LS-Powered Riding Lawnmower Takes Crown for Craziest Swap to Date: Track Time Tuesday
LS-powered riding lawnmower is a handful to drive, but it’s also one of the coolest things we’ve ever seen.
We’ve certainly seen our fair share of wild and crazy LS-swapped vehicles over the years, ranging from normal stuff like older Corvettes with newer motors to V8-powered USPS mail trucks and even Teslas. But this LS-powered riding lawnmower spotted by Hot Rod at Holley’s LS Fest has to take the crown as at least one of the craziest swaps we’ve ever seen, if not the craziest. But this is also one of those classic cases of knowing that something may not be the best idea and simply wanting it anyway, just because it’s incredibly cool.
One could potentially make the argument that this LS-powered riding lawnmower could get the job done faster than a conventional, slow, and rather boring alternative, but we’re not entirely sure that’s the case. Regardless, it’s a lock that this V8-powered Murray model sounds better than any other lawnmower out there, and we’re certain that it’s a heck of a lot more fun to drive, too, and that alone makes it worth the effort.
This particular Murray mower has been in the same family for decades, making it an heirloom of sorts, one that was originally built in the 1980s. It’s rare to see a mower this old still chugging along, let alone with a massive powerplant, which makes it even cooler than it already is. Eventually, however, the mower broke down and wound up sitting outside for years before the new owner contemplated upgrading it to a four-stroke powerplant before ultimately deciding to go Fully Monty with it.
The inspiration for the swap came from a familiar place – a 5.3-liter V8 sitting in a junkyard 1999 Chevy Silverado, which the owner brought home for a mere $120. He spent another $130 on an aluminum radiator and added a few more parts including an LS1 intake, Summit LS-swap ECU, and Schoenfeld headers, a TH350 gearbox, a chopped-down rear end from a 1978 Malibu with leaf springs, and front disc brakes.
The owner reports that this V8-powered lawnmower is a handful to drive, which isn’t a surprise by any stretch of the imagination. Regardless, one year of work and a small investment created one of the coolest LS-swapped machines we’ve ever seen while also keeping this family heirloom alive for future generations to enjoy, and that’s a win in our book.
Photos by Wes Allison for Hot Rod
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