LS Engine Swap - How Much it Actually Costs | Full Price Breakdown

$5,000? $10,000? $15,000? Can you budget swap an LS? I break down my complete BMW E36 LS1 T56 Magum Swap and explain some ways to save cash and mistakes I made.
My Instagram @boosted.apex / boosted.apex
/ boostedapex
E36 Parts: Site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
FAST Intake Manifold: amzn.to/3oL22qL ebay.us/uwglvr
FAST Fuel Rails: amzn.to/3aiojny ebay.us/tlrY2n
Deka 60lb Injectors: amzn.to/3aksLlH ebay.us/MrxpAe
Odyssey P925L Battery: amzn.to/3kXeq4y ebay.us/XwTtSK
Fire Extinguisher Mount: amzn.to/3onoGoR ebay.us/xtrIWG
Battery Mount: ebay.us/5JCf1w
Battery SAE Adaptors: amzn.to/39TvMZR ebay.us/Epboi7
Apex Arc 8 17X10 wheels: ebay.us/6aJJla
Falken 615k+ tires: ebay.us/s4eO8A
Holley 7" Digital Dash: amzn.to/2TP11B3 ebay.us/cEOJFh
Holley GPS sensor: amzn.to/37cfIkv ebay.us/8LsNz2
Race Tech & Momo Suede Wheel: amzn.to/3ilNqL8 ebay.us/VxYc4x
NRG Wheel Quick Release: amzn.to/3uGCURq ebay.us/MWKQL1
Steering Wheel Short Hub: amzn.to/3pgJzAu ebay.us/165tST
T56 Magnum F: ebay.us/Dol9sN
Holley Terminator X: amzn.to/2OZ627p ebay.us/CXxqzJ
Mom Supercup Regular Size Seat: amzn.to/2QN0ddS ebay.us/Gtdpnw
Momo Supercup XL Racing Seat: amzn.to/3xhnJR2 ebay.us/HFwrgn
Sparco Side Mount Brackets: amzn.to/3sIESzA ebay.us/lheIW4
E36 Planted Seat Bracket Driver Side: amzn.to/32y75yC ebay.us/F5PTDi
E36 Planted Seat Bracket Pass Side: amzn.to/3dCkBYj ebay.us/jBle5v
302-2 Oil Pan Kit: amzn.to/2XzIIy3 ebay.us/gJaDwL
ICT Billet Acc. brackets: amzn.to/3r790EE ebay.us/gMj6yg
CXRacing E36 LS Headers: ebay.us/lk2wQU
M4 Rubber Magnet Pad: amzn.to/3EWZRpQ
Side Skirt Clips: amzn.to/3yQWA73
Side Skirt Templates (from Europe): ebay.us/uynb4T
Cordless Tools:
Ryobi 1/2 Impact: amzn.to/2UG03Yg ebay.us/3FvRVy
Ryobi 3/8 Power Ratchet: amzn.to/3yek85O ebay.us/4YviJx
Ryobi 1/4 Impact: amzn.to/2UDRVHD ebay.us/11aLy0
Ryobi Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3gnoCAQ ebay.us/W59ocA
Ryobi Drill: amzn.to/3DhyWV1 ebay.us/rqIhti
Other Tools / Gear I use:
Wall Cabinets: amzn.to/2TwigqJ
Wall Mount Power Tool Rack: amzn.to/3dNLHvc
Husky Toolbox (white/black): amzn.to/2V1p9Av ebay.us/oYNmGv
Tekton Swivel 1/4 3/8 3/4 Ratchets: amzn.to/3uLXdNs ebay.us/3MHh5k
S.W.A.G Band Saw Table: amzn.to/3ku3Mkh ebay.us/NiEypw
Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer: amzn.to/32OiESj ebay.us/rsnur0
Hanging Extension Cord Reel: amzn.to/2RebLXQ ebay.us/8Yv1X3
Universal Step Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/3ag12TJ ebay.us/4IjhVr
VLOG Camera-Canon 250D SL3: amzn.to/2L477Jm ebay.us/vdqXH0
VLOG Lens: amzn.to/2LmdFTq ebay.us/k4yI1R
Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax: amzn.to/2LytGpq ebay.us/6N4yBl
Adjustable AN Wrench: amzn.to/3aqcnAI
Magnetic Vice Jaw Inserts: amzn.to/2ZmUXPs

