I am thinking about doing a ls4 swap on my 2012 vw jetta se but ive never done anything like that before and dont know if the engine would even fit or how much work it would be just curious if anyone could give me some basic information about going about it and if anyone knows if it would fit.

 

Are you trying to do a front wheel drive swap, since you mentioned LS4? Best thing to do is get a tape measure and go measure an LS4 car. Figure out how big the parts are, and then go measure your Jetta.

You might also search this forum and read the recent thread about swapping a Tesla, as well as there is a good Fiero swap with manual transmission. These threads should have some LS4 info.


Engine swaps are all the same:

Determine your goals. Really what you want and can live with. Money, time, car experience you are hoping for.
Consider every system involved.
> How will your mechanical/packaging/mounting work
> What transmission and driveline
> Fuel system
> Steering system
> Cooling system
> Electrical / wiring / engine management / dashboard integration
> Exhaust system
Research research research.
More research
Ask specific questions

 

Its not if it will fit, its what it will take... lots of time, skill, and $$$.

Some crazy fiero guy with LS4/F40 in an 88 Fiero... no idea what he was thinking:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...peed-swap.html
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum3/HTML/000123.html

LS4/F23 swap in a Saturn:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...r-project.html

LS4/4T80 in Eagle Talon:
https://engineswapdepot.com/?p=54400

LS4/4T65 in Beetle:
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...vw-beetle-fwd/

LS4 in an Integra:
https://www.carsguide.com.au/overste...sideways-59790

There are lots more...

 

As the others have said, you will just have to measure it to see. LS4 engines don't appear to be too big until you actually look at one complete and measure it. I was going to do an LS4 swap into a FWD car, but don't think it's going to be possible due to not enough room in the engine bay. There was just enough room to fit the engine, but then the axle centerline of the transaxle required the engine to be moved about 5-7 inches forward to line up with the front wheels, so not really do-able. I have an engine for sale cheap now though...

 

What year, mileage and price? I might know someone