If you own a Gen-IV LS engine or Gen-V LT engine, chances are you have heard about the problems that come with Active Fuel Management, also known as AFM or DOD (displacement on demand). What was originally a great idea, in theory, for improving gas mileage on V8-powered production cars and trucks has turned into one of the biggest headaches for LS owners looking to mod their engines for racing. Michigan Motorsports offers a solution that takes the guesswork out of fixing it: complete AFM/DOD delete kits built specifically for your next performance LS or LT engine build.

The Problem With AFM And DOD

At first, AFM was a good system. Shut off a few cylinders when you are cruising down the highway and save a little fuel like you’re temporarily running a four-cylinder instead of a V8. The problem is that the lifters involved in the system are known to fail prematurely. It usually starts small, maybe a slight ticking noise or a check engine light for a misfire. Left alone, it often turns into a much bigger issue that can take out the entire engine.

When modifying your LS or LT V8 for racing with an aftermarket camshaft, be it drag racing, drifting, autocross, off-road, etc., you cannot utilize GM’s AFM system. Even if your engine is not showing signs yet, the longer you leave AFM parts inside, the greater the risk. Whether you are planning a cam upgrade or just trying to avoid an expensive repair later, deleting AFM is one of the smartest moves you can make.

What Michigan Motorsports Brings To The Table

Michigan Motorsports has put together multiple complete kits that cover almost all the popular Gen-IV and Gen-V engines. Each kit comes with everything you need to ditch AFM for good for your camshaft upgrade. You get a new valley cover, new non-DOD lifters, head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, new head bolts, a camshaft retainer plate, and lifter trays. No hunting for extra parts or worrying if you forgot something important. The DOD delete kits have it all in the box to compliment your new camshaft.

Gen-V LT engines use block off plugs instead of a new valley plate that install in the oil galleys by lighting tapping them into place. The LS engines have the option of using a brand-new GM valley cover from the non-DOD applications they offer or a billet valley cover from ICT Billet. The billet valley cover alone is a serious upgrade over the VLOM valley plate that houses the AFM deactivation solenoids. The new valley cover kills two birds with one stone by deleting those solenoids and plugging the oil galleys that are no longer needed. Add in the brand-new lifters and gaskets, and you are setting your racing engine up for a long and healthy life on the race track or off-road.

What You Need To Know Before You Dive In

Swapping out the parts to do a DOD delete is not simply a mechanical job; the engine’s computer is still programmed to manage the old system. Once the parts are replaced, you will need to have the ECM tuned to turn off AFM permanently. That is non-negotiable. Michigan Motorsports reminds you that this step is key to making the delete complete and keeping the check engine light off. Luckily, the same software you use to tune the engine for your new camshaft is the same you use to turn AFM/DOD off in the ECM.

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, AFM and DOD are a gamble most LS owners do not want to take. It is not a matter of if they fail, but when, especially for racing and off-road applications. Michigan Motorsports’ kits give you everything you need to take control of the situation and make your LS or LT reliable again for lap after lap, season after season. These kits make it easy to do it right the first time.