The cost of a 350Z LS Swap can vary depending mostly on the specific parts and labor involved.
The average cost of a 350Z LS Swap typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 or more. For example, an LS1 engine alone can cost around $2,000 to $4,000, while a professional installation can cost around $5,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the shop and location.
Here is a list of items that can be included in the overall cost of a 350Z LS Swap along with their estimated costs:
- LS engine – $2,000 to $4,000
- Transmission – $1,500 to $3,000
- Engine mounts – $200 to $500
- Wiring harness – $500 to $1,000
- ECU and tuning – $500 to $2,000
- Exhaust system – $500 to $1,500
- Cooling system upgrades – $500 to $1,000
- Fuel system upgrades – $500 to $1,500
- Driveshaft modifications – $200 to $500
- Labor costs – $5,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the shop and location.
It’s important to note that these costs are estimates and can vary widely depending on the specific parts and labor involved in the LS Swap.
Factors Affecting the Cost of an LS Swap for a 350Z
Type of LS engine and its condition
The type of LS engine and its condition can greatly affect the cost of a 350Z LS Swap. Here are some examples:
- Used LS1 engine. A used LS1 engine with higher mileage may cost around $2,000 to $3,000, while a low-mileage engine in better condition may cost around $3,000 to $4,000.
- Used LS3 engine. A used LS3 engine may cost around $4,000 to $6,000, while a new LS3 engine can cost around $6,000 to $8,000+.
- New LSX engine. A new LSX engine can cost around $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the specific engine and its features.
- Rebuilt engine. A rebuilt LS engine can cost around $3,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the specific engine and the quality of the rebuild.
- High-performance engine. A high-performance LS engine can cost around $10,000 to $20,000 or more.
| Example | Cost Range |
| Used LS1 engine (higher mileage) | $2,000 to $3,000 |
| Used LS1 engine (low mileage) | $3,000 to $4,000 |
| Used LS3 engine | $4,000 to $6,000 |
| New LS3 engine | $6,000 to $8,000 or more |
| New LSX engine | $10,000 to $15,000 or more |
| Rebuilt LS engine | $3,500 to $5,000 or more |
| High-performance LS engine | $10,000 to $20,000 or more |
Type of transmission and its condition
The type of transmission and its condition can also significantly affect the cost of a 350Z LS Swap. Here are some examples:
- Used T56 transmission: A used T56 transmission in good condition may cost around $2,000 to $3,000, while a low-mileage transmission in better condition may cost around $3,000 to $4,000.
- New T56 Magnum transmission: A new T56 Magnum transmission can cost around $3,800 to $4,500 or more.
- Automatic transmission: Converting a 350Z from manual to automatic can cost around $5,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on the specific transmission and the quality of the conversion.
- Upgraded clutch and flywheel: Upgrading to a high-performance clutch and flywheel can cost around $1,000 to $2,000 or more, depending on the specific parts.
- Rebuilt transmission: A rebuilt T56 transmission can cost around $2,500 to $3,500 or more, depending on the specific transmission and the quality of the rebuild.
Here are the same costs in a table:
| Example | Cost Range |
| Used T56 transmission (good condition) | $2,000 to $3,000 |
| Used T56 transmission (low mileage) | $3,000 to $4,000 |
| New T56 Magnum transmission | $3,800 to $4,500 or more |
| Automatic transmission conversion | $5,000 to $6,000 or more |
| Upgraded clutch and flywheel | $1,000 to $2,000 or more |
| Rebuilt T56 transmission | $2,500 to $3,500 or more |
Type of engine mounts needed
Here are some examples of the of engine mounts needed:
- Off-the-shelf engine mounts: Using pre-made engine mounts that are readily available can cost around $200 to $500, depending on the specific mounts and the quality.
- Custom engine mounts: $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on the specific fabrication work and the quality.
- Swap kit: Purchasing a complete swap kit that includes engine mounts and other necessary components can cost around $1,000 to $2,000 or more, depending on the specific kit and the quality.
- Adapters: $500 to $1,000 or more.
- Solid mounts: Upgrading to solid engine mounts instead of using traditional rubber mounts can cost around $100 to $300 or more.
| Example | Cost Range |
| Off-the-shelf engine mounts | $200 to $500 or more |
| Custom engine mounts | $500 to $1,500 or more |
| Swap kit | $1,000 to $2,000 or more |
| Adapters | $500 to $1,000 or more |
| Solid mounts | $100 to $300 or more |
Type of wiring harness and its condition
Here are some examples of wiring with the costs:
- Modified stock harness: $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the specific modifications needed and the quality of the work.
- Standalone wiring harness: $700 to $1,500+.
- New OEM wiring harness: Replacing the existing wiring harness with a new OEM wiring harness can cost around $500 to $1,000 or more.
- Repairing damaged wiring harness: $100 to $500 or more, depending on the extent of the damage and the quality of the repair.
- Upgraded wiring harness: $1,000 to $2,000+.