[@hunterlacost2649]

I’ll spare you guys the time. It cost him $14,577… thank me later

[@matt13ross]

Thank you

[@Vgk36]

I need to screen shot this to all the LS DORKS that say it's cheap and can be done for 5k..... Dorks have never actually paid for a swap. This video is reality not some fantasy 5k build.

[@zerohr8515]

and thats with no labor costs and a cheap engine. Most people can't do the work themselves. So add $5k+ for shop hours haha

[@fadilto]

Thank you

[@407_ryan8]

I am thanking you later

[@GabesGarage]

That’s how I did it I bought a 2002 camaro SS with a rebuilt title that was used for Drag racing so it came with good parts. Bought the car for 4500 and sell the rolling chassis for $800 so I finish paying 3700 for the LS1 with some goodies and the T56, took the pcm the driveshaft and pretty much anything I needed for my LS swap. I think I got it all done under 10k but I think is almost impossible to do it for that much now days. I don’t think I could ever sell this 240sx is by far the must fun I have gotten in a car.

[@matt13ross]

If I didn’t already have access to this built motor I think I would have gone that route.

[@dad5986]

Hey man I just want to say thanks for this video! I love the E30/E36 BMWs and was always curious about LS swapping one. I feel like this gave me the motivation to finally pull the trigger after saving for a while, and helped me get going in the right direction!

[@matt13ross]

Get to wrenching! Not too bad of a swap.

[@dcveem3]

Excellent build...you see so many of these all hacked up/shoe-horned in. Damn nice job!! First class job for a home garage built street machine!! You should be proud.

[@matt13ross]

Don? You know this is your engine right? LOL

[@dcveem3]

@@matt13ross Oh yeah...lol. We'll need more hp in the future!!! Maybe a pair of 35r's? lol!!

[@matt13ross]

No turbos!!!!! LOL

[@grabir01]

Better than any new car.

[@jacobsheppard862]

Everyone should try to do an LS swap at some point, don't worry about what other builds costs. Anyone can do it for any budget! With more time, patience, and fabricating, it is doable to get a really nice finished product for as cheap as you want. I have an American classic with an NA 5.3L with sloppy stage 2 cam, headers, aluminum intake, cut down wiring harness, Aluminum coil covers and a turbo 400 with a 3000 stall converter and a slap shifter built into the factory console and the swap maybe cost me 2K all in? This includes lots of trips to the junkyard, for instance building a driveshaft with a yoke from an escalade and a shaft from a 97 Ford. It includes some fab work like making your own exhaust and trans mounts, and it includes some 3d printing like making poly bushings, spacers, intake ducting/couplers etc. And also selling off everything you don't use, everything. You could go even cheaper if you wanted. Shave down and paint the truck intake, fabricate your own engine covers, fabricate your own rad hoses, use a factory cam from a newer LS, get a 4.8L etc.

[@matt13ross]

Can always go cheaper, and can always go more expensive. I went about in the middle. Some guys buy a brand new LS engine for 10K plus!

[@bl00dymar91]

Just blew my n55 motor ready to drop that ls💯👍🏽

[@matt13ross]

Impressive that you blew an N55 lol

[@laykhom3212]

I love that swapping LS❤Thank for your advice about buying a wrecked car

[@matt13ross]

Glad you got some info! Cheers!

[@zerohr8515]

I want to do a LS3 and T56 speed swap on my c4 corvette...but its not just the engine/transmission costs I'm concerned about. From what ive been told, I would have to get new axles, suspension, brakes, ect. $5-10k there alone. But it makes sense. Going from 250hp to 490hp surely would require a beefy system.

