Need some guidance for an LS Swap as a beginner
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Need some guidance for an LS Swap as a beginner I have an automatic 
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8. I was going through a rough time so could not take care of my car at all so the engine is locked. I am very passionate towards drifting, love every little thing about it but could never get into it properly so right now my plan with my car is to transmission swap it and than either to rebuild the factory NA 3.8 engine with some upgrades and than turbo it, or LS Swap it. Im not a mechanic what so ever but thankfully I have a mechanic friend who is willing to help me but isnt knowledgeable on LS engines. I have been doing some research on LS engines and I am very confused. I see there are so many variants and I am not sure which one would be best for me on a budget. I am planning on spending 3-4k for an engine and transmission swap just to give you guys an idea, im not sure if that is realistic but Im hoping. Now like i said I want to make this a drift car but I have no idea which LS engine would be good for a drift car. I see LQ4's are pretty good LQ9 or LY6 or LS1 the cheapest LS option I think, than I see a lot of other engines such as LM7 etc. which completely had me lost. What engines would you guys recommend? What are the main components I will need for a engine and transmission swap? Which vehicle would be the best option to pull a t56 manual transmission from? Where can I get my fuel line set up? What are the main components I will need for an engine swap such as fuel lines etc.? I am very new to this and I would love to have some feedback from someone who is experienced with LS engines and maybe even drifting.
Thank you!
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8. I was going through a rough time so could not take care of my car at all so the engine is locked. I am very passionate towards drifting, love every little thing about it but could never get into it properly so right now my plan with my car is to transmission swap it and than either to rebuild the factory NA 3.8 engine with some upgrades and than turbo it, or LS Swap it. Im not a mechanic what so ever but thankfully I have a mechanic friend who is willing to help me but isnt knowledgeable on LS engines. I have been doing some research on LS engines and I am very confused. I see there are so many variants and I am not sure which one would be best for me on a budget. I am planning on spending 3-4k for an engine and transmission swap just to give you guys an idea, im not sure if that is realistic but Im hoping. Now like i said I want to make this a drift car but I have no idea which LS engine would be good for a drift car. I see LQ4's are pretty good LQ9 or LY6 or LS1 the cheapest LS option I think, than I see a lot of other engines such as LM7 etc. which completely had me lost. What engines would you guys recommend? What are the main components I will need for a engine and transmission swap? Which vehicle would be the best option to pull a t56 manual transmission from? Where can I get my fuel line set up? What are the main components I will need for an engine swap such as fuel lines etc.? I am very new to this and I would love to have some feedback from someone who is experienced with LS engines and maybe even drifting.Thank you!
I think you will need to do a significant amount of research on this one. LS swaps aren't really as cheap as you think. The cheapest part of the swap is usually the engine, but given that most of the used T56 transmissions our there are selling around $2500 alone, that sort of blows your budget up. You'll also need a fuel system to support the LS swap, Mounts, headers, clutch hydraulics, Engine wiring, ECU and tuning just to name a few of the big items. If you really wanted to do this on a budget, try and find a wrecked 99-02 Camaro or Trans Am with an LS1/T56. You could probably find one for the $4k range and as long as the engine isn't hurt, you could use most of the components I listed, and possibly sell off some parts to recoup some cash.
Not exactly a LS swap answer, but if you are passionate about drifting I've heard the best bang for your buck is the Nissan 350Z or 370Z. That may be an easier path to drifting, and maybe put this Genesis on jack stands to build as you get time/cash.
Not exactly a LS swap answer, but if you are passionate about drifting I've heard the best bang for your buck is the Nissan 350Z or 370Z. That may be an easier path to drifting, and maybe put this Genesis on jack stands to build as you get time/cash.
