How to LS Engine Swap into a Small Car

The LS engine is a popular choice for engine swaps due to its power, torque, and affordability. It is a relatively easy engine to swap into a small car, and it can provide a significant boost in performance.

Choosing the Right LS Engine

The first step is to choose the right LS engine for your project. There are many different LS engines available, so it is important to do your research and find one that is compatible with your car and your performance goals.

Some of the most popular LS engines for swaps include:

LS1: This is the most common LS engine used for swaps. It is a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces around 350 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque.
LS2: This is a 6.0-liter V8 engine that produces around 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It is a good choice for those who want more power than the LS1.
LS3: This is a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces around 430 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. It is the most powerful LS engine available and is a good choice for those who want the best possible performance.

Preparing Your Car for the Swap

Once you have chosen an LS engine, you need to prepare your car for the swap. This involves removing the old engine and transmission, and installing the new engine and transmission. You will also need to modify the engine mounts, exhaust system, and wiring harness.

Here are the steps involved in preparing your car for the swap:

Remove the old engine and transmission.
Install the new engine mounts.
Install the new engine and transmission.
Modify the exhaust system.
Modify the wiring harness.

Tuning the Engine

Once the engine is installed, you need to tune it to ensure that it runs properly. This involves adjusting the fuel injection, ignition timing, and other parameters. You can tune the engine yourself using a tuning software and a wideband oxygen sensor, or you can take it to a professional tuner.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few other things to consider when performing an LS engine swap into a small car.

Weight distribution: The LS engine is a heavy engine, so it is important to consider how it will affect the weight distribution of your car. You may need to add ballast to the front of the car to compensate for the added weight in the rear.
Cooling: The LS engine generates a lot of heat, so it is important to ensure that your car has a good cooling system. You may need to upgrade the radiator and cooling fans to prevent the engine from overheating.
Brakes: The LS engine can provide a significant boost in performance, so it is important to ensure that your car has good brakes. You may need to upgrade the brakes to prevent them from fading under hard braking.

Conclusion

An LS engine swap can be a great way to improve the performance of your small car. However, it is important to do your research and plan carefully before starting the project. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your swap is a success.