Check out Auto-Guild.com and pre-order our LS Swap Survival Guide eBook for Free. We have lots of other eBooks and Posters too. A few Auto Guild fans have made the following comments and I think they are very good so I will add them below: 1) The LS1 can be a great choice too even though its kinda old. They did make them in pretty high volume (way less than truck volume but there are many LS1’s out there). If you can find a good low mileage LS1 it is a great choice, especially if you want aluminum block on a low budget. 2) L33 is also a great choice, its a 310hp aluminum block 5.3 but was only available for 3 models years (2005-2007) on Silverado & Sierra 1500 extended cab 4WD models. 3) Another viewer mentioned the LY6, a iron block 6 liter that is also a solid choice. Factory rated at 364hp. On heavy duty models from 2007-2010. Falls in the MID budget category, $1500-$3000. Also, A Poster is now available for the LS Engine History video, its standard poster size (24x36 inch). Perfect for your garage or shop! teespring.com/ls-engine-history. And I fixed a few errors and added a few improvements.
I snagged my LQ4 for $600 with all of the wiring and ECU. I ported, polished, and milled the heads .025 to bump compression from 9.4 to 10.2. pac 1218 valve springs, and sloppy stage 2 cam. should be 500hp na. for about $1200 total.
@@BP-fx3qc I feel that. I'm building the LS for my '39 GMC pickup. custom frame, ford suspension, TR6060 manual trans yada yada. and I'm hoping to tow a couple of my Subarus 07 STI, and a rwd 2.5rs coupe with the hotrod. haha
L-33 is my favorite junk yard find. I've also made an iron block version as its just a 5.3 with the 799 heads and 4.8L pistons in a 5.3L. (plus alum. block) but if you just put a good used set of 4.8 L pistons in a 5.3L truck engine that has the 706 heads it instantly has 10.5 to 11 : 1 compression ratio, add a stage 2 or 3 truck cam and you got over a 450 HP engine that costs under $2k. I've even built an L-33 recently that I got from a junk yard late 2023 for $1000, put in a truck cam ( 224 dur @ .050, 110 LSA, 600 lift ) new beehive springs, 706 ported heads swapped in ( 11:1 comp w/ thin head gasket/ fel-pro) sold the 799 heads (stock L-33 heads) after I ported them for $500. (used that to get computer tuned) and added dual exhaust, full length headers on my 05 Suburban 4x4 that had the L-59 flex fuel 5.3L that gave up the ghost at 340K miles LOL. for a total spent of just under $ 3K I have a 461 RWHP (almost 500HP at the crank) and lost a few hundred pounds off the weight (alum vs iron block) but actually improved MPG and is VERY street friendly. Only downside is if towing on hill or hot rodding it needs premium gas to prevent knock.
Looking at this made me feel great about my most recent purchase. Just bought a 02 Yukon denali awd with a 6.0 lq4 engine for 1k. Running and A/C.. hell ya..
@@jmorris4374 my denali has been great.. b4 you buy any of these truck check for rust.. other then that.. they are nice good trucks.. and yes of course.. the normal things that go bad on them, but that is it.. good luck brother 🤘🏾✊🏾
You can find the engine model on the RPO sticker found in the glovebox. Look for the 3 letter engine code. Example my rpo code in my 2012 tahoe says "LMG" telling me it's the LMG engine.
Damn, did you just start this channel? Cuz wow, this is fantastic information. Working on an 88 GMC C1500 with my dad (was grandfather's DD), and we are looking at LS swapping the TBI V6 motor with 282k :P This is perfect. Thanks my dude. :)
My 88 S10 had the TBI V6 4.3 liter from factory and lived to almost 200k miles when the truck died in a wreck. Engine and trans were original and trouble free, and really strong.
I got started with my dad too, when I was 15, working on cars really brought us closer together, we had many good days. Enjoy the time with dad! And good luck with the swap.
I'm doing my 96 C1500 right now, almost running just need to do wiring harness and cooling system. Did a LS3/T56 combo so it should be a fun driver...cant wait to get it on the dyno but hoping for 500WHP
I have a 88 Chevy K1500. I really want to restore it. It has a 350 with 73 thousand. I bought it in 95 with 35 thousand on it. Been thinking of putting a different motor and transmission in. But I no ideas yet. LCM seems to carry alot of new body parts. My truck doesn't have any rust. Sun is our biggest enemy here.
Would be cool to do a junkyard Frankenstein motor even if it's just on paper. Best blocks, heads, intakes, exhaust manifolds that can be found on the cheap
Great idea. You could do one for a torquey truck engine, high revving race car build, drag car, big boost turbo engine, etc. Ill add it to my to-do list! : )
Awesome list! I think one missing option would be the L96. Truck engine, iron block (if you want power adders), aluminum 823 heads (LS3 minus the sodium valves). The engine is a solid, worry-free workhorse that can be modified easily. I scored one from a wrecked 2011 GMC Sierra and it's been a perfect option for my truck swap.
The L33 Aluminum 5.3 from 2005-2007 is a very good score, because they had higher compression flat topped pistons & a camshaft closer too an LS1 or LS2.
I've got one in my 2005 Z71 Silverado. 340hp 330 ft.lb. torque, at 172K miles it has no leaks and burns no oil. great motor. When I part out the truck I'm keeping the L33 and 4L60E tranny.
@@jacobking4106 I have an 05 Silverado 4.8 with 200,000 on it and the transmission's fine, i always drive it hard, zero problems. Pull a loaded car hauler regularly also. There pretty reliable
Love the LS/Vortec content. Please note. Many of the early Gen 4 engines don't do flex fuel. Check you owners manual. I love the 4.8s. Easy to live with. No AFM or VVT.
