Those who enjoy working on vehicles and bringing out the maximum potential of their cars and trucks likely consider the engine to be one of the most critical aspects of the repair process. If you are thinking about how to boost the performance of your vehicle rather than simply its exterior features and looks, an engine swap might be the right choice for you. However, choosing which engine will work best is not always clear cut, so you should understand what each type of engine does so that you can pick the one that is right for your vehicle.
The Rise of Engine Swaps
In the most basic terms, an engine swap is the process of taking out your vehicle’s engine and replacing it with another one in order to change its performance. Maybe you would like to improve fuel economy with a diesel engine, or perhaps you would rather boost the speed and power of your vehicle.
Many people opt for an LS engine, which is one of the most common options due to its ubiquitous presence in modern vehicles; however, the coyote engine is another viable choice. To make the right decision, be sure to understand what each engine’s strengths and weaknesses are.
Features of the LS Engine
The LS series engine was created by GM and has been a powerhouse in the engine swap hobby. The original 1997 models offered 25 miles per gallon and 300 or more horsepower, which was stunning at the time the LS made its debut.
It is still a respectable option today. However, the 6.2 that appeared in Corvettes in 2008 has usurped GM’s original LS model, offering upwards of 430 horsepower.
You can expect nice fuel economy and a powerful boost if you opt for an LS engine, and you may benefit from how common they can be to find. LS engines come in a wide range of types and conditions, so with patience and the right budget, you can likely secure exactly what you are looking for.
Features of the Coyote Engine
The coyote engine is perhaps slightly less common in engine swaps than the LS, but Ford will not be outdone easily. While early Ford motors lagged slightly behind their GM counterparts, the company developed and announced its Coyote in 2011 to honor A.J.
Foyt, who won his fourth Indy 500 victory in his Coyote Indy car with a Ford V8. At 412 horsepower, the Ford Coyote was finally Ford’s chance to rival the GM LS 6.2. Street rods and many muscle cars now regularly show off the Coyote as a powerful and accessible option.
Choosing the Right Engine for You
If the Coyote and the LS are so similar, how do you choose which engine is right for you? Well, that depends on a number of factors, including which vehicle you are working with, the space you have and your goals.
Coyote engines tend to be larger than their LS counterparts due to a dual overhead cam setup, so you will need to carefully evaluate whether your vehicle has the space to accommodate it.
In general, the Coyotes include more moving parts, which means that they rev higher and withstand blindingly high RPMs, if that is what you need for your hotrod project.
GM’s LS engines are smaller, which makes them simpler to install, and they typically include fewer moving parts overall. This means more durability and better reliability if that is what is important to you.
But make no mistake: both engines can exceed 1,000 horsepower. An LS3 can provide more torque and power on paper, but with one being larger than the other, you will need to evaluate your specific circumstance to determine which will suit your needs.
Work with the Custom Car Experts on Your Next Project
Whether you are considering which engine to include in your next car or truck project or you have hit a snag during the installation of an engine during a swap, it is important that you have a reputable and experienced group of car experts on standby.
Robs Customs & Restorations believes that maintaining your car should be about more than just the bare minimum. We specialize in both LS and Coyote swaps and would be happy to lend a hand to your project or offer advice.
Reach out to schedule an appointment with an experienced technician who can examine your vehicle and help you to resolve any issues during the engine swap process so that you can drive home with a powerhouse.