You swap an engine when you want more power, and the GM LS range of engines is, with the Honda K-engines, the logical choice to achieve this. The LS engines are a range of small-block V8s made from 1997 to 2017, often featured in GM’s muscle cars and large vehicles, and are still sold as crate engines because of the demand. LS engines are popular because they are compact, reasonably light, and have massive aftermarket support. They are also very reliable and affordable, and make more horsepower per dollar than almost anything. From the ’70s to the ’90s, emissions regulations hemmed in the power of even large displacement engines, and these really great-looking cars are often chosen for an LS swap to give them the power they deserve.
LS engines can be modified to almost any level and fitted to unexpectedly small cars. There are even LS-powered original VW Beetles, but these require a complete chassis rebuild. Instead, we’ll look at five distinct builds that are somewhat more straightforward. We’ll explore these builds, look at how they were done, and compare the original donor cars used.
Mazda MX5 Miata ND
LS3 376/525
This is a special build, because the Mazda Miata is a small, light, two-seater in the tuner tradition. They are known more for brilliant handling and road feel than brute power. So naturally, we’d shoehorn a V8 into it. In this case, the 376/525 hot cam version of the classic LS3, with 376 cubic inches — 6.2-liter — and 525 horsepower. This is not a normal swap, because it requires sophisticated integration to keep stuff like the infotainment, backup camera, and keyless entry alive. It also needed a new heavy-duty transmission and differential. While this engine as a new crate will cost around $11,000, the total build can easily go north of $50,000.
The Mazda Miata is a classic light two-seater sports car, developed to fill the gap left by the demise of the British two-seaters. The ND is the fourth generation of this iconic car, launched in 2016. Its 2.0-liter inline-four only made 151 horsepower, later bumped up to 181, enough for a car that weighed less than 2,400 pounds. A new Miata starts at $30,430, but you can pick up a used one from $18,000, which is ideal for an LS swap. The original tiny NA, sleek NB, and bigger NC Miatas are all very popular cars to use for an LS swap.
Find 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Datsun 280Z
LS3 L92
The LS3 L92 variant is called the truck/SUV version of the normal LS3, used in cars like the Cadillac Escalade from 2007 on. This was a very high-mileage engine, completely rebuilt and extensively modified to run on E85 fuel, making more than 500 horsepower. A used L92 engine can be found for less than $5,000, but rebuilding and mods will quickly take that figure upwards. The Datsun 280Z was also extensively modified, including new brakes and a new wiring harness.
The Datsun Z-cars, starting with the wonderful 240Z in 1969, are classic sports coupes. The 1978 Datsun 280Z, 1975–1978, was the last model using the S30 chassis. It originally came with a 2.8-liter inline-six engine that made 170 horsepower, decent power for the time, but now about the same as a new Corolla. The lack of power was the one weak point of this Z, the result of new emissions and safety regulations. The older Zs are classics, and a good condition one can go from $25,000 to more than $40,000. This is a favorite car for an LS swap, because the long engine bay makes fitting the V8 easy, and it gives you a nice blend of ’70s Japanese flair with American muscle power and reliability.
10 Cheap Cars For Enthusiasts On A Tight Budget
Looking for a good starter car to enjoy driving and even modding? Here are 10 examples that won’t blow a tight budget.
Mazda RX-7
LS1 Single Turbo
The LS engine in this car is not named, apart from the single turbo addition, but would be the LS1 or the LS3. Given the tight space of the RX-7’s engine bay, either the 5.7-liter LS1 or 6.2-liter LS3 would be a logical choice. Power should be between 600 and 800 horsepower, and a used engine like this would cost between $2,500 and $6,000, although the turbo kit and other mods can double these prices. The RX-7 will need additional mods, like a new sub-frame and better cooling, and these will add to the cost.
The Mazda RX-7 is a legendary, lightweight Japanese sports car, renowned for its unique, high-revving Wankel rotary engine and brilliant handling. It was produced from 1978 to 2002 and ran through three generations. The final and most desirable is the FD, built from 1992 to 2002. The FD version was powered by a 1.3-liter twin-turbo making 255 horsepower, plenty for a car this size and that time. But the high-revving rotary is temperamental and needs a lot of maintenance. A good-condition FD will set you back between $50,000 and $80,000, and go over $100,000. An LS gives it the reliable power and torque the rotary lacks, but it will not please RX-7 purists.
BMW M3 E36
LS6
The engine used in the swap is either the LS1 or the more modern LS6, making around 350 to 400 horsepower. The BMW M3 E36 was sold from ’95 to ’99 in the US, and was one of the best-handling cars of its time. The US version produced less power than the European versions, around 240, and this makes it a prime candidate for an LS swap. The E36 LS swap is well-supported in the aftermarket, with bolt-on kits making it accessible to the home mechanic. Used LS1 and LS6 engines are also quite affordable, adding to their popularity.
The E36 BMW followed the iconic yuppie E30 of the ’80s, with a more rounded shape than the square E30. The design is quite timeless, and the car in no way looks dated. Add to that the great handling of the M3 it is still a very desirable car. You can get a high-mileage one for around $15,000, while a clean one can easily go to $35,000. Adding an LS gives a huge boost to both power and torque, while keeping the weight down, especially when using an aluminum block.
The Best Bang For Your Buck V-8 Crate Engine You Can Buy In 2025
Despite the cost, you won’t find an engine with a better price-to-performance ratio.
1989 Ford Mustang
LS Gen III 5.3-Liter
The LS Gen III was originally a truck/SUV engine, made from 1999 to 2007. It is now available as a favorite crate engine. The engine used in this build is a dedicated performance version, making 450 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, far outpacing the original 225 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of the original 5.0-liter V8. The engine used here will cost $4,849, but this build added a new transmission, intake manifold, and mufflers, among other mods.
The car used in this build is a 1989 GT convertible, a Fox Body icon. These cars were notoriously underpowered, with the 5.0-liter V8 only making 225 horsepower. There is also a 2.3-liter inline-four, which produced 88 horsepower. But all Foxbody Mustangs have a decent-sized engine bay, and are sought-after because of their lightweight chassis and good aftermarket support. You can pick up a clapped-out project car for less than $8,000, or one in good condition for up to $25,000.
Sources: Various Carmakers, Various Tuners, KBB, Classic.com