[@aaron7520]

Just get big valve ported heads, big cam, high flow intake manifold, headers, and gap every ls3

[@drdab_]

looks like a clean install

[@matt13ross]

That was the goal!

[@thomasreid8504]

Ouch! I was able to LS swap my D21 Nissan truck for $2500 and would have been less if I did not need to pay for the driveshaft replacement. That was using an all aluminum 5.3 from the salvage yard.

[@matt13ross]

Sure I could have done it cheaper, but I didn't want to skimp on certain things. I'm very happy with my setup.

[@asaptherm]

@@matt13ross Good. Specially the way you have your car, it looks like you didn't want to be another POS ls swapped that didn't look good. You did it the best way, some just do it the easy way!

[@Michael-xl8dz]

You are making my stomach turn should have just got an old Camro and call it done. But overall it's what you wanted and you got it 🎉🎉Hope you're happy and it looks great

[@matt13ross]

It needed more power! Engine swaps are fun and unique, that's why I like them.

[@Jason-gt2kx]

IDK, the price of a donor car, the wide-body kit, the motor, and all the time and labor would be around $25k-$35k. If you wanted a flared-out sports car with a chevy motor, you could have saved a lot of time and frustration by buying a used Corvette, but it was a cool project if you are a car guy so I get it.

[@matt13ross]

You're absolutely right, but here's where it becomes worth it: Drive a stock or mildly modified Corvette (which I love) to a car show. Then drive an engine swapped unique car to a car show and see what gathers more attention. Point is, I like being different. However I will also own a Corvette someday lol.

[@peytonponder8488]

It would not be 25 to 35k in labor lmao maybe 5-10

[@GebreMMII]

@@peytonponder8488 so total would be around 20-25k

[@pidgo4867]

my 92 firebird was 15k too

[@bromstewart8560]

could you do something like this without the Holley EFI? like if i got a long block with the ecu, could i do some wiring and get it running with just the stock chevy and bmw components? great vid Matt!

[@matt13ross]

Yup, stock / tuned ECU would work fine. But really, the terminator is better and easier all around.

[@trouble603]

The part that turns me off from swapping out my small block Chevy out of my classic car for a LS, is that you add a list of things that can possibly can go wrong. a small block Chevy with a carbureted engine are super simple I can fix it with a screwdriver and a pair pliers

[@matt13ross]

True, but at the same time fuel injection is more reliable than a carb. Better starts, better idle, runs cleaner / smoother, etc.

[@trouble603]

@@matt13ross sounds like snake oil. I didn’t get into this for mpg’s

[@fatkat311]

But you have no diagnostics. I had a built 383 that grenaded pistons 7&8 because of pre-ignition. $5000 engine trashed. Knock sensors would have caught this and adjusted the timing accordingly.

[@galaxykode9243]

LS engine is the easiest way if a person want speed Chevy did a great job

[@carhabitgarage4356]

Thanks for sharing. It looks incredibly clean. How many man hours do you have in it? I spent $15k just on the crate EROD LS3 super magnum kit but it did include harness ,ECU and catalytic converters. Keep the videos coming …

[@matt13ross]

Phew, I can't even count the hours. Definitely a few hundred. That's an awesome engine for you though!

[@othnielmalcolm7410]

This is great, love the work. However, a K20 motor and turbo would have been much less expensive and produces more power and is much lighter!

[@matt13ross]

Ew, no terribly sounding honda motors for me!

[@redlight3932]

1300 into mine really only plan on spending 3 grand said and done

[@matt13ross]

Must have good hook ups with parts

[@becomematrix]

seeing this expenditure I feel pretty good about mine xD Still, a v8 e36 is very cool and not very common and available right out of the box.

[@matt13ross]

Love my V8!

[@becomematrix]

@@matt13ross it looks very awesome. And given the budget it could have gone much more. This is basically a m3.

[@coreyeslick4052]

Did you have to do anything to the firewall

[@JakeRawSon]

Thanks for the info

[@matt13ross]

No problem 👍

[@marnickdelacruz2076]

I think when I do mines it’ll be doubled just cuz I live in Hawaii and shipping is mento!

