What Happens When You Put an LS-based V12 in a Kia Van?
In a surprise to no one, power from the V12 is tough to get to the ground.
Australians have a particularly unique approach to the idea of an LS swap, in this instance, placing an LS in the middle of a Kia van. But not just any LS, because this is actually 1.5 LS motors. Or, two 0.75 LS motors. Either way, The Drive reports this LS, with one dozen pistons, has a displacement of 9.5 liters, and makes a healthy 700 horsepower. Torque isn’t listed, but with 2 more explosions per revolution, it’s almost guaranteed to have a measurable effect on the Earth’s orbit.
It’s not the first time someone’s made a V12 out of an LS, but it is the first time in a work van. For this motor, things that span the length of the block are obviously bespoke (block, crank, cam, intake), and so is the ignition timing. However, other parts in the rotating assembly can be swapped with any parts that can match the bore of an LS3.
Space was needed to fit the big V12 in the Kia, but surprisingly was still straight forward in this van. Mounts for the engine, a cross brace for the transmission, and a shorter driveshaft were all that was needed to make it fit. Making it work, however, was a different chore.
Being mid-mounted, cooling is at a paramount, and at first the Kia’s original radiator for the out-going diesel motor was seen as sufficient. This was a bit of an underestimate, as they could only hop between fuel stations before it would start to overheat again.
More tuning is in order for the motor, but for now, they can say they’ve got the only V12 Kia van in Australia, and soon to be in the US as well, as they are planning on making an appearance at SEMA.
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