Technically, you can LS-swap almost any car, but the feasibility and cost vary dramatically. The term "LS swap" refers to installing a General Motors LS-series V8 engine into a vehicle not originally equipped with one. While the engine's compact size, light weight, and power make it a popular choice, a successful swap involves far more than just dropping the engine in. The primary challenges are physical space (engine bay dimensions), transmission compatibility (manual or automatic), drivetrain integration (RWD, AWD, or FWD), and the electronics (merging the engine's ECU with the car's existing systems).
For rear-wheel-drive cars, the swap is most straightforward. Vehicles like the Mazda Miata, Nissan 240SX, or classic Ford Mustangs have well-documented kits available. Front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars present immense hurdles, requiring custom fabrication of engine mounts, subframes, and drivetrain components. You must also consider supporting modifications. The stock differential, axles, and brakes are often not designed to handle the LS engine's torque, requiring upgrades to ensure safety and reliability.
A major factor is the wiring harness and ECU. You'll need a standalone engine management system or a specialized interface to make the GM engine communicate with your car's gauges and accessories. Budget is the ultimate decider. A simple swap in a compatible car can start around $5,000 if you do the work yourself, but complex projects can easily exceed $20,000 in parts and professional fabrication labor.
| Vehicle Platform | Swap Difficulty | Estimated Cost (Parts Only, DIY) | Key Challenge |
|---|
| Mazda Miata (NA/NB) | Moderate | $7,000 - $12,000 | Tight engine bay, cooling system, differential upgrade |
| Nissan 240SX (S13/S14) | Moderate | $6,000 - $10,000 | Abundant aftermarket support, transmission tunnel clearance |
| Ford Fox Body Mustang | Easy | $5,000 - $8,000 | Readily available swap kits, straightforward RWD layout |
| BMW E30/E36 | Moderate to Difficult | $8,000 - $15,000 | Engine mount fabrication, steering shaft clearance |
| Volvo 240 | Moderate | $6,000 - $11,000 | Robust rear end, but requires custom transmission crossmember |
| Honda S2000 | Difficult | $10,000 - $18,000 | Very tight engine bay, custom oil pan, chassis reinforcement |
| Toyota MR2 (SW20) | Very Difficult | $15,000+ | Mid-engine layout, extensive firewall and subframe modification |
| Subaru Impreza (AWD) | Extremely Difficult | $20,000+ | Custom AWD adapter, major subframe and transmission tunnel work |
