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Around 7.9 million young people customize their vehicles, including engine swapping. LS engine is a small-block V8 engine developed by General Motors in 1997. These engines are popular among automotive enthusiasts for being durable and reliable.

That is why they are a famous swap for many vehicles. Many people do LS engine swap, but it can be a complex process depending on your car.

Do you want to know more about the LS engine swap? Here’s a guide on LS swapping and what you need to know before considering one.

Benefits of LS Engines

LS Engine swap is a common strategy to improve the quality of a vehicle. Since its debut in 1997, it changed the world of V8 engines and offered many benefits. Here are some of the reasons why many consider swapping engines:

Price

If you are looking for an engine on a budget, LS engines are an affordable option. You can buy these engines secondhand or in scrap yards.

Power

Boosting the power may be the first reason why many perform an LS swap. Thanks to a strong engine block and high power output, these motors can push around 1000 bhp.

Duration

These engines can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles if you have proper maintenance. They are easy to tune up and have a simple design. This benefit allows you to make the most out of your investment in the long run.

Lightweight

LS engines come with high power, but they are also popular because they are lightweight. LS engines don’t have a heavy valve train because of their pushrod design.

How to LS Swap

If you want to do an LS engine swap, you should know some things first. First, you need to know the necessary component for swapping engines. Here are some things you need to do for an LS swap:

  • Motor Mounts
  • Accessory Drive
  • Intake Manifold
  • Exhaust or Headers
  • Dress Items
  • Power Adder
  • Tools
  • Transmission and Transmission Crossmember

Another thing to remember is to get the correct oil pan to fit your chassis. Oil control can be a problem in most engines, and it is best to keep it under control. So, make sure you get an oil pan that offers plenty of ground and subframe clearance.

After choosing your engine, you need to pick which transmission you want to run behind it. Most people that use a GM 4L60E engine run it with a 3-speed automatic transmission.

If you want to have an exciting driving experience, choose a manual like Magnum 156. Also, do extensive planning about your fuel injection system.

Perform an LS Engine Swap Today

If you are thinking of buying a used LS engine, it is vital to check a few things.

Run the engine first before buying it and check how many miles are on them. You can also do a compression check to assess the engine’s health.

Another tip is to get your fuel system ready before doing the actual swap. You can also look for cars that are easier to perform an LS engine swap before doing it.

Did you find this guide about LS swap helpful? Consider reading our other posts for more valuable tips today.