1320 Top 10 Weirdest LS Swaps
By Emily Johnson
Introduction
Hey there, fellow gearheads! Today, we are going to talk about one of the most fascinating topics in the car world – LS engine swaps. For the uninitiated, LS refers to the engine family used in General Motors vehicles. It has become a popular choice for engine swaps due to its reliability, affordability, and ease of modification. However, some people have taken LS swaps to a whole new level by installing them in some of the weirdest vehicles you can imagine. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 weirdest LS swaps that have ever been done.
Top Statistics and Facts
- LS engine swaps have become increasingly popular in recent years, with enthusiasts finding creative ways to install them in all kinds of vehicles.
- The LS engine family was first introduced in 1997 and has since become one of the most popular engines in the car world.
- One of the reasons for the LS engine’s popularity is its ability to handle high levels of horsepower and torque.
- LS swaps can range from simple bolt-on installations to complete custom builds that require extensive fabrication work.
- The weirdest LS swaps are not only impressive engineering feats but also a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of car enthusiasts.
Top 10 Weirdest LS Swaps
The LS-Powered School Bus
Yes, you read that right. Someone actually put an LS engine in a school bus. The bus, dubbed Skool Bus, was built by a group of friends who wanted to create a one-of-a-kind party bus. The LS engine gives the bus plenty of power to haul around a full load of passengers, and the custom paint job and interior make it a true showstopper.
The LS-Powered Lawn Mower
Who says you need a big vehicle to install an LS engine? A man named Bobby Cleveland decided to put an LS engine in his lawn mower, and the result is nothing short of amazing. The lawn mower, dubbed Mow-Down Showdown, can reach speeds of up to 96 mph and has been featured in numerous racing events.
The LS-Powered Smart Car
The Smart Car is known for its fuel efficiency and compact size, but it’s not exactly a speed demon. That is, unless you install an LS engine in it. A company called Flyin’ Miata did just that, and the result is a Smart Car that can go from 0-60 in just 4.1 seconds.
The LS-Powered Prius
Environmentalists may cringe at the thought of putting an LS engine in a Prius, but car enthusiasts can’t help but be impressed. The PriuSRT8 was built by a man named Matt Hauber and features an LS engine that produces over 1,000 horsepower. It’s safe to say this isn’t your average hybrid.
The LS-Powered Boat
LS engine swaps aren’t just limited to land vehicles. A man named Mark Sharley decided to install an LS engine in his boat, and the result is a watercraft that can reach speeds of up to 100 mph. It’s certainly not your grandpa’s fishing boat.
The LS-Powered Porsche 944
The Porsche 944 is a classic sports car that is beloved by enthusiasts, but its stock engine leaves something to be desired in terms of power. That’s where the LS engine comes in. A company called Renegade Hybrids specializes in LS engine swaps for Porsche 944s and has created some truly impressive builds.
The LS-Powered DeLorean
The DeLorean is an iconic car that is best known for its appearance in the Back to the Future movies. While the stock engine may not be anything to write home about, an LS engine swap can turn the DeLorean into a true performance machine. Just ask the guys at DMC Midwest, who have created a number of LS-powered DeLoreans.
The LS-Powered Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-road vehicle that is known for its ruggedness and versatility. It’s also a popular platform for engine swaps, and the LS engine is a popular choice. The LS-powered Wrangler can handle just about any terrain you throw at it and has plenty of power to spare.
The LS-Powered Miata
The Mazda Miata is a beloved sports car that is known for its nimble handling and fun-to-drive nature. However, the stock engine can leave something to be desired in terms of power. That’s where the LS engine comes in. An LS engine swap can turn the Miata into a true performance machine that can hold its own against much more expensive sports cars.
The LS-Powered Tesla
Yes, you read that right. Someone actually put an LS engine in a Tesla. The build, dubbed Teslonda, was created by a group of friends who wanted to see what would happen if they combined a Tesla drivetrain with an LS engine. The result is a car that can go from 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds and has been featured in numerous racing events.
FAQs
1. Why do people do LS swaps?
LS swaps have become popular for a number of reasons. The LS engine is known for its reliability, affordability, and ease of modification. It can also handle high levels of horsepower and torque, making it a popular choice for performance builds.
2. What vehicles can you do an LS swap in?
You can technically do an LS swap in just about any vehicle, although some are easier than others. Popular platforms include classic muscle cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as newer sports cars like the Mazda Miata and Nissan 240SX.
3. How much does an LS swap cost?
The cost of an LS swap can vary widely depending on the vehicle and the level of customization required. A simple bolt-on installation can cost a few thousand dollars, while a complete custom build can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
4. Do LS swaps affect emissions?
LS swaps can potentially affect emissions, depending on the vehicle and the state you live in. In some states, emissions requirements are based on the model year of the vehicle, while in others they are based on the engine being used. It’s important to check your local emissions laws before doing an LS swap.