In this guide, you’ll find an LS Engine Swap Compatibility Chart that covers the most commonly swapped LS engines and key vehicles. We also provide insight into what parts and modifications are typically required in each case.
LS Engine Swap Compatibility Chart
| LS Engine | Donor Vehicle(s) | Swap Target Vehicle(s) | Fitment Difficulty | Typical Required Modifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS1 (5.7L) | 1997–2004 C5 Corvette, Camaro/Firebird | 1965–1972 F‑Body, 1964–1973 A‑Body, Jeeps, S‑10 | Moderate | Motor mounts, headers, ECU, wiring, driveshaft |
| LS2 (6.0L) | 2005–2007 GTO, 2005–2006 SSR, 2005–2007 Trailblazer SS | Fox Mustangs, 1970 Chevelle, early trucks | Moderate | Mounts, intake clearance, ECU, cooling upgrades |
| LS3 (6.2L) | 2008–2013 Corvette, 2008–2017 Camaro | Fox Mustangs, 1967–1969 Camaro, 1970 Chevelle | Hard | Transmission adapter, mounts, wiring harness, fuel system |
| LS6 (5.7L Performance) | 2001–2004 Corvette Z06, 2004–2005 Trailblazer SS | Sports cars, C2/C3 Corvettes | Hard | Headers, oil pan, wiring, tune |
| LS7 (7.0L) | 2006–2013 Corvette Z06 | Muscle cars (big builds) | Very Hard | Custom mounts, clearance mods, fuel system, ECU |
| LS9 (6.2L Supercharged) | 2009–2015 Corvette ZR1 | High‑end builds | Very Hard | Supercharger management, belt drive fits, ECU |
| LQ4 (6.0L Iron Block) | 1999–2007 Express/Savanna, Silverado, Tahoe | Trucks, SUVs, classic cars | Easy‑Moderate | Mounts, oil pan clearance, ECU, exhaust |
| LQ9 (6.0L Iron Block, high compression) | 2002–2007 Silverado SS, Escalade | Trucks, hot rods | Moderate | Heads may need work, ECU, mounts |
| LY6 (6.0L VVT) | 2007–2014 GM trucks/SUVs | Classic trucks, 4×4 builds | Moderate | VVT control wiring, mounts, exhaust |
| L92 / 6.2 | 2007–2014 Cadillac Escalade | Trucks, SUVs | Easy | Basic mounts, wiring, coolant plumbing |
| L99 (5.3L VVT) | 2010–2015 Camaros, trucks | Street swaps | Moderate | VVT wiring, intake clearance |
| LM7 (4.8L) | 1999–2006 GM trucks/SUVs | Jeeps, small classics | Easy | Mounts, exhaust, wiring |
| LS4 (5.3L) | 2005–2009 Impala, Monte Carlo, Vue | Front-wheel classic swaps | Hard | Trans adapter, mounts, wiring, exhaust |
| LSX376 (6.2–7.0L) | Aftermarket crate engines | Pro Street builds, restomods | Very Hard | Custom mounts, fuel system, ECU, cooling |
| LSX454 (7.4L) | Aftermarket crate engines | Drag cars, big block swaps | Very Hard | Full custom chassis prep, fuel, ECU, cooling |
| LSX 6.0/6.2 | Aftermarket crate engines | Muscle cars, late model swaps | Hard | Mounts, wiring, ECU, exhaust |
| LQ1 (4.8L V8) | 2005–2007 Cadillac CTS-V | Street swaps, compact trucks | Moderate | Mounts, wiring, exhaust |
| LS376/480 (6.2L) | Aftermarket crate engines | Street and track cars | Hard | ECU tuning, mounts, exhaust, fuel system |
| LSA (6.2L Supercharged) | 2009–2015 CTS-V, Camaro ZL1 | Muscle cars, trucks, hot rods | Very Hard | Supercharger clearance, ECU, fuel, mounts |
| LSX 454R | Aftermarket crate | Drag cars, pro street | Very Hard | Full chassis modifications, fuel, cooling, ECU |
| LS3T (LS3 with turbo) | Aftermarket | Performance swaps | Very Hard | Turbo plumbing, ECU, intercooler, mounts |
Related LS Engine Identification Chart(For All LS Models)
Detailed Swap Notes (by Engine)
LS1 (5.7L)
One of the earliest and most popular LS engines, the LS1 is compact and affordable. It adapts well to F‑bodies and older GM cars, but needs custom wiring and often newer intake/exhaust to maximize performance.
Typical Mods: Engine mounts, headers, driveshaft balancing, performance tune.
LS2 (6.0L)
With a bigger displacement than the LS1, the LS2 produces more torque. It’s commonly sourced from GTOs and SSRs and fits well in classic cars with moderate fabrication.
Challenges: Some clearance issues with aftermarket intakes and a need for a newer ECU.
Related LS Engine Torque Specs(For All Components)
LS3 (6.2L)
A highly desirable engine for big horsepower builds. It produces more power stock than LS1/LS2, but requires careful planning to fit in older cars due to the intake manifold width and fuel system demands.
Good Fit: Camaro, Chevelle, Tri‑Fives with custom brackets.
