A clean-sheet design, the only shared components between the Gen III engines and the first two generations of Chevrolet small-block engine are the connecting rod bearings and valve lifters. However, the Gen III and Gen IV engines were designed with modularity in mind, and several engines of the two generations share a large number of interchangeable parts. Gen V engines do not share as much with the previous two, although the engine block is carried over, along with the connecting rods. The serviceability and parts availability for various Gen III and Gen IV engines have made them a popular choice for engine swaps in the car enthusiast and hot rodding community, and sometimes is known colloquially as an LS swap. These engines also enjoy a high degree of aftermarket support due to their popularity and affordability.
