Choosing the right LS engine for swap projects can be a confusing and expensive decision.

The LS is the undisputed king of the engine swap world, and with so many versions available, finding the one that offers the most bang for your buck is a common challenge. The YouTube channel Teysik recently broke down the most popular options to find the answer.

Choosing An LS Engine For A Swap

The video lays out the main players. On one side are the desirable, all-aluminum car engines like the 5.7-liter LS1 (345 horsepower), the 6.0-liter LS2 (400 horsepower), and the 6.2-liter LS3 (430 horsepower).

On the other side are the plentiful and affordable iron-block truck engines, primarily the 5.3-liter LM7 (295 horsepower) and the 6.0-liter LQ4/LQ9 (325-345 horsepower). While the car engines are lighter and make more power from the factory, they come with a much higher price tag, with a used LS1 often costing thousands more than a comparable truck engine.

The Hidden Costs Of A Truck Engine

The biggest argument against using a cheap truck engine in a car swap has always been the accessories. The truck intake manifold is tall, the alternator sits high, and the oil pan hangs low, a combination that simply won’t fit under the hood of most cars.

To solve this issue, a builder needs to budget for a car-style intake manifold, a new oil pan, and an accessory relocation kit, a list of parts that typically adds up to around $1,000.

The Final Verdict

After weighing the costs, the video comes to a clear conclusion. Even after spending the extra money to make it fit, a 6.0-liter truck engine is still significantly cheaper than an LS1 and has more potential for making big power thanks to its larger displacement.

For a project on a reasonable budget, the expensive aluminum car engines like the LS2, LS3, and the incredibly pricey LS7 just don’t make financial sense.

The Junkyard King

For any builder looking for an LS engine for swap, the best horsepower-per-dollar option is almost always one of the 6.0-liter truck engines, either the LQ4 or the higher-compression LQ9. They are easy to find in any junkyard, they are built to be durable, and with a simple cam and intake swap, they can easily make 500 horsepower.

While the 5.3-liter is a great choice if you find a smoking deal, the 6.0-liter’s extra power is usually worth the small extra cost, cementing its place as the true king of the budget LS swap.