LS INTAKE UPGRADE

Modernizing Our Classic Engine Bay

- Words and Photos by Chris Hamilton

THE ENGINE BAY OF PROJECT Rocky was originally designed to have a classic look while sporting modern power.

The 5.3L LS engine from Summit Racing had a cool look to it with an old-school-looking air cleaner and remote-mounted coil packs. The thought was that when the hood opened, people would be impressed that it's actually an LS while looking like a small-block. We found out, however, that when we popped the hood at truck shows, most people were less than impressed and just kept walking. A clean carbureted engine is not what we have installed, that's what it looks like from 15 feet away. Nowadays, a clean look doesn't create a wow factor. With all the time and effort we have in this build, we want jaws to drop at any angle, so it's time to make it look as modern as it truly is.