Great advice mate, I'm in the UK but looking to pick up an "LS" next week when I'm in the states and ship it home. I'll be looking for the most complete engine, because it'll be a nightmare getting lots of parts over the pond. Cheers!
I literally love your channel, I constantly see youtubers yapping about “oH gEt tHe $5000 kIt aNd sAvE yOuRsElF tHe tRoUbLe” like bruh, maybe I’m a college student first getting into engineering and mechanical killjoy and I don’t want to spend all my hard earned schmeckels on excess. Ty
Except he's wrong. You can buy a Gen 1 Vortec headed roller cam motor "NEW" that puts out 330hp for 2500 bucks. Any high school kid can get get 400hp with cam change and some simple port matching.. Sorry but I want a new motor that starts every time. Used coil packs used MAS air used used used including the wiring just don't cut it when your constantly hunting Gremlin's and buying parts. AF gauge and a MSD unit with the manual timing control and 3 spark ignition and your good to go. In fact if the MSD unit does go bad you can disconnect it and keep heading down the road. I do have an LS1 with an Edelbrock carb intake and a crank trigger and it runs great. Day in day out daily drivers I see as Gen1's with roller cams and a manual transmission. They last forever with zero problems if you change the oil and air filter and drive like a semi sane person. Keep it simple stupid.
These engines and related parts like coil packs are pretty durable. I've seen many go past 500,000 kms up here in Canada and with the original coil packs and electronics. That's around 300,000 "gremlin free" miles man. My little 4.8? Fuck if I drove my Vortec 350 anywhere near as crazy as I drive the 4.8 that 350'd quickly shit the bed hands down. I wanted an engine I could drive, not fuckin tip toe around in like a semi sane person.
This guy is fuckin awesome. First time LS swap guy here . Doing my homework to save as much money as possible for my 92 300ZX swap. Now if the damn intermediate kit from loj conversions wasn't 45 hundred bucks this would be going a lot faster..... Master swap kit goes for 8500 good Lord no motor
Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. I've watched several of them now and I'm a total newb to the LS world. They've been a great source of real world advice and info.
Looking forward to watching the rest of this "LS Swap Basics" playlist. There's a half ton 350 and a 1-ton 454 in our fleet (both are TBI trucks) that if we hang on to them will likely need swaps of some kind, and if this is affordable/reliable I'll be all about it.
I love the straight to the point information. So many other channels and people out there beat around the bush or lead you in the wrong direction. Need more people like you. Thank you.
"dumb hillbillies crashing Z71s" 😂 you see it once a day in Alabama, twice a day on the weekends. This video is great for the audience it was meant for, subscribed. 👍
Same goes for “Gangsters* crashing up all the Charger/Challenger/300C Hemi/Hellcat Hemis. Hemis are becoming a popular swap, Holley and the like are opening up the aftermarket for mounts, harnesses to do Hemi swaps. Gotta be more options than just LS, it’s 2020.
@@MattySlimz true. But the marketing will keep those swaps expensive. “It’s a Hemi” after all 🙄 there are fields of gm gold laying around. Literally within 10 minutes of wherever you live. I ain’t hating. I just don’t see any dodge cube vans err sprinter vans rolling around town with motors capable of making 1000 HP.
thank you for the information! I’m more confident about pursuing an LS build to replace the not running good 305 in my old truck and now that I know how achievable it is I can’t wait to start a build budget and get the old girl back on the road again
The biggest one you can scrounge of course. But seriously, this channel is a big reason I went for a swap. Thanks. (And yes, I did get too big of an engine. Cuz I'm a toddler)
I am kinda new to this LS thing but the more videos I watch the more interesting it becomes...I remember when the 5.3 first came out and figured it was just a new version of the old 327 with all of the computer junk on it...years went by then I started watching videos about how well built these engines are and the power you can make on the stock internals and now with all of the information available and the aftermarket support it doesn't seem as intimidating to an old schooler like me to go ahead and roll the dice and take on one of these builds..by the way I like your budget minded approach how it can be done on a working mans budget without tons of unnecessary and overly costly parts or a fancy shop to work out of...you just earned yourself a new subscriber!👍👍😎😎🏁🏁
Perfect. Haven't touched my truck in 3 year. A friend gave me a motor that runs however it's a 350 and I talked to original owner and he said the same"BUT" has 200 miles on it. So when you said the 4.8 with a came will do better and probably better gas mileage well I'm sold and subscribed. Thank you.
