LS Swap Essentials: What You Need To Know

Thinking of performing your own LS swap? Chase Christensen, editor of LSX Magazine, takes you through every component and solution that you'll need to consider when tackling your own swap. From engine mounts to wiring, and everything in between, we show you what it take to modernize your ride.
View more at: www.lsxmag.com
SUBSCRIBE to the POWERTV KZbin Channel -- www.youtube.com...
*****
Visit Power Automedia's Online Magazines! Power Automedia is the #1 Automotive Performance Digital Publisher!
Ford & Mustang - www.stangtv.com
LSX GM - www.lsxmag.com
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars - www.streetmuscl...
Drag Racing - www.dragzine.com
Street Rods! - www.rodauthorit...
Chevy Muscle Cars - www.chevyhardco...
Engine Performance - www.enginelabs.com
Corvette - www.corvetteonl...
Off Road - www.offroadxtre...
Diesel Trucks - www.dieselarmy.com
Sport Compact - www.revvedmag.com
Performance Driving - www.turnology.com

[@Dr_Xyzt]

Just a suggestion: If you use a low pressure pump and run it into a 1-gallon sump tank with the high pressure pump, it's really easy to change your fuel pumps if you ever have trouble.

[@fredpoole1678]

changing a 2001 4.8 to a 5.3 engine in a Silverado

[@randelclawson7695]

Yeah most people have no idea how well having a fuel surge tank up front works.

[@MARZOSIRUS]

Or you can cut an access hatch in your trunk and just access it there.

[@TheGoFastGarage]

The best part about an LS Swap is the hurt feeling when I lift the hood of my old Ford.

[@jbz8117]

Fuck yeah brother. My 1960 f100 loves its 5.3! And the purists hate it. But ford made so Chevy can shake it!

[@stevengustke6196]

@@kylecunningham46 uhh def wrong lmao please take an old 454 against a 6.0ls

[@stevengustke6196]

@@kylecunningham46 ford has a few good options yes, but way over priced.

[@tturi2]

I could bolt in a barra, but I'm only gaining fuel economy, I'd like to also improve the weight and balance of the car

[@raymondclemetson9936]

Best tutorial on KZbin. Thank you.

[@gregmf9427]

Love the HOT air intake

[@alecmittman8803]

Was anyone else offended by the welds on those headers?

[@zollieh]

I welded for the first time last weekend and my welds were better than that....

[@281cu6]

You're lucky that 100 shot of NOS didn't blow the welds on the intake

[@illduitmyself]

*made in china*

[@jammy46235]

Alec Mittman that and the MAF sensor port looked like a 5 year old got ahold of the welder well it was made in China so it probably was a 5 year old

[@yahtadi5152]

Exactly

[@drwombat]

Around 04:05 you mention 2-3 different ways to configure a fuel delivery system, specifically the fuel pump and last mention the external fuel pump but only show one picture/item that being the external fuel pump... Are we to assume that the easiest and most hassle free method of resolving this issue is indeed the aftermarket external fuel pump in builds where the other two options aren't easier? Maybe a good rule of thumb being to go with an external and check if other easier options are available, and make sense, later?

[@3madeamps]

thats a 56 chevy not a 55...

[@SpeedingNewEngland]

3madeamps #3 in nc was gonna say something but y'all beat me to it

[@AnthonyLopez-cc1hv]

3madeamps #3 in nc I was going to say the same thing its a 56

[@canabox7112]

I think they did that on purpose to get comments?

[@midwestofficial5259]

3madeamps #3 in nc GOTTEM!

[@derekthegreatgonzo]

56 not a 55.

[@rustybrowneye]

None of this looks budget friendly

[@wheels.and.wrenches]

Its all unnecessary

[@mrmidnight32]

fuzzy wuzzy honestly if you can’t afford this shit, you can’t afford a LS....

[@morrismontgomery5239]

M Barilla why do you say that sir.

[@mrmidnight32]

morris montgomery because he’s probably the guy who bring $500 less than what the motor is listed for on a bargain find motor. Then uses all old or wrong parts just cause it’s cheap which causes more work and more head ache down the line. Than doing it right the first time by buying the proper modernsupporting mods for this modern motor like he should. I tell people al the time, just because it works doesn’t mean it’s right. Do it right the first time. But there will also be those guys who use fuel pumps from a 87 truck for a 2010 motor and wonder why it blew up from a lean condition 5 years later. Or hack their wire harness and leave shit grounding out instead of pulling or buying the proper new built harness.

