If you’ve been playing with LS engines for an extended period time like the members of our staff, than you’re well versed on what the LS steam tubes are and what they do. But if you’re relatively new, then you may not.
This is a common question that is asked from those who are new to the LS game, and if you’re performing an LS swap into your classic muscle car, hot rod, truck or whatever it may be, for the first time, it could be a part that will go overlooked or ultimately get blocked off completely.
Now we can write a 3000-word article, or more, about what they are, how they work and what they do, but luckily for all of us, our friends at Holley were kind enough to put together this great video on them. It provides us with a look at why they’re needed, what they prevent and how they work.
Jeremy first starts off by comparing the coolant flow of a traditional small-block Chevy to a modern LS, citing the location of the coolant passages, water pump and air flow of each of the engine’s design. He also specifies that your LS-based mill may only need the steam lines in the front of the engine (later) compered to the two separate tubes like you would finds on an earlier engine.
If you have a junkyard pullout engine that’s missing the steam tubes, you can get a replacement set from the dealer or various parts suppliers, of course. Or, you can step it up with a high-performance, higher quality set from Earl’s Performance Plumbing.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of AutoCentric Media, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles; GM, Ford, Dodge, imports, trucks — you name it! When he isn’t clacking away on his keyboard, he’s building, tuning, driving or testing his current crop of personal projects!