Basic and straight up. Thanks this helps a lot. I am new to the LS swap but trying to learn. I have a 74 C10 that’s been in the family for years. I’ll be watching more of your video’s. Thanks
Excellent video! This is exactly what people need to hear; the right information on what to buy, what to avoid and what is a waste of money. Thank You.
LS swap they said, you’ll love it they said, no replacement for displacement they said....well after looking for the right 6.0 and not finding one.....I went the car engine route because we had one where I work that was going to the scrap yard. 04 GTO 5.7 LS1 w/84K miles.....$400 complete, drove it in the shop and pulled everything. It’s not installed yet due to winter but it’s getting close. Lol. Good info.
Was going to get rid of my Colorado but after watching your video, I have a new plan. Keep it and repower with an LS engine. Thanks for planting the seed.
JR, thank you soo much for helping me out with your videos, I am an older mechanic who doesn't know shit about these LS swaps, am getting ready to do a swap on an old Datsun 260Z and also on a 72 C10. Keep up the great work, THX, Ed
Great Video, I'm starting a 5.3 swap in my 1989 Trans am bought it complete for 600.00 and drove 200 miles. Very interested in this series. So keep up the great JOB!
I just came across your video. Thanks for the knowledge! I just bought a 78 Nova last weekend and me and my mechanic is going to the yard to try to find an LS to put in there. Now I know what I'm looking for on a budget!
Glad i found this channel. Thank you JR. I have a 84 c10 chevy with a tired weak 350 v8. I know nothing of LS swaps until this video. Looking forward to more of your Ls videos/details. Thank you
what i love about my scrap yard is you can go in a get a little sewing machice engine from a civic or the LQ4/9 or ad actual LS ___ and they cost the same.
Looking forward to seeing more of these videos. I was going to swap a 383 into my 95 K1500 but a couple of friends told me I should LS swap it because its a way better engine than the traditional small block. I'm looking for a 6.0 with a 4L80E for my truck mainly because it's 4X4 and it's going to be kinda my hotrod.
Cool video you have a lot of informative information about doing an LS swap. I recently bought a 1996 Chevrolet Impala that came stock with a 5.7 LT1 350. I plan on daily driving in the car for the most part but in the future I would like to put an LS motor in it. I would prefer the 5.3 L or a 6.0 if I can find one for a good price. I'm glad to see that you can find and buy these LS Motors complete with computer and wiring harness and most of all the accessories for a reasonably cheap price. I do all of my own mechanic work so there wouldn't be any labor cost associated with me doing the swap. Very cool I plan on watching the rest of your videos concerning the motor mounts and everything.
I don't have all the answers, but I have some lol. It's my goal to show people that they can do this with modest toolsets and skills, in their driveways, no lift, no credit card. If you can do ordinary hot rod things like swap a cam, you can swap an LS and wire it. I'm really glad to hear I've encouraged you.
Agree with everything you posted in your video. Just a note from a guy that has been building and swapping LS's for15 years, a stock 5.3 with an aftermarket PCM will make 375hp all day. Stock intake and cam with a good exhaust. Add a cam and a set of long tubes and your looking at 440hp, that's enough power where your going to need transmission upgrades and we all know they don't come cheap. An upgraded PCM and harness is a grand and sometimes you can use your stock pieces with a reflash, tune and a reworked harness, good to 500hp anyhow. A good cam, lifters, pushrods and rocker upgrades will set you back $600-$700 but output jumps 75hp or more and addresses a few of the LS's weak points, an oil pump never hurts either. If you want to hold out for a 6.0L be my guest, your looking at 500-550hp but you'll pay for it if you can find one. With just the engine you caan bet within a year that poor old 4L60 will fold up on you so prepare for a $2500 tab on top of everything else. Best bang for the buck, look for someone or ask around the machine shops for a used set of stock 5.7 pistons. Bore a 5.3 for them and besides more cubes you'll get higher compression and better breathing, with the mods mentioned you'll be just shy of 500hp at the crank. I did one and even reused the rings and head bolts and gaskets just to see if it would hold together and 6 years later it's still in my chopped and mini tubbed '68 C10 melting the hides at will with a stock 4L80 behind it.
