Top 8 Most Unique LS Swaps at Holley LS Fest XI
5. Jeep Waves Bye-Bye to the Pentastar
“It’s a ’98 Cherokee,” said Ross. “It started as a $500 Jeep that I got in high school. My dad did an LS swap, and I was like, ‘Well, what if we did one in my Jeep?'”
The LS is a 5.3-liter linked to a 4L60, with an adapter to tie it all together to the Jeep transfer case for off-roading fun. As Ross says, “it’s still a Jeep, but you get more attention” at events like LS Fest. He drives it every day, too, proving the LS is the perfect choice for every application.
6. Front-drive LS Pushes MR2 to the Limit
“It’s a ’91 MR2,” said Jason Senseney, “with a 2006 Monte Carlo SS setup in the back of it.”
The widebody MR2 with the LS4 moving the rears is an ongoing build, according to Senseney, taking three years to reach its current state. He says it’s a handful to drive, and that it runs pretty good. Toyota may have the market on reliability rep, but it doesn’t have the same spirit as the LS.
7. Boxing Up the Boxer for a Big V8
“It’s an aluminum 5.3, turbocharged, still all-wheel drive,” said Cameron of his Subaru Imprezza WRX. “Very hard to fit [the LS] in there.”
Cameron’s been working on his Subaru LS build for three years. He adds that the weight balance isn’t too different, as most of the engine’s accessories are in the back. Thus, it handles the highway as it had with the old flat-four. Plus, it’s easier to change the spark plugs.
8. Ramble On
“It’s a ’59 Rambler,” said Joe McNamera. “Got an LS2 in it […] Makes about 540 to the crank. It’s been a pretty cool build.”
The classic, which McNamera says will never be finished, took four to five years to get to where it was at this LS Fest. He adds it’s great to drive, though he’d like to change up the suspension a bit to get more out of the car. His goal is to make the Rambler a pro-tourer. We think he’s well on his way there.
Photos by Cameron Aubernon for LS1Tech
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