@@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V For all the horsing around with a cam change you might consider swapping to a 6.0 and get a real boost in performance. The 4.8 will never deliver the kind of torque that a silverado owner wants if he's looking to spend the money for it. ditto for air intakes and expensive exhausts. If you're talking about cams, you have probably already reviewed the gains you can get with a chip or a tuner. Also, consider too that the 4L60E is by no means a very stout trans. If you found a 6.0 (and the trans it came with from the factory) that is the package for your Silverado. I just don't see a cam swap getting you the bang for the buck.
@@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V The displacement of the 4.8 is a poor match for the weight of the Silverado, even the reg cab short wheelbase truck like mine. That's why the 6.0 is the ticket. Some people swap the crank-pistons-rods in the 4.8 and bump the CI up to 5.3 but then the engine is a little bore-constrained. The 5.3 really doesn't make any more HP than the 4.8 but the upgrade adds torque for sure. At that point the 6.0 becomes the default choice and it is a great engine, but they are popular as hell. So expect to pay. Horsepower is never cheap
I'm working on an LR4 swap in my 84 Camaro and I chose the LR4 just because I had it in a truck I wrecked. And the great thing about these swaps is the insane support there is to make them work. All the pieces are there you just gotta find them.
With all 2021+ GM/Chevrolet Cargo vans getting the L8T, the future is looking very bright for future LS builds! Cam, Turbo, tune on an L8T is 750hp all day!!!
I have been researching LS engines for over a year now and this was the best place that I have found comparisons of all the LS engines and it's variants. Thanks!
This is some good stuff. I've kinda been through the ringer before finding this video but I wish I found it sooner. I've got a 6.0 fully forged,studded, and stroked out to the 408 with the LSA heads and then the titanium valves from the LS9 with trunion upgrades. Looking to make some big inch power with that setup
The lq4 is my 2nd v8 (I had a 400 small block i put in a camaro years ago) and I just freaking love it! It's so ballsy and powerful it makes driving around so much fun
Bought an 02' Chevy Silverado for $500 running from a buddy who couldn't take care of it. The engine has the LR4 and it has been fun to play as well as the budget it so much fun to play with!
I always wanted someone to put this info out. The only thing I'd do differently is find an running Motor for like 100-200 bucks and get all the bugs worked out. Once everything else is figured out you can swap your more expensive motor.
An economical and less frustrating choice among so many to choice from is to find ones with NO AFM/VVT. Yes. one can do the delete routine but to do it correctly, it raises the cost of the build. Also, in the boring world of regular car/truck/SUV repair, the AFM/VVT lifters are beginning to fail (lots of stuff on internet about this). At the time of my post, these lifters were running low at your GM supplier. I have NO knowledge on the aftermarket lifters yet. Thus, low dollar people, stick with the non AFM/VVT choices IMO. Big dollar guys, it doesn't matter if it's got AFM from the wonderful choices Auto Guild has supplied here. TY, Auto G!
Thats true, I have heard its best to delete AFM, I need to research that and maybe make a cylinder head video and add that as a topic. Thanks for the input.
Dude, you're amazing, I am planning to do a swap and you this video greatly helped me. Keep up with these amazing videos and you will be popular in no time
I installed an LS4 5.3L engine with a GTO oil pan into my 1982 DeLorean. It has more compact accessories, a shorter crank shaft, and a GM V6 transmission bolt pattern, but uses all the same cams and bits that other LS engines use. I have an LS2 intake on it and a Texas Speed cam that is supposed to increase the engine output to 426 horsepower.
I went wild and bought and LSx block, getting it bored to 4.125, 4-inch stroke forged crank, forged Alum. Pistons, forged Conn. Rods, CNC ported LS3 heads... basically building an Iron block LS7. Planning to add boost later. I'm deep into the "Extreme" category X'D
The advantage of the tall intake is that is produces better lower end torque due to the air volume and runner length. The lower intake or car intake is better for higher end horse power due to the shorter runner. If you can fit the truck taller intake in your car take it over the shorter. The actual difference between the two intakes is actually very minimal in actual power and torque numbers. The difference you will see in a dyno test in the power curves they produce with in my opinion the tall/truck intake wins because of the lower end gains and flatter torque curve.
I watched this video and the other ls guide. FINALLY I understand these engines and have a CLEAR idea on them. Other channels seem to only confuse me more.
I wonder what if other two big brothers had such a great v8 supply. You aint gonna see any Hemi swapped RX8s. I wonder if the LS platform is really better than the Hemi and Chrysler doesn't even want to bother competing. Same with Ford modular motors.
@@Anarchy-Is-Liberty Nissan said they’re gonna start selling RB series crate motors. I think they were around, $20,000? I just remember them being way too high priced when you could just buy an LS. Maybe to build a Skyline or clean Silvia. Really expensive for what they are though.
@@Anarchy-Is-Liberty Nevermind, they only sell the parts to the motor, through the Nismo Heritage Parts Program. It’s all in Japanese currency but the Cylinder Head and Block were around 6,000 combined, and I’m sure shipping would be a nightmare.
One thing a lot of folks dont know is if your planning on using an ls intake on a truck L series base then it's best to go with an ls wiring harness so u dont have to cut and splice. :building an lr4
LR4 and LM7 were in 2007 Silverado Classic. Be careful of the reluctor wheel being 24 or 58. Turn off AFM/DOD, replace the oil pickup tube o ring with 1 from melling/felpro, check for the blue spec or red spec. Get a felpro permadry gasket. May consider a high volume oil pump too. Aluminum block cannot handle high hp/boost and can't be bored out. Also acceleration, fuel savings depends on the differential gearing and transmission gearing.
