Choosing a Junkyard LS Swap engine to Pull

[@knuttsackjones3094]

Here’s my only bit of advice on choosing a junkyard engine. Get one out of a car that’s been totaled, smoked, hit really hard and not out of one that’s clean and in good shape. Odds are that the clean car is in the junkyard because it’s got a junk engine or trans.

[@kairu_aname]

Another tip that's related; Not one that's taken a hit in the engine bay. Preferably something totalled in the rear or side.

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, always look for the accident victom.

[@inmate666]

My advice is. Start the dam thing and run a compression check on it .don't guess

[@DaleDenton]

@@inmate666junkyard cars don't have keys 99.9% of the time in my experience. You might be able to manually turn it over but that's about it

[@inmate666]

@@DaleDenton true that. It was to easy for me because I owned my wrecking yard for about 30 years. I could start one in or out of the car but I had special stands and buzz boxes to start anything. Plus I had several guys to do it for me. When u sign the pay checks no need to get dirty anymore. If I sold a motor to one of my favorite shops it better be good.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

These are great tips for people junkyard mining for LS based engines. The truck engines (4.8, 5.3 and 6.0) make for a great swap since they are iron blocks with the same architecture. I'd swap out or closely inspect the knock sensors and harnesses also as well as the intakes for cracks. Covered it all pretty much though, nice work!

[@mikedewsberry1774]

LS BASED NOT LS ENGINES...PEOPLE SHOULD LEARN THE DIFFERENCE

[@thearchive2166]

@@mikedewsberry1774YOU DONT HAVE TO YELL OLD MAN

[@danielbiggsiii6409]

@@mikedewsberry1774Actually they are. GM even says this.

[@kiwi-soop]

@@mikedewsberry1774 If you can put LS internals and accessories on it, it’s an LS. Truck motors are just iron block engines where as the car engines (LS1, LS3, etc) are aluminum blocks

[@johnbaumgardtiii8568]

Great info! A quick possible indicator for an E85 is the gas cap although the injectors is a definite way to identify them. Damage to the rear of the vehicle is always best since front end damage could have damaged the radiator and the engine was left running to overheat, spark plug inspection will help identify that. I also take a small jump pack with me. If the vehicle is complete enough you can usually get the cluster to fire up to check the mileage.

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, it's a good idea to always check the oil cooler and rad for leaks. Easy ways to smoke an engine if its in an accident and pumps all its fluids on the ground.

[@kevinwest3689]

I took a different approach. I gave $2500 for a 2004 2500HD drove it 150 miles home. Sold core support. A fender Brush guard And transfer case. Then sold my trashed 350 tbi and the 4l60e and the ten bolt rear. Before Modifications/ Upgrades. After I hold the rest of the truck to the scrap yard. I have $700 in a 6.0 4l80e 14 bolt Full float rear. Front differential, Plus Larger hubs and brakes. Gas padel. wiring. Which I gave away, And it was all sitting in my yard while working on. Something to consider👍

[@jo-qp7mz]

Exactly I don't like wrenching in the junkyards either! Way better to buy the whole thing!

[@JamesMcNamara-j1g]

100% if you have room for 3 junk vehicles.

[@HOMETOWNHAULING]

Definitely the best route

[@jimcatanzaro7808]

I don’t even have a home

[@kevinwest3689]

Just one Vehicle, and is it junk if it has a the parts you need for 10 cents on the dollar. If you live in a van, down by the river. Maybe you should focus on 🐈 instead of hot rodding. But be careful you can still throw a rod.

[@gerardmccarthy2432]

Thanks for taking the time to educate us.

[@grinningintheirface2685]

I got a 1990 caprice 9c1 detective cruiser with a 5.7 liter 350 and wanna do a swap. i think im gonna go old skool and put in a 383 stroker instead of ls. My dad was a mechanic, had his own shop, and had a built one in his camaro, loved it!

[@01chickenpickin]

I have pulled over 20 LS based engines from my local pull a part. Mostly the bottom end 6.0L blocks, if they spin they win. I find 799/243 heads for the 6.0L separately off 5.3L engines and pulled a LQ9 last week from an 03 Escalade, has super clean cylinders and rotates like smooth butter. Cost $203

[@davidgreen9663]

I sure appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I'd say you've got this stuff down!

[@xpelon209x]

I came across your channel and subscribed. I'm a equipment operator at pick n pull and i see customers go after the 6.0 Ls engine off gmc Denali and Escalades.

