Look in every kid's toy chest and chances are you’ll find a Corvette. These cars are notorious for setting the benchmark on what Americans should expect a sports car to look and sound like. Since its introduction in the 1950s we’ve witnessed a plethora of evolutions, that changed the body style, and more importantly, the engine.
In 1997 the first generation LS1 engine made its appearance. While the power it's produced is definitely drawn people’s attention the real the traits on these engines is how easy they are to work with. Many of the internals are built to fit without effort. The lubrication system utilizes an oil passage that runs through the entire length the block, and planar mating surfaces help prevent oil leakage.
Besides that, the LS1 is one of the most versatile engines GM has ever manufactured. Having the ability to choose between a cast iron or aluminum block and then being able to trust these engines to handle between 700 and 1,400 horsepower makes them a sure pick for swaps around the world. Check out our top picks for the best LS1 swaps we’ve found.
1. Kostelacd69 CLEAN LS 240ex
Let's face it, LS 240sx are practically a dime a dozen. These cars are V8 swapped as much as b16s are dropped in CRXs. So finding one, that stood out from the rest was a bit of a challenge. Now, not to take away from other swaps, but this one just has that extra clean, special attention to detail type of vibe that really caught my attention.
Featuring an LQ9 cast iron block, built with Eagle crank, rods, and diamond pistons. This bad boy has a, 8.7 to 1 compression, ARP hardware and boosted to all hell using a Garrett GTX4202R Turbo, complete with dual turbo smart 45mm waste gates and GReddy intercooler.
Its OEM red with Gold pearl paint seems flawless, and the chassis sits on a fully adjustable coilover system. Probably the best thing to note is, this car still managed to keep its air conditioning all the while producing 831 WHP. For a full spec list, click here.
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2. Al Jone’s 1990 Toyota Cressida
Ever pulled up to a beater, with a kid eyeing you and your car, egging you to dump the clutch? Then you take the bait, trying to wipe that cocky look off their face, as that same kid decidedly leaves you in the dust? Then you're left in an awestruck moment, trying to comprehend that that car was no beater and that you were fooled and beaten by a sleeper.
Al Jones apparently fell in love with the idea of creating the ultimate sleeper. This 1990 Toyota Cressida is the fruit of his labor, featuring original paint, a spiffy cloth interior, and 15-inch wheels. This car is as unassuming as you can get until you turn on the engine.
One of the neatest things about this swap is how inexpensive it actually was to do it. Jones says he spent around $2,400 after everything was said and done. The parts list shows that even the most frugal of car enthusiasts can build and tune a quarter-mile beast. The LS1 received a Z06 cam and valve spring upgrade, while the 4L50E transmission was modified with a with stage 2 clutch kit. Besides some a custom driveshaft, motor mounts and exhaust system, the swap was fairly straightforward, in fact, Jones didn't believe how easy everything came together. The results of his effort, and with a little help from a 150 shot of nitrous, yielded 11.2 seconds at the track.
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3. Tyler’s LS1 S2k
It seems there’s quite a lot of S2k drivers checking out LS1 swaps. But this one in particular really takes it home. Built and swapped by IMPORT MUSCLE, the body is molded to perfection, literally. Tyler spent time installing a custom made wide body-kit and modified a spoon front bumper to get its unique aggressive flair. Then you, of course, have the wheels, which are Cosmis XT-006’s, wrapped in 285’s tires.
With its engine producing 409 whp at 400 ft-lbs of torque, they made sure not to forget about stopping power. A custom big brake kit was installed using TL rotors and Brembo calipers. The car was topped off right, with a hellish fastback hardtop and charcoal gray pearl paint job.
Sad to say, Tyler no longer owns this beast and it has since been sold to the highest bidder. Let's hope that whoever has ownership now, takes good care of this one-of-a-kind beast.
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4. Swagons LSX 427 BMW E39 Wagon
Speaking of oddities, this BMW E39 Wagon is in a class of its own. Sure, BMW is no stranger to LS swaps, but the level of scrupulous detail that went into perfecting this vehicle is a bar above even the cleanest of swaps.
Instead of jumping right into the swap, Swagon opted to modify the exterior and interior first. He installed M5 front and rear bumpers slapped on Fortune Auto adjustable coilovers and installed a set of beautiful Varrstoen ES2 wheels. The interior was completely redone in black, featuring a suede headliner and BMW E38 7 series sports seats.
The engine was rebuilt with a COMP Cams new cams, rockers and valve springs. It was then paired with a Tremec TR6060 transmission that had a retrofitted shifter which allowed fitment into the wagon. After some additional tinkering with the exhaust system, fuel pump, a custom M5 driveshaft, and tune, the car was road ready. It was producing a solid 475 hp at 477 ft-lb of torque, which sure wasn't bad for a wagon.
Swagon did work on this car, and every facet of it showed just how much he loved his ride. He kept it for just over four years, installing little things here and there, until finally selling it off on an auction site for $36,000. Considering the estimated cost of this build was double that, I’d say the buyer got a hell of a deal.
>>Join the conversation about Awesome LS Swapped Cars right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
For help with service and maintenance of your car, check out the how to section of LS1Tech.com