[@Noooo23523]

@@mrmidnight32 ok bro

[@churroofitness]

Love the channel and the content you guys put out keep up the good work!

[@gnargooch]

I want to drop an LS engine into my 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback. This page is helpful in guiding me! Any suggestions!!

[@peewee7405]

Holley recently came out with a water pump that has the mounting points made into it for the accessories, a one piece unit.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

Just drop in a 383 Stroker with carb, one wire to the distributor, one gas line and fire it up.

[@mikemcorky5418]

And save yourself about 5 grand.

[@rite2beararms]

@@mikemcorky5418 true... but this is a gateway for alot of other possibilities.

[@MylesKillis]

Is that reliable over time?

[@lucysmith4242]

Yeah and then realize when you want cylinder heads that flow well it will cost you the price of a LS swap. Of when you want to fuel injection it, it'll cost you the less than a LS swap

[@ryleyuhl7583]

why does the inlet and outlet on the rad have to be on the same side? surely you could just run a longer line?

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Not up North or in California, it's against the law mane...

[@estebahngoldman396]

Yea ! The engine computer harness is about 1500 dollars . the harness going to the transmission is another 1000

[@davidherman8244]

That sbc 350 is still the poor boy go to couple wires and done

[@schuldiner01]

Yeah, spend $2164 on the MSD setup instead of a few hundred for a custom harness, or $0 and strip the harness yourself.

[@lucysmith4242]

Aj Johnson just redid my harness literally a few hours ago. Took me about 16 hours including 6hours of just reading what pins to take ouf and different guides. At least now I know about my engine and harness

[@canabox7112]

Will the trans adapter work with a 2004R? I assume it would?

[@rubenesquivel7350]

Will that help with a swap on a range Rover p38?

[@177SCmaro]

ORRRR, or you can just stay with the old small block Chevy for about 1/4 to 1/2 the price and still make about the same power. But if you got 15K to spend for all this stuff, I recommend a big block chevy. It will make more power then either of them without even trying.

[@tbomb6994]

Reliability is key though. I love older carbureted 350's and 454's built them all my life. Of course you can make a ton more power for the money but you lose that in reliability. I'd drop a BBC in something I may drive on the weekends or something but I'd swap a ls in a heartbeat for a daily. Imo

[@everage86]

And the most important part is where is it making the hp in the power band. Horses to horses LS will win every time

[@randelclawson7695]

Cheap and easy to add a single turbo to the LS with very little modification to what you've already done for the LS swap and make a guaranteed 500 whp for less than it will cost to build a BBC making the same power with the same reliability. I love BBCs too but the LS is an amazing platform for cheap reliable power.

[@nickstewart3295]

Completely off topic but what's the wheel and tire size on that Bel-Air because it looks sick and would like to use it on my own

[@cesarcanchola6450]

I would like to be considered for a ls swap for my 03 infiniti g35 any sponser out there

[@guccimane3318]

Hey that’s a cool color what’s the color code I wanna paint my car that same color

[@andresramirez3681]

Building a 84 cutlass, does a 6l80e fit or is a 4l80e better? Which one would you use?

[@squidgymop1]

"just like this 55" clearly a 56

[@dicktracy6570]

Its a 55 modded 56 clone recently read an article on it

[@jodygreen1518]

A 55 have curved signal lights 56 and 47 have square signal lights

[@donalddistel6495]

I was inspired to get a second job if I am using this model to do a swap.

[@pigginainteasy324]

This guy sounds like he's definitely seen one up close

[@onyxfox.09]

I'm new to this kind of stuff. so can you LS swap any car? like a 2001 s4 1.8T Quattro?

[@denis7738]

OnyxFox 09 yes as long as the engine bay has enough space but even then you can modify the engine bay but make sure you get it checked out by an engineer

[@onyxfox.09]

@@denis7738 alright thanks

[@mothridith9760]

Ive got one i a 1984 vw rabbit, so yeah it can go anywhere

[@BobbyBrown-ru8mn]

Want to attach a 6L90E automatic transmission to my 2007 Corvette engine and put in a older vehicle!! What all will I have to do to make it work properly?? Shifting automatically , ETC?? Can the ECM be reprogrammed to work with the new mating transmission and what will I have to use with the transmission?

