LS-swapping a JDM Is Always a Good Idea: Track Time Tuesday
Whether you seek more horsepower or just need to shred the track, an LS under the hood is a perfect fit.
There is a reason why the LS platform is–to many–the Holy Grail of engines. Chevy’s small block V8 packs a lot of power. It is relatively easy and affordable to find a solid LS. They are versatile, and work with any number of vehicles. And while we are big fans of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles–sometimes they just need a little more….Enter the LS.
LS-swapping works brilliantly for many JDM cars and trucks. Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and others are ripe with LS-powered possibility. And they are well suited for the swap. JDM cars are spry and capable, and designed with racing in their DNA. So adding a little American muscle can only make them faster, and add more grip.
Another major benefit in using an LS series V8 in a JDM is that it hits a nice balance in weight distribution over stock in many cases. And then there’s the added LS performance–beastly, brawny, and forceful.
But don’t take our word for it. Check out these LS-swapped JDM rides in action.
Nissan 350z
From the Great White North comes Grassroots Performance and their Turbo LS Nissan 350z build. The Toronto-based shop does many projects with a particular focus on track. This Turbo LS Nissan 350z (called the “350 Zed”) is a true track assassin. Built as a Pro Drift Car, the devil is in the thoughtful and thorough details. Grassroots found the 350z’s stock motor didn’t have enough muscle to handle the track. They swapped in an LS, race-prepped the car, and the result is a winner. Literally, as it has competed in a number of drifting events.
Check out the difference in this car’s superior handling, torque, and about 650 horses of pure fury.
