@@conradmeinecke5861 It wasn't for me, in the 2 years i had it the head gaskets failed and shortly after that the oil pump failed and put metal shavings all through the engine. I was going to rebuild if but thought an engine swap would be better, I was originally going to put a 200TDi in but then I saw an LS in a defender at a car show and well it just sounded awesome so had to go down the LS route.
@@TeddysTheName Q-Tip Go for it man, I used an adaptor from Mark's 4WD in Australia (he ships worldwide), you could probably de the same as the Discovery 2 uses the same LT230 transfer case as my RRC.
@@ayedee6681 but... it already has a V8... anyway I have seen rotary engine swaps on 928s too. If it's a drift or drag build (which mostly they turn out to be)👍. But meh... I feel like swaps are reserved as projects and for the laugh 🤣. There's nothing more to swaps than that.
After having done two ls swaps, you are 100% correct Car Wizard. But having a reliable fuel efficient drivetrain in an older vehicle is priceless! Thanks for the video!
They used to have A KIA ADVERT on TV here in Australia where they were doing that. Girl looks thrilled to think she got "Mr successful" in bed because he had a kia. Nobody told her I can but a 5 year old kia with leather seats for $3000.....
I swapped my first ls back in 1997 and since then I have done hundreds of them. A ls engine requires 58 psi of fuel pressure, you do not need a return line, gm switched to returnless fuel systems in the 2004 model year. You absolutely do not need a inertia switch, gm does not use one and the way they deal with rollover incidents is with the ecu cutting fuel flow when there is a loss of fuel pressure. I have seen plenty of stupid people complete ls swaps and the people I am talking about are really stupid. You can purchase stand alone harnesses for $250 that work really well and there is plenty of people like me who program ecu's. The most common oem ecu's used in swaps are p01 and p59 ecu's. You can use a 58x motor on the older ecu's with a lingenfelter converter box. The p01 and p59 ecu's are 24x only so a converter is required if you want to use a 58x engine. There is actually 2 companies making ls swap mounts for the lamborghini Gallardo. With a stand alone harness you only need to hook up around 6 wires to make run. Ac is not a problem in any way with all of the aftermarket solutions. I can ls swap many vehicles in one day very easily.
yeah, where are you located? you should do jaguar specialities LS swaps on an xk8, we people would pay for that in the jag community, it’s already a $2k kit that comes with most what you need
@@h7pubg I am located in southern California, I have done many sbc 700r4 swaps in jaguars throughout the years. Back in the day JTR was the place to get everything.
@@shawnchurch316 i live in southern ca! I’d love to learn more about ls swaps! Like how compatible is my Project: 75 camaro with the original v8 in it.
Helped a friend drop a 454 tbi Chevy truck engine into his 90 Cadillac. The power steering pump pulley ended up being about 3mm away from the steering box. He just took an angle grinder to the box,it was stillprettyclose. Then chained the engine down on the passenger side so it could never flex back enough for the pulley to hit it. Painted the chain black. Nobody would ever notice it. Hey,it worked. 😂
@@evlo8059 you can reuse the existing lines and compressor in the OBS. I swapped my 350 for a 5.3. Didn't have to evacuate the AC system , AC bolted right in with an adapter bracket, and is controlled by the ECM with no issues
you'd find dozens of LS swap kits for a lot of popular cars like old Camaros for instance and such and it probably wouldn't be too hard to put that together (relatively speaking). But if you're putting an LS in a Volkswagen Beetle (I'm sure it's been done) then you're on your own.
im glad you made this video wizard. Because lots of people always say LS swap it or i'm going to LS swap it. They dont realize how much work it is! And some of them never held a spanner in their life :)
As I see it LS swaps (or any JDM engine swaps like 2JZ and RB26) are usually either only a "meme and dream" or "fun as a project when its actually executed properly".
Great explanation of and overview over all the pitfalls ahead from far above. Every single sentence can describe a nightmare ... so many sentences in just 1 minute and 20 minutes ...
Swapped a built up carbed 350 Chevy / 700R4 into a 1987 Toyota Supra once and thought that was challenging. Flat sheets of 1/4" steel welded in for motor mounts and a steel bar with a mount for the trans. Exhaust plumbing was also tricky. Muffler shop had to weld in most of it with the engine and the headers in place. To finish getting in the tight spots, the motor had to be pulled back out again. Had to use a drive shaft for a Chevy with the end cut off. Then weld on the very end of the original Toyota Supra shaft with a sleeve to make it connect to the IRS 3.42 limited slip rear diff and balance it. Wired in relays for the cooling fans, find an adequate radiator. Wire up the alternator, wire up the distributor, take out the old shifter and weld in a bracket to hook up a 700R4 Megashifter set up. It was fast when it was done, but it was a never ending project. VT247
Everything The Great Wizard has foretold has come true! Still currently finishing up my ls swap on my c3. The amount of research, time,investment, and fabrication is extensive and ongoing. The chip and material shortage that we are currently working through has curtailed and completely deviated my project. Here a year into the project and still not finished but very close. Also thanks for the tip about the cutoff switch 👍 I hadn't even thought about that but will have to include that into my fuel pump electronics.
This statement is true, plus the “Ford” inertia switch is a ball on a magnet. I would use oil pressure to relay before anything. Also, “On-Star” doesn’t work when upside down either! If the antenna pod is scraped off. ASE Master since 1978
The Highway patrol and Police had a quick reference chart issued to them to show the location of the “ Fuel Pump” re-set switch. In pickups like the Ford Ranger, it’s under the glove box toward the center under the dash. My bother in law hit a curb at the dentist, started, drove to our house and would not restart. The Crown Vic had recalls on shock or suspension brackets, as the highway patrol would get hit from behind, lights on stopped writing a ticket, but it puncture the gas tank. I held classes for FBI, Police, City and county garage techs. They where mostly pissed as they could not wire in light bars, radios, laptop and other equipment, because it would affect another circuit. I suggested on fleet buys to get paper manuals with the deal, as Ford, GM contract with companies to print service books in 3 sections. They cost over $350 each. At least GM thru ACDelco, allows you to purchase service info and use online for a day, month or year. John Deere won’t do that for farmers because of liabilities. Center Articulating 4X4 tractors and combines use computer controlled steering for GPS application of fertilizer or harvest yield locations global mapping. It’s all getting easier. You’ll need a user name & password to get 3 sheets of toilet paper soon. Start saving newspaper & corn cobs my friend!
The easiest way to do an LS swap is to purchase a donor vehicle that is a similar configuration to what you want to swap and strip everything from it ( complete wiring harness including electric windows aircon fuel tank computers the works) . Even if you are going to upgrade everything having the original will help.
There is the option of going with a Holley or other brand standalone EFI system, they’re built just to run these swaps properly. It’s pricier than piecing together a stock ecm with a custom harness but makes it all much easier.
He's 100% correct. People have tried dozens of times to LS swap Porsche 928's, and while the car eventually runs, it loses half its value and the process is a complete nightmare. And this despite the kit!
Hey Wizard thank you, when it's time to land people feet to the ground you are the man, many people think they can do everything but with modern engines it's a world of hurt If you don't have the Tools, now everything it's code matched, and planned to fit on a specific plattaform, it's not Impossible but hell to adapt and make it work properly, greetings from puebla city, Mexico I'm your fan #1 around, respect !
It almost sounds like you need a donor car that is complete to make a swap possible. And a modicum of skills in bending fuel lines and welding. It should frustratingly awesome!!!
Thats the ideal way to do it, buy a running wreck, and try and incorporate as much of the original setup in the new body as possible, gm spent millions figuring out how to make it all work together, might as well use it as intended.
That is the best way at a junk yard you take as many of the parts you can get off the donor vehicle and you still going to have to buy and modify parts to fit you application.planing and research is key to any successful swap
Or you just put a carburetor on it and learn how to turn a screwdriver. Carbs have their faults but a lot less is needed to make them run, especially if you're putting one in an old car that had a carb originally and you're not interested in messing with fuel tables or a bunch of sensors and fuel delivery issues.