[@matt13ross]

I totally believe that haha

[@Creeezzz777]

My guess is 17.5k! Love your videos

[@matt13ross]

Thank you! That was close!

[@Jizzaldo]

It cost me about $25k CAD to swap my LS3/4L70E into my Impala.

[@matt13ross]

It adds up soo quickly!

[@kifeYOU5]

Obviously I don’t know much about ls swaps but what do you mean by a F-body car? What years? What models? I have a 98 e36 which I’m planning to something cool. TIA

[@snirtman7223]

Hi Matt, Loved the video about the LS swap into your E36. I was just gifted a 2012 X5 with the N55 that has a bad rod knock. Rather than spending a lot of time and money rebuilding the sketchy N55, I'm considering LS swapping it. I can do all the mechanical stuff, but no fabrication or electrical. I checked Pensyltucky and they sell motor/trans mounts only for E36. Do you know of anyone else selling parts that would fit the X5? Is there a way to marry the OEM Body Control Module to either the LS or Holly ECM?

[@matt13ross]

Idk if anyone sells stuff for X5s. That’s a rare swap.

[@danhall5761]

N55 isn’t sketchy? N54 is the unreliable one

[@tristenjansen4288]

15k

[@tha_cruz_pyro]

Is there a big difference in weight between a LS1 and a m50/s50 engine? Just wondering if the swap threw off the perfect weight distribution of the e36? Amazing job on it by the way

[@matt13ross]

Thanks! There are documents online with proof but I believe an aluminum block LS is lighter than the M50 engine family.

[@omarnajera8295]

Hey buddy awesome car build. I will be getting a E36 soon & I will let u know so that u can do the LS swap for me let me know how much you would charge me to do it

[@matt13ross]

Sorry I won’t be doing this swap for anyone else.

[@wrxnfx127]

awesome breakdown , Id love to do the same build on my e28

[@matt13ross]

That would be super cool on an E28!!

[@nicodemussibiya8692]

An E28 would be hella dope

[@isaacschoenecker6725]

I have a 325i convertible with basically everything m3 in the rear what did you do for driveshaft ??

[@matt13ross]

Custom driveshaft.

[@xisneakii]

Does this work the 328i version of the E36? Not just the M3 version?

[@matt13ross]

Yup!

[@kinghenry8498]

Did u have to fabricate for the throttle cable to work ??

[@matt13ross]

Nope

[@angbar9075]

What kind of work do you do?

[@dnvr12]

I want the 6.0… lets say i found a wrecked Escalade can i use those accessories too?

[@matt13ross]

Yup

[@seanjames9662]

How he get all those low prices? eBay?

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

all that for just a base Ls v8 to have in your car not even boosted not worth it, including the car your prob in it around 20 grand, way better off using the m50 it came w rebuilding that and adding a turbo youd be at double the power for 50 percent less then a LS swap

[@matt13ross]

Base LS? You know the base LS is iron block and 4.8 liters right? lol And there is no reason to add a V8 to these cars if you're going to boost it. Better off boosting the stock S50.

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

yea i mean just an Ls1 i couldnt justify the spendings on it maybe if it was atleast a ls2 or 3 but even then almost 15k to Ls swap isnt very cost effective

[@matt13ross]

My built LS1 makes 410 whp, way more than any stock LS2 or 3.

[@IM_ACID]

Got a question boss I’m looking to get a e39 540i 6spd m sport I want to enjoy that car for a good 6 months till I get my hands on a ls9 engine from a c6 zr1 or maybe a LSA Just for the estimate how much do you think the swap will cost on that Including labor because I live in nyc and mfers be charging high Or do you recommend going out of state and get it build?

[@matt13ross]

Honestly that sounds like a $50k swap if done at a shop.

[@IM_ACID]

@@matt13ross that’s crazy Would you recommend getting a ls3 instead and put a tt or SC kit on it later on? I just don’t know ls3 reliability

[@matt13ross]

LS3 is a great reliable engine. You could get a used one and add a supercharger for a decent price. Or even an LS1 or 2. An LS9 is probably $20K.

