How to LS swap a Chevelle: parts list and steps

Chevrolet Chevelle / El Camino (A-body) (1964–1972) LS swap: parts and gotchas from our sourced guides.

1972 Chevelle (A-body) LS swap build by Speedway: junkyard LQ9 6.0 (from an Escalade), freshened with Mahle pistons, stock heads surfaced, COMP 54-456-11 cam; 496 hp at 6,100 rpm on the dyno with FiTech EFI and a Tremec manual.

Engine: LQ9 6.0 (junkyard)

Fuel: Aeromotive 13129 EFI Bypass Fuel Pressure Regulator, 30-70 PSI ($187.74)

Mounts: Hooker 12611HKR LS Swap Engine Mount Adapter, Stock Location ($177.95)

Engine parts: COMP Cams 54-456-11 LSR Series Hydraulic Roller Camshaft, LS (.607/.614 lift) ($404.95) (optional); MSD 82648 Blaster LS Coil, 99-09 GM truck, 8-pack ($520.95) (optional)

Clutch/flywheel: McLeod 75223 Super Street Pro Clutch Kit, 12 in, LS 1-1/8 x 26 ($695) (optional)

Cooling: DeWitts 32-6239003M 68-72 Chevelle BB LS Conversion Radiator ($1,690.99) (optional)

Wiring/ECU: FiTech 70001 Ultimate LS EFI, LS1/LS2, 500 HP, w/o trans control ($1,806) (optional)

Headers/exhaust: Hooker 2289-1HKR Super Competition Long Tube Header, Ceramic Coated ($1,348.95) (optional)

Starter: Powermaster 9109 PowerMax Mini Starter, GM LS, 168 tooth ($191.99) (optional)

Watch out for: LS bellhousing pattern shares 5 of 6 bolts and dowels with SBC/BBC, but the crank flange sits ~0.5 in farther forward, so manual swaps need an LS-specific bellhousing/clutch setup. LS radiators have the upper inlet on the passenger side (thermostat on the water pump) and a steam line. Factory GM accessory drives were built for trucks/Escalades, not muscle-car chassis. Junkyard engines commonly show piston skirt scuffing; inspect before reuse. Long-tube headers may need extra exhaust bends to clear the stock trans crossmember.

More parts for this vehicle in our catalog (vendor listings, 2026 prices):

• Hooker BlackHeart LONG TUBE HEADERS- STAINLESS STEEL 1968-1972 GM A-BODY LS-SWAP 1-7/8" X 3" Long-Tube Headers - 304 Stainless Steel (Full Throttle Speed, $1,249.95)
• 1964-72 Chevy Chevelle LS Engine Swap Exhaust System (PerTronix, $1,237.03)
• 1964-72 GM A-Body LS Engine Swap 1 3/4" 304 Stainless Steel Long Tube Header (PerTronix, $1,098.08)
• Doug's Headers SKC101 Transmission Crossmember 64-67 Chevy Chevelle LS Engine Swap Black Coated (PerTronix, $346.98)
• LS Engine Mount Kit - Chevelle 73-76 (ICT Billet, $260)
• Transmission Crossmember 1964-1977 A-Body (ICT Billet, $200)

See our engine, oil pan, transmission and wiring guides for choosing the rest of the combination.