The Junkyard LS Isn't so JUNKY!! Jeep LS Swap Engine Assembly & Sensors for Gauges

LS Swap Parts List: docs.google.co...
LS Swap Playlist: • Jeep Wrangler LS Swap
Im back in the garage working on the LS swap for my Jeep Wrangler!!
This is the 3rd video of the series where i show you all how i am swapping in a 5.3 Gen3 GM engine into my 2006 Jeep Wrangler LJ. This "Junkyard" LS was found on facebook marketplace. We got the engine, transmission (4l60E), and transfer case for $800. As you can tell, the LS engines are plentiful and work great for many types of engine swaps. In the first video, we tore down the Ls engine to make sure everything looked good and didnt need a full rebuild. Everything checked out, so we cleaned it up a tad and then dropped in a new cam. I went with a texas speed and performance stage 2 low lift truck cam. This cam will add around 40 hp and some nice torque. After all of that, we are back to this video where its time to finish up the engine portion of the Jeep Wrangler LS swap.
Ive mentioned this before, but the goal is to keep this engine swap budget friendly. The goal is to keep it under 5K, and i think we can.
To wrap up the engine, i installed a few new parts. A nice set of AMS Multi Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets are installed along with some super strong ARP Head bolts. We take a look at some sensors that will need to be added to help with the Jeep part of the swap. I plan on using the factory Jeep dash and gauges, the GM and Jeep ECM dont like talking to each other and adding the Jeep sensors is an easy way around that issue. After that, i topped it off with a budget ebay intake manifold that honestly looks really nice sitting ontop of this 5.3. It rivals the look of a FAST intake, however im sure the performance will be similar to OEM. To finish off the good looks, i added some ICT coil pack brackets to really show off this beautiful engine.
I hope you guys enjoy the video and i cant wait to start up the next portions of the build!
Thanks for watching, and hopefully the links below will help!
Head Gaskets AMS: www.amsracing....
Head Gaskets Brian Tooley from amazon: amzn.to/3qkcBQ8
ARP Head Bolts: amzn.to/2Vqn4va
Assembly Lube: amzn.to/36tC4OX
ICT Billet Valley Cover: amzn.to/2JiPMvz
ICT Billet Adapter Set: amzn.to/3ockpS0
ICT Billet Coil Pack Brackets: amzn.to/36sRgf8
ICT Website with many other great LS swap parts: www.ictbillet....
Cheap Intake Manifold: www.ebay.com/i...
Maxpeedingrods Parts: 15% off with code Jeepgear
Coil Packs: Packs
bit.ly/3beT1xm
Throttle Body: Throttle Body www.maxpeeding...

[@JeepGearGadgets]

Thanks for watching!!! Dont forget to hit the like button and subscribe for more content! LS Swap Parts List: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HDpByCdnKh2DDT_qvMAfHqx-NNP5Ww4GvPHhc3pVzDs/edit#gid=0 LS Swap Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL4qTbXwvo0iBLhc0UNL_tXXugFQOHR-bV

[@lucky-rowe2623]

I wish youtube and go pro cameras were around when I was a young man. My dad and I spent hundreds of hours out in the garage building several hot rod cars and trucks . It would be so cool to have video of those builds. We did take lots of photos but nothing like this. Thanks for the entertainment!

[@brucegarner6566]

The absolute greatest real couple on KZbin! Flow, info, presentation and personalities! “Bustin nuts and twistin wrenches”! Classic!

[@_Keir]

And now I know how to get those 2 broken bolts out of my spare cylinder head. Thank you!

[@redneckmetalhead1931]

Y'all both wheel your rigs AND wrench on em, which to me, is the coolest thing ever! Love it! #couplegoals

[@willb3018]

I can't even get my wife in the garage to pump my brakes.

[@JeepGearGadgets]

Hahahaha bleeding the brakes is my least favorite thing to do😂

[@adamUDavies]

IF I had a woman like her helping me , I would never leave the garage. 👍😎

[@bobbobby1846]

you need a divorce will.

[@james94582]

I'm there with ya... Hoping the little one will be more interested in it, once she gets older...

[@emilyhayton8392]

I get blown away more and more. I’m inspired by everything you do!

[@Reaper1alpha]

Best couple on the tube!