[@IM_ACID]

@@matt13ross tysm when I start the build I will update you Might even post a video after finishing it I’m gonna try my best to make it look like it straight came from factory

[@matt13ross]

I always encourage others to make videos on cool stuff like that!

[@christophersumler1378]

Whens the e30 coming out?

[@matt13ross]

Probably this winter. But the initial video had no interest so I’m worried it will be irrelevant on KZbin. Don’t want to waste my time with videos if that’s the case. I am excited to build it though.

[@treffle17]

The cost of the chassis + $14K for a reliable BMW? 🤔 Money well spent if you ask me.

[@matt13ross]

Haha yes

[@johannjohann6523]

Wouldn't you also need to upgrade the suspension to the M3 version with all that extra power? Or maybe I missed that part. Killer swap, envious. You kinda made the bimmer look a little too cool. I would have kept the body more stock to have a "sleeper" and then blow everyone one away with them in my rear view mirror. (you gotta figure a trained person should get a hint with the exhaust note. :) Great conversion. I love my E36 even with the 4 cylinder in it. It's really one of my all time favorite vehicles. Take care.

[@matt13ross]

Suspension is all M3 or better. Every bushing, bearing, ball joint has been replaced and or upgraded.

[@hatersgonnahateyo]

i was thinking it would be cheaper than rebuilding my 52 and turbo but maybe not. im going to start saving and have sikky do my ls swap. the extra money spent to have them do everything with their parts seems like a better long term option for me.

[@matt13ross]

Im not sure what I had into my built S50 turbo setup but I’d imagine it was very very close to this.

[@hatersgonnahateyo]

@@matt13ross im thinking of just doing a refresh and studs. just want some swooshy noises over power. something to hold me over while i save the 25k for the real power build. end goal is race car.

[@matt13ross]

Stock M50 based engine will hold good power. Just do some good ARP studs and maybe a new HG and you’re set.

[@Wornk]

5.7?

[@angrykiwi6360]

It’s gorgeous as fuck but damn that’s a lot of schmeckels

[@matt13ross]

Schmeckels? lol

[@deko2541]

i would say all together 35 k

[@matt13ross]

Hrm I didn’t add up the cost of the car, suspension, wheels, interior, etc.

[@Skumo]

Can l do an LS swap to an audi a4 B8 chassis???

[@matt13ross]

You can do anything with enough time and money!

[@p4ndora179]

Would this swap work in a e39 528i? The stock engine is starting to show its age in mine 😅

[@matt13ross]

Yes, you just need E39 swap parts.

[@phillipatkinson3973]

Did u do the m3 rear diff swap

[@matt13ross]

Yup, stock M3 rear stuff for now.

[@phillipatkinson3973]

Cool man I've got a long way to go but I've got a 325i and a ls1 and some motivation to make it happen hopefully I can keep it street and track it on the weekends at barbers motorsports

[@matt13ross]

Work on it a little here and there and it'll be done before you know it!

[@blevinsharrye30]

turbo it

[@matt13ross]

NOOOOO lol keeping it s.i.m.p.l.e.

[@guillaumecomperon1955]

Where did you buy the water hose connections ?

[@matt13ross]

Amazon, eBay, and Rockauto all have them.

[@МартинПетров-к4е]

is it possible to ls swap a Audi a4 Avant xD?

[@matt13ross]

You can ls swap anything with enough time skill and money.

[@knucklestheechidna5718]

Siemen Injectors 🤣

[@matt13ross]

Confused

[@gameb0y86]

What engine and transmission mounts did you get?

[@matt13ross]

Pennsyltucky performance. It’s in the video

[@gameb0y86]

@@matt13ross sorry must have missed it. Thanks!

[@randy6350]

But the expensive part is labor‼ When you don’t have the tools and lacking in skills

[@matt13ross]

For sure, you're talking tens of thousands in labor.

