7 Cars Made Great with an LS Engine Swap
There are plenty of perfectly nice cars out there on the used market that would be so much better with an LS motor in them. Thanks to GM and the aftermarket 300+hp and gobs of torque are just a weekend swap away for these 7 candidates.
1. BMW E36 3-Series
Every BMW comes with a sweet handling chassis and adequate brakes for triple digit speeds, but building a BWM straight six is expensive. Although the 3-Series' engine bay needs a few small modifications, the chassis of the BMW truly complements the extra power of the LS engine, and it may even weigh less than stock. Best of all, you shouldn't need to pay that much for an early '90s BMW 3-Series, which makes this project much closer in reach.
2. Nissan 240SX
Installing a V8 LS engine in the small and light Nissan 240SX could be the funnest project you'll ever experience. The 240SX is known to be light, good handling, and well-balanced, making it one of the best choices for the LS swap. As soon as you're done with the project, consider going to the track for the ultimate mind-blowing drift experience.
3. First Generation Camaro
Putting an LS engine in the iconic 1969 Chevy Camaro may seem like sacrilege, but plenty of them left the factory with stovebolt sixes, or anemic 2bbl small blocks. Replacing the original engine with the LS will wake it up, and improve the weight distribution, even with an iron truck motor. Forum enthusiasts recommend upgrading other characteristics along with the engine swap, like suspension and brakes, unless you only want to go straight really fast, and don't care about stopping.
4. 1980s G-body
The G-body Regal, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, and Cutlass were some of the last of the long line of intermediates than include the original muscle cars. For this project, you may need some fabrications to fit the LS, but it's been done before and kits are available. It is extremely satisfying, however, to pull up to the starting line in a pimped out old 1986 Buick Regal with a velour interior, then lay down 13 second quarter miles.
5. Volvo Wagon
This could be the ultimate sleeper car. Pull up anywhere with a 1997 Volvo 960 Wagon, or an even older 240 wagon, and everybody will think you're dropping your children off for their soccer practice, but step on the gas pedal, and you'll turn all the heads. As they say, pick any rear wheel drive car, and someone will figure out a way to put an LS engine in it, but this one will be the ultimate conversation starter anywhere you go. Don't overthink it, just change your average family wagon into a tire burning beast.
6. Mazda Miata
Hope you have your pilots license, because this engine will make your Mazda fly. Imagine a 2,000 pound car with a more than 300 horsepower V8 engine and you could be thinking of a Shelby CObra, or an LS swapped Miata. Although this could possibly be one of the funnest cars you ever drive, be very careful, it won't be easy to handle with this much power. Chances are you are going to destroy a few differentials, so keeping a GM 4 speed automatic to smooth out the power might be a good idea, you aren't going to need to shift much anyway.
7. Porsche 944
The '80s Porsche 944 offered perfect 50/50 weight distribution, but power from the 4 cylinder motor can be less than thrilling. Plus, the Porsche motor is an interference design, and the timing belts need to be replaced every 30,000 miles just to be safe. You can purchase kits that will make your LS engine swap fit perfectly, and when you're done, you can expect to have fun, reliable, maintenance free power for years. Porsche with an LS motor - there is no substitute.
If you are doing an engine swap, or have an LS powered ride, the how to section of LS1Tech.com is your go to place for information.