I seen an LS swap in a 90 Corvette in one weekend on the stage at Corvette at Carlisle but they obviously have much experience doing it and had everything planned out well , looked stock when done. Organelle motor was an L98.
I just bought my 1999 silverado 2500 4x4 with the LQ4 all cast iron v8. that was easy. I love the truck and will keep it as long as I can. really so much easier than swapping engines etc.
I've got a project truck i stole almost literally, $800 on an 06 with 140,000 on a 6.0. I'm excited, been working on it here and there. I've not drove it yet, rusted brake lines, rusted fuel lines, 1 peice at a time a couple hours here and there. I'm curious what your thoughts are on your truck. It's looking like it'll be awhile before i can run mine even to test.
@@blueovalfan23 I bought my 1999 silverado 2500 4x4 standard cab and 8foot bed with firm ride suspension 3800lbs in the bed. automatic, all the trailer and camper package as well as skid plate. new for 25k I have had a big northstar camper on it. my wife died in 2004 I sold the camper and found a lovely 4 wheel popup. 2 years ago a extreme wind gust from the front tore it off the truck and destroyed it(truck unharmed). I have 49k miles on the truck. no rust. I live near Denver. this spring I had the fuel filter, trans filter, and all the lubrication oils changed(note there is now a special GM oil for the transfer case). I change my own engine oil, filters, and grease the truck every other year. the ONLY things other that that. the spark wires went bad(new MSD I put on) and it developed a flooding problem. if you had been running it and let the truck sit for 10 min the only way to get it started was to hold the throttle open and crank for 10 sec or so. that was getting progressively worse. all the useless internet mechanics said fuel injectors leaking. bull shit. it was the fuel pressure regulator leaking. 4 times after I shut it off I pulled the vacuum line off the regulator. finally the 4th time fuel ran out. its really easy to change that regulator. did it myself in a few mins. no other problems except there is a quirk in the transmission controller(other people with the same truck have it too) the dealer is NO help Chevrolet is no help. If you shift down for grade retard and then back to drive. it seems ok till you come to a stop and start out. the trans goes first, skips 2nd and slams so hard into third you think something is going to break. stop and start out again. same thing. the way to clear it is to stop. shut off the engine and restart. now its fine again till you grade retard again. there is no known cure for it. just learn to live with it. overall the truck is GREAT One last thing I am on my 3rd set of BFG all terrain KO tires. this set this spring are the KO2. that the tires to use. since I only have a leer topper on it I put the original size tires on. also I did not buy aluminum wheels(hate them) if I never own aluminum wheels thats fine with me. no warped brake rotors. no wheels flying off. fix your truck up and you will love it. its now my daily driver.
Few things are cooler than a restomod; where you keep the old-car look on the outside but have all the modern advantages underneath. The smartest thing is to buy one though, because *it can take years* to create one working in your spare time. So many options exist now with the combination of modern automotive technology combined with the immediate accessibility to that information on the internet. 15 days ago (exactly) I bought a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster with just 26K miles on it from the original owner. Garage kept, unmodified and full of potential because in those 14 years people have figured out all the proper modifications to address any original shortcomings. Change the fluids & filters, make a small number of mechanical changes augmented by well-proven ECU & TCU upgrades and I'll have a great ride that'll give me many years of enjoyment.
"where you keep the old-car look on the outside but have all the modern advantages underneath." You kill the entire spirit of the car. Just buy a modern car if that is what you want. Keep classics original.
I ls swapped two of my favorite things 1931 five window and my 55 belair THE best! Thing I did and didn't cost a fortune thanks to The driveway engineer!
Great video from the Wizard! One thing not mentioned; aftermarket engine management systems. They're pricey, but do make the actual running & tuning easier especially the tuning part. Holley makes them, Haltech makes them, probably others.
Telling it like it is,great video Car Wizard,being a mechanic myself I can fully vouch for every word you've said.I'd hate to think of somebody (probably young) digging themselves into a massive hole by underestimating the size of very large undertaking.It takes a combination of having plenty of funds and a well equipped workshop and even then it probably won't be plain sailing.👍✌
I'm in the middle of an LS swap now. an MGB with an LS-1/T56, BMW E36 IRS and a Miata power steering rack. I'm 250+hrs in so far and haven't gotten to the fuel system, wiring or even motor mounts yet :) I'm doing it the hard way with TONS of metal work.
Love the channel, I just have one comment. I put a 2001 Camaro LS1 in a 1987 RX7. The RX7 had a return system and the Camaro has a returnless system. Technically the return happens inside the tank and fuel at correct pressure is sent to the engine. It took me forever to figure this out since the LS1 had what "appeared" to be a return port, but was actually for the evap system. I had trouble with too much pressure. I was able to put in a Corvette fuel filter, which has a regulator and return in it.
I have no desire to put an LS engine into any vehicle. If it came with one, that’s fine. I like to fix cars they way they were originally designed. But the Wizard is right, to do a project like this right, you have to do your research and your homework. It’s not for the faint at heart. Thanks Wizard!
The easiest engine swap I did was 25 years ago in my 81 Olds Cutlass coupe. It went from a SMC 267 V-8 with a TH-350C to a BB 454 oval port mated to a TH-700R4. I did need to weld a 4 inch extension on the transmission cross-member to support the longer trans mount, and the drive shaft shortened by about the same to fit. All the accessories fit (AC, Alternator, power steering pump), and I ran a simple re-jetted Q-Jet carb so no F.I. conversion. Needed custom exhaust, but that was a given even if I stayed with a hotter SMC. I had to use low valve covers to clear the AC evaporator cover, and use motor mounts from a 76 Chev Caprice wagon (they were lower then those from a truck) for the motor to clear the hood. That BB engine when installed looked like it belonged there. People at car shows thought it looked stock...until you saw the wide valve covers! The biggest pain was the shift linkage - it never felt right. An aftermarket shifter like a B&M or Hurst would've fixed that. No matter - the trans couldn't hold first gear with all the power anyways. Second gear was when that car passed everyone. I agree with Car Wizard, the amount of work I had to do get this relatively simple swap was hard enough. The LS+OD Trans is an amazing combo but it's hard to pull off affordably and effortlessly. You need to be a skilled shadetree-mechanic\machinist\welder\computer technician. If you're not, then $$$ and time.
This is a good warning message about the troubles a person can get into if they plan an engine swap on a vehicle they have. I have never had any interest in swapping an engine in a vehicle.
Well he is an idiot, and did you see how badly he butchered the RX7, he cut into the wiring loom and then sold it on, only for the guy who bought it to wonder why the damn LED's kept getting stuck on, hell its a wonder he didnt burn the whole damn car down with that move, as the Loom was just behind the right fender where he cut lol. after that I lost all respect for that man and the more I looked, the dumber I realized he was, and now he's purely doing spectacle builds to keep the momentum of his channel going than to do proper good work anymore. the volkswaggen Hurican in point.
@@kavinskysmith4094 welcome to UA-cam. All these assholes rebuilding salvage cars aren't even qualified to change an air filter on a Toyota Corolla, let alone rebuilding exotics. Just look at the total hack job tavarish did on that Gallardo, dude cut into the fucking chassis just to fit a facelift bumper.
@Kavinsky Well said I’m glad there are others that feel the same way fuck that dude he sucks ass. I feel bad for the guy that purchased the RX-7 from him that guy walked into a nightmare...
I know a few people with successful LS swaps and they have one thing in common. They bought a swap kit tailored to their specific application that came complete with every thing included.
You can get a swap kit but that is only after the thing the wizard says a lot and is very true for any project, "do your research on everything required first".
Then finally you have the swap ready to drive. A whole lot more issues aways arise. Most conversations I have seen never really make it to an everyday reliable state. Mind you the shakedown period can also be the fun part because you get to experience the good parts of the conversion.
It is nice that there is the aftermarket "LS swap" products available. You just have to adapt and overcome! You can do it! I would love a FRS/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86 with the LS!