Just saw you April 27. Fantastic video. Just bought my 5.3 complete 2006, 60 k miles, every hang on component with CPU wiring 4 speed auto out of 2 wheel drive for swap to my 55 Bel Air.$600. Just a no nonsense video. Thanks for posting.
I bought a very nice 96 s10, it just needs a engine, I'm thinking 4.8L start out basically stock, maybe a cam, and work up to a turbo maybe, after that maybe LS a 68 GMC, 64 Nova, who knows , maybe swap everything!
I'd go with a 5.3. The 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 are the exact same size, and have similar weights, with the 4.8 possibly weighing more because of its lower displacement, so there's less metal bored out of the block. There's no benefit to the 4.8 unless you already have one sitting around or something. If you're buying one the 5.3 is cheaper and slightly easier to find than the 4.8 engine too.
@@stephenlott6968 The 4.8 and the 5.3 share the same bore, the 4.8 uses a shorter stroke that's why the blocks are marked 4.8/5.3. The pistons in the 4.8 are flat tops, I've installed them in 5.3's to bump the compression 3/4 of a point for a few more hp. 5.3's are the way to go.
Listen up kids. This man is talking REALITY ! Don't get sucked into parts intended for a race engine. You won't need them on your street driven car. Great video dude keep them coming ! PROPS
yeah i was thinking about putting an LS in my mustang i was going to go with a 351w swap but you cant deny how some LS engines can go for dirt cheap. Ive seen some as low $100 for the longblock. the mustang is a 1994 v6 that i picked up for $500 clean title . _Edit: Great video +1Sub_
My first swap was a 94 Mustang lol, I put way to much into it, but the logic was the same. Bang for the buck, to get to GT specs, or better, was going to be 3k,for 200 hp, so a 5.3 went in. With a cam, longtubes, and a 4L60 it made 330 tire.
I have the 2013 flex fuel 5.3 liter LH8 with Vortec heads and it also has cylinder deactivation and each coil pack is self tuning for maximum efficientcy and it's a beast. Not only does it run and sound good, I get extremely good MPG's too.
Good stuff here my friend. I own a '02 Camaro SLP SS with the fabulous LS1. I might have it tuned professionally soon and may consider a cam and header swap in future. Its fantastic as is but those mods. I know will make it an even better Mustang killer. Take care all!
4.8 LS makes more power than a tune port 350 on its best day. I tell this to every one I know who insists on dicking around with the old school engines.
That’s the first mainstream cross bolted block I’m aware of as well, to be honest, I wouldn’t really count the cross bolts, they only stop cap walk really, but it sounds super cool to say lol.
My issue's are many but, 1st off, I do not have a garage & THAT ALONE IS KILLING ME!!!! Found a add online where someone has a Very NICE structure, FOR FREE, YOU TEAR DOWN & HAUL AWAY BUT, it is massive & I don't own a truck so, I'd have to rent a U-HAUL after the structure is down! My biggest problem is time! I work odd hours! The biggest one, the lq9, What all vehicle's did it come in? Also, Personally, I'd like a 327 & mostly, A specific year 400!!!!!Because I know what it can do!!! I am new to your channel! 1st time actually but, plan on checking out your channel & content!!!
