GMT400 Chevy, GMC Trucks Might Be the Easiest of the Bunch to LS Swap
Using the right mix of OEM and aftermarket parts makes LS swapping a GMT400 Chevy or GMC pickup about as easy as engine swaps get.
There’s no doubt that LS swaps remain the most popular of any engine transplant, and that’s remained the case for years now. We’ve seen tons of LS swaps over the years, involving just about any kind of vehicle one can imagine – from vintage muscle cars and trucks to boats and even forklifts. The benefits of this update are undeniable, offering more power and power potential, as well as reliability in a compact package – and as it turns out, sticking an LS in a GMT400 Chevy or GMC pickup is incredibly easy to do, too.
In this video from the YouTube channel Bendin’ Wrenches, we’re treated to footage of a K1500 Chevy truck that’s about to go under the proverbial knife and get a new LS V8, replacing the current and somewhat tired 350. In this case, the LS is a 5.3-liter unit bored 0.20 over with a few upgrades including a beefier cam and springs, and it’ll be mated to the original transmission that’s also getting a new clutch, flywheel, and other bits.
The beauty of this sort of swap is that one can use a variety of off the shelf parts to make it happen – not only OEM goods, but also, plug and play harnesses, coupled with aftermarket motor mounts, headers, and hoses. Slider mounts – like those from Dirty Dingo – make it easy to position the LS within the stock crossmembers, and Speed Engineering OBS swap headers are made to clear the frame and transmission lines without the need for further modification.
A number of companies, including Texas Wiring Specialist, make harnesses specifically for this swap, helping the LS function normally with all of the stock systems, while one can source a factory-style radiator shroud and hoses, along with the specific LS brackets for the A/C compressor, and power steering hoses so that no further modifications have to be completed in those areas, either.
Getting the right parts in this case makes the GMT400 LS swap incredibly easy to do – at this point, it just involves removing the old engine and transmission, installing the new mounts and headers, then the new V8, routing all the lines and hoses, mounting brackets and accessories, and getting it all fired up and running properly.
Even though the 350 in this Chevy truck was still running nicely, the owner wanted a bit more power – and in this case, it just makes more sense to replace it with an LS rather than sinking money into that antiquated mill.
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