DIY LS swap questions
#11
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
6.0 only comes cast iron. 6.2 is aluminum and is in many vehicles. See below. In terms of introduction it goes L92, L9H, and L94. I just took a glance through car-part and to get something you would feel good about, you are looking at around $6k-$7k for the engine and trans. I'd say $7k if you are risk averse. Then you are into the Motech kit for $5200. The LS swap is more complex than a Hemi and I just can't see going it yourself and I don't think Motech has the time to break up kits (or desire). Then you have exhaust, radiator, and misc. I'd say plan $14k for a 6.2L swap.
And this is when the Hemi starts to sound way better. Power is nearly the same. Engine is much cheaper. You can get away without buying a kit. I know some guys on JKO that did hemi swaps for $8k, but noted that if done again, they could do it for $6k. That does not include the sale of your engine and trans. Downside for you auto trans guys is that the 545RFE trans is not as good as the what the LS offers. Now, the 2012+ autos with some secret sauce, are supposed to be sweet. Or, you can grab one out of an SRT. However, I am not sure if it is possible to use those in a pre-2012...
Applications:
2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade (L9H for MY 2009, L94 for MY 2010-2013)
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
2007-2013 GMC Yukon Denali/Denali XL
2007-2013 GMC Sierra Denali
2008-2009 Hummer H2
2009-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (as RPO code L9H)
2009-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 (as RPO code L9H)
And this is when the Hemi starts to sound way better. Power is nearly the same. Engine is much cheaper. You can get away without buying a kit. I know some guys on JKO that did hemi swaps for $8k, but noted that if done again, they could do it for $6k. That does not include the sale of your engine and trans. Downside for you auto trans guys is that the 545RFE trans is not as good as the what the LS offers. Now, the 2012+ autos with some secret sauce, are supposed to be sweet. Or, you can grab one out of an SRT. However, I am not sure if it is possible to use those in a pre-2012...
Applications:
2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade (L9H for MY 2009, L94 for MY 2010-2013)
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
2007-2013 GMC Yukon Denali/Denali XL
2007-2013 GMC Sierra Denali
2008-2009 Hummer H2
2009-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (as RPO code L9H)
2009-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 (as RPO code L9H)
Im thinking of looking to maybe get a complete 6.2 truck and part it out, that might be the best way to fund this. What rear axle are these suvs or silverados running?
#12
Super Moderator
Subd with 130k on my 3.8, still running like a top.
#13
JK Junkie
So I guess for a 6.2 I would be looking at around $10-14 depending on how cheap I can get parts, the 6.0 would only be a couple thousand less. I can get some parts at wholesale, but not many. Im thinking of looking to maybe get a complete 6.2 truck and part it out, that might be the best way to fund this. What rear axle are these suvs or silverados running?
#14
LS2 found in the Trail Blazer SS is a 6.0 aluminum block as is the L76 found in 07-09 Silverados which do have a desirable axle when looking at the HD gas 2500s. Only thing I am not 100% sure of is if the L76 is the same motor that the 2500 HD gas has. If it is, then that would be and ideal donor.
Ok after further digging, based on these two pages, the 2009 Gas 2500 HD is a winner as it will have an aluminum block and the desired AAM 10.5 14 bolt in the back.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_sma...engine#6.0_L_2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevro...2.80.932013.29
Ok after further digging, based on these two pages, the 2009 Gas 2500 HD is a winner as it will have an aluminum block and the desired AAM 10.5 14 bolt in the back.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_sma...engine#6.0_L_2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevro...2.80.932013.29
Last edited by TOTL Innovations; 12-28-2015 at 10:19 AM.
#15
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
LS2 found in the Trail Blazer SS is a 6.0 aluminum block as is the L76 found in 07-09 Silverados which do have a desirable axle when looking at the HD gas 2500s. Only thing I am not 100% sure of is if the L76 is the same motor that the 2500 HD gas has. If it is, then that would be and ideal donor.
Ok after further digging, based on these two pages, the 2009 Gas 2500 HD is a winner as it will have an aluminum block and the desired AAM 10.5 14 bolt in the back.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_sma...engine#6.0_L_2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevro...2.80.932013.29
Ok after further digging, based on these two pages, the 2009 Gas 2500 HD is a winner as it will have an aluminum block and the desired AAM 10.5 14 bolt in the back.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_sma...engine#6.0_L_2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevro...2.80.932013.29