5:25 if you think that's scary my buddy did a LS3 swap in his mx-5 miata and now I'm on this vid looking to ls swap a Subaru or Mitsubishi. I'm trying to get awd since I'm Canadian but I'm looking for reliable N/A horsepower since a turbo 4 cylinder tends to have lots of issues in my experience so instead I'll ls swap it for the power but of course it'll be pretty fast considering a small 2 door Subaru or Mitsubishi is much lighter than most American muscle so yeah
Great background on the LS Engine. I'm currently looking for a Corvette to drive on a daily basis. After some research I have found the following, Issues with Valve-train, ie: valve guides, exhaust valves, roller rocker lifters, camshafts, and even engine failure. Is this an anomaly, or consistent with these engines. It seems after 2006 the mindset at GM was to develop an engine with better efficiency. Thus the (DOD) Displacement On Demand engine which cut out one bank of cylinders in light duty use seemed plausible. A failure for sure. It would be great to have you do a video on the best of the LS engines giving us the rest of us the the story to include the triumphs and failures of the LS engine.
Yeah could do a video on what to look out for for each LS engine family. But overall its a pretty solid engine platform. I always recommend to people that want a used engine to get one with the lowest miles.
Something I've been considering for my '78 280z. Got it for $250, but the floor is in terrible shape, so much welding will be required and I figured it's a chance to go more modern (easier to find parts if needs to be fixed).
This is the type of video I want. Lol thank you for making it to the point without 20 minutes of you getting ready for the day and then talking to me while you drive your cammed straight piped Corvette while you eat a breakfast sandwich.
Got a LS3 480HP version crate engine on craigslist 4yrs ago for $5k that still in its original crate and plastic wrap sitting in my garage. 2 little boys stalled my mini tub 69 Camaro project lol. A TKO600 5 speed is sitting next to it.
That may be exactly how I do my camaro too. We will see. Im still debating auto vs manual trans, I may do a pros/cons video for that too. Its originally a auto trans car but Im def a manual trans guy.
Yes, I hope to. I want to do a few videos about the swap and then do the video. Prob wont be til the end of the summer. I plan to do a bathroom remodel first. : (
FINALLY!!!!!!!! Thank you, sir!! My ability to remember all of this left me when I had a stroke!! I got REALLY lucky that that's all I lost!! Thank you again!! +, plus I originally got this info from you Google news" on my Android phone and now this on TH-cam! Thanx again!!! just sayin
GLAD YOU FOUND INFORMATION YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. MY FATHER'S HAD STROKES AND A MAJOR HEART ATTACK AND IT'S AFFECTED HIS MEMORY BADLY. SOME DAYS HE'S SAME OLE DAD, OTHERS ITS JUST SAD. I WISH THERE WAS MORE I COULD DO. ANYWAYS, GLAD TO KNOW A FELLOW GEARHEAD IS STILL WITH US AND ENJOYING LIFE SIR! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND YOURS. GODBLESS YOU! "PATRIOT NATION"
A great way to do it is look for used work vans. I picked up an 08 Express van with a 4.8 and 4L80E for $700. It was high mileage, but, I can do a quick freshen up before my S10 swap.
U can also take the front differential off of the TBSS, Silverado SS\ Sierra HO or any AWD drivetrain including AWD Astro Van and manufacturer a All Wheel Drivetrain. FYI but really great video TY
i have the 4.8 work truck v8, i was told its basically the same engine as the 5.3, uses the same block and just have some minor differences. That you can make the 4.8 a 5.3
I love building projects bases on the LS7 motor. But you can spend way more than $17K if you get crazy enough. My current build is 502 ci "LS7" (tall deck aluminum block by RHS and 4.6 inch billet crank)
Skipped right over the best budget friendly mid level engine, L96 6.0, found in 05+ 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks/vans. 360hp/380tq stock and no AFM/DoD like all the rest of the Gen IV and newer engines. Pair it with a TH400, 4L80e or any 6 series trans and go.
Ive got a rather rare 'LS' vehicle, a GMC Envoy XL with the aluminum block, non-DOD 5.3 LM4. Not a sports car, but its rare with V8 and 4.10 gears. Car magazines tested it @ 0-60 in 6.7seconds, not bad for a 5100lb grannywagon from 2003! Of course my 'sleeper' isn't stock 😁, and still rippin reliably after 250k. LM4s were used a few years in Chev SSR, few Trailblazer EXTs, GMC Envoy XLs and XUVs. Stupid $ can also get you an LS2 inTrailblazer SS, and Saab 9⁷ Aero (or whatever they called them!) Ive owned several LS engines, my next one will be the C6 Corvette Z06 with the heartbeat thumping from an LS7!
I just swapped a 4.8 from a Silverado in a 2001 ford mustang Gt reworked the entire harness to the transmission (4l60e) Bought a upr front engine crossmember with front coil overs had to run a return line for the fuel to the Ls and drill and tap a return line on my tank. The drive shaft had to be shortened by a couple of inches. The transmission crossmember I used the stock mustang one but modified it to fit the (4l60e). The cooling system I modified hoses to accept the new position of the hose necks from the engine alternator is wired in with a 470 ohm 1/2 watt resistor to energize or excite the alternator. Power steering hoses mated with the power steering pump to the car. And of course I had to cut a hole in the hood to fit the higher intake and alternator ..........
@@AutoGuild it's running but not yet legally I'm still working on small things like the putting the interior back and fastening and tying the wiring down and tucked away
The only thing that isnt quite right is that the 5.3 is so plentiful that even running you can them with wiring harness and all from most junkyards for 600 or less
We run the ls3 525 in the spec trucks but the 430 actually makes around 500hp for higher end stuff my dad ran a lsx 454r once in the trophy truck but said it didn’t have as much as the built small block ford
Nice, comprehensive list. A 6L LQ9 only kicks out 345HP? Damn, my LS1 does the same at 5.7L. Seems odd! At some point I plan on upgrading the cam, intake and throttle body to LS6 specs or better. I figure that and a mild port job should really wake this engine up, with the hopes of 500 N/A RWHP. Power adders are fun and make obscene amounts of HP, but they come w/ a price and not just initial purchase costs. Exhaust plumbing and oil feed/return lines to make and route and then you have maintenance of said parts. N/A all the way! lol
Well the LQ9 is a truck motor so its more set up for low end torque and not so much for high revving horsepower. Yes, the heads make and LS great and the heads also give the most when you mod them. Cam swap too. I agree, NA is best!!
