Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma's variable humidity and temperature swings cause ethanol fuel to absorb moisture, corroding standard carburetor parts. Ethanol-resistant components prevent internal corrosion and fuel system failures. Rebuilds using these materials last significantly longer in Oklahoma's climate compared to standard parts.

Three different technicians inspect each vehicle before it leaves the shop, checking work quality, safety items, and final operation. This multi-person review catches issues a single technician might overlook. The process ensures both high-performance builds and everyday repairs meet the same standards.

Mismatched gear ratios between front and rear differentials cause binding in 4WD mode and destroy transfer cases. Ratios must match within 3% for proper operation. Transfer case fluid service alone won't fix engagement problems caused by ratio mismatches.

Road testing identifies specific failure points, but internal damage often extends beyond the obvious problem. Complete rebuilds replace all soft parts while inspecting hard components for wear. This approach prevents repeat failures from undetected internal damage that partial repairs miss.

Original engine mounts rarely fit replacement motors, and Oklahoma's temperature extremes stress poorly fitted mounts. Custom fabrication ensures proper alignment and vibration isolation. Transmission compatibility checking prevents expensive rework after the engine's already installed.

Low compression in even one cylinder causes misfires that tuning can't fix and may indicate internal damage. Testing reveals problems before programming changes mask symptoms. Engines with compression issues need mechanical repair before tuning delivers reliable performance gains.

Modern transmissions communicate with the powertrain control module through adaptive shift strategies. Without reprogramming and proper relearn procedures, the new transmission shifts harshly or incorrectly. Dealer-level programming restores factory shift quality and prevents premature clutch wear.

Vehicle compatibility evaluation determines whether engine compression ratios work with CNG without modification. Pressure testing requirements and tank placement options vary by vehicle type. State certification requirements and complete system installation add safety components that affect total investment.

Road salt penetrates frame sections through drain holes and seams, corroding from the inside out. Visible surface rust often hides structural damage requiring cutting and re-welding. Media blasting reveals the full extent of internal corrosion that standard inspection misses.

Worn suspension parts on the opposite side create uneven ride height and handling imbalances even after replacing one failed component. Mismatched wear rates cause the vehicle to pull and accelerate tire wear. Replacing in pairs restores balanced handling and extends the life of related components.

Either option works at AJ Auto. You can bring your own LS engine and transmission, or the shop can source components for your build in Oklahoma City. This flexibility is especially useful for classic truck and muscle car owners who already have a donor engine or prefer to have the shop handle parts procurement from the start.

Most LS swaps on classic trucks and muscle cars at AJ Auto take anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks depending on the vehicle and build complexity. Cost is shaped by factors like whether you supply your own engine and transmission, the amount of custom fabrication required for your specific platform, and the tuning work needed to complete the swap in Oklahoma City.

AJ Auto LLC performs LS swaps on classic trucks and muscle cars in Oklahoma City. The shop handles the full build, including custom fabrication, transmission matching, and ECU tuning, so the swap is completed as a single integrated project rather than pieced out to multiple shops.