I feel like this video is for the guys that change their own oil and like to dream and talk about one day taking 10 years to do an ls swap is their old family hand me down classic. I'm not a mechanic, but I've done several engine swaps with computer controlled fuel injected engines(mostly imports). This is all typical swap stuff. No surprises here. With all the stuff you can buy, all the info online, and some general understanding of things like AN fittings, it's never been easier to do swaps like this. Either way, I've never done an LS but I'm getting ready to embark on swapping one into my 66 c10. This video is a good organized reminder of the things I'll need to do. Of building a car from the ground up, the engine swap is only one of the many challenges you'll face.
If I were going to to a LS swap, I would discard the GM computer and put in a Simple Digital Systems (SDS) fully programmable EFI system. You would need to pull the motor apart first to install the proper sensors but it is definitely worth it. With that system installed, you will have complete control over your engine. That means fine tuning the fuel flow cylinder by cylinder to equalize the fuel burn. It will also be bulletproof dependable. A lot of racers use this system.
Doing my first swap into a 86 Pontiac…. Went in head first…. It’s not hard…. Don’t look at the whole mess… go at it in parts without bouncing around. You’ll be fine … don’t rush it. As work is done on it things will change, new ideas pop up and new modifications get thrown in. I’m at my 4th idea to add in to my ground up project
@@kavinskysmith4094 The V6 alone already set the weight balance on the far back on the rear wheels its already rear heavy with almost 30 70 weight distribution and giving a V8 is even worse
I did my swap in 2010, what I would do is buy everything upfront. The complete take out is the best way to go with harness, ecu, pedal, tac module, etc. I used the factory harness with factory computer and fuse box. I got the wiring diagram of the factory fuse box and applied 12v keyed and 12v battery to the right locations. My swap took a year most of that was coming up with the money, it went into a 72 GMC so it was on the easier end, the truck oil pan fit. It is more time to get it running but I’ve spent less time dealing with carburetors over the years. My swap was about what it would cost to rebuild my 383 I blew up. The ls stock heads flow what aftermarket small block Chevy heads do and at the time aftermarket fuel injection in multi port that would feed 500hp cost about 4K, for 5k I did a 6.0 swap and had the fuel injection.
Watch Tom's Turbo Garage here on UA-cam. He's swapping an LS into a Tacoma right now, and he did it to a Miata. Note that he has a seemingly unlimited budget (sponsorship), all the space he needs, all the tools he needs, and experience.
The miata v8 swap is a kit. Flyin miata makes one. Comes with everything. Only modification is the firewall. A v8 in a miata is simple compared to most other ls swaps.
Well put!! My swap was the most work i ever did and took me 3 years. Runs great but once in a while the drive by wire gas pedal goes off and puts me in a bad spot! I have also had ground issues i have had to sort out. Gas tank is $500-1400, headers $800 plus, AC $1200 plus, wiring harness $600, power steering lines $350
Probably not. Most teens are not going to wait for the Bob Ross of mechanics to tell us how hard this is gonna be. And any teen with both the knowledge and prudence (and money) to really contemplate doing it, will likely not be put off by this.
@@moesizlac2596 dude, he's right. I'm 22, I started building a custom motorcycle back in 2017. It's still not done yet. It runs and drives but isn't complete yet. What one person thinks is a weekend usually takes about a month
@@vinnygraziano1318 I never said he was wrong. I said his delivery is not good. It is ok to say what Wizzard is saying, but if he wants younger audiences to listen he is really not making the medicine very easy to take. You wouldn't have listened 4 years ago.
@@moesizlac2596 He's not, but it makes sense. He's telling it like it is. 4 years ago I started college for engineering. I would've definitely listened to him when I was 18. Cause just bolting something in doesn't make sense and won't work. Cause you have to think of everything as one unit with parts that work with each other as opposed to just parts and pieces. An engine swap for a DIYer could take a year or years.
@@vinnygraziano1318 Well perhaps engineering school should focus on language and perception a bit more. Here is super clear version: Wizzard say true things, yes. Wizzard say things using condescending tone. Most non-engineering teens who want to do LS probably not listen to old fuddy-wizzard who only wants to scold. That's it.
As someone who has successfully done a few LS into S10s you're 100% correct. One of my daily drivers is a 4.8L swapped into an 87 S10. Best advice I have is to buy a complete donor vehicle. I bought an 05 GMC 2500 Van and drove it home from Virginia to New Jersey. Also, Holley Terminator X is a great solution for a standalone system, it can also be hooked into boost reference and NOS systems. Another thing people don't realize is the last 5% takes the longest.
Legit one of the easiest swaps possible with such a monstrous aftermarket available and endless forums and experience available. Thats precisely why the LS is the best possible swap engine beyond the power and reliability.
@@JCE3000GT BUT, if you have any ribbed rubber in the line going between the airbox and the throttle body inlet, that is your restriction. The ribbing adds resistance... That resistance will cut your RPM and rob torque and hp...
This is why you're THE Wizard! If I ever had a wrangler I might consider an LS swap on that, but I'd definitely just pay a professional to do it for me. I can change a headlight bulb, but that's about it. 😂
I was thinking hard about a 302 swap in my ranger. It takes more than people consider. It's a complete rebuild radiator to rear end and I'm talking just a carbed basic setup. That 4 banger needs more power but it's a costly time consuming process. It's a back burner idea for later.
Fords junk 302 is junk why in the world would u spend that time and effort on something making it harder then it should be. Put a ls I. It and be done with in 2 days top
I did my engine swaps back in the 60s and 70s. put a 283 in my 48 chevy. 50 olds in 53 chevy. 54 olds in 53 Pontiac. 327 in 60 chevy wagon. and the most fun was putting a 62 chevy stock 6 in a 52 mg td. all required special work that I completed and all worked great. NONE were budget breakers.
I enjoy your videos, you're very low key, and from what I can see, very honest too. Maybe it's because of my age(65) where I grew up with carburetors as other than a Ferrari, was the only choice. I look at the LS swaps with computer, harness issues, fuel injection and everything else as being over complicated. My era, if you did not have spark or fuel, then you really had an issue. LS swap, you need a laptop, but you also need someone fluent in tuning to get car running optimally. No knock against you or young guys, but even seems just so complicated, and not customer/amateur friendly. I also like watching Nick's Garage, he's kind of old school too.
Great vid. You should've gone over the many different variants of the LS engine though. 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, 6.2, iron block, aluminum block, Active Fuel Management (AFM), non-AFM, intakes, drive-by wire, non-drive-by wire, the list goes on forever.
This was one of the reason's I maxed out my L98 to a 396 stroker. Procharged it and put a 4L80 trans. This channel is so cool to post this, I was right there with this decision. There is a serious amount of work involved with this. Good video Mr. Wizard
I like the way your shorts stay on. I lifted a couple 5 gallon water things into my pickup today and lost my short to the ground right in front of everyone at the grocery store. Well, stuff happens but all my belts are too wide for those shorts. Live and learn. peace.....b
My cousin and I once swapped out the old 2 speed auto trans in a '68 Firebird going to a TH-400 (it was free!). Nightmare city! The trans and torque converter bolted to the engine (had to bore out the bolt holes on the flex plate and open up the center hole on a lathe. Had to modify the driveshaft, transmission mount, shift linkage, coolant lines and use a different modulator valve. After that, the car was much faster, but leaked fluid all the time! File this one in the "Never Again" file!
I know you are trying to do a good deed, and I normally love your videos, but I just wish you could give us the answers. still being informative but not making it so damn depressing, feel like I'm getting a lecture from dad about why you shouldn't get a girl pregnant. but forgetting the part about how sex is great to start with.
I really want Wizzard to "Get" this message. I don't want him to turn into some youtube click-bate dumbass. Even Tavarish is too much of a "Happy-upbeat-click-n-sub" tuber for my liking. Eric the car guy has a nicer balance for his information over entrainment channel, yet he also seems to have a better grasp on how to treat his whole audience and never lectures or demeans his viewers. Perhaps Wizzard should actually watch his own videos before he posts them....
you already know the potential pleasure; there's little point in bringing it up. Everyone talks about how great an LS swapped motor is but they don't talk about the difficulties involved.
