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LS swap

Car culture term

LS swap
Photo: Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

What is LS swap?

Swapping a GM LS-series V8 into a chassis that did not originally have one. The universal V8 swap because the engines are cheap, light, and powerful.

LS swap is fitting a General Motors LS-series V8 (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, LSx) into a chassis that did not originally have one. The LS family launched in 1997 in the C5 Corvette and quickly became the universal V8 swap engine because of three factors: high availability and low cost from junked Camaros, Trans Ams, GTOs, trucks, and SUVs; relatively light weight (around 450 to 500 pounds); and strong aftermarket support.

LS swaps appear in everything: BMW E30s and E46s, Datsun 240Zs, Toyota Tacomas, Land Rover Defenders, Mazda Miatas, Jeep Wranglers, vintage trucks of every make, even Ferraris (rare but documented). The phrase "LS everything" became a meme in the 2010s and remains accurate.

A basic LS swap (LS1 or LS3 with stock cam and bolt-ons) typically makes 400 to 500 horsepower naturally aspirated. With forced induction or built-up internal modifications, LS-based engines have made well over 2,000 horsepower in extreme drag racing applications. The platform is essentially a blank canvas for power-building.

Related terms

K-swap2JZ swapOEM-plus

Frequently asked questions

Which LS engine is best for a swap?
Depends on budget and goal. LS1 and LS6 are common, cheap, and adequate for most builds (300-400 hp). LS3 is the modern junkyard standard with more power potential. LS7 (Z06 Corvette) is the high-displacement naturally aspirated option. LSx blocks support extreme power but are expensive.
How much horsepower does an LS swap typically make?
Stock LS1: 305 horsepower factory. Mild bolt-ons (intake, exhaust, tune): 350-400. Cam + heads + intake: 450-550. Forced induction with stock internals: 500-700. Built engines with forced induction can exceed 1,000.
How much does an LS swap cost?
Junkyard LS1 with transmission: $1,500-$3,000. Swap parts (mounts, oil pan, headers, harness): $2,000-$5,000. Labor: $3,000-$8,000. Total typically $7,000-$15,000 for a basic swap. High-end builds with built engine and forced induction can exceed $30,000.
Is an LS swap legal?
In most US states, yes, with caveats. California has strict emissions requirements that complicate older chassis swaps. Most states allow swaps that maintain or improve emissions output. Pre-1976 vehicles in California are exempt from emissions and are popular LS swap candidates.
Why is LS swap so popular?
Cost (used LS1 with transmission for under $2,000), weight (around 450-500 lb assembled), simplicity (pushrod V8 with established aftermarket), and power potential (huge). Compared to swapping a similar-power Japanese or European engine, the LS is dramatically cheaper to source and support.

LS swap on the blog

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