It’s interesting to see how the LS engines have taken over the world in the swap category. You can see them in virtually any vehicle out there, whether front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, cars, trucks, and even boats. There is literally nothing that this V-8 powerhouse will not bolt into. So why is the engine so popular? Wheel House by Donut Media takes a deeper dive with their YouTube video about LS swaps. 

Obviously, cost is one of the biggest factors with the LS popularity. Since they have been produced since 1997, the LS-series was widely available in cars, trucks and SUV’s. If you head out to any wrecking yard in the U.S. you’ll notice that there are hundreds of GM vehicles sitting there rotting away. Since the 4.8 and 5.3-liter LS was the go-to engine for General Motors, you can normally pick them up pretty cheap. Don’t believe us? Do a quick search on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for an LS engine. The prices will range from $500-$1,000 depending on the engine code. Now if you want to by an LS7, you will need to bring a fat stack of cash because these 427 cubic-inch bad boys go for a whole lot more.

Another reason that the LS is a go-to for an engine swap is due to the potential power. In ’97 the LS1 debuted in the C5 Corvette and was rated at 345 horsepower. With a cam swap and mild head work, it’s not uncommon for these engines to make over 400-plus horsepower at the wheels. Combine this with the plethora of aftermarket parts and the options are limitless when it comes to swaps.

Companies like Holley Performance Products offer all kinds of performance parts for the LS along with swap parts. If the factory Camaro oil pan won’t fit in your project, they have one that will. LS truck exhaust manifolds won’t work … headers and manifolds are readily available. If you want to run a carbureted-style intake for your muscle car, you can find those as well, along with conversion kits, engine mounts, transmission mounts, wiring harnesses, and more.  

Until another engine platform is developed to compete with the cost, availability, power and the compact size of the LS and now the LT series engines, there is no doubt that it will continue to reign as the king of the engine swaps.