2022 LS1Tech Year-in Review: Killer Rides, Changing Times
Things kept getting better for LS fans and automotive enthusiasts in general last year, but major changes are coming. Check it out!
While the past couple of years have been unlike anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes, in general, some things have remained the same even amid constant change. In fact, one could argue that there’s no better time in history to be a car fanatic, given the fact that we can buy crazy-powerful LS machines right off the showroom floor, or order all sorts of drop-in crate motors and other performance parts with a few clicks of a mouse. As such, 2022 was a great year here at LS1Tech, but at the same time, there are some ominous changes looming on the horizon.
We’re talking, of course, about electrification, a dirty word among many automotive enthusiasts, who wouldn’t dream of trading their fire-breathing V8 for a silent ride of any kind. The jury is still out on how this looming transition will ultimately go, but for now, we’re just enjoying the ride. Thus, let’s take a look back at the highlights of 2022 here at LS1Tech and remember the good times, because you just never know how long they’ll last.
LS Swaps Reign Supreme
If one thing is abundantly clear from the last year, it’s that the vaunted LS swap is every bit as popular as it’s ever been. We’ve highlighted all sorts of amazing LS-powered rides this year, ranging from vintage Bow Tie pickups to our own wood-sided wagon build to foreign machines and even a Ferrari or two, proving that this trend isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
Collectible GM Classics
Another big trend that continued this year is an abundance of low-mile, original GM-branded rides popping up for sale across the country. With the collector car market on fire over the past couple of years, many folks have quickly been priced out of the more lucrative, celebrated vehicles built in yesteryear, and are turning their attention to less desirable machines. As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats, and that’s particularly true today.
Drag Racing Shenanigans
Even with many race tracks sadly being closed across the U.S., drag racing remains as popular as ever, and the LS remains one of the most popular ways to make just about anything a total rocket ship in a straight line. Thus, as always, we’ve featured our fair share of epic drag races this past year, involving pretty much any kind of LS-powered ride one can imagine.
Events Return
Through the pandemic, most every automotive gathering and event was canceled, but things finally got back to normal in 2022. Along with the typical cars and coffee events and local cruises, we also saw LS Fest come back with a vengeance, expanding its presence across the country in a big way. Looking back, we can’t possibly express how much we missed gathering with like-minded folks and checking out row after row of amazing rides.
Changing of the Guard?
On one hand, we’ve seen the debut of some amazing rides this past year – like the brand new 2023 Corvette Z06. However, times are certainly changing, as we also said goodbye to the LS7 crate engine, while hybrid and all-electric versions of America’s sports car were also confirmed by GM itself. It’s an ominous sign for the future, but at least for now, we’re confident that the good old fashioned American V8 isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon, and we’ll be indulging ourselves in it for years to come.
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