[@wilsworkshop]

The 6.0s are the treasure for sure, worth 2-3 times as much as a 5.3.

[@absolarix]

@@wilsworkshop I'm fairly new to Chev's, why is this?

[@jo-qp7mz]

Aluminum block 6.0 is the golden ticket!

[@jo-qp7mz]

​@@absolarixbecause the 6.0 is a 400 cui full roller engine and there's no replacement for displacement!!😂😂🎉

[@Mikey-wf9py]

Low mileage is under 300k for these... You could take one with 250,000 mi and still do a stock bottom end build

[@howitstartsmm]

thanks for sharing your time and knowledge

[@wilsworkshop]

Any time

[@kolbyfloyd9747]

3:33 saving this for later

[@georgevazquez74]

Great info, thanks, bro. Very informative and easy to understand. Keep up the good work

[@kevinwashington7311]

I only pull parts from a mangled car!!! Never mess with anything related to the engine on a complete clean car!

[@lifeonthemark]

This is facts!

[@22mrwright]

I never noticed that the flex fuel injectors are longer, I actually just swapped non flex fuel injectors for a set of 30lbs injectors but I didn't change the rail

[@randymacsgarage]

Wowzer that covers a lot of great information thanks

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1badombre82]

Very useful info thank you. I will say though that with all that knowledge but you still didn't know not to set the engine down supported on the flywheel gear 🤔.

[@dtperformance256]

Another great, informative video! Thanks for creating this content!!

[@bonscotty67]

You explained everything I would have questioned myself about, under normal circumstances. If that makes any sense. LOL. Great video. Thank you

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoseChavez-rr6og]

A great video! Learned alot I such little time. Subscribed and liked

[@wilsworkshop]

Awesome, thank you!

[@justinr9753]

If you get an AD244 alternator you don't need PWM controller. Sometimes a refurbished alternator will have a DR44 front so look to see if it's a 4 pin.

[@95Sn95]

This EFI stuff is out of my wheelhouse of expertise but I'm finally after decades thinking of messing around with this brand new EFI thing! Just kidding (I'm a shhhhh carb guy) but if you were going to try n make more power with factory parts would the flex injectors be capable of a bit more HP? I'm guessing they're larger for the ethanol? I'm one of those people that when they get interested in something I just absorb every bit of info I can do I was just wondering. Getting into boost is just so much easier with EFI and blow thru carbs are really expensive so I gotta figure this all out.

[@wilsworkshop]

The flex flow 36 lb/hr. Non-flex 24 lb/hr. I usually use the flex ones with up to a "stage 2" cam with regular gas. They usually work for about 6 lbs of boost also depending on cam. Beyond that you'll need de-caps or aftermarket injectors. Once you realize EFI is identical to a carb, but better, you'll never want a carb again. A carb can only be tuned for one tempature/rpm/altitude set of variables, but EFI is like having 100 carbs that get swapped out every time the rpm or other variable changes. EFI is max power at every step of the rpm range instead of a carb tuned for a narrow power band and "good enough" at the other parts. I swapped to EFI 20+ years ago and literally threw my boxes of carbs in the trash.

[@smokyblackjacket7215]

If i was gonna use one in a truck then i would put all new seals in it

[@wilsworkshop]

Good call. I always swap the seals, gaskets, dolphins, and whales.

[@firstlast---]

​@@wilsworkshopwtf 😂

[@Valdemar-Perez-III]

@@wilsworkshopdolphins and whales 😂

[@dapper_gent]

The whole flock?

[@unclemar8352]

Knowledge, I like it. 💯

[@DrKushmeister]

Another way to tell if it's an l59 is by the stainless fuel rail

[@DurzoBlunts]

I need a buddy like you to help me pick a 5.3 for a jeep swap

[@wilsworkshop]

LKQonline is the easy way to get a good one "usually". Pre-pulled and they come with a warranty.

[@kevinroberts781]

You won't be finding LS engines in junkyards around my area. The yard pulls them before they set the cars In the yard.

[@wilsworkshop]

That sucks, there's only 1 yard around here that does that, but they have newer cars and sell the body parts for cheap, so I can't complain. I just don't go there for engines.

[@thembrelectric]

​@wilsworkshop do you have a ls3 for sale by chance?

[@lemoncake9597]

Might as well put a fresh rear main seal on it while it’s out. Won’t have to worry about to going bad then. Front main wouldn’t be a bad idea either when it’s hard to get too while in the vehicle.

