Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. 250r
Just wondering whats considered the 'drama' in the ls swap, not trying to start an argument or anything i was just curious as the swap differences
|
That is the glory of GM engines, there really isn’t any “drama” with doing any late model swaps regardless which late model engine a person choses to use. I personally find the 8.1L an easier swap for the following reasons:
Engine mounting:
8.1L – Direct bolt in. The engine sits in the same exact location, with the same exact engine mount bosses located in the block where they are found on old small or big blocks. You may reuse the old small or big block engine mounts and saddles. 4x4’s do require an ORD engine crossmember to clear the large 8.1L oil pan but the OEM crossmember can be modified if one wanted go that route.
LS – Engine mount adapters are required
Exhaust:
8.1L – direct bolt in when replacing any older big block. Existing exhaust manifolds or headers may be reused on the 8.1L. No need to spend money reworking the exhaust system. If going from an small block to a 8.1L, it is the same process people have been doing for past 47 years to swap in a big block.
LS – Depending on the chassis (2wd or 4wd) and transmission combination finding the correct exhaust manifold or header to fit a project vehicle can be a challenge and expensive.
Accessories:
8.1L – Uses the typical GM 168 tool flywheel with the typical older small and big block starter mounting design with the staggered starter bolts. No need to buy a new starter motor if swapping from an old small or big block.
LS – Uses a unique starter mounting design where a new starter with side by side starter bolts must be used when swapping in a LS. Adds cost to a swap.
8.1L – When using the correct accessory brackets (RV or G-Van), the A/C compressor can be mounted up high making A/C line connections much easier. No need to hack a chunk out of the frame to make room for the A/C compressor. There are a few OEM options with slightly different designs for 8.1L bracketry; Pickups, G-vans, RVs, Medium Duty trucks and Marine. Most people are only aware of pickup design 8.1L accessory brackets as they are the most well known. As luck would have it, pickup truck brackets are the worst to use due to the location of the A/C compressor (same front lower RH of engine as the LS).
LS- No options for accessory brackets outside of the aftermarket. The A/C compressor gets stuffed in the RH corner of the frame rail making line connections a hassle. Some people even hack out a chunk of the top frame section for A/C compressor clearance.
Cooling:
8.1L – The upper radiator hose neck is on the driver’s side and lines up nicely with the old radiators. The lower hose location at the water pump is in the same location as any older small or big block. Same ole BB lower radiator hose too.
LS – The upper radiator hose neck is on the passenger’s side requiring a goofy looking upper radiator hose to cross over the fan shroud or radiator support to the driver’s side. Factory GM trucks with LS engines have the same goofy arrangement. Me no likey!
These are just a couple quick things I could think off the top of my head. None of these are huge deal stopper “drama” things that aren’t easily resolved. It is just my opinion the 8.1L is easier to swap compared to LS. I am sure there are LS swappers here that feed quite the contrary to my opinion while others will agree and may even have more time and money costing things related to LS swaps.
I haven’t added any new pictures of my 8.1L in a while. This is how it currently looks after reworking the air induction pipe this past July. Thanks to Blake in the 73-87 project forum for this cool air induction pipe recipe! The truck has about 15,000 miles on it now since the 8.1L was installed in 2008.
