What’s the cost of a LS swap on a taco?

It's not the states. It's fed regulations.

 

Lol! I've taken part in a handful of LS swaps, in addition to numerous other motor swaps since I was 15 (which was probably before you were born based on your reply).

I'm just trying to point out that there are other costs that people often overlook. For example, all of the drivetrain parts that aren't going to hold up well to V8 power and abuse.

Just wedging a V8 in there and getting it to run isn't a proper swap. Making it look and drive like it belongs in there will cost more.

 

Ok, so what Federal law are you referring to that is enforced and won't let you register a vehicle in 99% of America; haven't seen too many people in several states have an issue.

No one's talking about welding some engine mounts and putting in a carbureted big block - to wire an engine and fabricate transmission mounts and the rest of the running gear requires skills that logically coincide with a broad understanding of vehicle dynamics. A 5.3 makes roughly the same power of a supercharged 2gr so replacing the rest of the drivetrain doesn't have to happen before you modify the engine and build more power.

 

You don't need to swap rearends for a small block - 8.4 handles power. You didn't even take the effort to click two links to answer your own question. Ok, I'll cut your workload by half. Believe it my friend, guys on here know how to do the work themselves.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...oI5/pub?gid=1349165347&single=true&output=pdf

 

Neither was I. The only big block I've ever worked on is in an air boat.

And anyone with those skills probably wouldn't be in here asking how much a motor swap costs. They would figure it out on their own, then add a buffer.

The driveshaft(s) do. And, nobody is doing an LS swap with the ultimate goal of making the same power as a supercharged 2GR. If that was their goal, they would supercharge a 1GR. Unless they just really wanted to spend 3 months worth of weekends for a mediocre power increase they could have gotten in 6 hours.

 

Your previous post implied someones throwing in an engine haphazardly hence the idea that you wouldn't have to spend time learning how to do it and make a few welds on a frame. None of the LS swaps posted here have even remotely looked like that so far.

So let's answer someone who's new to the concept with real data instead of throwing out opinions without any specific data backing them.

I don't think anyone joins Tacomaworld to build a caged race truck, solid axle swapped crawler, or a $60k glamping rig either so why not an LS? It happens as you learn from good information. Building a truck doesn't have to all be at once and some guys enjoy the progression and their newfound hobby. The platform has limitless options. I've learned enough working with a friend's Suburban to see they're way better than a niche engine.

 

The specific data you linked suggests that the OP should buy a broken transmission and rebuild it. If you're going to be specific, at least be realistic. Most people will prefer to buy a transmission that works.

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What is the point of an LS swap if not to make power? You can make mediocre power with a stock engine with less headaches.

I have nothing against an LS swap, even though I would never do it. I just cringe whenever I hear people say it's cheap. There are always costs that aren't figured in.

 

Motor nerd.

 

That is one example - not the only evidence being provided. The benefit of a forum is pulling from several sources.

Not cheap:

https://www.lceperformance.com/Supercharger-Assembly-4-0L-1GR-FE-p/7015240.htm

Once you have the engine in, end of headache. Ever do a headgasket change on a DOHC?

I never said it was cheap other than $5k being your starting point.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ballpark-price-for-my-1st-gen.682386/#post-24058427

 

Those low priced high mileage 5.3 LS motors are the best set ups

 

A friend of mine uses junkyard 5.3 shortblocks in his drag race car . With his cyl heads , cam and turbo set up he's making 1200rwhp on 20 psi tune Not bad for a 100k mile worn out shortblock . If he blows that shortblock up hes only out $600 and back to the junkyard for another engine

 

When I put this 600hp Shafiroff 427sbc in my Camaro a few months ago my friends and I were joking around saying let's put it in my Tacoma

 

Totally would drive.

 

Soooo you're saying there is a chance.

 

Needs a better framed home.

 

Very much truth. My friend built a hyped up 350 for his 82 Pontiac Grand Prix when we were teenagers. Got it going after about $3500 and it was a fun car until everything else that hadn't been upgraded and needed to be started acting up