@@EpicMicky300 the complaints here are about presentation or tone or delivery. Nobody wants to sit through an earnest lecture with "father-knows-best" tone. It's not necessary. And it sure as hell won't stop the very people who may have been helped by this information. There are plenty of other better sources on what problems you will encounter on an LS swap. And they will not talk down to you. Wizzard Fail
Yeah,"the wizard" has a very weird demeanor about him! It's hard to put my finger on an explain it! The only reason I even know he exist is because of "hoovie". Honestly he annoys the hell out of me! He comes across as hes chastising you as if you asked a silly question and he just going to explain to you why your idea is stupid and hes going to prove it to you as if hes just annoyed at you! Hes just a very strange guy! I would bet if you really dug deep into his life you would find some very creepy nefarious things ,the kind of things that makes woman clutch there purses and mothers to hold on to their children tightly in a protective stance! I dont know as I said it's hard to explain what's off with this guy but it creepy,that's for sure!
@@number1pappy He's a fucking ginger they all act like that. They have a psychotic side sure but are generally very intelligent and helpful. Gingers are not typically rapist but are known to torture small animals and have an obsession with fire Reply
I just replaced the original engine in my 74 Camaro, a 350 with some 400,000 miles on it that still ran perfect. Replaced it with a forged, and roller'd 357. Carbureted. I couldn't see combining the complexity of a modern car with the problems of an old car.
If you buy a crate motor from GM you can get it with ECU included. You just hook up the fuel pump relay and provide power and ground. They put the ECU under the intake.
dude, its a meme. no one needed a reality check on this. but still fantastic video. all god info. If anyone wants to see how complicated this "L S S W A P I T" crap is, just watch B is for build
You'd be surprised by the number of cars I see being sold as incomplete ls swap projects lol. My Supra was getting a 1jz swap til the guy realized he didn't have the money to have a shop do it. Got a good deal and 14 months later she's running.
LS swap entails a LOT of *MONEY* then running into road blocks and spending more *MONEY* then the wiring/ECU/electrical/Cooling transmission what are you going to use and the fuel system.
The inertia switch is a good idea. Back in the olden days guys would put electric fuel pumps on high performance carbureted cars. A fuel line would blow for any number of reasons and it was like a fire hose spraying gasoline!!
My swap was as easy as it gets. got a 03 suburban with a L59. put it in a a 1970 c10. non power steering, and used my built 350th . spent about 400 on must buys and another 500 on some fun goodies. runs like a dream and if you work with computers, just rewire the factory harness. takes forever but cost nothing ,then once it was done used a tunner to turn off everything i didn't need . if it had a small block/big block chevy engine dont be scared of the LS. its work but nothing to crazy.
Yes Chevy trucks are a piece of cake to LS swap, I’ve swapped a ‘68 c10 and currently own a ‘73 short bed fleetside c10 with a 5.3 /th350 stalled with a 3000 converter, just finishing prep so I can paint it and add a vortech supercharger that I have already in boxes hiding in the garage and my ‘74 nova with a 4l65e 3:42 posi with 370” lq9/64cc ls3 heads and 2:45” pullied lsa supercharger on terminator x ecu……. Not as easy as a truck swap but still a walk in the park…..I love them all, they are beasts
I did a ls swap on a 88 s10 and the intake did not have a return line or regulator but I put a inline corvette fuel filter regulator and bought fuel lines and adaptors from summit racing worked perfect.
Here in Sweden, there was a guy that took a fairly modern truck and put an 60's truck body in it. He said he used most weekends for a couple of years to do that. Personally I kind of stick to my Mercedes and Land Rovers.
I have a 2004 Nissan Sentra SER, the motor locked up on me a year ago, ordered a JDM engine and this was a 2nd gen QR25DE, it was a bitch but I finally got everything working and back together. I had to do modifications to make some things fit but it all worked out! It is now a awesome car!
I've done LS swaps and always use the Holley Sniper throttle body fuel injection. I like simplicity. Now, I have gravitated toward 383 SBC mostly because of cost. Crate engines are dirt cheap. I prefer to install a new engine with a warranty.
I LS Swapped my Range Rover Classic, best thing i ever did with that car, made it reliable and powerful, I daily it everyday now.
This is exactly what I'd like to to do with a second gen Discovery. You're living the dream man, any pics of your RRC?
that British engine was reliable as it was
@@conradmeinecke5861 It wasn't for me, in the 2 years i had it the head gaskets failed and shortly after that the oil pump failed and put metal shavings all through the engine. I was going to rebuild if but thought an engine swap would be better, I was originally going to put a 200TDi in but then I saw an LS in a defender at a car show and well it just sounded awesome so had to go down the LS route.
@@TeddysTheName Q-Tip Go for it man, I used an adaptor from Mark's 4WD in Australia (he ships worldwide), you could probably de the same as the Discovery 2 uses the same LT230 transfer case as my RRC.
Q-Tip WoW!! I thought I was the only one with that idea! That’s a beautiful vehicle that would really benefit from an LS swap
I plan on an LS swap, Im just going to buy the whole corvette.
Corvette swap instead
Factory LS swap... Good move!
yup. a C5 is cheaper than an LS swap
ha, had the same thought, buy a cheap c5 and use it for my LS swap Porsche 928 :)
@@ayedee6681 but... it already has a V8... anyway I have seen rotary engine swaps on 928s too. If it's a drift or drag build (which mostly they turn out to be)👍. But meh... I feel like swaps are reserved as projects and for the laugh 🤣. There's nothing more to swaps than that.
After having done two ls swaps, you are 100% correct Car Wizard. But having a reliable fuel efficient drivetrain in an older vehicle is priceless! Thanks for the video!
I'm still gonna LS swap the hell out of my 64 El Camino. Don't let this guy shoot down your dream swap JUST SEND IT !!!!!!!
"Surrounded by Hoovie disasters". 😂😂😂 The Wizard has an awesome deadpan delivery. You need to do stand up comedy.
blipco5 I like how when Hoovie walks in his office for the invoice bill he is looking at yachts and Hollywood homes 🤣😆
Hoovie is a hoot!
Married couples used to LS swap using a fishbowl filled with car keys back in the day :P
Pico
LS swap my wife for something more rigid
thick thighs r like traction bars
😂😂😂😂😂
That started in WWII. Last bit of fun before battle.
They used to have A KIA ADVERT on TV here in Australia where they were doing that. Girl looks thrilled to think she got "Mr successful" in bed because he had a kia. Nobody told her I can but a 5 year old kia with leather seats for $3000.....
"You don't need to be dying for your LS swap." - Car Wizard
hahaha for real
I read this as he was saying this. Made me laugh pretty good.
Hold my Pepsi
I had no idea such a device existed till now lol.
I swapped my first ls back in 1997 and since then I have done hundreds of them. A ls engine requires 58 psi of fuel pressure, you do not need a return line, gm switched to returnless fuel systems in the 2004 model year. You absolutely do not need a inertia switch, gm does not use one and the way they deal with rollover incidents is with the ecu cutting fuel flow when there is a loss of fuel pressure. I have seen plenty of stupid people complete ls swaps and the people I am talking about are really stupid. You can purchase stand alone harnesses for $250 that work really well and there is plenty of people like me who program ecu's. The most common oem ecu's used in swaps are p01 and p59 ecu's. You can use a 58x motor on the older ecu's with a lingenfelter converter box. The p01 and p59 ecu's are 24x only so a converter is required if you want to use a 58x engine. There is actually 2 companies making ls swap mounts for the lamborghini Gallardo. With a stand alone harness you only need to hook up around 6 wires to make run. Ac is not a problem in any way with all of the aftermarket solutions. I can ls swap many vehicles in one day very easily.
where’s your shop located? i’ll take a road trip and spend a day if the labor won’t murder me.
97 740iL e38 bmw
yeah, where are you located? you should do jaguar specialities LS swaps on an xk8, we people would pay for that in the jag community, it’s already a $2k kit that comes with most what you need
@@h7pubg I am located in southern California, I have done many sbc 700r4 swaps in jaguars throughout the years. Back in the day JTR was the place to get everything.
@@shawnchurch316 i live in southern ca! I’d love to learn more about ls swaps! Like how compatible is my Project: 75 camaro with the original v8 in it.