I was looking for a vortecmax with the 6.0L for a year when I stumbled on an 07 6.2 with less than 100k. It's in an AWD Denali just waiting for a trans problem to become my project
Great video man period would definitely love one that has the details on a conversion with intake manifold and cam along with well mated automatic and stick transmissions. That actually sounds like three different videos to me, low buck medium and high dollar
I spent 330 for a fully dressed gen 3 5.3, the real expense is making everything work in a swap lol my ls swap has taken me 2 years and counting, another thing is the terminator x is a hell of a deal since it tunes it self so theres that
I did partner with Teespring to make a poster (they are a youtube provider of posters and tee shirts). But it costs $26. : ( teespring.com/ls-engine-history Its bog tho, 3 feet high x 2 feet wide.
Well done! So many videos about the LS have so much BS conversation to stretch the video length to past 10 minutes for the algorithm. Then, the list provided is hard to track and make sense of it.
The biggest problem with an ls swap is all the little stuff that will nickle and dime you to death. The ls engines can be dirt cheap especially if you're willing to settle for a 4.8 but if your swapping an ls into an oldschool carbureted car, all the little stuff like fuel pump, lines, fittings, hoses, conversion harness,headers,etc... it just gets expensive. I have seen true poverty junkyard builds that were done under $1000 but usually those guys struggle and deal with alot of issues and it act finicky. I'm not saying that it cant be done cheaply but I definently recomend doing some serious research on what swap u want to do. In some cases it's cheaper and easier to hop up the engine that's already in your vehicle than to swap to another style engine.
Snagged my L92, wiring, transmission and AWD drive train for $2,000 in my 2008 Yukon Denali, guy thought the transmission was gone and I only had to replace the CV axle 😁
Check out Auto-Guild.com and pre-order our LS Swap Survival Guide eBook for Free. We have lots of other eBooks and Posters too.
A few Auto Guild fans have made the following comments and I think they are very good so I will add them below:
1) The LS1 can be a great choice too even though its kinda old. They did make them in pretty high volume (way less than truck volume but there are many LS1’s out there). If you can find a good low mileage LS1 it is a great choice, especially if you want aluminum block on a low budget.
2) L33 is also a great choice, its a 310hp aluminum block 5.3 but was only available for 3 models years (2005-2007) on Silverado & Sierra 1500 extended cab 4WD models.
3) Another viewer mentioned the LY6, a iron block 6 liter that is also a solid choice. Factory rated at 364hp. On heavy duty models from 2007-2010. Falls in the MID budget category, $1500-$3000.
Also, A Poster is now available for the LS Engine History video, its standard poster size (24x36 inch). Perfect for your garage or shop! teespring.com/ls-engine-history. And I fixed a few errors and added a few improvements.
I need a video detailing an 01 mustang LS swap with manual tranny
I need a swap in an Impala can you please help me
Could we get a update video
L20 also makes the most power of those 4.8's listed
Quick Question: Is the L76 a LS engine or is it in another family of engines?
Not even looking for an LS engine but appreciated a video that was to the point with no fluff. Good job
“You like to watch?”
Gas crisis about to hit, I'm trying to build a K20
My built k20 used just about the same amount of gas as my LS swapped Colorado 🤙
Yes I really appreciated this vid... very direct end to the point... information-packed
I always appreciate those videos
I picked up a LQ4 at the salvage yard for $135. Scoured that yard every time i went there till i found it..
You usually find they are in good condition unless overheated / ran low on oil. Most are the oil there because, of bad transmission.
@NomNom Monster Still acquiring parts. Buying other project parts currently.
Same LQ4 with everything harness and pulley wise for $350 with only 88k I looked at the truck it came out of
Got me a 5.3 ls1 for free
Was just given another 6.0 last week. Still have yet to determine which of the 2 it is.
I snagged my LQ4 for $600 with all of the wiring and ECU. I ported, polished, and milled the heads .025 to bump compression from 9.4 to 10.2. pac 1218 valve springs, and sloppy stage 2 cam. should be 500hp na. for about $1200 total.
Damn that's a good price I can't find any around here for under 1200-1000 range
I envy you, about $10k on parts to run 500hp reliably from my car lol.
@@BP-fx3qc I feel that. I'm building the LS for my '39 GMC pickup. custom frame, ford suspension, TR6060 manual trans yada yada. and I'm hoping to tow a couple of my Subarus 07 STI, and a rwd 2.5rs coupe with the hotrod. haha
@@AspectofFrost lol thats sick man! Best of luck.
What car is this on?
L-33 is my favorite junk yard find. I've also made an iron block version as its just a 5.3 with the 799 heads and 4.8L pistons in a 5.3L. (plus alum. block) but if you just put a good used set of 4.8 L pistons in a 5.3L truck engine that has the 706 heads it instantly has 10.5 to 11 : 1 compression ratio, add a stage 2 or 3 truck cam and you got over a 450 HP engine that costs under $2k. I've even built an L-33 recently that I got from a junk yard late 2023 for $1000, put in a truck cam ( 224 dur @ .050, 110 LSA, 600 lift ) new beehive springs, 706 ported heads swapped in ( 11:1 comp w/ thin head gasket/ fel-pro) sold the 799 heads (stock L-33 heads) after I ported them for $500. (used that to get computer tuned) and added dual exhaust, full length headers on my 05 Suburban 4x4 that had the L-59 flex fuel 5.3L that gave up the ghost at 340K miles LOL. for a total spent of just under $ 3K I have a 461 RWHP (almost 500HP at the crank) and lost a few hundred pounds off the weight (alum vs iron block) but actually improved MPG and is VERY street friendly. Only downside is if towing on hill or hot rodding it needs premium gas to prevent knock.
