveline lash are greatly reduced without sacrificing positional stability.
Oil Pan Choices to Match Ride Height and Terrain
Space under the engine bay is optimized through two oil pan options that lock into the factory pump interface. The high clearance version protects pickup lines and pump housings on rough roads or uneven surfaces, while the LH8 shallow pan offers reduced profile for lowered suspension setups. Both designs maintain unrestricted fluid flow and reliable oil pickup. Installers can select the geometry that best suits clearance requirements without altering the chassis.
Robust American Steel Fabrication and Mounting Stability
All mounts, brackets and the crossmember are laser formed from heavy gauge steel and welded under strict quality controls in the USA. Laser shaping produces exact fitment to frame bosses without manual trimming, and controlled weld cycles deliver full penetration seams with minimal distortion. The assembly behaves as a monolithic unit that resists bending or fatigue under high torque loads. This construction ensures a solid foundation for spirited driving and long-term reliability.
Trust MuscleRods for precise fit and solid support. To access a more robust kit where you build this same solution with parts you choose to suit your needs, see our Complete LS Swap Kits - LS Kit Builder.