The LS Swaps That Trigger Brand Loyalists
The LS motor has become the engine of choice among custom car builders, and shade tree mechanics because of its great performance and vast aftermarket support. Many awesome LS builds have returned classic performance cars to the road, but also allowed them to exceed their original abilities. But some cars have a special aura that's believed to be diminished by an LS engine, no matter how good the build. To these folks we say, it's not your car so why let it bother you?
Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 has a storied history that began with a Ferrari rivalry, has plenty of Le Mans victories, and includes legendary figures Carroll Shelby, Dan Gurney, and A.J. Foyt. The original GT40 was always powered by Ford V8 engines of various displacements, from 302 small blocks to the colossus 427. GT40 replicas accurately recreate the original cars down to very intricate details, and are some of the most incredible "kit car" builds out there. While the LS is perhaps the most similar modern American powerplant to a Ford V8,, mixing of the two is hard for many folks to swallow, especially the hardcore Ford fans.
Jaguar E-Type
The Jaguar E-Type burst onto the scene in 1961 and became an instant icon in the motoring world. Still considered the most beautiful car ever made, the XK-E had the performance to match its striking good looks and was capable of 150 mph. Shown here is a 1965 Series 1 Jag which was rebuilt using a 2002 LS1 engine. The owner has done an amazing job with this resto-mod, adding an entirely new chassis with all the accompanying modern performance goodies. While the car has been brought back to life and may fetch a pretty penny, it has lost much of its classic Jaguar essence that collectors offer huge sums for today.
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX project allowed Honda to showcase a number of technical innovations, and prove they were a world class car maker. The NSX featured an all-aluminum body and a 3.0L V6 that utilized VTEC variable valve timing for Ferrari V8 performance at a lower price point. The NSX has been called a practical exotic, and still looks and drives incredibly. Finding a nice example is becoming much more difficult, and the values are on the rise, so why would anyone swap out the high-output V6 that screamed like an F1 engine in favor of the loopy LS V8? In this instance, we'd take the rev-happy V6 every day and twice on Sunday.
Lamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo was a wild creation with a mid-mounted 5.7L V12 capable of propelling the car to over 200 mph. Mix in the most exotic shape of the 1990s, coupled with the famed "Lambo doors", and the Diablo was the most successful exotic car of the time. In this particular example, Renegade Hybrids ripped the fire-breathing 510hp V12 out of a 1995 Diablo SV and installed a GM LS3 V8. Although the LS produces roughly the same power as the original, a V8 rumble and the sight of pedestrian GM parts under the hood are nothing short of blasphemy.
Ferrari 360
The Ferrari 360 was considered a turning point for Ferrari service, as it did not require the engine to be dropped in order to replace the timing belts as in previous models. Gone were the edges of the '80s and '90s cars, replaced by a smooth, flowing design that makes enthusiasts weak in the knees. Kept was the flat-plane crank V8 good for 400 horsepower. Not in this car though. This particular 360 got an LS swap, which is even more questionable because this car was one of only 30 N-GT models produced for FIA competition. While the installed Lingenfelter tuned LS is making double the power, that flat crank magic sound is gone. Let's hope this car was built as a track toy, and the original Ferrari motor can be put back in later.
Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper has always been a direct competitor to the LS-equipped Corvette, albeit in a much more aggressive and hard-edged package. Since it was first introduced, the Viper has been powered by a big V-10 and followed the adage "there is no replacement for displacement"; the most recent iteration is an 8.4L torque monster. Oddly enough, there have been several Vipers that have unfortunately undergone LS engine swaps for some unknown reasons. This particular car is even more mind-boggling, as it is actually a Viper-Bodied C4 Corvette with an LS engine. With the end of Viper production, it is necessary to keep all 10 cylinders under the hood of as many of them as possible.
Porsche 930
The Porsche 930 was Porsche's big foray turbocharged 911s, and while incredibly fast, it also proved to be quite a challenge to drive. The top of the line 930 received an improved suspension, brakes, gearbox, and a wide body with flashy whale tail decklid. Values have skyrocketed in recent years with even the most tired models fetching six figures, so it begs the question why swap the turbo flat six for an LS7. The swap is nicely done, but leave the LS swaps to the water-cooled (996) platform instead of marring one of Stuttgart's most beloved and valuable models.
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