[@greenhouse3505]

Just a small tip for heads and checking if they are flat. Something the naked eye, or even a straight bar can miss. Is get a sheet of glass, (and it has to be glass because it's perfectly level), stick a long sheet of sandpaper. I use about 400 grit, and do 1/2doz passes back n forth. Just enough to finely score the alloy. then check if there are any unmarked spots. If everywhere is scratched, you're good to go. Switch out to 1000 grit and do another couple of dozen passes until you're happy. If there are large missed spots. It's machine time. If the missed spots are very small. Then keep doing passes (switching up grits) until it's all uniformed. Takes a little time but I've done heaps like this over the last 30 odd years and never had a replaced gasket let go. Great channel. Love your content. =D

[@thewanderer577]

Ben, she’s definitely a keeper! Yes, I am talking about Cassy!

[@dobrzpe]

holy. crap. I CAN'T BELIEVE that weld-nut-not-on-aluminum maneuver actually worked!! CONGRATS! (i'm filing that one away for future reference!) just AWESOME!

[@pnwjeepcouple27]

Yea buddy, can’t wait to see this thing go

[@JeepGearGadgets]

ME TOO!

[@duneattack]

Nice job Cassie! You're a great number 2, Ben!

[@dagabriel9416]

Great tip on welding a nut to a broken bolt

[@andyrichey1192]

Yeah that's going to be sweet !! Jeep is looking great, going to really be great with that motor ! It's really cool the both of use working on it, you don't see that too often, Cassy definitely a keeper..

[@tjcauthen4958]

Y’all are killing it!

[@daveblaylock526]

Did this swap 2 years ago. Didn't document with video just pics. watching you guys do this swap makes me feel like I should have did a video series. great job!! love watching your LJ vids. Also have you found a radiator yet? if not check out superior radiator in Michigan. I got mine from them. originally I was going to go with one from Novak but I ran out of budget and ended up paying under $400 for radiator and cooling fan kit from Superior. it's all aluminum and it has worked just fine.

[@jaytownjunkyardfiles1999]

Cassie = "KEEPER"!!! Enjoy watching your videos.

[@gilbertwoods876]

You all work together really well stay real and keepthe great content coming

[@brockwhite1642]

So much fun watching you guys...doing work after the kids are in bed with beer. Know the feeling. Just need one favor...Do Not Let Ben Waste that Hemi on the Gladiator!!!

[@JeepGearGadgets]

😂😂😂 Lol. I’m team JK too!!

[@johnmitchell5264]

I wondered where the kids were? So she *gives them beer and puts them to bed.*

[@grayhawkjl947]

I’m excited to hear that puppy roar, I can’t imagine how excited you are to hear and drive it!

[@JeepGearGadgets]

SOOOOOO FREAKIN EXCITED!

[@ToddKirst]

This Video was so refreshing. I could watch this over and over again!

[@TheMonkdad]

👍 getting that exhaust bolt out. Learn at least one thing every day.

[@George71964]

Can hardly wait to see this beauty in the LJ.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

can't wait to hear that 1st startup! i have no idea how to swap engines but you're making it look easy.

[@JeepGearGadgets]

I cant wait either!!!

[@RailW-rw8lr]

The next time you want turn the jeep in the garage try putting your floor jack under the rear or front dif and move it sideways.

[@TheMonkdad]

When you just picked up that intake I almost spit out my coffee. I remember the days of intakes weighing like 50 lbs.

[@sharkcrooner]

Your channel is so refreshing! Can't wait to her that LS Purr!!!!!!

[@cabinwildlife7753]

Thank you for the attention to detail , great teamwork . As always enjoying both of your channels .

[@mutt457]

Please please upload more progress on this swap! Love this channel. Following y’all’s build almost identical on my 06 LJ, except using a 6.0. Thanks!

[@JeepGearGadgets]

Will be back soon!!

[@danarteritano1340]

I would love to do a project like this, but...... not gonna happen, keep pushing forward!

[@mistercamaro1]

Great to see the 5.3 used. Such a solid platform! Looks great!

[@rcl6371]

Just found your channel. Like it. Your enthusiasm is great! The videos instructive and interesting.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Darnnabbit dats a guud looken emgen

[@unlimitedljadventure]

Looking awesome. My only advice would of been to go with a drive by cable throttle body vs the drive by wire. Much simpler design. I also hope you will be upgrading to a better oil pan.