Looking at this made me feel great about my most recent purchase. Just bought a 02 Yukon denali awd with a 6.0 lq4 engine for 1k. Running and A/C.. hell ya..
How's that Denali working out?found one in Arkansas 03 thinking about buying
@@jmorris4374 my denali has been great.. b4 you buy any of these truck check for rust.. other then that.. they are nice good trucks.. and yes of course.. the normal things that go bad on them, but that is it.. good luck brother 🤘🏾✊🏾
Could you consider doing a video on where to find the numbers that identify these engines? This is some of the best content on the Tube! Thanks.
You can find the engine model on the RPO sticker found in the glovebox. Look for the 3 letter engine code. Example my rpo code in my 2012 tahoe says "LMG" telling me it's the LMG engine.
It's an engine, if you can't find the numbers, then go back to bed ..
There's stickers under the hood too, like the glovebox.
Damn, did you just start this channel? Cuz wow, this is fantastic information. Working on an 88 GMC C1500 with my dad (was grandfather's DD), and we are looking at LS swapping the TBI V6 motor with 282k :P This is perfect. Thanks my dude. :)
My 88 S10 had the TBI V6 4.3 liter from factory and lived to almost 200k miles when the truck died in a wreck. Engine and trans were original and trouble free, and really strong.
I got started with my dad too, when I was 15, working on cars really brought us closer together, we had many good days. Enjoy the time with dad! And good luck with the swap.
I'm doing my 96 C1500 right now, almost running just need to do wiring harness and cooling system. Did a LS3/T56 combo so it should be a fun driver...cant wait to get it on the dyno but hoping for 500WHP
I have a 88 Chevy K1500. I really want to restore it. It has a 350 with 73 thousand. I bought it in 95 with 35 thousand on it. Been thinking of putting a different motor and transmission in. But I no ideas yet. LCM seems to carry alot of new body parts. My truck doesn't have any rust. Sun is our biggest enemy here.
Eh, it’s just everything every google article and TH-cam LS video has. Not really anything new here.
Would be cool to do a junkyard Frankenstein motor even if it's just on paper. Best blocks, heads, intakes, exhaust manifolds that can be found on the cheap
Great idea. You could do one for a torquey truck engine, high revving race car build, drag car, big boost turbo engine, etc. Ill add it to my to-do list! : )
All using stock cranks, pistons and camshafts! ❤️
@@AutoGuild exactly quit teasing us 😂
Awesome list! I think one missing option would be the L96. Truck engine, iron block (if you want power adders), aluminum 823 heads (LS3 minus the sodium valves). The engine is a solid, worry-free workhorse that can be modified easily. I scored one from a wrecked 2011 GMC Sierra and it's been a perfect option for my truck swap.
The L33 Aluminum 5.3 from 2005-2007 is a very good score, because they had higher compression flat topped pistons & a camshaft closer too an LS1 or LS2.
I've got one in my 2005 Z71 Silverado. 340hp 330 ft.lb. torque, at 172K miles it has no leaks and burns no oil. great motor. When I part out the truck I'm keeping the L33 and 4L60E tranny.
I got a 2000 chevy Silverado with a 4.8 in it with aluminum heads on it. Got damm near 3000000 miles on it. Starts every time. Awesome motor.
Me too 04 330000 miles runs amazing
How many transmissions lol
@@jacobking4106 I have an 05 Silverado 4.8 with 200,000 on it and the transmission's fine, i always drive it hard, zero problems. Pull a loaded car hauler regularly also. There pretty reliable
Just water locked my 04 1500 z71 Silverado at 235000 lol oops here I am now thinking about going from 4.8 to 6.0 or 5.3
I got a 2001 4.8 with 295,000 miles but mine is burning oil and miss firing now 🙃 either going to rebuild or buy a used 5.3 🤔
Love the LS/Vortec content. Please note. Many of the early Gen 4 engines don't do flex fuel. Check you owners manual. I love the 4.8s. Easy to live with. No AFM or VVT.
@@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V For all the horsing around with a cam change you might consider swapping to a 6.0 and get a real boost in performance. The 4.8 will never deliver the kind of torque that a silverado owner wants if he's looking to spend the money for it. ditto for air intakes and expensive exhausts. If you're talking about cams, you have probably already reviewed the gains you can get with a chip or a tuner. Also, consider too that the 4L60E is by no means a very stout trans. If you found a 6.0 (and the trans it came with from the factory) that is the package for your Silverado. I just don't see a cam swap getting you the bang for the buck.
@@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V The displacement of the 4.8 is a poor match for the weight of the Silverado, even the reg cab short wheelbase truck like mine. That's why the 6.0 is the ticket. Some people swap the crank-pistons-rods in the 4.8 and bump the CI up to 5.3 but then the engine is a little bore-constrained. The 5.3 really doesn't make any more HP than the 4.8 but the upgrade adds torque for sure. At that point the 6.0 becomes the default choice and it is a great engine, but they are popular as hell. So expect to pay. Horsepower is never cheap
@@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V I'm heading to the airport. Gotta check out.
I'm working on an LR4 swap in my 84 Camaro and I chose the LR4 just because I had it in a truck I wrecked. And the great thing about these swaps is the insane support there is to make them work. All the pieces are there you just gotta find them.
With all 2021+ GM/Chevrolet Cargo vans getting the L8T, the future is looking very bright for future LS builds! Cam, Turbo, tune on an L8T is 750hp all day!!!
More Great info. I like the fact, that you do voice over & speak clearly, slowly & in an understandable manner.
Keep up the great content.
Stay Real.
I don't know why I am watching this, my corvette already has LS3
Same, but ls9
Same my trans already has a built ls3. I should be looking at pro chargers
Same, just rebuilt my LSA and I can’t do a swap myself so... I’m just jealous of project cars
you know why
Because you're going to pull it out and sell it to me for $200!!!
