How Much Does An Ls Motor Weigh

How Much Does an LS Motor Weigh? A Comprehensive Guide

The weight of an LS motor is a common question among car enthusiasts, and the answer isn't a simple number. The weight varies significantly depending on several factors. This guide will break down the influencing factors and provide you with a better understanding of what to expect.

Factors Affecting LS Engine Weight

Several key factors influence the final weight of your LS engine. Understanding these will help you get a more precise estimate for your specific setup.

Specific LS Engine Variant:

This is the biggest factor. The LS family is vast, encompassing numerous variations like the LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, and many more. Each has different displacements, internal components, and casting materials, leading to considerable weight differences. For example, an aluminum block LS1 will be lighter than a cast-iron block LS engine of a similar displacement.

Transmission:

The transmission you pair with your LS motor adds considerable weight to the overall package. Automatic transmissions are generally heavier than manual transmissions. The specific type of automatic or manual transmission also influences the total weight.

Accessories:

The weight of accessories attached to the engine significantly impacts the overall weight. These accessories include:

• Alternator: Heavier duty alternators will naturally weigh more.
• Power Steering Pump: Similar to the alternator, the size and type will influence weight.
• Air Conditioning Compressor: This is a substantial component, adding considerable weight.
• Intake Manifold: Material and design impact the weight.
• Exhaust Manifolds: Material (cast iron vs. stainless steel) will influence the weight significantly.

Added Components:

Any additional components such as brackets, covers, sensors, wiring harnesses, and fluids all contribute to the total weight of the engine and transmission assembly. Custom modifications further impact the overall weight.

Average Weight Ranges for LS Engines

While precise weights are difficult to state without knowing the exact configuration, here are some general weight ranges to give you a better idea:

• Bare Block (Aluminum): Around 150-200 lbs
• Complete LS Engine (Aluminum Block, Minimal Accessories): Approximately 400-500 lbs
• Complete LS Engine with Accessories (Aluminum Block): Around 500-600 lbs
• Complete LS Engine & Transmission (Aluminum Block): Can range from 600 lbs to over 800 lbs depending on the transmission.

These are estimations, and the actual weight can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

How to Determine the Precise Weight of Your LS Engine

The most accurate way to know the weight of your specific LS engine setup is to weigh it yourself using a reliable scale capable of handling heavy loads. If you're planning an engine swap, contacting the supplier and requesting the weight of your specific engine/transmission combo is advisable.

Remember to factor in the weight of any additional components when planning your project. Accurate weight estimations are crucial for proper chassis balancing, suspension tuning, and overall vehicle performance.