Where you at I'm putting a LS1 into a jankty old 57 220s mercedes
Helped a friend drop a 454 tbi Chevy truck engine into his 90 Cadillac. The power steering pump pulley ended up being about 3mm away from the steering box. He just took an angle grinder to the box,it was stillprettyclose. Then chained the engine down on the passenger side so it could never flex back enough for the pulley to hit it. Painted the chain black. Nobody would ever notice it. Hey,it worked. 😂
in my opinion easiest LS swap is 1990s Chevy pickup truck almost everything matches you do have to relocate the AC compressor on top
I don't think compressor is the hard part, but the AC hoses are.
There's 1 easier one. Ls swapping a Corvette with a blown ls.
@@evlo8059 indeed because they are used rigid so you need somebody to bent them for you. Never saw a system with flexible hoses.
Maybe they designed the LS around the dimensions of the trucks with the 350 so they didn't have to change so much
@@evlo8059 you can reuse the existing lines and compressor in the OBS. I swapped my 350 for a 5.3. Didn't have to evacuate the AC system , AC bolted right in with an adapter bracket, and is controlled by the ECM with no issues
you'd find dozens of LS swap kits for a lot of popular cars like old Camaros for instance and such and it probably wouldn't be too hard to put that together (relatively speaking). But if you're putting an LS in a Volkswagen Beetle (I'm sure it's been done) then you're on your own.
im glad you made this video wizard. Because lots of people always say
LS swap it or i'm going to LS swap it. They dont realize how much work it is!
And some of them never held a spanner in their life :)
There the kind that aren't going to try it anyway,they just talk.
@@mbsnyderc I've tried it its a disaster even for me who has dones some swaps the hardest one that i've done is putting Lexus 1UZFE
As I see it LS swaps (or any JDM engine swaps like 2JZ and RB26) are usually either only a "meme and dream" or "fun as a project when its actually executed properly".
My 1jz swap was a meme dream turned real lol. Just need to take your budget and add 50% and then take the time and double it. Just needs a tune now
smart thing to do is buy a wrecked car whit a good ls in it, and change everything over... But y agree, its a lot of work.
Great explanation of and overview over all the pitfalls ahead from far above. Every single sentence can describe a nightmare ... so many sentences in just 1 minute and 20 minutes ...
dude that first min and a half talk brought me back to my Mr. Roger's days. classic!!!
I wonder how many engine swaps NEVER get completed. must be quite a few.
Where do you think all the cheapo lightly used LSs come from?
When you read the classified ad and it gives you a percentage of completion . " 95% complete,just needs this,this and that"
Literally get on Craigslist and Facebook they're everywhere
Like many ideas, sounds great until you encounter costs and challenges..
I think the headers are a big problem too and electrical
Love how you and your wife work as a team! Adds a totally separate dynamic to the videos.
Swapped a built up carbed 350 Chevy / 700R4 into a 1987 Toyota Supra once and thought that was challenging. Flat sheets of 1/4" steel welded in for motor mounts and a steel bar with a mount for the trans. Exhaust plumbing was also tricky. Muffler shop had to weld in most of it with the engine and the headers in place. To finish getting in the tight spots, the motor had to be pulled back out again. Had to use a drive shaft for a Chevy with the end cut off. Then weld on the very end of the original Toyota Supra shaft with a sleeve to make it connect to the IRS 3.42 limited slip rear diff and balance it. Wired in relays for the cooling fans, find an adequate radiator. Wire up the alternator, wire up the distributor, take out the old shifter and weld in a bracket to hook up a 700R4 Megashifter set up. It was fast when it was done, but it was a never ending project.
VT247
Everything The Great Wizard has foretold has come true! Still currently finishing up my ls swap on my c3. The amount of research, time,investment, and fabrication is extensive and ongoing. The chip and material shortage that we are currently working through has curtailed and completely deviated my project.
Here a year into the project and still not finished but very close.
Also thanks for the tip about the cutoff switch 👍 I hadn't even thought about that but will have to include that into my fuel pump electronics.
Wizard: LS swaps are hard!
Me: don't threaten me with a good time, Wizard!
Theyre not hard
Simple just don't mess with the wired/sensor technology of newer LS
Ha..... ha.....
You won't have a good time with your wallet or even worse if you have a wife and kids to feed
Of all the swaps Ive seen done IRL or on UA-cam nobody has ever installed an inertia switch for the fuel system...
This statement is true, plus the “Ford” inertia switch is a ball on a magnet. I would use oil pressure to relay before anything. Also, “On-Star” doesn’t work when upside down either! If the antenna pod is scraped off.
ASE Master since 1978
The Highway patrol and Police had a quick reference chart issued to them to show the location of the “ Fuel Pump” re-set switch. In pickups like the Ford Ranger, it’s under the glove box toward the center under the dash.
My bother in law hit a curb at the dentist, started, drove to our house and would not restart.
The Crown Vic had recalls on shock or suspension brackets, as the highway patrol would get hit from behind, lights on stopped writing a ticket, but it puncture the gas tank.
I held classes for FBI, Police, City and county garage techs. They where mostly pissed as they could not wire in light bars, radios, laptop and other equipment, because it would affect another circuit. I suggested on fleet buys to get paper manuals with the deal, as Ford, GM contract with companies to print service books in 3 sections. They cost over $350 each. At least GM thru ACDelco, allows you to purchase service info and use online for a day, month or year.
John Deere won’t do that for farmers because of liabilities. Center Articulating 4X4 tractors and combines use computer controlled steering for GPS application of fertilizer or harvest yield locations global mapping. It’s all getting easier.
You’ll need a user name & password to get 3 sheets of toilet paper soon. Start saving newspaper & corn cobs my friend!
The easiest way to do an LS swap is to purchase a donor vehicle that is a similar configuration to what you want to swap and strip everything from it ( complete wiring harness including electric windows aircon fuel tank computers the works) . Even if you are going to upgrade everything having the original will help.
No need for the original harness a Stan alone harness works better and don't have to deal with security and total nonsense
@@w.e.s. depends on what you’re swapping it into.
I did a Range Rover and only doing the engine harness would have left me with Range Rover wiring.
There is the option of going with a Holley or other brand standalone EFI system, they’re built just to run these swaps properly. It’s pricier than piecing together a stock ecm with a custom harness but makes it all much easier.
He's 100% correct. People have tried dozens of times to LS swap Porsche 928's, and while the car eventually runs, it loses half its value and the process is a complete nightmare. And this despite the kit!
Hey Wizard thank you, when it's time to land people feet to the ground you are the man, many people think they can do everything but with modern engines it's a world of hurt If you don't have the Tools, now everything it's code matched, and planned to fit on a specific plattaform, it's not Impossible but hell to adapt and make it work properly, greetings from puebla city, Mexico I'm your fan #1 around, respect !
It almost sounds like you need a donor car that is complete to make a swap possible. And a modicum of skills in bending fuel lines and welding. It should frustratingly awesome!!!
Thats the ideal way to do it, buy a running wreck, and try and incorporate as much of the original setup in the new body as possible, gm spent millions figuring out how to make it all work together, might as well use it as intended.
You can get flexible lines that is how most people do it to make more power than stock you need bigger fuel lines anyway.
That is the best way at a junk yard you take as many of the parts you can get off the donor vehicle and you still going to have to buy and modify parts to fit you application.planing and research is key to any successful swap
Or you just put a carburetor on it and learn how to turn a screwdriver. Carbs have their faults but a lot less is needed to make them run, especially if you're putting one in an old car that had a carb originally and you're not interested in messing with fuel tables or a bunch of sensors and fuel delivery issues.
@@BigBing1987 Most don't do that
love you Carwizard, you and your family are a gem!
I seen an LS swap in a 90 Corvette in one weekend on the stage at Corvette at Carlisle but they obviously have much experience doing it and had everything planned out well , looked stock when done. Organelle motor was an L98.
I'm thinking of LS swapping my toilet.