Forgetting the ly6. Great for cheap replacement ls3 heads on iron truck block. Also 550 hp with cam and spring change. Bang for buck. Great videos
I have been researching LS engines for over a year now and this was the best place that I have found comparisons of all the LS engines and it's variants. Thanks!
Yes do a detail video on how to a full swap pls
This is some good stuff. I've kinda been through the ringer before finding this video but I wish I found it sooner. I've got a 6.0 fully forged,studded, and stroked out to the 408 with the LSA heads and then the titanium valves from the LS9 with trunion upgrades. Looking to make some big inch power with that setup
Amazing
Dude killing it with the videos
Thanks, glad u enjoyed. : )
Yes please make more videos! These are exactly what I’ve been looking for. They are incredibly informative and well organized.
The lq4 is my 2nd v8 (I had a 400 small block i put in a camaro years ago) and I just freaking love it! It's so ballsy and powerful it makes driving around so much fun
I have been looking for this info for months.. well done man. Subscribed.. pls do a vid about build requirements..
I've been looking to LS swap a 1964 Thunderbird and an LQ9 was topping the list
Bought an 02' Chevy Silverado for $500 running from a buddy who couldn't take care of it. The engine has the LR4 and it has been fun to play as well as the budget it so much fun to play with!
Doing an LS SWAP right now, 2004 LM7 into a 1997 Silverado. You hit on all the relevant cost items.
so that $600 2002 chevy truck that runs and drives is the best buy. Whole swap is right there waiting to go into you chassis.
Perfect video. Totally agree with you about the 5.3. It’s the only motor I put in my work trucks.
Wow! Nice job with these videos! The huge amount of research you did is quite evident.
I always wanted someone to put this info out. The only thing I'd do differently is find an running Motor for like 100-200 bucks and get all the bugs worked out. Once everything else is figured out you can swap your more expensive motor.
An economical and less frustrating choice among so many to choice from is to find ones with NO AFM/VVT. Yes. one can do the delete routine but to do it correctly, it raises the cost of the build. Also, in the boring world of regular car/truck/SUV repair, the AFM/VVT lifters are beginning to fail (lots of stuff on internet about this). At the time of my post, these lifters were running low at your GM supplier. I have NO knowledge on the aftermarket lifters yet. Thus, low dollar people, stick with the non AFM/VVT choices IMO. Big dollar guys, it doesn't matter if it's got AFM from the wonderful choices Auto Guild has supplied here. TY, Auto G!
Thats true, I have heard its best to delete AFM, I need to research that and maybe make a cylinder head video and add that as a topic. Thanks for the input.
Amazing channel, I loved your idea about the full price of an engine swap. Keep on the good work
I’ve got an LQ4 and an LM7. This was really useful information, thanks for sharing.
This really makes the $300 -- 150 HP shot NOS kit look REALLY attractive. !!
Dude, you're amazing, I am planning to do a swap and you this video greatly helped me. Keep up with these amazing videos and you will be popular in no time
Wow only 300+ subscribers! I feel like I am getting on the ground floor of a great channel!
I hope so. : ) Let me know what kind of other info you are hoping to see on the channel.
@@AutoGuild harnesses/wiring
I installed an LS4 5.3L engine with a GTO oil pan into my 1982 DeLorean. It has more compact accessories, a shorter crank shaft, and a GM V6 transmission bolt pattern, but uses all the same cams and bits that other LS engines use. I have an LS2 intake on it and a Texas Speed cam that is supposed to increase the engine output to 426 horsepower.
What are you going to do for the starter?
I went wild and bought and LSx block, getting it bored to 4.125, 4-inch stroke forged crank, forged Alum. Pistons, forged Conn. Rods, CNC ported LS3 heads... basically building an Iron block LS7. Planning to add boost later. I'm deep into the "Extreme" category X'D
LH9 also came in the V8 Colorados. I've got one. Doing a cam swap on it now.
Missing the trailblazer SS on your LS2 list
“H” code engine. A dealer put a remanufactured one in my TBSS.
The advantage of the tall intake is that is produces better lower end torque due to the air volume and runner length. The lower intake or car intake is better for higher end horse power due to the shorter runner. If you can fit the truck taller intake in your car take it over the shorter. The actual difference between the two intakes is actually very minimal in actual power and torque numbers. The difference you will see in a dyno test in the power curves they produce with in my opinion the tall/truck intake wins because of the lower end gains and flatter torque curve.
I watched this video and the other ls guide. FINALLY I understand these engines and have a CLEAR idea on them. Other channels seem to only confuse me more.
I wonder what if other two big brothers had such a great v8 supply. You aint gonna see any Hemi swapped RX8s. I wonder if the LS platform is really better than the Hemi and Chrysler doesn't even want to bother competing. Same with Ford modular motors.
Check out Richard Holden he gets deep into hemi dyno numbers like he did with the ls info
ford motors sre too big for most japanese sports cars, probably the same for hemi
Another thing you can do is resleeve the motor. Texas Speed builds one up to a 454ci. with any choice of heads you want.
I just wish other manufacturers had an option where you could just buy an engine with transmission, like imagine a brand new 2jzgte or rb26dett
Oh dont i have news for you 😂
@@silvia_fuku0ka845 OK, so what's the news? Don't leave us hanging!!
@@Anarchy-Is-Liberty Nissan said they’re gonna start selling RB series crate motors. I think they were around, $20,000? I just remember them being way too high priced when you could just buy an LS. Maybe to build a Skyline or clean Silvia. Really expensive for what they are though.
@@Anarchy-Is-Liberty Nevermind, they only sell the parts to the motor, through the Nismo Heritage Parts Program. It’s all in Japanese currency but the Cylinder Head and Block were around 6,000 combined, and I’m sure shipping would be a nightmare.
One thing a lot of folks dont know is if your planning on using an ls intake on a truck L series base then it's best to go with an ls wiring harness so u dont have to cut and splice. :building an lr4
LR4 and LM7 were in 2007 Silverado Classic. Be careful of the reluctor wheel being 24 or 58.
