Kwik Performance, Inc.

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.

05/05/2026

Wayne's 1948 Chevy 3600 is finally on the road after 34 years.
His interest in 1947-1954 Chevy AD trucks started when Nora inherited a 1948 1-1/2 ton grain truck. Then they acquired a 1/2 ton, a Suburban, a school bus, and the 3600 in this video but never found a cab-over. The 4100 and the 3600 are the only two remaining. The 4100 is a cherished lawn ornament and now, after 34 years the 3600 is a daily driver.
Wayne has modified many components of this build including a modified Crown Vic front suspension and a 5.3 LS engine.
In this video, Wayne tells Joel about the driving experience, handling, fuel economy and the many paths this project has gone down to finally be on the road again.

05/04/2026

Hotrod projects are never really “done,” but they do reach major milestones—and Wayne’s 1948 Chevy 3600 just hit the biggest one of all: It’s finally on the road.

It only took 34 years to get here. Along the way, life happened—new jobs, starting a business, and even changing the entire direction of the build. What started as a plan for a modernized 3/4 ton with an old-school SBC evolved into this 1/2 ton cruiser powered by a 5.3L LS swap.

In this video, Wayne sits down with Joel to talk about the long road to "done."

https://youtu.be/3wAZApJDEMY

1948 Chevy 3600: After 34 Years it's Finally on the Road

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...