Round or elongated? Makes a huge difference in motor mount selection
I just bought my 1999 silverado 2500 4x4 with the LQ4 all cast iron v8. that was easy. I love the truck and will keep it as long as I can. really so much easier than swapping engines etc.
I've got a project truck i stole almost literally, $800 on an 06 with 140,000 on a 6.0. I'm excited, been working on it here and there. I've not drove it yet, rusted brake lines, rusted fuel lines, 1 peice at a time a couple hours here and there. I'm curious what your thoughts are on your truck. It's looking like it'll be awhile before i can run mine even to test.
@@blueovalfan23 I bought my 1999 silverado 2500 4x4 standard cab and 8foot bed with firm ride suspension 3800lbs in the bed. automatic, all the trailer and camper package as well as skid plate. new for 25k I have had a big northstar camper on it. my wife died in 2004 I sold the camper and found a lovely 4 wheel popup. 2 years ago a extreme wind gust from the front tore it off the truck and destroyed it(truck unharmed). I have 49k miles on the truck. no rust. I live near Denver. this spring I had the fuel filter, trans filter, and all the lubrication oils changed(note there is now a special GM oil for the transfer case). I change my own engine oil, filters, and grease the truck every other year. the ONLY things other that that. the spark wires went bad(new MSD I put on) and it developed a flooding problem. if you had been running it and let the truck sit for 10 min the only way to get it started was to hold the throttle open and crank for 10 sec or so. that was getting progressively worse. all the useless internet mechanics said fuel injectors leaking. bull shit. it was the fuel pressure regulator leaking. 4 times after I shut it off I pulled the vacuum line off the regulator. finally the 4th time fuel ran out. its really easy to change that regulator. did it myself in a few mins. no other problems except there is a quirk in the transmission controller(other people with the same truck have it too) the dealer is NO help Chevrolet is no help. If you shift down for grade retard and then back to drive. it seems ok till you come to a stop and start out. the trans goes first, skips 2nd and slams so hard into third you think something is going to break. stop and start out again. same thing. the way to clear it is to stop. shut off the engine and restart. now its fine again till you grade retard again. there is no known cure for it. just learn to live with it. overall the truck is GREAT One last thing I am on my 3rd set of BFG all terrain KO tires. this set this spring are the KO2. that the tires to use. since I only have a leer topper on it I put the original size tires on. also I did not buy aluminum wheels(hate them) if I never own aluminum wheels thats fine with me. no warped brake rotors. no wheels flying off. fix your truck up and you will love it. its now my daily driver.
We are commenting about swaps here
Few things are cooler than a restomod; where you keep the old-car look on the outside but have all the modern advantages underneath. The smartest thing is to buy one though, because *it can take years* to create one working in your spare time. So many options exist now with the combination of modern automotive technology combined with the immediate accessibility to that information on the internet. 15 days ago (exactly) I bought a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster with just 26K miles on it from the original owner. Garage kept, unmodified and full of potential because in those 14 years people have figured out all the proper modifications to address any original shortcomings. Change the fluids & filters, make a small number of mechanical changes augmented by well-proven ECU & TCU upgrades and I'll have a great ride that'll give me many years of enjoyment.
"where you keep the old-car look on the outside but have all the modern advantages underneath."
You kill the entire spirit of the car. Just buy a modern car if that is what you want. Keep classics original.
@@petrosaguilar8916 If Restomod is done by factory those cars from the past will out run any modern car
I ls swapped two of my favorite things 1931 five window and my 55 belair THE best! Thing I did and didn't cost a fortune thanks to The driveway engineer!
Jr is a frugal genius
Great video from the Wizard! One thing not mentioned; aftermarket engine management systems. They're pricey, but do make the actual running & tuning easier especially the tuning part. Holley makes them, Haltech makes them, probably others.
Telling it like it is,great video Car Wizard,being a mechanic myself I can fully vouch for every word you've said.I'd hate to think of somebody (probably young) digging themselves into a massive hole by underestimating the size of very large undertaking.It takes a combination of having plenty of funds and a well equipped workshop and even then it probably won't be plain sailing.👍✌
I'm in the middle of an LS swap now. an MGB with an LS-1/T56, BMW E36 IRS and a Miata power steering rack. I'm 250+hrs in so far and haven't gotten to the fuel system, wiring or even motor mounts yet :) I'm doing it the hard way with TONS of metal work.
That's gonna be the fastest MGB in the world. Look out Mr. Miata.
Love the channel, I just have one comment. I put a 2001 Camaro LS1 in a 1987 RX7. The RX7 had a return system and the Camaro has a returnless system. Technically the return happens inside the tank and fuel at correct pressure is sent to the engine. It took me forever to figure this out since the LS1 had what "appeared" to be a return port, but was actually for the evap system. I had trouble with too much pressure. I was able to put in a Corvette fuel filter, which has a regulator and return in it.
I have no desire to put an LS engine into any vehicle. If it came with one, that’s fine.
I like to fix cars they way they were originally designed. But the Wizard is right, to do a project like this right, you have to do your research and your homework.
It’s not for the faint at heart.
Thanks Wizard!
The easiest engine swap I did was 25 years ago in my 81 Olds Cutlass coupe. It went from a SMC 267 V-8 with a TH-350C to a BB 454 oval port mated to a TH-700R4. I did need to weld a 4 inch extension on the transmission cross-member to support the longer trans mount, and the drive shaft shortened by about the same to fit. All the accessories fit (AC, Alternator, power steering pump), and I ran a simple re-jetted Q-Jet carb so no F.I. conversion. Needed custom exhaust, but that was a given even if I stayed with a hotter SMC. I had to use low valve covers to clear the AC evaporator cover, and use motor mounts from a 76 Chev Caprice wagon (they were lower then those from a truck) for the motor to clear the hood.
That BB engine when installed looked like it belonged there. People at car shows thought it looked stock...until you saw the wide valve covers! The biggest pain was the shift linkage - it never felt right. An aftermarket shifter like a B&M or Hurst would've fixed that. No matter - the trans couldn't hold first gear with all the power anyways. Second gear was when that car passed everyone.
I agree with Car Wizard, the amount of work I had to do get this relatively simple swap was hard enough. The LS+OD Trans is an amazing combo but it's hard to pull off affordably and effortlessly. You need to be a skilled shadetree-mechanic\machinist\welder\computer technician. If you're not, then $$$ and time.
Great video. People have kind of hyped-up how easy and cheap an LS swap is and its not completely true.
This is a good warning message about the troubles a person can get into if they plan an engine swap on a vehicle they have. I have never had any interest in swapping an engine in a vehicle.
Shouts out to B is for Build for the LS swapped manual Huracan.😂
Well he is an idiot, and did you see how badly he butchered the RX7, he cut into the wiring loom and then sold it on, only for the guy who bought it to wonder why the damn LED's kept getting stuck on, hell its a wonder he didnt burn the whole damn car down with that move, as the Loom was just behind the right fender where he cut lol.
after that I lost all respect for that man and the more I looked, the dumber I realized he was, and now he's purely doing spectacle builds to keep the momentum of his channel going than to do proper good work anymore.
the volkswaggen Hurican in point.
@@kavinskysmith4094 welcome to UA-cam. All these assholes rebuilding salvage cars aren't even qualified to change an air filter on a Toyota Corolla, let alone rebuilding exotics. Just look at the total hack job tavarish did on that Gallardo, dude cut into the fucking chassis just to fit a facelift bumper.
@Kavinsky
Well said I’m glad there are others that feel the same way fuck that dude he sucks ass.
I feel bad for the guy that purchased the RX-7 from him that guy walked into a nightmare...
Jesse Castro more like Oscar the Jedi’s build.
I know a few people with successful LS swaps and they have one thing in common. They bought a swap kit tailored to their specific application that came complete with every thing included.
You can get a swap kit but that is only after the thing the wizard says a lot and is very true for any project, "do your research on everything required first".
Then finally you have the swap ready to drive. A whole lot more issues aways arise. Most conversations I have seen never really make it to an everyday reliable state.
Mind you the shakedown period can also be the fun part because you get to experience the good parts of the conversion.
It is nice that there is the aftermarket "LS swap" products available. You just have to adapt and overcome! You can do it!