[@Jonny_trans]

Bobby Brown look into wiring diagrams, and figure out what pins control the tramsmission. You'll need some kind of custom tuning program like HP tuners

[@blindabinda1234]

Bobby Brown contact just Chevy trucks in lebanon maine. they have stand alone transmission harnesses for that kind of thing. along with stand along engine management.

[@blindabinda1234]

Bobby Brown you can look them up on KZbin also.

[@techmantobi611]

Love the vid much love

[@stormwickham1675]

Do y'all have a kit for a third gen camaro

[@jamesgriffin1697]

Nice plugs for chevy performance. $15k worth of ls goodies.

[@markburton9614]

james griffin yeah, this was nothing more than a thinly disguised infomercial

[@diegojuarez3404]

Question , I want to put a 5.3 vortech into a SN 98 , what do I need to change ? Please I need help

[@HWCapps]

What is the Company and Part number # for LS to TH400 adapter Ring Not shown in Video ??????

[@102Help]

Im looking into LS swapping my 1998 Buick Century with an LS4. from the looks of things headers might be an issue, does anyone know of a company that makes a set of headers that might be compatible with what i'm trying to do? or would I have to get them custom built at an exhaust shop?

[@johnq.citizen8076]

1998 Buick Century? That's a retard project unless you use the front wheel drive transaxle out of a 2006-2009 Impala ss. Get another piece of crap that's rear wheel drive and save yourself the hassle. Converting the Buick to rear wheel drive would be an insane and unjustifiable amount of work and fabrication.

[@102Help]

@@johnq.citizen8076 Damn, I can tell you're a real asshole. If you have something helpful or constructive to say, I'm all ears, otherwise you can fuck off and let me enjoy my car and project in peace. She'll be the ultimate sleeper when she's done

[@Ashroyer86]

What is the link for chevy perfomance for that ecu adapter?

[@juliobafillo5929]

I wanted to make a quick question I am wanting to swap out my 5.3 silverado engine and putting it in a s10 or a Mustang but that is besides the point I am wanting to know if it is possible to put a cummins engine into my 2000 silverado please answer back

[@PowerPerformanceYouTube]

Anything is possible with money and determination. Easy? Maybe not. Possible? Sure.

[@1997FutureMarine]

Julio Bafillo look up deboss here on youtube, he specializes in cummins swaps into different vehicles.

[@therealblackyeti5791]

I think there's a Silverado on here with a Cummings

[@pagiwanicholas9895]

HOW DO I ODER THE WHOLE SET I WANT IT FOR MY MAZDA RX 8

[@kboy9205]

Pagiwa nicholas RX-8 will be a good swap :-)

[@NiNjASwAgg32]

We have a guy here in Oklahoma who did one

[@wilsonmartin621]

I saw and talked to this guy who did the LS RX8 and it was a pleasure to see the attention to detail and all the custom built/made from the drive shaft, radiator, adapters for all sorts of things, different trans, rear end, and shifter. honestly I don't remember exactly everything he told me but the body and interior was the only thing left factory. it was the best sleeper their in my opinion. purple RX8 ls1 swap

[@tycole4653]

All of this is 7000 dollars

[@knowklelowbody7505]

Brb gonna go ls swap my 04 sentra

[@thug_lifeboxchevy]

Can some email the list of part rat needed to do a 1986 caprice classic lax swap

[@lazp7953]

Hi I have a 2006 LS1 6.0 motor I converted to carburetor I added a 622 lift cam headers and Emma's d but I am getting misfire through the carburetor blowing out can you help me please

[@audioduran8235]

Me too it miss fires I got mine from my buddy’s 92 Camero rs that he totaled around the time they had it re-built with a big bore and a 700r4 transmission He sold it to me for 500 w/transmission no bs but it miss fires It wants to haul ass but that’s stopping me

[@SugarHill28st]

where can I get a 6.0 LS1 ?

