Why is the LS so good? (video, 19:01)

It's the most swapped engine for a reason.

 

Back in the "good old days" the classic small block was the standard for engine swaps because it offered the best power to weight ratio going and you could replace a six in a car like a Healy or a 240 Z and it would actually weigh less and typically double the power available.

Now with a LS engine you're looking at an engine that is about 200 pounds lighter than a the old iron head small block. A typical fully dressed LS6 is under 400 pounds and that's pretty amazing for an engine that has over 400 hp and is fully emissions legal, and if you want to build a hot motor you can get well over 500 to 600 hp and have something that is very reliable..

No wonder that the LS series will continue to be the gold standard for engines that folks will swap into any place it will fit..

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/nelsonracingengines/videos

 

I saw these the other day, great info.

 

Thanks for sharing that.

 

I love bringing these things up when the unknowing talk of the superiority of OHC motors.


HP per lb

HP per $

CG

Overall size


It is a very tough power plant to beat.

 

Indeed it is. It's the most swapped motor in history. It has been swapped in everything from Hondas to Ferraris with everything in between.

 

Yes, about 10 years ago I swapped an LS into my Porsche 944... Then I put a blower on it. It has never been an issue. Always reliable & fast. Not to mention the V8 was only 30 lbs more than the four cylinder I took out.

Bonus.
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That looks awesome! Love the flames

 

Sweet!

The LS is a staple of reliable performance.

 

I like the motors; I always wanted to have a LS swapped FD RX7.

 

Yeah its a clean swap. So I helped out with this one... He went full monte LS7. It will run right along with my blower car.
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Damn that is sexy!

 

Now that's a rocket

 

I would so LOVE to take that car for a ride...

 

That RX7 ~ Its real docile. Feels unweighted like the car is all muscle and no heft. Effortless speed without as much as a rev from the engine. A real solid motivator. There is an electric exhaust cut-out just to make it more interesting to play with. As it does not need anymore power for sure.

My 944 with the LS1 & blower is right under 600HP @ 2700 lbs. With a grandmother launch and mother-in-law shifting speeds it runs high 10's. This LS7 RX7 when hustled through the gearbox is right at my 5 o'clock the whole way.

I think the RX7 package may be a bit sweeter though as they can take hooligan beatings whereas I would not want to beat on the Porsche transaxle like that at all. But I have been driving my 944 now for years & years with only brake rotor failure. So...
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With slicks you may easily hit low tens are even something like a 9.90.

 

Well I just cant do slicks. Right now the weakest link is the tires, so I have saved the transaxle to date. Look how lite I launch here at a 1/2 mile event I frequent:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe-9vbcbrK8[/ame]

I have Toyo 888's on there now (275 width) and they still spin just enough to save the gearbox while I just keep my enthusiasm for a hard launch at bay.

 

Oh wow that supercharger whine is wicked! I see what you mean about the slicks. You do have to have a strong driveline to them. I believe the Porsche 991 GT3 has a no slicks stipulation for that very reason.

 

Thats quite lovely! I assume no powersterering and no ac?
I really want to find a swapped car or a local shop that has experience with the swap...

 

P/S & A/C on board. The power steering res is right there next to the alternator (small cap with a steering wheel icon). The A/C is way under on the LS.

Another close pal did a LS3 version too. Once done it was like it was made that way from the factory.

 

Wow they sound like they were done right! Kudos

 

It's simply the best engine ever. Small, light weight, big power, endless aftermarket support and cheap. What's not to like?