Turn off AFM/DOD, replace the oil pickup tube o ring with 1 from melling/felpro, check for the blue spec or red spec. Get a felpro permadry gasket. May consider a high volume oil pump too.
Aluminum block cannot handle high hp/boost and can't be bored out.
Also acceleration, fuel savings depends on the differential gearing and transmission gearing.
I found a L33 for 500$ take you time and search independent wreckers thank for the nice flick.
OMG! That's THE engine, that I'll be looking for to replace an old tired diesel engine.
5:25 if you think that's scary my buddy did a LS3 swap in his mx-5 miata and now I'm on this vid looking to ls swap a Subaru or Mitsubishi. I'm trying to get awd since I'm Canadian but I'm looking for reliable N/A horsepower since a turbo 4 cylinder tends to have lots of issues in my experience so instead I'll ls swap it for the power but of course it'll be pretty fast considering a small 2 door Subaru or Mitsubishi is much lighter than most American muscle so yeah
The l33 is all aluminum 5.3 designated at 5.3 H.O truck engine Bought one for 1800 with 98k miles.
Thats a great choice. Love it. Are you going to mod it at all? And whats it going in?
Great video dude, be looking forward to Future content. Def would enjoy a video for requirement for an engine swap.
The Saab 9-7X Aero and the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS have the LS2 engine also
Great background on the LS Engine. I'm currently looking for a Corvette to drive on a daily basis. After some research I have found the following, Issues with Valve-train, ie: valve guides, exhaust valves, roller rocker lifters, camshafts, and even engine failure. Is this an anomaly, or consistent with these engines. It seems after 2006 the mindset at GM was to develop an engine with better efficiency. Thus the (DOD) Displacement On Demand engine which cut out one bank of cylinders in light duty use seemed plausible. A failure for sure. It would be great to have you do a video on the best of the LS engines giving us the rest of us the the story to include the triumphs and failures of the LS engine.
Yeah could do a video on what to look out for for each LS engine family. But overall its a pretty solid engine platform. I always recommend to people that want a used engine to get one with the lowest miles.
I bought a bare lsx block and built the whole engine. Definitely the better way to go before spending a ton on a supercharged crate engine
Amazing video... keep them coming.
Can you do a LS rebuild step by step please. Thank you.
I just want to keep it simple. LQ9 seems like the sweet spot but there's always the LM7
Lq4 is probably cheaper than lq9
Something I've been considering for my '78 280z. Got it for $250, but the floor is in terrible shape, so much welding will be required and I figured it's a chance to go more modern (easier to find parts if needs to be fixed).
This is the type of video I want. Lol thank you for making it to the point without 20 minutes of you getting ready for the day and then talking to me while you drive your cammed straight piped Corvette while you eat a breakfast sandwich.
Got a LS3 480HP version crate engine on craigslist 4yrs ago for $5k that still in its original crate and plastic wrap sitting in my garage. 2 little boys stalled my mini tub 69 Camaro project lol. A TKO600 5 speed is sitting next to it.
That may be exactly how I do my camaro too. We will see. Im still debating auto vs manual trans, I may do a pros/cons video for that too. Its originally a auto trans car but Im def a manual trans guy.
@@AutoGuild are you going to TH-cam it? I'll definitely watch it. I've watched several LS swap and always learn something each time.
Yes, I hope to. I want to do a few videos about the swap and then do the video. Prob wont be til the end of the summer. I plan to do a bathroom remodel first. : (
I’m starting my first project truck these videos help me get a good idea of what engine I wanna buy thank you for the good content
FINALLY!!!!!!!! Thank you, sir!! My ability to remember all of this left me when I had a stroke!! I got REALLY lucky that that's all I lost!! Thank you again!! +, plus I originally got this info from you Google news" on my Android phone and now this on TH-cam! Thanx again!!! just sayin
GLAD YOU FOUND INFORMATION YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. MY FATHER'S HAD STROKES AND A MAJOR HEART ATTACK AND IT'S AFFECTED HIS MEMORY BADLY. SOME DAYS HE'S SAME OLE DAD, OTHERS ITS JUST SAD. I WISH THERE WAS MORE I COULD DO. ANYWAYS, GLAD TO KNOW A FELLOW GEARHEAD IS STILL WITH US AND ENJOYING LIFE SIR! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND YOURS. GODBLESS YOU!
"PATRIOT NATION"
@@johnstephens7697 im lost for words.
A great way to do it is look for used work vans. I picked up an 08 Express van with a 4.8 and 4L80E for $700. It was high mileage, but, I can do a quick freshen up before my S10 swap.
Great tip! And good luck.
U can also take the front differential off of the TBSS, Silverado SS\ Sierra HO or any AWD drivetrain including AWD Astro Van and manufacturer a All Wheel Drivetrain. FYI but really great video TY
i have the 4.8 work truck v8, i was told its basically the same engine as the 5.3, uses the same block and just have some minor differences. That you can make the 4.8 a 5.3
I love building projects bases on the LS7 motor. But you can spend way more than $17K if you get crazy enough.
My current build is 502 ci "LS7" (tall deck aluminum block by RHS and 4.6 inch billet crank)
no mention of the LS9 being available in the HSV GTSR W1? you can find those in junkyards all over the place. /s
Sorry I didnt include Australian engines and cars, the amount of information was already a bit overwhelming! I may do an OZ-only video in the future.
I have one of those 4.8s, and the thing hauls, even paired with the godawful 4L60.It's a great engine.
The 4.8 can be a bad little boy with a few simple- inexpensive upgrades
I got an lq9 that I put in my Chevelle, scored a ly6 off OfferUp for 450, that’s going in my square body with an 80e transmission
Skipped right over the best budget friendly mid level engine, L96 6.0, found in 05+ 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks/vans. 360hp/380tq stock and no AFM/DoD like all the rest of the Gen IV and newer engines. Pair it with a TH400, 4L80e or any 6 series trans and go.
