Engine Swap Industry

The modern V8 swap market has exploded over the past 15-20 years, driven by three dominant platforms: LS/LT (GM), Coyote/Godzilla (Ford), and Hemi/Hellcat (Mopar). Each has created its own ecosystem of parts, knowledge, and customer base.

The Three Platforms

LS/LT Series (GM) - The industry king. Compact, lightweight, cheap, massive aftermarket support. Everything from truck motors ($500 junkyard finds) to $15k+ built race engines.

Coyote/Godzilla (Ford) - Ford's answer. Coyote is DOHC, makes great power but larger/heavier than LS. Godzilla is the 7.3L truck motor gaining traction for budget builds.

Hemi/Hellcat (Mopar) - The supercharged monsters. Hellcat swaps are the "money is no object" builds - huge power but expensive and complex.

Essential Acronyms & Terms

Engine Designations

• LS - GM's Gen III/IV small block V8 family (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, LS9, LSA)
• LT - GM's Gen V small block (LT1, LT4, LT5) - direct injection, VVT
• LSX - Aftermarket performance block by GM Performance
• DOHC - Dual Overhead Cam (Coyote architecture)
• OHV - Overhead Valve (LS/Hemi pushrod design)
• VVT - Variable Valve Timing
• DI - Direct Injection
• AFM/DOD - Active Fuel Management / Displacement on Demand (cylinder deactivation - usually deleted)

Swap Components

• ECU/ECM - Engine Control Unit/Module (brain of the engine)
• TCM - Transmission Control Module
• PCM - Powertrain Control Module (combined ECU+TCM)
• BCM - Body Control Module
• K-member - Front subframe that holds engine/suspension
• Crossmember - Rear transmission support
• Header - Exhaust manifold
• ORY - Over-axle Rear-exit Y-pipe

Tuning & Electronics

• HP Tuners - Leading tuning software platform
• EFI Live - Alternative tuning software
• Holley Terminator/Dominator - Standalone ECU systems
• MAF - Mass Air Flow sensor
• MAP - Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor
• SD Tune - Speed Density tuning (MAP-based, no MAF)
• VE Table - Volumetric Efficiency table in tuning software
• WOT - Wide Open Throttle

Forced Induction

• FI - Forced Induction (turbos/superchargers)
• PSI/Boost - Pounds per square inch of boost pressure
• E85 - 85% ethanol fuel (allows more timing/boost)
• Meth/WMI - Methanol/Water-Methanol Injection
• IC - Intercooler
• FMIC - Front Mount Intercooler
• BOV - Blow-Off Valve
• Wastegate - Boost control valve on turbos

Transmission Terms

• 4L60E/4L80E - GM 4-speed automatics (60=light duty, 80=heavy duty)
• 6L80E/6L90E - GM 6-speed automatics
• T56/Magnum - Popular 6-speed manuals
• TR6060 - Heavy-duty 6-speed (Corvette/Camaro)
• TKX/TKO - Tremec 5-speed manuals
• Converter - Torque converter (automatic stall speed)

Build Terminology

• Donor - Vehicle providing the engine/trans
• Recipient/Host - Vehicle receiving the swap
• Harness - Wiring harness
• Standalone - Self-contained ECU system
• Plug-and-Play/PnP - Pre-configured, minimal modification
• OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
• OEM+ - Stock components with upgrades
• Fab - Fabrication work
• TIG/MIG - Welding types

Performance Mods

• Cam - Camshaft (massive impact on power/character)
• LSA - Lobe Separation Angle (cam timing spec)
• Duration - How long valves stay open
• Lift - How far valves open
• Heads - Cylinder heads (243, 317, LS3, LS7 are popular)
• Intake - FAST 102, LS3, LS7, etc.
• Long Block - Complete engine minus accessories
• Short Block - Block with rotating assembly, no heads
• Rotating Assembly - Crank, rods, pistons
• Stroker - Increased displacement via longer stroke

Whether you're team LS, Ford loyal, or Mopar-or-no-car, the real question isn't which platform is "best" – it's whether your swap will be done right.

At MPR Garage, we're platform agnostic but quality-obsessed.

We've built enough of each to know the pitfalls, the hidden costs, and the details that separate amateur work from professional builds. If you're ready to move past YouTube tutorials and forum arguments into actually building something that works, let's talk about your project. We'll help you choose the right platform for your goals and execute it properly from day one.