LS1 240SX swaps are definitely not the new kid on the engine swapping block. These days it seems as though everyone and their second cousins is putting a LS1 into a different or wilder chassis. And to be clear the term LS1 in our guides always refers to the GEN III GM engine, because who wants to pay upwards of $3000 dollars for a true 5.7 LS1 engine?
Budget LS1 240SX swaps are everywhere because the GEN III generation of GM small block is everywhere. Trucks, vans, and cars all share many different shapes and forms of this engine, many of which can be had for well under $1000 dollars. Power for pennies indeed.
But because of the many variations of this fantastic engine, there’s a lot of misinformation and conflicting facts about what really goes into one of these engine swaps. This is what our definitive LS1 240SX Swap guide is for, to be a complete walkthrough handbook for you to start and complete your LS1 swap dreams.
John Huh
Owner
LS1 240SX Swap Guide
What is the LS1?
The LS1 is one of the most versatile V8 configurations from Chevy which made its first appearance in the F body vehicles (1998-2001 Camaro, Firebird, TransAm) and is also found in the Corvette, giving Chevy an excellent powerplant to base an entire generation of performance vehicles.
This remarkable small block easily achieved Chevy’s goals for both power and torque. For the model year 1997 generated 354 hp at 5600 rpm 350 foot-pounds of torque at 4400 rpm. comparing these numbers the 1986 LT1, and one can easily see the increases power over 15%, peak torque over 5% all while reducing weight by 12%.
Learn GM Speak - RPO and You
Locate your GEN III engine of choice, and it doesn't have to be one from a Camaro or Corvette. The term LS1 may mean the 5.7 liter engine, but really any number of differently sized GM engines apply for this LS1 240SX Swap Guide.
Engines like the LM7 or LR4 and many many more can be had for a _fraction_of the cost for a true LS1 engine. Any number of these budget LS1 engines can put you in the 340 wheel horsepower range, which is pretty good for your Nissan 240SX.
What is RPO?
The identification code is known as the GM RPO or the engine code of the specific model in question, and because it is so varied it is more reasonably priced.
You do not require a LS1 swap to achieve your goals, LQ9's and LM4 engines can be found relatively cheaper for those wanting to maximize the bang for the buck.
Translating the GM RPO - What the terms LS1, LS6, LQ9, LY2 mean
Want more information on budget GM GEN III engines that make for perfect swap candidates? Many people like to look down at the smaller GEN III GM engines but they are a bit off base if you really consider the logic. Using a more common engine like the LR4 can be done cheaply and the surplus of money can either go towards your build or you can just pocket it.
It’s the smallest GM engine at 4.8 liters and it’s a pretty common LS1 240SX swap to be honest. Almost 300 cu the LR4 can put down around 250-265 wheel horsepower in stock form and up to 300 ft lbs of torque. In your Nissan 240SX that’s a pretty good “stock” engine that you can build around.
Want a turbo LS1 swap or supercharged one? Look into the iron cast 6.0 liter LQ9 that belts out 345 hp and 380 ft lbs off the assembly line and can handle the boosted LS1 you want. The hypereutectic pistons should be upgraded for any turbo application that exceeds 9 psi, but the small block Chevy isn’t exactly rocket science.
Swap upgraded pistons and rods using the money you saved versus buying a true 5.7 liter LS1 engine, and maybe throw a cam in there for good measure. There’s lots of different builds and ways you can produce serious horsepower with this small block, which is great because it doesn’t look like the LS1 swap is going anywhere anytime soon.
Have any swaps tips you want to share? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
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