[@lifeonthemark]

I appreciate this video! Great explanation.

[@kl0wnkiller912]

Great info. Thanks.

[@BradonOliver]

My question is where are you to have access to a junkyard. The ones around me don’t let you pull your own parts. I’ve went to look for seats for my project and none locally would allow me to explore

[@wilsworkshop]

All over the US, just check LKQ and Pull a Part websites, both are nationwide.

[@jamesbrooks5442]

Check timing slop most need new chain and gears better than bending valves

[@ScroatBagGarage]

Always have checked for body damage before getting the engine or trans…suckers pull engines from un wrecked cars

[@scottvanessendelft408]

Thank You! This helps alot!

[@Zeroflax]

Worst part is its getting harder and harder to find wreckers that'll let you pull your own motor or theyre already selling used motors so they wanna pull it for a price. In canada wreck yards are disappearing left and right also.

[@dw7094]

Where I live, junkyards are not what they used to be. They are now "automotive recycling centers". When a wreck comes in the vehicle is stripped. Engine, transmission, axles and all useable parts are removed and cataloged. You no longer get to wander through the yard. Items are purchased at a counter similar to an auto parts store. If you want an engine or transmission you have to act fast because local shops buy these items as soon as the wreck hits the yard. The DIY'er is becoming a thing of the past. If you want an engine or transmission you have to go to one of the shops. You'll pay more, but you get an item that has been checked, repaired and/or overhauled, and comes with a limited warranty.

[@tri5garage544]

Small head bolts? Never heard about that. I’m using an 01 5.3 so I guess I have small head bolts.

[@wilsworkshop]

To clarify, it's "small head" " bolts". The valley cover bolts are large or small head, I think its 10mm vs 13mm, from the engines I've pulled apart, all the "large head" bolts on 2005-2007 engines correspond to having Gen 4 rods since they were swapping production and gearing up for Gen 4 engines and used up all the Gen 3 rods.

[@332ARA]

that's good to know@@wilsworkshop

[@camarochris071]

​@@wilsworkshop that's good to know. I wasn't aware of any identifiers for which ones got the gen 4 rods. Thanks

[@crazyoilfieldmechanic3195]

​@@wilsworkshophow much better are gen 4 rods ??

[@sKid-ts7hr]

What if i see gunk buildup in all the engine but it was running with low oil pressure. Do you think it Worth buying

[@wilsworkshop]

Personally I would pass, the buildup usually means poor oil change maintance, so likely a neglectful owner and worn parts. Theres plenty of good engines out there to try rescuing beat up ones.

[@Hybridknfgrowchannel]

Im all about the health of the block a quick overview nothing major i yank it gotta build up a collection

[@raymanjohan8838]

can the wrong fuel injectors make the truck run like it has a misfire?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yes, if the injectors don't match the injector data in the computer they won't operate correctly.

[@ericjark5516]

The zebra bandaid means you have a loyal, kinky woman that loves ya! 🍻 P.S. good content!

[@Randy-q5h]

Do you do LS swaps for money? I need my rig done but have no shop or tools.

[@wilsworkshop]

I don't right now, I'm "in between" shops so I can't commit to any projects.

[@hunterwilliams9632]

do you think a 1998 or 99 chevy 3500 ls would be a good swap engine has 120000 miles I want to put in a 56 olds I know it ran but the brain died its be sitting for some years now or look for a different one any problems you know of using this thanks

[@wilsworkshop]

A 1999 3500 should be a 6.0L if it's a LS engine. The only downside is the 99-00 6.0's usually have cast iron heads instead of aluminum. Just extra weight and less desirable is all, doesn't really hurt the horsepower.

[@hirthirthirt1693]

thanks for all the informations. Maybe you can ls-swap a car for me.

[@greddmyles3677]

How much did you pay for complete engine?

[@wilsworkshop]

Around $400, plus 2 hours labor, 6 hours driving, lunch at Sonic, and some guy needed to borrow a wrench so we talked about LS swaps for 10 minutes or so.

[@notme8121]

Is that rat damage only on the spark plug boots?

[@wilsworkshop]

Rats and Bats they eat your face.

[@wildlifewithdonn5700]

Are the harnesses interchangeable? I have a Yukon and currently needed s wire harness

[@dopen3249]

Is the motor out of a 07 suburban ltz 1500 any good for a swap ? Into an older chassis. Have the truck just sitting here, just wondering if I could do anything interesting with the motor, thanks

[@dopen3249]

*I believe it’s the 5.3L v8

[@wilsworkshop]

Check the 8th digit of the VIN, it's the engine code digit.