LQ4 & LQ9 (6.0L Iron Block)
These truck engines are cheap and rugged. The iron block adds weight but makes them ideal for trucks and heavy vehicles. LQ9 often has higher compression and better heads.
Best Uses: Trucks, 4x4s, SUVs, street machines.
LY6 (6.0L VVT)
Varies slightly from LQ4 with variable valve timing, needs extra sensors and wiring. It makes a versatile swap choice for trucks and classic vehicles alike.
LS6 (5.7L Performance)
High‑revving 5.7L with better heads and cam than LS1. Great in sports builds, but harder to fit due to aggressive cam profile and oiling considerations.
Related LS Engine Bore and Stroke Chart(For All Models)
LS7 (7.0L)
A beast of an engine with 427 cubic inches. Highly sought after for big‑power classics, but very hard to fit without extensive modifications.
Notes: Often requires cutting and custom crossmembers.
LS9 (6.2L Supercharged)
Supercharged powerhouse but tricky to package. Best for pro‑level builds where reliability and cooling can be engineered together.
L92 / 6.2 (Truck Version)
These make great torque motor swaps, especially for street trucks or heavier cars. The 6.2 truck engine is a sweet spot between performance and price.
L99 / LM7 (5.3 & 4.8)
Smaller displacement but still capable engines. The L99’s VVT can complicate wiring slightly, while the LM7 is simple and great for budget builds.
Related Ford Engine Swap Chart(For All Engines Types)
Fitment Challenges & Solutions
1. Engine Mounts
Most swaps require custom engine mounts or brackets from companies like Holley, RPM, or Speedway Motors. Bolt‑in kits exist for popular chassis.
2. Wiring & ECU
The stock LS harness must be adapted or replaced with a swap harness. Popular solutions include:
- Standalone ECUs (Holley/Haltech)
- Reprogrammed factory ECU (tuned to new vehicle)
3. Exhaust Headers
Factory LS manifolds often don’t fit in older chassis. Aftermarket headers are almost always required.
4. Driveshaft & Transmission
Custom driveshaft length and often transmission adapters are needed. Many builders use T56 or 4L60E/4L80E transmissions.
5. Cooling & Fuel Systems
- Larger radiators and fans
- Fuel pump capable of supporting higher flow (especially on LS3+)
- EFI fuel rails and high‑pressure pumps
Related Jeep Engine Swap Compatibility Chart(For All Models)
FAQs
What cars will an LS engine fit in?
LS engines are highly versatile and can fit in a wide variety of vehicles. Popular swaps include classic GM muscle cars (Camaro, Chevelle, Corvette), trucks and SUVs (Silverado, Tahoe, GMC Sierra), and even non-GM vehicles like Mustangs, Jeeps, and old Fords with custom mounts and fabrication. Compact LS engines like the LS1 or LM7 are easier to fit, while larger engines like the LS7 or LS9 require more modifications.
Is there a difference between 5.3 Vortec and 5.3 LS?
Yes. The 5.3 Vortec is a truck engine from GM’s Vortec line, mainly designed for durability and torque in trucks and SUVs. The 5.3 LS (LM7, L33, or L99) is part of the LS family and is designed for performance and aftermarket support. The LS variant often has lighter components, better cylinder heads, and more tuning potential, making it preferable for swaps into cars.
What is the best engine for a LS swap?
The “best” LS engine depends on your goals:
- Budget builds: LM7 5.3L or LQ4 6.0L iron block – cheap, durable, plenty of torque.
- Street performance: LS1 or LS2 – compact, lightweight, and widely supported.
- High horsepower builds: LS3 or LS7 – excellent performance potential for muscle cars.
- Supercharged builds: LSA or LS9 – ideal for maximum power in pro-level swaps.
Are all LS engines interchangeable?
Not entirely. While LS engines share a common architecture, fitment, electronics, and accessory compatibility vary between models. For example, LS1 and LS2 are similar and can often swap with minimal modification, but LS7 and LS9 may require custom mounts, wiring, and cooling upgrades. Transmission compatibility and driveshaft length may also differ.
What’s the cheapest car to LS swap?
Classic GM F-bodies (Camaro, Firebird) from the late ’60s to early ’70s are popular for budget LS swaps because they are widely available, lightweight, and have a strong aftermarket. Small trucks like the S-10 or early C/K trucks are also cheap platforms for a durable LS engine swap.
Which is better, LS3 or LS7?
It depends on your priorities:
- LS3: 6.2L, aluminum block, reliable, excellent street and track performance, easier to fit in most chassis.
- LS7: 7.0L, high-revving, extreme performance, more expensive, very limited fitment due to size and weight.
- Summary: LS3 is better for ease of use and value; LS7 is for maximum performance and high-end builds.
Final words
Swapping an LS engine continues to be one of the most rewarding ways to build performance into an old car or truck. With a wide range of engines, from economical LM7s to high‑output LS9s, you can tailor the swap to your goals and budget.
Use the LS Engine Swap Compatibility Chart above to quickly evaluate fitment difficulty and required modifications for your project. While some swaps are straightforward, others demand careful planning, especially for high‑performance engines or non‑GM chassis.
With solid planning, the right parts, and quality fabrication, an LS swap can transform your build into a reliable and powerful machine.
