6 Reasons Why The General Motors LS V8 Is So Popular #blogpost
It’s an open secret that the GM LS V8 has taken the car tuning scene by storm. For some people, they might not really know why this Chevy small block is so popular. Here are some reasons why that might be the case…
It’s an open secret that the GM LS V8 has taken the car tuning scene by storm. For some people, they might not really know why this Chevy small block is so popular. Here are some reasons why that might be the case…
One: You Can Find Engines And Speed Parts Just About Everywhere
This statement’s truthfulness will vary depending on which corner of the Earth you live on, but this is especially true for Americans and Canadians. Plenty of late model GM trucks have LS engines nestled underneath their hoods. However the engine blocks might be cast iron instead of aluminum and the camshaft and intake profile will be built for torque, not horsepower.
Two: They Aren’t Too Pricey
Because LS engines are so popular, speed parts and the engines themselves won’t break the bank. For example, a Thumpr camshaft from Comp Cams for an LS engine will run you about $450. On the other hand, the same camshaft kit would cost 3 times as much if you were to get it for a 5.0 Coyote motor instead.
Three: They’re Compact For Their Engine Displacement
Because the LS engine still uses pushrods, it’s one of the smallest 6.2 and 7.0 liter V8’s being produced today. A Coyote 5.0 liter V8 is actually physically bigger due to it’s DOHC design.
Four: The Cylinder Heads, Intake Manifold And Engine Block Are Lightweight
While modern Hemi V8’s found in Chrysler vehicles still use an iron engine block, the LS V8’s engine block is made out of aluminum. So, for those of you that are concerned about weight distribution in your car, the LS is a better option.
Five: Engine Swap Kits For LS Engines Are Common
Chances are nearly every JDM car made since 1970 has an LS swap kit made for it. Rather than having to fabricate custom engine mounts, you can just buy them on eBay. This ease of installation means that you’ll be seeing more LS engines than Gen 3 Hemis under the hoods of RX-7’s.
Six: They Can Last Forever
Jalopnik recently posted an article of the vehicles most likely to go over 200,000 miles and a good percentage of the cars on that list were General Motors full sized trucks and SUV’s. Those GM trucks and SUV’s are more than likely powered by LS small blocks, proving their long term reliability.
Comments
Seven : Because who doesn’t want a “little” piece of MURICAH YE!
I don’t.
Love it and I agree. Its all the same over here they cost bugger all compared to most Jap engines. One thing I have to add is they love boost. And it doesn’t take much boost to make good power
there’s an ls for nearly every type of vehicle on the market
Something I love about LS engine and mostly about speed parts, you can easily buy and build your own LS engine without having a LS engine to start with and the cost won’t be much more than buying an old LS but will be able to sustain more power
Almost got burned by an R-33 GTR! https://youtu.be/HvUnuALTggU
3: Its* DOHC design
Not “it’s design”
Forgetting most important point. They can be tuned well over 600HP for less than $10000,- additional cash.
And on top of that is the sound: any pushrod V8 sounds absolutely bonkers to my ears.
DOHC is still superior
not in engine packaging
Being 100% honest, I think the LS can be classified as one of the best engines ever made. It’s not the most powerful, most reliable, or most effecient, but it seems to be about 90% as good as the best in all these catagories. There’s almost nothing you can’t do with an LS, and there’s certainly nothing that competes with it at that price. Try towing a trailer with the average sports car engine, then try setting a road course record with a big diesel truck engine. Chances are, theres an LS motor that can out perform both, and still drive home at the end of the day.