[@hervewasson5173]

Hi friends, I can't wait to see the installation of the V8 in the TJ. Beautiful project ! :)

[@eestracener]

Cant wait for you to finish this bad boy. I will be using your videos as a guide to my LJ LS Swap...

[@tommywainst7171]

Wow, this swap is going to be awesome

[@bobmcelver1484]

Nice job you two.......The broken exhaust bolts on the LS engines is a very common problem, and yeah the best way to get them out is what Cassie did.......not drilling. I've done a million of them and Fords are the worst. What I've found is that using studs and nuts on the exhaust manifolds is far stronger. Through thousands of heat & cooling cycles, the bolt head is the weak area and eventually fractures........not so easy with studs.

[@kjones1035]

Can’t wait to hear it on the Jeep! Y’all need to get some shots on the dunes at access 6!

[@zachconroy1443]

👍 Bonus Wednesday Cassy and Ben!

[@vicgustafson8514]

Hey guys. I painted my valve covers with the metal cast paint. Color was great. I sprayed the clear and now I have a reddish orange color after the paint cured. Thought it kinda matched the rubicon red. Then I painted the throttle body in same fashion minus the clear. This dried a candy apple red. Have ya'll noticed the same thing?

[@Vanguerrero11]

That engine looks so clean now love the look keep up the good work and jeep on

[@mikehoffman3690]

Night of wrenching. 🎉

[@chrisclark3150]

Fun videos to watch you two. Keep havin' fun! 😁

[@chadjsaul]

Nice clean build and who doesn’t like a free engine. Good job backing out that stuck manifold bolt.

[@turbojunki]

Glad she is doing a lot of the work... 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@mikelivermore7781]

Another Great Video

[@tonysmith241]

I really think you guys should go into more detail to help people like me who hasn't really found a good ls swap video. I'm looking to buy a junkyard 6.0 out of an Express van for my xj and I'm trying to research everything now. Not many videos are out there at all

[@vipermonkey7]

Looking good! Love seeing u two work together

[@aaronmcdonald8423]

Hey...best intake you could possibly want for that swap (itll help the power range down low, & actually all over the board is a Trailblazer SS intake)....that dorman intake or whatever it is, will kill power down low rpms. Your Jeep is a daily. You want the stones from idle to 5,500rpm. Im sure ppl have told you this tho. No matter what its going to run really well.

[@jonathanford8217]

I heard 392 in the Gladiator and I’m sticking to it!!

[@Jeepsterrick0131]

Awesome excited for you can’t wait to hear it rumble!!

[@darkenfly32]

Nice job Cas, really good info

[@adamaldinger6960]

Looks great! It's coming along nicely

[@evloftis4143]

looking good so far

[@four_low_adventures]

Coming together nice. Great work! Can’t wait for next video.

[@LuisYax]

That is so cool, I would love my daughter to have those skills, she will be getting her onw Jeep soon and I know she wants to start working on it, anyway, great work.

[@troyheflick1736]

LS intake o rings should be damp with WD 40 when intake is installed to help them seal.

[@justinvillarreal9738]

I did a LS 5.3 swap in a 98 XJ just letting you know that the 5.3 LS runs on a 4cyl. RPM pulse

[@swarbrickjesse]

That is one beautiful engine. Great job guys!

[@dropthefee8936]

I’d like to learn more about a budget friendly swap. My son’s ‘05 TJ is 6spd manual and he wants to LS swap his

[@longhorn8459]

I posted a big build series on my channel if that helps you at all, I finished up my 5.3 swap on my TJ this year. Good luck with your build!

[@lonniet.2816]

Gotta hand it to you two. Looking good, great job!

[@JeepGearGadgets]

Thanks!

[@boldrbangr9834]

Then LS looks awesome! Can't wait to see Cassie's 1st drive with it 😜

[@belajarus]

What about the Gladiator you guys!?! Dont keep us hanging, my warranty miles are running out FML lol Thanks for the videos, you guys are great!

[@Smokeroux]

Great Progress!!! Taking notes here, planning LS or Duramax swap

[@jimmyvalhalla1939]

Duramax?

[@Smokeroux]

Yes, 2006 Duramax 6.6 for our Scrambler

[@jimmyvalhalla1939]

@@Smokeroux holy cow!! How much does a duramax weigh?