Cant bet those complete 4.8 and 5.3 engines there so good great engines to get you in the game and to have some fun boys and 500 is not high at all in cali thats a steal compared to the price they want for them out here and again 500 for a complete 4.8/5.3 you cant go wrong as long as you dont get into the hype and crazyness with all the aftermarket mumbo jumbo if you get caught in all that then thats gunna destroy the budget real real quick trust me
I love the way you simplify stuff.. inspiring bro.. I jus got hold of a 80 series Land Cruiser. Bookmarked your channel, FB page for all the advice I wud need to try out a swap myself.. I like working alone and have never worked on cars before..but willing to learn all that it takes.. u reckon going solo on the swap would make it difficult ?
I do almost all of my work alone. Sometimes my wife helps hold things or whatever, but it's mostly me and clever placement of ratchet straps and levers lol. I'm glad you're inspired to take on a project! And Land Are awesome! Post it up on the Facebook group, I'd love to see it.
I am really glad i came across your video, I wasnt sure about what exactly i needed to do for a fuel system and a wiring harness. Also, i was convinced that i was going to have to spend the $1,100 for a semi complete motor off of ebay or other various sites. Thanks for the good info, not to figure out how to adapt the LS harness to what my car has without destroying it.
Hey, I'm glad it helped! I have a few harness videos, but the basic idea is that the LS harness stands alone, needs a few 12v in wires and that's it, mostly separate from your car unless you're trying to get factory gauges to work. Even then the gauges are separate from the engine harneas
Awesome info dude! I've been looking at ls2 and 3s for my 66 gto retro. I'm just gonna ask if I'm stupid everyone can have a good laugh. Will the 6.0 LQ9 fit the same as the ls2 in my goat........ I paused for laughter. Any ifo would be much appreciated. Keep educating us or me. Thanks a million or several grand.
Nice video man. I 100% agree buy complete . I picked up a no title running and Driving L59 03 Suburban for $450. Just so I didn't have to worry about needing factory parts .Its in the middle of being tossed in my 1970 C10 Fleet side . Also yea they are better im pulling a 1967 built L76 327 , not because its a bad engine I just want it to work all the time in all weather lol.
Having fuel injection is great. I haven't driven my truck in a month, just threw a battery in it yesterday, 45 degrees out, hopped in, hit the key, drove around, no worries lol
I just traded a freedom stick for s sweet 04 LM4 aluminum 5.3 engine out of a Yukon...complete engine with harness and muscle car oil pan and dingo mounts...killer deal...gettin a stage 2 cam and new clutch for my nv3500...going in a 82 GMC c1500 short bed
Deal of the century, I've been doing this for 15 years at least and I've seen only 1 alloy engine that wasn't a 5.7. It was a 4.8 in a 2002 Silverado. Personally I'd sell that alloy engine, people pay bucks for them and I'd stick an Iron 5.3 in it. If weights not an issue the iron short block is stronger, more stable, will handle more HP and is less prone to leakage espically in a truck.
@@hardball107 actually sold it for 1500 cash and bought a 5.3 out of an 03 avalanche and swapped into it. Did away with the 5speed and went with a automatic out of an 02 Silverado. If I had it to do again I'd went with drive by cable instead of wire.
Good to know information, I had no clue that a cam swap would put a 4.8 within grasp of what my “built” TBI motor makes, and for a fraction of the cost. I know I have easily 5 grand in my motor, and you’re saying for easily a grand a 4.8 can whip my trucks backside. This video alone just steered me towards how to build my Camaro. If it’s at all possible to include manual transmission information, I would be grateful for that wisdom.
I bought a donor truck,2003silverado 4.8 with 160km break system was totally shot so I bought it for $400 lol engine and body are mint, sold both doors for $800 it’s paying for most of my swap project
The Driveway Engineer OK… I was just curious where you’re getting them for that price…Because of where I live I can’t get them for that price and I was looking to get one.
Just bought a 2012 Suburban Z71 with 89,000 miles for $1000 from my boss. He's taking $50 out my check every week for 5 months. The truck is wrecked in the rear with minor front damage. Im keeping engine and trans and selling tbe rest for parts
I like the 2001+ LQ4 with the 317 heads, great for big boost builds. The stock con rod snaps at 1480hp. 2500HD's came with 4L80's, great budget 1000+hp build, $14k including the truck.