[@randy6350]

@@matt13ross Tell me about it! I’ve been looking for someone for sometime… 😞

[@derrickbosler9704]

This would be sick on a e38

[@matt13ross]

Agreed

[@oscarbear7498]

Which out the friends who can get you amazing deals , your spending $16k-$18k Factor in headache, wrong parts, mechanics hustling you, inflation, set backs

[@matt13ross]

Lots of people tell me they do it for like $2k lol.

[@oscarbear7498]

@@matt13ross I don't believe them , I hear people tell me that too.

[@J2DaB33]

I'm guessing plus or minus 12k

[@matt13ross]

Very close!

[@J2DaB33]

@@matt13ross love the video and the e36 im hoping to one day make one here in puerto rico

[@getgappedfool7223]

Does a/c still function?

[@matt13ross]

Not yet, going to add it back in.

[@robertbrathwaite4191]

40,000 grand?

[@matt13ross]

No

[@RalphsGarage]

You lost your ass on the driveshaft and the trans. You'd be around your 10k guess without those.

[@matt13ross]

I know. But I’m happy I ended up with the T56 mag. I know I don’t have to worry about that breaking, ever.

[@lmc_motorsports]

12:26

[@pierresaintdaniel300]

How much cost for engine

[@matt13ross]

It's in the video.

[@ironmikelaw]

Go carburetorated , you would have cut the price iin half

[@matt13ross]

No way. Fuel injection is so much better

[@ironmikelaw]

@Matt13Ross you're right. Im thinking of buying a cheap E46 and doing the swap. Maybe get a chevy truck and go 5.3 or something

[@matt13ross]

Go with aluminum block

[@billyk3632]

No, C est trop

[@matt13ross]

Huh?

[@billyk3632]

@@matt13ross your work is Amazing, but you should have put in a BMW V10 or BMW V8 engine .... less work, less cost

[@SupraHenry]

I’m probably high but I’m saying 13k

[@matt13ross]

You were very very close!

[@SupraHenry]

@@matt13ross honestly I was quite surprised, but all the little stuff does add up

[@matt13ross]

It really does

[@11_10s_racing]

12k

[@matt13ross]

Darn close!!!

[@paulsullivan1901]

It's only money and having something in the end that you did all the work on and love is PRICELESS!!! Awesome job and hope to see more on the car soon! Maybe a dry track day or event so we can see it in action.

[@matt13ross]

Thank you, so true! Def looking forward to dry events to really test it out. Should have a ton of grip.

[@MatsYoo]

well if you dont have any left besides your ls swapped ride, chances are you signed in for a "bumpy" ride

[@coreyeslick4052]

Did you have to do anything to the firewall

[@matt13ross]

Nope

[@jjohn56]

The first rule of engine swapping is to not keep track of cost

[@matt13ross]

I didn't....until this haha.

[@aemediainc]

"If you clicked on this video you are probably considering LS swapping your car" ...Looks outside at my VW Sportwagen. YES

[@matt13ross]

DO IT! lol

[@edu1281]

I can definitely see a 10k build like this

[@blondegirlsezthis8798]

still cheaper than maintaining the modern BMW lines like mine (the problematic disaster N62)

[@matt13ross]

Absolutely true!

[@tonyz.1309]

hey Matt, great video, suck a varied skill set for doing this kind of swap. Any shops that you would recommend to do this kind of swap, since the last time, you stated that you wouldn't do any swaps, which is unusual- since you already have the learning curve. Sure would appreciate your recommendations. thanks,

[@matt13ross]

I think really any fab shop would be happy to do this swap. Especially since there are kits available.

[@noxix7641]

Hrm, I was considering a vortex over building the s52 or going s54, but both of those options may be the cheaper option, and retain the bmw purity plus straight six master race...time to do some thinking.

[@matt13ross]

All solid options!

[@robertfontaine3650]

Never ever ever keep track of the costs. When you compare a complete restoration to the price of a new car the price doesn't feel nearly as bad.