Type of ECU and tuning needed
The type of ECU and tuning needed can also affect the cost of a 350Z LS Swap. Here are some examples:
- Stock ECU tuning: $500 to $1,000+
- Standalone ECU: $1,000 to $2,000+
- Custom tuning: $500 to $1,000+
- Engine management system: $1,000 to $3,000+
- Dyno tuning: $500 to $1,000+
Type of exhaust system desired
Here are some examples of exhaust system types with costs:
- Custom exhaust: $500 to $1,500+.
- Off-the-shelf exhaust: $500 to $1,000+
- Axle-back exhaust: $200 to $500+
- Cat-back exhaust: $500 to $1,000+
- Headers and exhaust: $1,000 to $3,000+
Type of cooling system upgrades needed
A few examples of the costs relating to cooling systems:
- Radiator: Upgrading the radiator to a larger unit that can handle the increased heat generated by the LS engine can cost around $200 to $500 or more.
- Fans: Installing electric fans to improve cooling can cost around $100 to $300 or more, depending on the specific fans and the quality.
- Coolant reservoir: $50 to $100+
- Thermostat: Upgrading the thermostat to a high-flow unit can cost around $50 to $100 or more.
- Hoses and fittings: $100 to $300+.
Type of fuel system upgrades needed
The type of fuel system upgrades needed can also affect the cost of a 350Z LS Swap. Here are some examples:
- Fuel pump: $200 to $500 or more
- Fuel lines and fittings: $100 to $300+.
- Fuel pressure regulator: $50 to $100+
- Fuel injectors: $300 to $800+
- Fuel tank: $200 to $500+
Driveshaft modifications needed
Here are some examples:
- Lengthening or Shortening the Driveshaft: $100 to $300 or more.
- Balancing the Driveshaft: After modifying the driveshaft, it may need to be balanced to ensure smooth operation. Cost: $50 to $100 or more.
- Upgrading the Driveshaft: $300 to $700+
Labor costs and location of the repair shop.
Here are a few examples:
- Labor Costs: Labor costs can range from around $1,500 to $4,000 or more, depending on the specific shop, and the amount of work needed.
- Location: A shop in a major city may charge around $5,000 to $10,000 or more for a complete 350Z LS Swap, while a more rural area may charge around $3,000 to $6,000 for the same work.
- Shop Reputation: Shops with a high level of experience and expertise may charge more for their services than shops with less experience. However, going to a reputable shop can help ensure that the work is done correctly and that the car will perform as expected. For example, a highly reputable shop may charge around $5,000 to $8,000 for a complete 350Z LS Swap, while a less experienced shop may charge around $3,000 to $5,000 for the same work.
If you’re interested in swapping out the engine in your 350Z, you might also want to check out our posts about the IS300 2JZGTE swap cost and the cost to build a Honda Civic, which can give you some more ideas and inspiration for your project
Examples of IS300 2JZGTE swap with costs
Example #1: Performance-Oriented
- Used LS3 engine with 60,000 miles – $7,000
- T56 six-speed manual transmission – $3,500
- Sikky engine mounts – $500
- Wiring Specialties wiring harness – $1,000
- Standalone ECU and custom tuning – $2,500
- Upgraded exhaust system – $1,500
- Mishimoto radiator and cooling system upgrades – $1,000
- DeatschWerks fuel system upgrades – $1,500
- Driveshaft Shop aluminum driveshaft – $700
- Labor costs (40 hours at $100/hour) – $4,000
- Location of the repair shop (San Francisco Bay Area) – 10% higher than average
Total cost: $24,700
Example #2: Budget-friendly
- Used LS1 engine with 80,000 miles – $4,000
- T56 six-speed manual transmission – $3,500
- CX Racing engine mounts – $300
- Wiring Specialties wiring harness – $1,000
- HP Tuners ECU and custom tuning – $1,500
- Upgraded exhaust system – $1,000
- Koyo radiator and cooling system upgrades – $800
- AEM fuel system upgrades – $1,000
- Driveshaft Shop aluminum driveshaft – $700
- Labor costs (40 hours at $75/hour) – $3,000
- Location of the repair shop (Midwest) – Average
Total cost: $16,800
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FAQs
Is it worthwhile to perform LS swaps?
LS swaps can be a worthwhile investment for those looking to upgrade the performance of their vehicle, as the LS engine is known for its power and reliability.
Which LS exchange is the most common?
The LS3 is one of the most common LS engine swaps, as it offers an excellent balance of power and affordability.
How much horsepower does an LS produce?
The horsepower output of an LS engine can vary depending on the specific engine and modifications made, but they are known for producing significant power for their size.
What is the simplest vehicle to LS swap?
The Chevrolet S10 and GMC Sonoma are popular choices for LS swaps due to their simple design and ample engine bay space.
Is it possible to get a V8 in a 350Z?
Yes, it is possible to install a V8 engine in a 350Z through an LS swap or other engine swap methods. However, this can be a challenging and costly process, requiring significant modifications to the vehicle’s engine bay and other components.