[@dopen3249]

@@wilsworkshop is the 5.3 liter from that truck any good?

[@kevinkobayashi]

also you make parts up to fit the rust, then you decidet part with the car after several years finding tires which wont last less then a month, then the car breaks down wherever its going and all the hassle for a extremely short tem fix an last $$$$$$$ wasted for a new vehicle.

[@whiskeytango1747]

Has anyone used the code vin 5.3 aluminum block for ls swaps? 2005 Silverados had them

[@wilsworkshop]

The gen 3 aluminum 5.3 engines in the Sierra/Silverado are the L33 engine, lots of people use them.

[@tennesseesyndicate5337]

Why are you checking for leak?

[@wilsworkshop]

Leaky engines usually mean more heat cycles on the gaskets, which can mean higher miles. Junkyard engines are a mystery, gotta improve your odds of getting a good one.

[@kevinkobayashi]

there is nothing that comes of that, the vehicles have run their lives. done their share for the families. they wear out esp the rwires when they get frrayed etc, and the outside parts look beat etc and most of all, if you throw them in the car truck etc they end up back to sq one after the "added" more abuse/miles and wont get the $$$$$$ like its the ones they started out with when you buy a new car, its major headache plus when you tinker add holes etc to the vechicles they weaken the other partts of the vehicles and their ives are shorter as well.

[@wilsworkshop]

I was just thinking the same thing.

[@Mikey-wf9py]

I love it but my problem is I love that whole truck. That whole platform from beginning to end is amazing. I hate everybody wants to pull that engine out and put it in a car. Why not just build the truck itself? I mean yes they brought out but the SUV doesn't rot out as bad as the pickup. The 2500 is solid the 1500 rots out and has a weak transmission.. weak by 20 year old standards... Today a 4L60 wud be god... The sick ol lady 6spd is ass

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, the GMT800 was the best platform of GM trucks pretty much ever, I have a few of them. These are junkyard "trucks" though, can't buy and fix them even if I wanted to. So the best we can do is snag their parts/engines.

[@kiwi-soop]

I get what you’re saying, but those of us who are pulling these motors for swaps aren’t pulling them out of good trucks. We’re taking them out of ones that aren’t save able, if the body is all smashed and the frame is bent the truck is gone no sense in letting the perfectly good engine rot away too

[@freshbutplain1144]

That would be a fender. Not quarter panel.

[@blackandbluedress8500]

Hopefully those heads aren’t castech 706 heads. I lucked out on mine and they weren’t castech

[@micaelamccormick3963]

I'm running 706 heads on my 96 gmc ls swap one turned out ok the other is not happy at all unspent fuel vapor just blows out the passenger side head I only noticed because I carbed my ls swap and had that venting into the air

[@RezSoxBaseball]

Is the vortec actually an LS?

[@wilsworkshop]

The 1999+ Vortec engines use the same or similar parts to the actual LS motors, and are usually refered to as LS Swaps, but technically they arent an LS, since they dont have a RPO code starting with LS. It's mostly a minor lettering designation that makes them "not a real LS".

[@RezSoxBaseball]

@@wilsworkshop vortec sounds cooler anyways

[@jpachemi]

Yes LS with an iron block. Sometimes heads to depends

[@erichern8078]

Is the dr44 alternator off of a 6.0 engine?

[@wilsworkshop]

They came on trucks with lots of electronics. I've seen them on all the versions of engine sizes, the vehicle electronic options are what mattered, not engine size.

[@erichern8078]

@wilsworkshop thank you!

[@born2wrench]

One thing that isn't a quarter panel and two that isn't a head bolt

[@wilsworkshop]

You've clearly never worked in the junkyard all day, in the summer, in the south, with only 1 water bottle in your bag.

[@Carlos-d1e6s]

how much did you pay for it?

[@redneckbryon]

I figured you would have pulled the engine out of the truck that still had the hood.

[@wilsworkshop]

I sorta did, I removed the hood before I started recording. Water intrusion from missing hoods is one of the first thing I look for. No hood and no intake manifold is a hard pass every time.

[@gerardomendoza9688]

Even if the vehicle was in an accident I would still think the engine is probably gana fail because what if it had engine problems too. Probably the guy was driving like a demon and crashed and the engine is abused jajaja..

