Skip to main content
Tyler Hoover driving his LS-swap Porsche 911 | Hoovies Garage

This LS-Swap Porsche 911 is Either a Thing of Dreams or Nightmares

Engine swaps aren't all that unheard of in the car world, but a mid-engine swap is a bit trickier. Throwing an LS into a car that is designed to be mid-engine can lead to a fun driving experience with exceptional weight balance and a boost in performance from a rather capable and popular engine choice.

It isn’t unheard of to see a vehicle with a factory engine swapped out for an LS engine — in fact, it seems to be the joke in most car communities regardless of car type or style, often with the social media hashtag #lsswaptheworld. LS engines are common, with a wide community for support and customization, which is just one of the many reasons any vehicle owner would choose to make the conversion — which can be expensive, time-consuming, and require plenty of custom fabrication. Regardless of the work put in, people either love a car that has been LS-swapped, or they hate it, and that divide couldn’t be any more true for this LS-swapped Porsche 911.

What it takes to LS-swap a Porsche 911

Tyler Hoover driving his LS-swap Porsche 911 | Hoovies Garage
Tyler Hoover driving his LS-swap Porsche 911 | Hoovies Garage

LS-swapping, meaning you put an LS motor more commonly found in a Chevrolet Corvette as well as several other muscle cars and the like, isn’t as simple in a Porsche 911 as it may be in some other vehicles. If you haven’t guessed why, it’s because LS engines are traditionally front-mounted, whereas Porsche 911 engines are mounted behind the seats and cabin space. LS engines are a good candidate for swapping out OEM motors because they are inexpensive to build and modify, easier to work on than most European engines, and you can readily find parts and customizations.

Porsche fans probably hate it

Unlike the tuner car scene, Porsche fans tend to be more on the purist side of the fence, opting for OEM parts and factory-grade replacements unless it comes to modifying and upgrading their vehicles. LS swaps are often times interesting but can also be controversial, as most modifications don’t increase the value of your car, and oftentimes replacing an entire engine with a non-VIN matching engine can diminish the value significantly. Some Porche fanatics might even argue that this ‘ruins’ the Porsche experience, but LS fans and custom car lovers have to admit that the vehicle itself is rather neat.

What is it like to drive an LS-swap Porsche 911?

Regardless of your personal preference, you’re probably curious as to what driving an LS-swap Porsche 911 is actually like. With the mid-engine placement, the weight distribution of this Porsche is just as great as ever, making it capable of handling hard corners and turns with expertise regardless of power. Luckily, Tyler Hoover takes us on a spirited ride along in this video (below), reminding us that the car is incredibly loud and hot, considering there is no air conditioning. Regardless, it seems like Tyler is having the time of his life, so whether you love the idea of an LS swap Porsche 911 or not, it surely does look like a thrilling driving experience.

Related

The LS Days are Gone – Do the Tesla Swap