Ive got a rather rare 'LS' vehicle, a GMC Envoy XL with the aluminum block, non-DOD 5.3 LM4. Not a sports car, but its rare with V8 and 4.10 gears. Car magazines tested it @ 0-60 in 6.7seconds, not bad for a 5100lb grannywagon from 2003! Of course my 'sleeper' isn't stock 😁, and still rippin reliably after 250k. LM4s were used a few years in Chev SSR, few Trailblazer EXTs, GMC Envoy XLs and XUVs. Stupid $ can also get you an LS2 inTrailblazer SS, and Saab 9⁷ Aero (or whatever they called them!) Ive owned several LS engines, my next one will be the C6 Corvette Z06 with the heartbeat thumping from an LS7!
I just swapped a 4.8 from a Silverado in a 2001 ford mustang Gt reworked the entire harness to the transmission (4l60e)
Bought a upr front engine crossmember with front coil overs had to run a return line for the fuel to the Ls and drill and tap a return line on my tank. The drive shaft had to be shortened by a couple of inches. The transmission crossmember I used the stock mustang one but modified it to fit the (4l60e). The cooling system I modified hoses to accept the new position of the hose necks from the engine alternator is wired in with a 470 ohm 1/2 watt resistor to energize or excite the alternator. Power steering hoses mated with the power steering pump to the car. And of course I had to cut a hole in the hood to fit the higher intake and alternator ..........
Love it! Is it running yet?
@@AutoGuild it's running but not yet legally I'm still working on small things like the putting the interior back and fastening and tying the wiring down and tucked away
The only thing that isnt quite right is that the 5.3 is so plentiful that even running you can them with wiring harness and all from most junkyards for 600 or less
I didn't see my LS L 33 all aluminum in my 06 Sierra on your list. I have 200 k on the engine and it still has good compression
We run the ls3 525 in the spec trucks but the 430 actually makes around 500hp for higher end stuff my dad ran a lsx 454r once in the trophy truck but said it didn’t have as much as the built small block ford
Nice, comprehensive list. A 6L LQ9 only kicks out 345HP? Damn, my LS1 does the same at 5.7L. Seems odd! At some point I plan on upgrading the cam, intake and throttle body to LS6 specs or better. I figure that and a mild port job should really wake this engine up, with the hopes of 500 N/A RWHP. Power adders are fun and make obscene amounts of HP, but they come w/ a price and not just initial purchase costs. Exhaust plumbing and oil feed/return lines to make and route and then you have maintenance of said parts. N/A all the way! lol
Well the LQ9 is a truck motor so its more set up for low end torque and not so much for high revving horsepower. Yes, the heads make and LS great and the heads also give the most when you mod them. Cam swap too. I agree, NA is best!!
I really like this video but it’d be a cherry on top if you put clips of the engines in cars being revved and used
I was looking for a vortecmax with the 6.0L for a year when I stumbled on an 07 6.2 with less than 100k. It's in an AWD Denali just waiting for a trans problem to become my project
Yeah I’m definitely going to look for an lq4/lq9 for my firebird. Thanks for the info👍🏽👍🏽
Usually don't subscribe to a lot...but I just did because this was very informative. Much appreciated! 🤙🏾
I appreciate that!
This channel is gonna get big
This channel rocks! Excellent work man! Keep it up! Rising ⭐️
Awesome video for making a truck from scratch. Planning on using 3/16 or 1/4 tubing for the chassis
Great video man period would definitely love one that has the details on a conversion with intake manifold and cam along with well mated automatic and stick transmissions. That actually sounds like three different videos to me, low buck medium and high dollar
I spent 330 for a fully dressed gen 3 5.3, the real expense is making everything work in a swap lol my ls swap has taken me 2 years and counting, another thing is the terminator x is a hell of a deal since it tunes it self so theres that
You should look at making a little online store and posting these as posters! I know I would pay 5-10 bucks for this information on a poster
I did partner with Teespring to make a poster (they are a youtube provider of posters and tee shirts). But it costs $26. : ( teespring.com/ls-engine-history Its bog tho, 3 feet high x 2 feet wide.
I have a envoy denali with the aluminum 5.3 I never knew how rare they was
THANK YOU SO MUCH. A MOTOR FOR ANY BUDGET. SOMETHING TO CONSIDER. GREAT VIDEO AND THANKS FOR SHARING.
You should review small block 350 From the start date to the end date.
Well done! So many videos about the LS have so much BS conversation to stretch the video length to past 10 minutes for the algorithm. Then, the list provided is hard to track and make sense of it.
Roller lifters from the old small block chevys are the same as those in the LS series
The biggest problem with an ls swap is all the little stuff that will nickle and dime you to death. The ls engines can be dirt cheap especially if you're willing to settle for a 4.8 but if your swapping an ls into an oldschool carbureted car, all the little stuff like fuel pump, lines, fittings, hoses, conversion harness,headers,etc... it just gets expensive. I have seen true poverty junkyard builds that were done under $1000 but usually those guys struggle and deal with alot of issues and it act finicky. I'm not saying that it cant be done cheaply but I definently recomend doing some serious research on what swap u want to do. In some cases it's cheaper and easier to hop up the engine that's already in your vehicle than to swap to another style engine.
Great information. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
So I guess we forgot all about the LY6 and L76. 6.0 with the LS3 top end. 1 is iron block that was put in trucks 1 is aluminum. But not bad info
Snagged my L92, wiring, transmission and AWD drive train for $2,000 in my 2008 Yukon Denali, guy thought the transmission was gone and I only had to replace the CV axle 😁
The reason the ls engines are good for turbos is simple the oil flow is fantastic
Best toyota motors vid maybe? This was really good
Well now im aiming to get any L20 as my first car and do a sick ass build