Kwik Performance, Inc.

06/15/2026

If you're looking to swap a modern powerhouse with serious grunt and great fuel efficiency, the GM Gen 5 LT engine is a killer choice. They’re plentiful in the yards and have massive horsepower potential.

But as great as they are, Gen 5 swaps come with two massive headaches right out of the gate: No hydraulic power steering (GM went electric) and factory AC compressors that won't work with your aftermarket AC kit.

Before you start scratching your head in the garage, we've got the fix. We broke down everything you need to know about navigating the Gen 5 swap puzzle in our latest blog.

Get all the swap tips here:
👉https://www.kwikperf.com/blogs/news/swap-tips-for-chevy-gen-5-lt-engines

What we're diving into:

The Truck Divide: How to instantly spot the difference between an L83/86 (2014-19) and an L84/87 (2020+) by looking at one simple pulley.

The AC Solution: Why that factory variable-displacement compressor won't play nice with aftermarket air, and how to adapt a Sanden.

Adding Hydraulic Steering: How our bracket kits solve the "no power steering" problem while keeping as many factory front-drive parts as possible.

The Camaro LT Hack: Our newly redesigned bracket that clears the lower throttle body on Camaro intakes.

Don't let Gen 5 engineering stall your classic car or truck project. Check out the guide and let us know what you're dropping an LT into!

GM Gen 5 engines were first introduced in 2014 in Corvettes and GM trucks and 2016 in Camaros. This engine series is becoming popular for engine swappers because of its direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and allows for high horsepower potential while maintaining good fuel efficiency. It's...

06/10/2026

One of the biggest headaches in an LS swap is the "parts bin" puzzle. If you’re dropping a modern LS into a classic muscle car or truck, you’re suddenly dealing with a mix of vintage SAE threads and modern metric fittings.

Trying to find the right power steering hoses to connect a 2010 pump to a 1968 steering box can drive anyone crazy. We got tired of the guesswork, so we put together a universal kit that handles it all.

Check out the full breakdown and see the kit in action:
👉https://www.kwikperf.com/blogs/news/power-steering-hose-kits-to-fit-any-ls-swap

In this post, we cover:

The "Canned Ham" vs. Type-2: Identifying your pump style.

The 1980 Divide: Why GM switched from SAE to Metric and what it means for your fittings.

What’s in the Box: From banjo bolts to -6 AN adapters, we show you the hardware that makes the connection happen.

Bonus: A quick video walkthrough of how the kit simplifies your plumbing.

Don't let a leaky, mismatched hose keep your project in the garage. Read up and get those wheels turning!

When you're doing an LS swap, you might find yourself with both SAE and metric style fittings on your power steering pump and gearboxes. Here's how to solve that issue.

06/01/2026

If you’ve ever scrolled through an LS swap forum, you’ve probably seen the "flame wars" about heater hoses. To cap or to loop? That is the question.

It sounds like a small detail, but getting it wrong can lead to mysterious overheating issues that’ll have you pulling your hair out. We decided to quit guessing and actually look at why the LS thermostat is designed so differently from the old-school SBC we grew up with.

Check out the full "Mystery Solved" breakdown here:
👉 https://www.kwikperf.com/blogs/news/chevy-ls-thermostat-mystery-solved-maybe

In this post, we dig into:

- The "Second Disc": What that extra part on your LS thermostat actually does.

- To Loop or Not to Loop: Why some guys get away with capping the ports while others overheat.

- The Bypass Secret: How coolant flow (or lack of it) affects your thermostat's reaction time.

- Fan Control: How we’re using this info to trigger two-speed electric fans without needing the ECU.

Don't let a simple cooling bypass stall your build. Give it a read and let us know are you team "Cap" or team "Loop"?

Wonder how Chevy LS thermostats work and whether it's OK to cap off the heater hose ports? We've solved the mystery. Maybe.

05/27/2026

If you’re working on an 88-98 Chevy truck, you know the struggle with the factory AC. Whether you’re sticking with the original small block, going big with a BBC, or joining the LS swap crowd, one question always comes up: Which compressor should I use?

The old "pancake" R4 compressors don’t exactly have a reputation for lasting forever. In our latest blog, we break down the best Sanden upgrades for your OBS project and explain exactly which bracket and compressor combo fits your specific engine setup.

Check out the full guide here:
👉 https://www.kwikperf.com/blogs/news/which-ac-compressor-is-the-right-choice-for-your-chevy-obs-truck-project

Here’s what we dive into:

- The "Mini" vs. The "709": Which Sanden compressor has the capacity you need?

- Adapter Kits: How to upgrade to a Sanden while keeping your factory brackets.

- LS Swap Dilemmas: Why your harmonic balancer determines which AC bracket you can run.

- The Full Package: Pairing your compressor with our OBS-specific hose kits for a painless install.

Don't spend another summer sweating in the cab. Give it a read and let’s get that air blowing ice cold again!

When deciding on an AC compressor for your Chevy OBS truck, there's several routes you can go. Here are the choices and how to make the decision.