I would love a FRS/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86 with the LS!
I feel like this video is for the guys that change their own oil and like to dream and talk about one day taking 10 years to do an ls swap is their old family hand me down classic. I'm not a mechanic, but I've done several engine swaps with computer controlled fuel injected engines(mostly imports). This is all typical swap stuff. No surprises here. With all the stuff you can buy, all the info online, and some general understanding of things like AN fittings, it's never been easier to do swaps like this.
Either way, I've never done an LS but I'm getting ready to embark on swapping one into my 66 c10. This video is a good organized reminder of the things I'll need to do. Of building a car from the ground up, the engine swap is only one of the many challenges you'll face.
If I were going to to a LS swap, I would discard the GM computer and put in a Simple Digital Systems (SDS) fully programmable EFI system. You would need to pull the motor apart first to install the proper sensors but it is definitely worth it. With that system installed, you will have complete control over your engine. That means fine tuning the fuel flow cylinder by cylinder to equalize the fuel burn. It will also be bulletproof dependable. A lot of racers use this system.
Nice video it's refreshing to see someone actually explain in plain language the reasons why to or not.
I like the spin on filters for big rigs. A spin on mount and in and out fuel line. When the fuel is on a loop it keeps the fuel so clean.
Doing my first swap into a 86 Pontiac…. Went in head first…. It’s not hard…. Don’t look at the whole mess… go at it in parts without bouncing around. You’ll be fine … don’t rush it. As work is done on it things will change, new ideas pop up and new modifications get thrown in. I’m at my 4th idea to add in to my ground up project
Ever since motor trader swapped a LS3 into a 240SX, I've visioned LS3 swapping almost everything under the sun for the reasons they mentioned.
well someone did do it to a delorean, sadly regular car reviews hasnt had an update video with the guy to see how its panned out thus far.
Toyota Starlet
LS swapped 240’s can be monsters
@@kavinskysmith4094 The V6 alone already set the weight balance on the far back on the rear wheels its already rear heavy with almost 30 70 weight distribution and giving a V8 is even worse
Car Wizard: "put an LS into a Lamborghini Gallardo or something"? B is for Build: Hold my beer!
Ah yes when the wizard still had hair.
I did my swap in 2010, what I would do is buy everything upfront. The complete take out is the best way to go with harness, ecu, pedal, tac module, etc. I used the factory harness with factory computer and fuse box. I got the wiring diagram of the factory fuse box and applied 12v keyed and 12v battery to the right locations. My swap took a year most of that was coming up with the money, it went into a 72 GMC so it was on the easier end, the truck oil pan fit. It is more time to get it running but I’ve spent less time dealing with carburetors over the years. My swap was about what it would cost to rebuild my 383 I blew up. The ls stock heads flow what aftermarket small block Chevy heads do and at the time aftermarket fuel injection in multi port that would feed 500hp cost about 4K, for 5k I did a 6.0 swap and had the fuel injection.
Watch Tom's Turbo Garage here on UA-cam. He's swapping an LS into a Tacoma right now, and he did it to a Miata. Note that he has a seemingly unlimited budget (sponsorship), all the space he needs, all the tools he needs, and experience.
Very true, but his swaps are well done.
The miata v8 swap is a kit. Flyin miata makes one. Comes with everything. Only modification is the firewall. A v8 in a miata is simple compared to most other ls swaps.
@@joshp2542 Even if his was relatively simple, there's a lot that goes into it.
@@joshp2542 not everything. The kit includes MOST of what's needed for the swap but he's still had to fab up certain things and mix and match parts.
Josh P hey doesn’t sicky performance also make a mount and wire kit as well for miatas?
Well put!! My swap was the most work i ever did and took me 3 years. Runs great but once in a while the drive by wire gas pedal goes off and puts me in a bad spot! I have also had ground issues i have had to sort out. Gas tank is $500-1400, headers $800 plus, AC $1200 plus, wiring harness $600, power steering lines $350
Ready for a Mrs. Wizard video.
Well I think you may have saved many a teenager a lot of money
Probably not. Most teens are not going to wait for the Bob Ross of mechanics to tell us how hard this is gonna be.
And any teen with both the knowledge and prudence (and money) to really contemplate doing it, will likely not be put off by this.
@@moesizlac2596 dude, he's right. I'm 22, I started building a custom motorcycle back in 2017. It's still not done yet. It runs and drives but isn't complete yet. What one person thinks is a weekend usually takes about a month
@@vinnygraziano1318 I never said he was wrong. I said his delivery is not good. It is ok to say what Wizzard is saying, but if he wants younger audiences to listen he is really not making the medicine very easy to take.
You wouldn't have listened 4 years ago.
@@moesizlac2596 He's not, but it makes sense. He's telling it like it is. 4 years ago I started college for engineering. I would've definitely listened to him when I was 18. Cause just bolting something in doesn't make sense and won't work. Cause you have to think of everything as one unit with parts that work with each other as opposed to just parts and pieces. An engine swap for a DIYer could take a year or years.
@@vinnygraziano1318 Well perhaps engineering school should focus on language and perception a bit more.
Here is super clear version:
Wizzard say true things, yes.
Wizzard say things using condescending tone.
Most non-engineering teens who want to do LS probably not listen to old fuddy-wizzard who only wants to scold.
That's it.
More educational videos please. Thank you for dropping some knowledge. Really like the visual aides.
Which is why I am keeping my original engine but swapping the terrible carb setup for a CFI injection setup controlled by an ECU.
lol if a carb is to much work for you than a crappy Aftermarket fuel injection system is going to melt your brain .
I enjoy your classes very much Car Wizard. 🧙♂️
Good thing other crazies before me have come and swapped an LS into their Jeep Wranglers !!! I can learn from their mistakes! Awesome video.
As someone who has successfully done a few LS into S10s you're 100% correct. One of my daily drivers is a 4.8L swapped into an 87 S10. Best advice I have is to buy a complete donor vehicle. I bought an 05 GMC 2500 Van and drove it home from Virginia to New Jersey. Also, Holley Terminator X is a great solution for a standalone system, it can also be hooked into boost reference and NOS systems. Another thing people don't realize is the last 5% takes the longest.
Legit one of the easiest swaps possible with such a monstrous aftermarket available and endless forums and experience available. Thats precisely why the LS is the best possible swap engine beyond the power and reliability.
Please give us a video on why you don't like cone filters. because I feel the same way!
They dont filter a thing.
@@JCE3000GT BUT, if you have any ribbed rubber in the line going between the airbox and the throttle body inlet, that is your restriction. The ribbing adds resistance... That resistance will cut your RPM and rob torque and hp...
This is why you're THE Wizard! If I ever had a wrangler I might consider an LS swap on that, but I'd definitely just pay a professional to do it for me. I can change a headlight bulb, but that's about it. 😂
Changing a motor is the same process... it's only nuts and bolts and the parts are heavier.
It’s way easier to swap a Hemi in a Jeep than a LS. The wiring is all the same Chrysler
Interesting that he mentioned Lamborghini.
B is for Build channel is LS swapping into one with an Audi manual transaxle.
I was thinking hard about a 302 swap in my ranger. It takes more than people consider. It's a complete rebuild radiator to rear end and I'm talking just a carbed basic setup. That 4 banger needs more power but it's a costly time consuming process. It's a back burner idea for later.
Fords junk 302 is junk why in the world would u spend that time and effort on something making it harder then it should be. Put a ls I. It and be done with in 2 days top
“Help me Mr Wizard”. Drizzle Drazzle time for this one to come home
Hoovie is the turtle
I can LS swap my Acura Integra with a jack to jack stands, a Costco tool set and a cordless impact gun in single weekend! 🥱
Literally tho lol
Seems the ls platform is good for GM, suprised GM didn't get rid of the whole platform all together, as gm likes to destroy anything they do well lol
I did my engine swaps back in the 60s and 70s. put a 283 in my 48 chevy. 50 olds in 53 chevy. 54 olds in 53 Pontiac. 327 in 60 chevy wagon. and the most fun was putting a 62 chevy stock 6 in a 52 mg td. all required special work that I completed and all worked great. NONE were budget breakers.
