Engine Swap Specialists for Classic Cars in Las Vegas

Table of Contents

  1. Why Choose an Engine Swap?
  2. Popular Swap Options
  1. Las Vegas-Specific Considerations
  2. Our Engine Swap Process
  3. 1. Vision Session & Platform Assessment
  4. 2. Engine & Component Selection
  5. 3. Fabrication & Mounting
  6. 4. Wiring & ECU Integration
  7. 5. Cooling, Fuel & Exhaust Integration
  8. 6. Dyno Tuning & Road-Test
  9. 7. Delivery & Owner Training
  10. Supporting Upgrades
  11. Cost, Timeline & Financing
  12. Service Areas We Cover
  13. Frequently Asked Questions
  14. Ready to Transform Your Classic?

Why Choose an Engine Swap?

Modern engine swaps offer compelling advantages over rebuilding a decades-old factory motor:

  • Reliability & Parts Availability
    Modern engines like the LS and Coyote are mass-produced, with abundant aftermarket support for components, tuning, and rebuilds.
  • Performance Gains
    Stock small-blocks often made 200–300 hp; basic LS swaps start in the 350–400 hp range, with headroom for 500+ hp builds.
  • Fuel Injection & EFI
    EFI prevents vapor lock and cold-start issues common in carbureted classics—crucial under Summerlin’s heat and monsoon humidity.
  • Emissions & Smog Compliance
    Factory-controlled ECUs with O₂ sensors and catalytic converters can be integrated to meet Nevada smog regulations.
  • Resale Value
    Quality restomods with documented swaps command premium prices in the Las Vegas collector market.

Popular Swap Options

Chevy LS-Series Swaps

The GM LS engine family is the gold standard for classic-car restomods:

  • LS1 (5.7 L, ~350 hp)
  • LS3 (6.2 L, ~430 hp)
  • LQ4/LQ9 (6.0 L truck blocks, cast-iron for strength)

Benefits: lightweight aluminum blocks, vast aftermarket of headers/intakes, proven durability to 500+ hp.
Explore our full service: LS Engine Swaps

Ford Coyote Swaps

Ford’s 5.0 L Coyote DOHC V8 brings modern power to vintage Fords:

  • 460 hp / 420 lb-ft stock output
  • Aluminum block/heads and high-flow intake
  • OEM ECU & CAN-bus integration

Ideal for Mustangs, F-100s, and Ford-powered resto-mods: Coyote Engine Swaps

Crate & Custom Engine Packages

For turnkey reliability, we source from Ford Performance and GM crate lines:

  • GM Performance Parts Crate Motors with break-in warranties
  • Ford Voodoo & Modular Crate Engines
  • Custom Built Engines hand-assembled and blueprinted in our machine shop

Discuss options at our: Consultation


Las Vegas-Specific Considerations

  1. Extreme Heat (100–115 °F)
    → High-capacity radiators, dual SPAL fans, and heat-rated hoses prevent boil-over.
  2. Desert Dust & Sand
    → Dry-element cold-air intakes with pre-filters block contaminants from clogging the engine.
  3. Elevation (~2,000 ft)
    → Dyno calibrations include barometric correction to recover lost sea-level power.
  4. Traffic & Grades
    → Modern transmissions with overdrive gears improve highway cruising and fuel economy.

Our Engine Swap Process

We split every project into seven clear steps, ensuring transparency and quality:

1. Vision Session & Platform Assessment

  • Free In-Shop or Mobile Consult
  • Measure engine bay, crossmember, and firewall clearance
  • Define power goals, originality vs. resto-mod balance
  • Provide line-item quote and timeline

2. Engine & Component Selection

  • Choose Powerplant: crate engine, remanufactured, or used with rebuild
  • Select Accessories: intake, exhaust, alternator, power-steering pump
  • Decide Transmission: 4L60E, T56, 6L80E, manual or automatic
  • Match Torque Converter stall speed to your weight & gear ratio

3. Fabrication & Mounting

  • Custom Motor Mounts or bolt-in kits
  • Oil Pan Clearance: road or truck pan options
  • Crossmember & Driveshaft modifications or new slip-yoke eliminator
  • Header & Exhaust Fitment for minimal interference

4. Wiring & ECU Integration

  • Custom Wiring Harnesses
  • Factory or Stand-Alone ECU: Holley HP, FAST, or OEM PCM
  • Fuse Panels & Relays discreetly located
  • Gauge Integration with analog or digital dash adapters

5. Cooling, Fuel & Exhaust Integration

  • Aluminum Radiator & Dual Fans
  • In-Tank or Inline Fuel Pump (255–340 lph)
  • AN Fittings & Braided Lines for reliability
  • 3″ Exhaust with X-Pipe for optimal scavenging

6. Dyno Tuning & Road-Test

  • Chassis Dyno Calibration under Summerlin-hot conditions
  • Fuel & Spark Map Optimization with AFR and knock logging
  • Heat-Soak Testing on hot-loop runs
  • Final Validation of power curves and drivability

7. Delivery & Owner Training

  • Walk-Through of engine care, maintenance intervals
  • Provide Tune Files and support for future retunes
  • Offer Maintenance Plans for fluid changes and inspections

Supporting Upgrades

Pair your swap with complementary services for a complete restomod:

Bundle and save on labor when you combine services!


Cost, Timeline & Financing

Swap TypeParts CostLabor CostTotal RangeTimeline
Basic LS1/4L60E Swap\$6k–\$8k\$4k–\$6k\$10k–\$14k3–4 weeks
Coyote/Manual Tremec Swap\$8.5k–\$10k\$5.5k–\$7.5k\$14k–\$17.5k4–6 weeks
High-End LS7/LT4 Builds\$12k–\$15k\$7k–\$9k\$19k–\$24k6–8 weeks

Financing: 0% APR for 6 months on orders over \$5,000 via Snap Finance or Synchrony.


Service Areas We Cover

From our Las Vegas hub at 3271 S Highland Dr #709, we serve:

  • Summerlin (The Ridges, The Trails, Sun City)
  • Henderson (Green Valley, Anthem, Inspirada)
  • North Las Vegas (Aliante, Eldorado)
  • Paradise & Spring Valley (The Strip, Arts District)
  • Boulder City & Lake Mead
  • Pahrump & Sloan (mobile templating & delivery available)

Enclosed transport protects your project within 45 miles.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do you choose between an LS and a Coyote swap?
    → Consider weight, power goals, originality, and parts cost; our vision session helps you decide.
  2. Can my original transmission be retained?
    → Yes—with adapter plates, but we often recommend modern transmissions for better ratios and reliability.
  3. Will my swap pass Nevada emissions?
    → Factory-EFI engines with O₂ sensors and cats generally comply; we handle all smog prep.
  4. How much horsepower gain is typical?
    → Stock small-blocks to LS1 yield ~100–150 hp increase; Coyote swaps may double stock output vs. a tired carb engine.
  5. What maintenance does a swap require?
    → Modern engines need oil/filter every 5,000 mi, coolant every 2 yrs, spark plugs every 50,000 mi.
  6. Can you integrate a 5th-wheel or in-tank fuel pump?
    → Absolutely—we install and tune high-flow pumps with return lines for consistent pressure.
  7. What’s the first step to get started?
    Call (844) 777-1296 or book your free consultation today to discuss your dream swap.

Ready to Transform Your Classic?

Don’t let age or altitude hold back your classic. Call (844) 777-1296 or schedule your engine swap consultation now, and let 777 Motorsports turn your vintage car into a modern performance legend on Las Vegas roads.

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