[@drakedawg313]

S.I. Thug no where there’s no such thing

[@SugarHill28st]

@@drakedawg313 what gets me that these dudes out here don't know what they are talking about truck motors are not 5.7 and lsx are large bore non production performance blocks I love my 5.3 swap fuelie will soon add a blower to it hope to get a ls3 or an lt in the soon future but thank you for the answer because these clowns couldn't lol 6.0 ls1

[@miguelcontreras192]

Any recommendations for a 3rd gen 92 Chevy camaro manual transmission

[@mothridith9760]

T5 t56 tko500 or 600 would all be nice options

[@azizalkandri8213]

I have yukon Gt 95 i want to swap engine to 5.3 how much cost ???

[@joebarrington6917]

You almost lost me when you called that 56 a 55.

[@golmansgarage727]

God those headers are trash did you see the flanges

[@blackmanops3749]

OMG! The 80s called and want their drum machine back.

[@kansasbondboat77]

The gm muscle car swap pan is junk, unless you have stock height truck I wouldn't use it for any car it's a hummer pan which the sump hangs too low ....... stick with a holley 302-2 or -3

[@limabravo6065]

When using a 700r4 behind an ls how do you account for the tv cable?

[@anthonymacon01]

don't, 700r4 will snap if nor rebuilt

[@limabravo6065]

The MultiChannel 87 / This is why I stay off forums, I’m not asking for an opinion on whether or not I should use this transmission I know how much torque and horsepower it can handle I just need info regarding the tv cable.

[@Miguelspl150]

Bow tie overdrive sells a bracket part#tvezls1br it will only fit drive by cable throttle body.. 700r4 should handle the power

[@robertmattox9715]

Most guys out there don't have the funds to call or order what they need ? Most guys will use what ever they can get on the dirt cheap. Which more of a headache but less money . If it was me ? Built not bought. Js

[@killer88901]

I want to do an LS4 swap on my Lancer GTS but I don't even know if that's possible

[@erichoward8463]

Yep, definitely a 56 Chevy...not a 55 👎

[@martincarrera8217]

Where can I go to find mounts for the ls bmw 325i swap

[@ocallmeckhd2810]

Martin Carrera vorshlag

[@grant7909]

Martin Carrera psh cx racing

[@ClumsyCars]

i did my entire swap for less then probably any product in this video.

[@wannabem334]

How thow

[@rite2beararms]

@@wannabem334 do your homework. There are many things that can be bypassed by purchasing an LS with all the accessories, computer, and wiring harness from the original vehicle.

[@glennmanchester1568]

pdgeman hmu I wanna pick your brain lol I wanna do one but I'm still on the fence about it for a lot of reasons but money being a big one if you can explain some stuff I sure would appreciate it hmu on messenger even I'm not hard to find you have my name if you have the time thanks

[@SultanJackson]

How? I would like to know as well. I am swapping a 6 liter into a 94 caprice.

[@jdubb21autoworks21]

I’m on the same boat I wanna do an ls swap on my 99 regal with an ls4

[@wheels.and.wrenches]

The products you show would cost more than most projects entire cars value. $20,000?? Maybe more?

[@mrmidnight32]

Wait but the 12 year olds on the forum told me it drops right in after I buy it from the junk yard for $500.

[@randelclawson7695]

New engine and transmission mounts, VATS delete on factory ECU, repin factory harness and cut out the unnecessary stuff, swap in factory dual fan radiator, add factory drive by wire pedal, Walbro fuel pump from EBay, then turn key and drive. All but the mounts and fuel pump can be sourced from a wrecking yard, and you can even use a fuel pump from there if you're really stingy on cash. If you can't handle a simple, and cheap, swap like this maybe you should refrain from bashing those that know how to, can and *have*.

[@mrmidnight32]

Randel Clawson you missed my joke entirely 🤣

[@heymitch9322]

i used all the truck engine parts why buy parts when U got a welder!!!

[@beaupatterson1527]

How hard would it be to put an ls1 in a 99 dakota

[@jonditmer7139]

Beau Patterson it would be very pointless. Funk a dakota

[@4406bbldb]

I drove a 8 year old 55 Bellaire to high school.

[@johnlinson4674]

Opening song??

[@josephbednarik5]

the drive pulleys and ac pump are nothing like whats installed in the car on the video.

[@airgliderz]

Joseph Bednarik that's okay it's about the engine not the specific application in that car.