[@Smokeroux]

@@jimmyvalhalla1939 I know heavy @ 840ish but this is a CJ8 Scrambler with an existing GM 350.

[@jimmyvalhalla1939]

@@Smokeroux SBC weighs in about the same as the I6. 530lb or so.. alloy heads help.

[@mrmark8603]

I work on my Jeep, in a Speedo. Perfectly normal. The restraining order, prevents me from washing the car in it.

[@dorsk84]

I want to do this but, 4 things: 1. My engine is still working 2. I would need so many driveline upgrades done. 3. I'm still not sure if I want to go diesel (2.0 TDI, Cummings 2.8R) or just what you are doing. 4. I don't have the room to run a manual. I literally can't work a clutch pedal in a TJ cause my legs are that long. Also there has to be a way to make the dash work without the Jeep computer. Less...stuff to have to worry about.

[@theharpyeagle4495]

I love your work

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

looking good no longer a junk yard motor..

[@Carl-vx9ws]

You make this look so easy 😆

[@lggonzo6749]

Good teamwork

[@scark00]

Great vid guys, keep them coming!

[@kyridgejumper]

Looks great I bet Ben is jealous

[@JeepGearGadgets]

Ben was jealous, so now he is doing a HEMI swap hahahaha

[@james94582]

Sell the LS... And put the Hemi in the LJ!!! Look forward to seeing as this progresses

[@GabrielMartinez-999]

You guys should go to cruise night, usually every Thursdays

[@JackSmith-hd3kn]

The oil pressure sensor may need to be connected to the GM computer. Unless something changed the computer needs to see a minimum lbs ( somewhere around 8 or so) or it will shut the engine down to save it. Really a stumper if you forget to connect it and it shuts down in about 10 seconds. Don't ask how I found that out.

[@dylanromine4101]

That last part I why I have many extra parts

[@danielalfaro4933]

Nice!!!!! Hell yea LS

[@chrisrichardson5841]

anti-seize is your friend with steel into aluminum.......

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@lyonsmotorsports8440]

Get videos! Do you have the seller id for the intake or a link?

[@TheJdizzle02]

*corrected* did you do the LS upgrades by chance? Trunion upgrade, brand new lifter trays, and oil diverter(aka billet bar bell)?

[@JeepGearGadgets]

They were $40

[@forestsparks199]

Off subject, what trim is on your hood for DIY high line?

[@TheJdizzle02]

*corrected* Awesome price and build you two.

[@JeepGearGadgets]

No, 700 for the engine/trans/tcase. The total for the swap so far is 1900. That’s everything so far, including wiring harness and ecm.

[@TheJdizzle02]

@@JeepGearGadgets oh ok that a way better deal. Didn't realize that was engine, trans, tcase, and harness included. Much better price point.

[@mazevx2451]

A cammed LS in an LJ with jk axles... Just put on long arms and you have about every jeep guy drooling over this beast 😂 and it's built by a Lady

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!!

[@kyleburgess6475]

Yeah! Mo powa!

[@adrianlanciano4454]

Why not use a 32 tooth tone ring for the tack? #wrangarage_tj

[@PhatboyHD88]

First time i ever seen a hot chic in Leopard print pants build a LS 😂😂😂 gotta love it..

[@mattbarrett41]

Pane of glass covered with 2000 grit sandpaper. Cheap and easy way to hone the mating surface of a aluminum head. You’re welcome

[@adamUDavies]

Cool video 👍 How would a 3.5 J series motor work in a Jeep ? 275 hp stock ? Can it be done 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheJdizzle02]

Don't get me wrong it does look very pretty

[@bowtiecity]

Good job girl!

[@ssrevo007]

Nice looking good. 👍

[@ronieramirez4842]

What kind of welder are yall using?

[@ryanmckinley6111]

Do you have a buyer for the 4.0L exhaust? If not, let me know.

[@HardcoreHuntingAZ]

I have a question.. what do you think it's gonna cost you for the entire engine swap? Awesome videos! Thanks for sharing

[@JeepGearGadgets]

The goal was to do it for 5k. We are splurging on a few things, so it’s going to be around 7. But it can be done for 5ish

[@samiralbalushi4611]

Awesome video