05/21/2026

Kwik Performance at the 2026 NSRA show at Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, MO 05/22-05/24. Come say hello!

05/21/2026

If you’re working on an 88-98 Chevy truck (or those 99-00 Suburbans and Tahoes), you know that "OBS" covers a lot of ground.

Especially when it comes to the AC system.

Trying to mix and match parts from different years during an LS swap can turn into a real headache fast. Did you know that GM swapped from SAE to metric threads mid-generation? Or that the compressor moved from one side of the engine to the other in '96?

We put together a quick guide to help you identify exactly what you’ve got so you can get your AC blowing ice-cold without the "trial and error" at the parts counter.

Read the full breakdown here:
👉 https://www.kwikperf.com/blogs/news/chevy-obs-ac-differences

What’s covered:

- The R4 vs. HT6 Divide: Why location matters for your bracket choice.

- Metric vs. SAE: How to tell if your '94 or '95 truck is the "odd man out."

- The Sanden Solution: How to adapt modern, efficient compressors to your factory lines.

Keep those OBS trucks cool, guys! If you have questions about which hose kit fits your specific swap, drop them in the comments.

When we use the term “OBS” (old body style) here at Kwik Performance, we’re generally referring to Chevy half-ton pickups made from 1988-98. Just to confuse the issue, GM continued that body style for the Suburban, Tahoe and 2500/3500 trucks into 1999 and 2000. If you’re upgrading one of the...

05/14/2026

Get the AC back up and performing better than ever in your C10 or K5 Square Body. Kwik Performance offers a selection of complete kits with everything you need from the evaporator forward.

81-87 with a good condenser and liquid line? We have a two-hose kit with a new accumulator/dryer, or***ce tube, universal PAG oil, O-rings, binary/trinary switch, and service ports.

81-87 with factory air but need a condenser and liquid line? We have a complete kit including a Vintage Air high-efficiency condenser, mounting brackets and a liquid line to connect it to your evaporator.

73-80 with factory air? We have a complete kit with a Vintage Air high-efficiency condenser, mounting brackets, hoses, new accumulator/dryer, or***ce tube, universal PAG oil, O-rings, binary/trinary switch, and service ports.

Check out our line of AC hose kits and accessories at:

https://www.kwikperf.com/collections/air-conditioning

05/12/2026

We get this question from time to time: "Can you put a carburetor on an LS engine?"

It sounds almost backwards, right? Taking a modern, EFI-equipped powerhouse and going "old school." But before you call us crazy, there are actually some really solid reasons why a carb might be the best move for your specific build.

Whether you're chasing peak horsepower, looking for a simpler setup for a budget swap, or just love that classic look under the hood, we’re breaking down the pros and cons in our latest blog.

Get the full story here:
👉 https://www.kwikperf.com/blogs/news/why-would-you-want-to-run-a-carburetor-on-an-ls-engine

In this post, we talk about:

- Horsepower Gains: Why carbs often win at the dyno.

- Simplified Plumbing: No high-pressure fuel pumps or complex wiring harnesses needed.

- Transmission Compatibility: How it makes keeping your TH350 or 700R4 a whole lot easier.

- Our Own Experience: What we learned from our '90 Chevy 1500 test mule.

Are you Team EFI or Team Carb? Read the post and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Why would you want to put a carburetor on an LS engine? Believe it or not, a lot of LS engine swappers have an interest in doing so. We go over the reasons here.

05/08/2026

If you're elbow-deep in a swap, you know that not all GM power steering pumps are created equal. Getting the right fit between your bracket and your pump can be the difference between a smooth cruise and a total headache.

On our blog, we have a new technical deep dive to help you tell the "large" from the "small" before you start bolting things down.

Check out the full breakdown here:
👉 https://www.kwikperf.com/blogs/news/gm-power-steering-pumps-large-and-small

Inside, we cover:

- How to identify the two main pump body sizes at a glance.

- Why "eyeballing it" usually leads to bracket misalignment.

- Pro-tips for ensuring your pulley offset is spot on.

Don't let a mismatched pump stall your project. Give it a read and let’s get that rig back on the road!

GM power steering pumps fall into two categories - P-Series and Type 2. We describe the difference and case uses for both.

02/06/2026

LS engines are getting hard to come by. LTs are more budget friendly and with fewer miles on them. Here’s how to add a power steering pump and Sanden HD AC compressor to your 2014-2019 LT truck engine.

Here’s the problem this bracket kit solves: The L83 and L86 engine donor trucks used electric power steering assist and also used a variable displacement AC compressor. Your project vehicle probably has hydraulic power steering and maybe an aftermarket AC system. This bracket kit gives you a Type 2 power steering pump and a place to add a Sanden AC compressor.

Product Link: https://www.kwikperf.com/products/lt-truck-14-19-ac-alt-ps-bracket-k10702?_pos=1&_psq=k10702&_ss=e&_v=1.0K10702 LT Truck AC/Alternator/Power St...