[@wilsworkshop]

It's true, one time I grabbed an engine from a truck that had a smashed windshield covered in dried blood. I was in my garage working on it and something was just a little off. About that time the Brujo next door came over to drink some beers. While he took one look at the engine and started yelling in Spanish and making what looked like gang signs in the air. I don't remember what all he said except he kept chanting "Conductor Diabolico! CONDUCTOR DIABOLICO!" I threw that engine right in the trash can that night, made a pretty loud thump the next morning when they dumped it in the back of the garbage truck.

[@gerardomendoza9688]

@@wilsworkshop the dude who owned that truck probably has some relationship with evil 😈 shit. That's one big one that we don't think about when grabbing used shit who's was it and who was they. crazy..

[@benschlack5814]

Boy you should have left those engines right where they came from because they are junk 😂

[@osamalongway-do7cl]

Question so I have a 05 Yukon with the 5.3 electric throttle body the motor needs replacing bt I have 2003 gmc Sierra 5.3 drive by wire throttle body can I swap it and jus change the throttle body and or intake altogether

[@wilsworkshop]

The electronic throttle bodies were the same from 03 to 05, so you can use either one. They should look identical.

[@osamalongway-do7cl]

@@wilsworkshop okay so the engines are the same? all I have to do is jus swap the throttle bodies and or the intake and throttle bodies

[@wilsworkshop]

If they're both LM7's or L59's then they're the same for those years. Even if one is a LM7 and one a L59 they're almost the same, just different fuel systems and computers. Just use the fuel rail/injectors from the Yukon if you're not sure and you'll be fine.

[@MikeGarringer-q1q]

Rather have a junk motor or motorcycle buddy

[@Steve-p6v]

Why do people call vortec engines an ls swap?? I dont get it. They are 2 totally difrent engines.

[@MrBtchplz]

A Vortec is essentially an LS. Just different branding depending on vehicle. (Truck vs Car) If u have a vortec, u have an LS.

[@wilsworkshop]

There's multiple versions of the Vortec engines going back to the 4.3L In 1985. the 1999+ 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 share the same architecture as the LS1 rpo code engines and most parts are interchange between the two. They have 2 different applications, truck vs car, but are extremely similar in design. It's more correct to call them "ls engines" then Vortec, since Vortec swaps always refered to 4.3s and SBC 350 engines with Vortec heads in the 90's. Even the L31 Vortec 350 survived in vans until 2002, overlapping the LS based Vortec engines.

[@Steve-p6v]

​​​@@wilsworkshop not the same engine trust me.. different internally and head design. That was my point . Casting are the same yes I agree.

[@wilsworkshop]

Not sure what engines you're talking about, but 5.3's literally came, from the factory, with LS6 heads on them, casting #243. LS1 heads bolt right on also, just lower compression some from the chamber volume.

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

Thanks for showcasing your superior level of knowledge! Same fkn generic platform....minor design differences for low rpm torque for trucks. Just like coyotes for mustangs and trucks.

[@nicoleelmers4882]

Robinson Ruth Williams Donald Clark Sandra

[@wilsworkshop]

John Jacob Eingel Heimer Schmidt

[@dw7094]

Save yourself some heartache and cash. Don't f___ with a junkyard engine for a LS swap. Instead, get a GM SBC crate engine w/ warranty and you'll be ahead of the game

[@wilsworkshop]

Also, don't f___ with fries in hot fat, they hurt really bad, so do skin graphs.

[@samrapheal1828]

@@wilsworkshop Word: "OUCH".

[@quezlee7946]

All that expertise about engines and Don’t know where a quarter panel is located smh

[@2uned08]

Those are LT engines not LS

[@wilsworkshop]

Nice, ebay says an LT engine is worth around $7,000, I'm finna be rich!

[@illduitmyself]

Lt is the new new chevy stuff. Ls is older

[@Lunch-b0x]

get your finger off the mic dude

[@wilsworkshop]

Directions unclear, finger stuck in your mom.

[@aarontracy5160]

Bahahahha. Excellent response. Great content brother.

[@dallasdavis3246]

next time use your man voice not your library voice

[@chrisrozakis9292]

Hello 👋 sir!! If you be so kind to help me out please 🙏 is there an email address that I can send you an email asking you about a budget build I want to do on 95 Silverado!! Thank you 🙏

[@wilsworkshop]

I don't really offer individual "build help", but a 95 silverado swap should be really similar to the S10 swap videos I have, the silverado and S10 of that era were really similar, just different sizes.

[@chrisrozakis9292]

Thank you 🙏!!