An LS engine swap involves replacing a vehicle’s original engine with a General Motors LS-series engine. This family of V8 engines is known for its performance, reliability, and relatively compact size, making them a popular choice for modifications. A typical example might involve replacing the inline-six in a classic car with a more powerful LS1.
The popularity of this modification stems from the substantial performance gains achievable with a relatively reasonable investment. The abundance of readily available LS engines and supporting aftermarket parts contributes to their cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the compact design of these engines allows them to fit into a wider range of vehicles compared to some other high-performance options. This practice has become increasingly common since the early 2000s as the LS family became more readily available from salvage vehicles.