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Which LS engine is best for a swap?
For most swaps, a junkyard 5.3 (LM7, LY5, LMG and others) is the default: the most plentiful LS engine, cheap, reliable, and Speedway's recommended starting point. Upgrade paths:
- More low-end torque or boost: a 6.0 (LQ4, LQ9, LY6, L96), usually iron-block.
- More NA power: a 6.2 (L92, L9H, L94, LS3), all aluminum with rectangle-port heads, but pricier.
- Weight-sensitive cars (Miata, BRZ, older imports): an aluminum 5.3 (L33, LH6, LC9) or an LS1/LS2/LS3.
- Avoid the LS4 (FWD Impala SS/Monte Carlo SS/Grand Prix GXP): Speedway notes a different bellhousing pattern and other RWD-swap hassles.
Check the reluctor (24x vs 58x), AFM and drive-by-wire before buying; they decide the ECU, harness and cam plans.
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Related questions
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- Is the 5.3 an LS engine?
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- 5.3 vs 6.0: which LS should I swap?
Sources
- General Motors LS-based small-block engine — Engine table — Wikipedia
- 5.3 LS Build Combinations: Recipes for 400-700+ HP — Speedway Motors
- 6.0 LS Build Combinations: Recipes for 500-1,000 HP — Speedway Motors