Key Takeaways
- Cheapest LS for swaps: 5.3L truck engine ($300-$800 from salvage yards)
- Best budget performance: LQ9 6.0L from Escalade/Denali ($500-$1,000)
- All LS engines share the same block dimensions and bellhousing pattern
- Complete swap cost (junkyard engine route): $2,000-$5,000 depending on accessories
LS Engine Family Reference
| Engine | Displacement | HP | Block | Found In | Salvage Price |
|---|
| LR4/LY2 4.8L | 293ci | 285-295 | Iron | Silverado, Sierra, Express | $200-$500 |
| LM7 5.3L | 325ci | 285-295 | Iron | Silverado, Tahoe (1999-2006) | $300-$600 |
| L33 5.3L | 325ci | 310 | Aluminum | Silverado SS, Trailblazer SS | $500-$900 |
| LH6/LC9 5.3L | 325ci | 315-320 | Aluminum | Silverado, Tahoe (2007-2013) | $400-$800 |
| LQ4 6.0L | 364ci | 300-325 | Iron | 2500HD, Express, Savana | $400-$700 |
| LQ9 6.0L | 364ci | 345 | Iron | Escalade, Denali, SS trucks | $500-$1,000 |
| L76/L77 6.0L | 364ci | 355-367 | Aluminum | Caprice PPV, G8, SS | $600-$1,200 |
| LS1 5.7L | 346ci | 305-350 | Aluminum | Corvette C5, Camaro, Trans Am | $800-$1,500 |
| LS2 6.0L | 364ci | 400 | Aluminum | Corvette C6 (2005-07), GTO | $1,000-$1,800 |
| LS3 6.2L | 376ci | 430 | Aluminum | Corvette C6 (2008+), Camaro SS | $1,500-$2,500 |
| LS7 7.0L | 427ci | 505 | Aluminum | Corvette Z06 (C6) | $3,000-$5,000 |
Best Salvage Yard Donor Vehicles for LS Swaps
| Donor Vehicle | Engine | Why It's Good | What Else to Grab |
|---|
| 2007-2013 Silverado/Sierra | 5.3L LC9/LH6 | Cheapest aluminum LS. Massive supply | 6L80E trans, wiring harness, ECM |
| 2003-2006 Escalade/Denali | 6.0L LQ9 | Best budget HP. 345hp iron block | 4L65E trans, fuel rails |
| 2005-2007 Silverado SS | 6.0L LQ9 | LQ9 in a truck = cheap donor | Complete engine accessories |
| 2010-2015 Camaro SS | 6.2L LS3/L99 | 430hp aluminum block | T56 or 6L80E trans |
| 2011-2017 Caprice PPV | 6.0L L77 | Aluminum 6.0L with DOD. Police fleets | 6L80E trans, oil pan for rear sump |
Swap Essentials Checklist
- Engine — Complete long block with accessories
- Wiring harness — Standalone harness recommended ($200-$500)
- ECM/PCM — Must be tuned to remove anti-theft (VATS/passlock)
- Motor mounts — Swap-specific for your chassis ($100-$300)
- Oil pan — May need swap-specific pan for steering clearance ($100-$200)
- Headers — Swap-specific headers for your chassis ($200-$600)
- Transmission — 4L60E/4L80E/6L80E or T56 manual ($200-$800 used)
- Fuel system — Return-style fuel rail or returnless regulator
- Cooling — Radiator, hoses, water pump (may need LS-specific water pump)
For Silverado-specific interchange, see our Silverado engine interchange guide. For the full interchange reference, read our vehicle interchange guide. Search for LS engines at salvage yards near you.