[@m3g670]

the money you put in that car compare to the pleasure you get fot the time you will use that car is notting, and fot shure whenever you want to sell the car you can get easy 25k or more for it, so just smile drive and enjoy 😜 and please dont scratch it 😄

[@matt13ross]

VERY TRUE!! Give me smiles all the time, driving or just looking at it :). But, DEF NOT SELLING!

[@m3g670]

i wish you will never need money from that car

[@jamesdubose5322]

Will a automatic transmission work

[@johansalazar4701]

Im 10 bands into mine and doesn’t even run yet lol but I love it

[@matt13ross]

That sounds about right 😂. All the little things add up.

[@johansalazar4701]

@@matt13ross lol yeah man it’s crazy, I hit you up on Facebook

[@matt13ross]

I’ll check out my messages

[@connorcornejo1002]

ill stick with my m44. too broke for that

[@SD70ACE-]

Do you want to sell the stock injectors?

[@matt13ross]

Sorry I already did

[@dannyipwn1203]

I just tally’s up my turbo setup in the 36 and it came out to 25k

[@matt13ross]

Built engine? $$$

[@Whoknowsmane]

Why is all this so complicated. I just want to buy my engine😭😭😭

[@matt13ross]

Ha, not as simple as it seems!

[@EBO47]

If its an and ls1 engine how come you got the Ls7 water pump and bolts and not the ls1 water pump and bolts ?

[@matt13ross]

It has a different and better output to fit the E36.

[@LowBoostFilms]

Do you still have the stock rear end and axles?

[@matt13ross]

Yup, just M3 stuff

[@or-ian6973]

It’s about 20-30k including cost of donor chassis. But a lot depends on the donor and the quality of build. I’m talking whole build, suspension, interior, exterior, wheels etc. No labor included. Only chumps pay someone to ls swap something

[@seanjames9662]

Luckily it’s a Chevy motor or it would blow up with all those eBay parts.

[@matt13ross]

You know eBay sells name brand parts right?

[@jettran4465]

13:00 what is a f body car?

[@matt13ross]

Chassis of GM vehicles. Like late 90s Camaro, Firebird, etc.

[@anomaly2826]

My guess would be 5k minimum to do it completely.

[@rockets4kids]

My guess at the start of the video was also 10k.

[@matt13ross]

Close!

[@rockets4kids]

@@matt13ross You made a very good point there about starting with a donor car rather than just an engine.

[@Kris0210]

Link to the motor mounts?

[@matt13ross]

Pennsyltucky Performance makes them.

[@onewhitey7434]

Great vid, honest and detailed, you nailed it for the money as well!!

[@matt13ross]

Much appreciated, thanks!

[@edwinthomas618]

minus wife...PRICELESS

[@IdontNeedHandles]

Man, it's not even expensive considering the end result

[@matt13ross]

Thanks! It would be very expensive to pay labor l.

[@IdontNeedHandles]

​@@matt13ross, true. But i'm going to pay 4 for the swap anyway as i have no time to do it myself. There is no light, powerful and relatively cheap car on the market now. So 30K for a swap seems cheap.

[@IdontNeedHandles]

@@matt13ross forgot to say thank u for the video!

[@matt13ross]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnblexjb7968]

WTF IS THAT 🤢🤮

[@matt13ross]

An Ls swapped E36...

[@2JZLS]

Hello Matt. I am considering LS swapping an E36 and making 900-1000whp. My roadblock is the rear-end, I can only throw a few thousand at it. Do you have any suggestions? (Winters/8.8” too expensive)

[@matt13ross]

You can put a 7 series diff in but those are getting very expensive too.

[@unfrsaken_soul226]

"If you clicked on this video your probably thinking about ls swapping your car" no im trying to 3sgte swap my car and im bored

[@matt13ross]

That's fine too!

[@conchobar]

The cheapest route is to buy a car that has already been LS Swapped and the owner is looking for a new challenge.

[@matt13ross]

If it’s been swapped right. Lots of half a$$ swaps out there.

[@thysaab7509]

Yeah I think a turbo e36 cost a little less with a bit more power I change my mind 💀💀

[@matt13ross]

This used to be turboed, it wasn't cheaper and was not reliable either.