I enjoy your videos, you're very low key, and from what I can see, very honest too. Maybe it's because of my age(65) where I grew up with carburetors as other than a Ferrari, was the only choice. I look at the LS swaps with computer, harness issues, fuel injection and everything else as being over complicated. My era, if you did not have spark or fuel, then you really had an issue. LS swap, you need a laptop, but you also need someone fluent in tuning to get car running optimally. No knock against you or young guys, but even seems just so complicated, and not customer/amateur friendly. I also like watching Nick's Garage, he's kind of old school too.
Great vid. You should've gone over the many different variants of the LS engine though. 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, 6.2, iron block, aluminum block, Active Fuel Management (AFM), non-AFM, intakes, drive-by wire, non-drive-by wire, the list goes on forever.
This was one of the reason's I maxed out my L98 to a 396 stroker. Procharged it and put a 4L80 trans. This channel is so cool to post this, I was right there with this decision. There is a serious amount of work involved with this. Good video Mr. Wizard
I like the way your shorts stay on. I lifted a couple 5 gallon water things into my pickup today and lost my short to the ground right in front of everyone at the grocery store. Well, stuff happens but all my belts are too wide for those shorts. Live and learn. peace.....b
Lately lots of shows on tv make it look soo simple for later swaps
I agree with you about doing it right
As there’s a LS SWAP AND A NICE LS SWAP
The tool advice is crucial. Your first swap you tend to be at the part store and hardware store quite a bit for stuff. Also a lift is crucial
The complete donor vehicle is the way to go. Nearly everything is with it and can be made to work with your swap if you have the know how
I would agree with that, donor truck that RUNS and complete.
Definitely!!!
Only way I’d consider it
Well that makes an ls swap sound about as fun as a prison sentence.
My cousin and I once swapped out the old 2 speed auto trans in a '68 Firebird going to a TH-400 (it was free!). Nightmare city! The trans and torque converter bolted to the engine (had to bore out the bolt holes on the flex plate and open up the center hole on a lathe. Had to modify the driveshaft, transmission mount, shift linkage, coolant lines and use a different modulator valve. After that, the car was much faster, but leaked fluid all the time! File this one in the "Never Again" file!
I know you are trying to do a good deed, and I normally love your videos, but I just wish you could give us the answers. still being informative but not making it so damn depressing, feel like I'm getting a lecture from dad about why you shouldn't get a girl pregnant. but forgetting the part about how sex is great to start with.
I really want Wizzard to "Get" this message.
I don't want him to turn into some youtube click-bate dumbass. Even Tavarish is too much of a "Happy-upbeat-click-n-sub" tuber for my liking.
Eric the car guy has a nicer balance for his information over entrainment channel, yet he also seems to have a better grasp on how to treat his whole audience and never lectures or demeans his viewers.
Perhaps Wizzard should actually watch his own videos before he posts them....
you already know the potential pleasure; there's little point in bringing it up. Everyone talks about how great an LS swapped motor is but they don't talk about the difficulties involved.
@@EpicMicky300 the complaints here are about presentation or tone or delivery.
Nobody wants to sit through an earnest lecture with "father-knows-best" tone.
It's not necessary. And it sure as hell won't stop the very people who may have been helped by this information.
There are plenty of other better sources on what problems you will encounter on an LS swap. And they will not talk down to you.
Wizzard Fail
Yeah,"the wizard" has a very weird demeanor about him! It's hard to put my finger on an explain it! The only reason I even know he exist is because of "hoovie". Honestly he annoys the hell out of me! He comes across as hes chastising you as if you asked a silly question and he just going to explain to you why your idea is stupid and hes going to prove it to you as if hes just annoyed at you! Hes just a very strange guy! I would bet if you really dug deep into his life you would find some very creepy nefarious things ,the kind of things that makes woman clutch there purses and mothers to hold on to their children tightly in a protective stance! I dont know as I said it's hard to explain what's off with this guy but it creepy,that's for sure!
@@number1pappy He's a fucking ginger they all act like that. They have a psychotic side sure but are generally very intelligent and helpful. Gingers are not typically rapist but are known to torture small animals and have an obsession with fire
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Yea wizard clear it up for em ..LS NATION..Camaros and mullets 4 every body
I love that Mrs Car Wizard knows about serpentine belts!!
I just replaced the original engine in my 74 Camaro, a 350 with some 400,000 miles on it that still ran perfect. Replaced it with a forged, and roller'd 357. Carbureted. I couldn't see combining the complexity of a modern car with the problems of an old car.
Mr Regular said it best, LS Swaps are automotive cilantro. Once the swap is complete, the only special thing about the car becomes that it has an LS.
Boy, lemme tell you about my Nova with a Gen 4 SBC.
Good work here. At least this dedicated tech takes the time to explain costly LS swap in detail = deserves respect.
If you buy a crate motor from GM you can get it with ECU included. You just hook up the fuel pump relay and provide power and ground. They put the ECU under the intake.
Car Wizard. Deflating dreamers since 2019.....
dude, its a meme. no one needed a reality check on this.
but still fantastic video. all god info.
If anyone wants to see how complicated this "L S S W A P I T" crap is, just watch B is for build
Or BMW M5 v10 swaps
Cromulent Commodore
99% of the people who say LS swap it has never done an LS swap.
@@chrisj197438 because it's a meme. most of them have never touched a wrench.
You'd be surprised by the number of cars I see being sold as incomplete ls swap projects lol. My Supra was getting a 1jz swap til the guy realized he didn't have the money to have a shop do it. Got a good deal and 14 months later she's running.
This is great, wiz. You have these insights no one else on UA-cam has. Thanks for sharing
BenL
wizard of oz, that’s a Kansas reference
Another good lot of advice Mr Wizard, thanks, oh and in answer to your question at the end... The ocean!
LS swap entails a LOT of *MONEY* then running into road blocks and spending more *MONEY* then the wiring/ECU/electrical/Cooling transmission what are you going to use and the fuel system.
The inertia switch is a good idea. Back in the olden days guys would put electric fuel pumps on high performance carbureted cars. A fuel line would blow for any number of reasons and it was like a fire hose spraying gasoline!!
My swap was as easy as it gets. got a 03 suburban with a L59. put it in a a 1970 c10. non power steering, and used my built 350th . spent about 400 on must buys and another 500 on some fun goodies. runs like a dream and if you work with computers, just rewire the factory harness. takes forever but cost nothing ,then once it was done used a tunner to turn off everything i didn't need . if it had a small block/big block chevy engine dont be scared of the LS. its work but nothing to crazy.
Yes Chevy trucks are a piece of cake to LS swap, I’ve swapped a ‘68 c10 and currently own a ‘73 short bed fleetside c10 with a 5.3 /th350 stalled with a 3000 converter, just finishing prep so I can paint it and add a vortech supercharger that I have already in boxes hiding in the garage and my ‘74 nova with a 4l65e 3:42 posi with 370” lq9/64cc ls3 heads and 2:45” pullied lsa supercharger on terminator x ecu……. Not as easy as a truck swap but still a walk in the park…..I love them all, they are beasts
I did a ls swap on a 88 s10 and the intake did not have a return line or regulator but I put a inline corvette fuel filter regulator and bought fuel lines and adaptors from summit racing worked perfect.
Here in Sweden, there was a guy that took a fairly modern truck and put an 60's truck body in it. He said he used most weekends for a couple of years to do that.
Personally I kind of stick to my Mercedes and Land Rovers.
Keep it swinging and waving Wizard. Great advice for the people’s ears.
I have a 2004 Nissan Sentra SER, the motor locked up on me a year ago, ordered a JDM engine and this was a 2nd gen QR25DE, it was a bitch but I finally got everything working and back together. I had to do modifications to make some things fit but it all worked out! It is now a awesome car!
I've done LS swaps and always use the Holley Sniper throttle body fuel injection. I like simplicity. Now, I have gravitated toward 383 SBC mostly because of cost. Crate engines are dirt cheap. I prefer to install a new engine with a warranty.