[@clos8051]

“I think ill drop a coyote instead of an LS” -No one

[@dirkdiggler4843]

😂 👌🏻

[@thebubba1]

except for ford NPCs

[@mr.g9756]

So how much is this whole kit?

[@acoupetroop617]

Mr. G probably about 4k

[@squidgymop1]

Too much

[@BlueStormRage]

Hi can I use LS engine for my 1999 mitsubishi pajero ?

[@peteg9396]

Give me and engine and trans for my caprice!

[@onehot57]

That Atomic kit is no longer available!

[@1juanhuesca]

Song?

[@HaitianDred239]

i just want to know the color of that '56

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Just cut everything out. I take the 2003-2007 5.3 an 6.0 engine transmission and all hardware. I literally cut the truck off of the motor and transmission

[@automobiliuremontas9514]

Nice. Thank you!

[@PowerPerformanceYouTube]

Thanks for watching!

[@bulletbobweldon1442]

Damn it’s a 56 Chevy! At least try to know what the hell your working on! Smh

[@techmantobi611]

I can get a ls and do the swap with 3-4k this stuff in the vid worth bout 15k domes just unnecessary there plenty of cheaper genders with deals though.

[@269motorsports]

LS Swap the world!!!!!!!!! lol

[@staceytroxell7683]

Did anyone else see the rust before the collector on the headers? LOL

[@twomustangs]

0:36 Pretty sure that's a '56 Chevy.

[@CLlongboarding]

How does this video not have more down votes?

[@dougbowley3480]

Isn’t that a ‘56?

[@waynebrogdon9628]

That’s a 56 friend

[@dreoshio9968]

It's actually a 1956 Chevrolet

[@idontknow2293]

That's a 56 not a 55 which makes me question everything you said

[@BelleofLif3]

1956 Chevrolet

[@yallhatebaadddyoung7356]

It cost 3200 just to get an ls in a gbody that’s with out motor or trans damm

[@ketotrucker3528]

That 55 Chevy is a 1956.

[@peter455sd]

I don't like it,looks complicated and expensive,i'll stick to small blocks....

[@travisst.laurent1561]

Ugh, 55 is wrong. And all the wiring looks both expensive and complicated.

[@Petuniaowo]

hmmmm any car...yeah... nope. i tried. cant find any for my 91 beretta...

[@airgliderz]

Qyrelazi Tv LS engines are everywhere, get crate motor or a junkyard motor and start figuring out how to wedge it in. Just because the is not a kit for your car does not mean you can't.

[@integrator_101]

That’s definitely a 56’ bro

[@ArtSeymour-i3k]

Sorry but the vehicle behind you is a 1956 Chevy.

[@rickwatson7240]

This is a 1956 chevy not a 55.

[@Theferg1]

All these options look like a headache a lot of research, which means a lot of time and one big ass headache and needless to say again a lot of money!!! Just go buy a wrecked Camaro or Corvette and you will have the engine transmission the bolts to put them together the PCM to make it run you will have the entire wiring harness And you can modify the wiring harness to fit whatever application you’re putting this into and then the way it stays looking OEM original and you do not have to spend countless hours researching trying to find out what goes to what what will work with what how much it is if it’s available how long do you have to wait for it! You get to skip all that bullshit!! Even if you want to start from a brand new engine, OK well cool still do the wrecked car situation and just rebuild the engine!! Problem solved. This doesn’t have to be complicated people just make it.! Hope this helps.

[@jaivette]

It’s a 56 bud

[@kustom13rods]

Why does it sound like your asking questions!!

[@budsodalsky]

uh - youngin - get your year right 1955 ?????

[@mitchypoo117]

56 Chevy not a 55 but ok

[@jasonmccann8023]

U lost me when you said inlet and outlet had to be on the same side...

[@anthonymacon01]

my video explanes this better

[@oneatekay8910]

Ls swap essentials : Money

[@aarondanielsmith93]

55 bro. Really how the fuck can you not know the tri 5's smh

[@vinstella1741]

its a 56 not a 55

[@johnwasher7944]

Its a 56 i could not even listen after the first thing he says is wrong

[@jdhookups11]

i gave it a thumbs down just because he didn't know what year the car was. It's a 56 bro.