The Ultimate Engine Swap Guide for Classic Cars in Las Vegas

Swapping a tired factory motor for a modern powerhouse can transform a classic car from weekend cruiser to daily-driven legend. Whether you’re dreaming of an LS V8-powered ’67 Camaro screaming down Desert Inn Rd or a Coyote-swapped ’66 F-100 cruising the Las Vegas Strip, this definitive guide breaks down everything you need to know before pulling the old lump. We’ll cover popular engines, budgeting, legalities, and why trusting 777 Motorsports can save you headaches—and a whole lot of cash.

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Table of Contents

1. Why Consider an Engine Swap?
2. Popular Engine Swap Choices
3. Budgeting Your Build
4. Planning & Parts Checklist
5. DIY vs. Professional Installation
6. Registration, Emissions & Legal Tips
7. Real-World Case Study: LS3 ’68 Chevelle
8. Complementary Upgrades for Reliability
9. Service Areas We Cover
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Ready to Start Your Engine Swap Journey?

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Why Consider an Engine Swap?

Classic cars ooze style, but their factory powerplants were never designed for 2020-plus traffic, 91-octane fuel, or mid-summer desert heat. Swapping in a modern engine offers:

• Reliability. Electronic fuel injection (EFI) eliminates cold-start carb woes on chilly Red Rock mornings.
• Power & efficiency. Gain 100–300 hp and better MPG—goodbye vapor lock, hello road trips to Havasu.
• Parts availability. Need a water pump at 10 p.m.? Local stores stock LS and Coyote accessories, not 1964-only castings.
• Future-proofing. More aftermarket support means upgrades stay affordable for decades.

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Popular Engine Swap Choices

1. LS-Series (Gen III/IV) – GM

The “Swiss Army Knife” of modern swaps. Compact size, lightweight aluminum blocks (in most trims), and insane parts availability make LS engines perfect for Chevys, Pontiacs, even Fox-body Mustangs.

• Horsepower range: 300–650+ hp
• Ideal for: GM A-bodys, Tri-Fives, C3 Corvettes
• Related service: LS Engine Swaps

2. Ford 5.0 Coyote – Gen I-IV

High-revving DOHC V8 that wakes up any blue-oval classic. Slightly wider than an LS, but custom headers and skinny shock towers fix fitment.

• Horsepower range: 435–500+ hp
• Ideal for: Early F-Series trucks, Mustangs, Falcons
• Related service: Coyote Engine Swaps

3. Gen III HEMI – Chrysler

Modern Mopar muscle with variable cam timing and stout bottom ends. Great for 1968–74 Chargers, Darts, and Road Runners.

• Horsepower range: 370–485 hp
• Ideal for: B-Body and E-Body Dodges/Plymouths

4. EcoBoost & Other Turbo Options

Smaller displacement, forced induction, and lighter weight turn classic four-banger cars into canyon-carving machines.

• Horsepower range: 270–400 hp
• Ideal for: Classic Broncos, first-gen Falcons

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Budgeting Your Build

Cost Category	Low-End DIY	Pro Install (Average)	Comments
Used Pull-Out Engine & Trans	$4,000	$4,000	Mileage 60–100 k
Rebuild or Crate Engine	$7,000	$7,000–$12,000	Warranty & zero miles
Swap Kit (Mounts, Pan, Headers)	$1,500	$1,500	Chassis-specific parts
EFI & Wiring	$1,000	$1,200	Stand-alone harness
Cooling System	$600	$800	Aluminum radiator, fans
Fuel Delivery (Pump, Lines, Tank)	$400	$600	EFI requires 58 psi
Labor	—	$5,000–$8,500	80–120 hours typical
Totals	$8–10 k	$20–25 k	LS is cheapest; HEMIs pricier

Pro Tip: Factor a 15% contingency for unexpected fab work—frame notch, driveshaft shortening, or vintage A/C clearance.

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Planning & Parts Checklist

1. Fitment Measurements – Verify engine length, width, height against firewall and crossmember.
2. Mounting Hardware – Engine mounts, transmission crossmember, and poly bushings to reduce vibration.
3. Oil Pan Clearance – Front vs. rear sump; consider steering link and k-member.
4. Headers & Exhaust – Choose chassis-specific long-tubes or mid-length for ground clearance on Tropicana Ave speed bumps.
5. Fuel System – In-tank EFI pump, -6AN lines, return-style regulator.
6. Cooling – Aluminum radiator matched to trans cooler, dual SPAL fans, steam port plumbing on LS.
7. Electronics – Stand-alone ECU, drive-by-wire pedal, OBD-II port for diagnostics.
8. Driveshaft & Axle Ratio – Shorten or lengthen shaft; match rear gears to new powerband.
9. Brakes & Suspension – Bigger power needs Brake Upgrades and Suspension Upgrades.
10. Insurance & Appraisal – Inform your insurer; engine swap raises vehicle value.

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DIY vs. Professional Installation

Pros of DIY

• Personal satisfaction and deeper understanding of your car
• Potential labor savings if you own tools and welder
• Flexibility in timeline—work nights & weekends in North Las Vegas garage

Cons of DIY

• Specialized fabrication skills required
• Mistakes (incorrect pinouts, fuel leaks) get costly fast
• No warranty on workmanship

Why Choose 777 Motorsports?

• Turnkey swaps with dyno-proven tunes
• In-house fabrication—no outsourcing, quicker turnaround
• Warranty on labor plus manufacturer warranty on parts
• Financing options for builds over $5 k
• One-stop shop for finishing touches: Interior Restorations, Vinyl Wraps, and more

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Registration, Emissions & Legal Tips

Clark County requires 1968-and-newer vehicles to pass smog. Key points:

1. OBD Readiness – Stand-alone ECU must show readiness monitors.
2. Catalytic Converters – Mandatory on swaps 1996-up; high-flow units keep horsepower while satisfying regulations.
3. Bar or Specialty Constructed Vehicle (SPCNS) Tags – If your swap radically changes displacement or fuel type, you may qualify under NV SPCNS rules.
4. VIN & Engine Numbers – Document donor engine serial number for DMV inspection.

Reminder: Our team handles paperwork, inspections, and will accompany you to the DMV if requested.

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Real-World Case Study: LS3 ’68 Chevelle

Goal: Owner wanted 500+ streetable horsepower for weekend roll-racing on Speedway Blvd. Original 396 big-block leaked oil and averaged 8 MPG.

Build Highlights

• GM Performance LS3 crate (495 hp)
• 4L80E overdrive transmission
• Holley Terminator X ECU
• Fabricated motor mounts & trans crossmember
• Aluminum radiator with dual 12-inch fans
• Stainless 3-inch exhaust with X-pipe
• Upgraded Classic Car Transmission Upgrades

Outcome

• Dyno: 452 rwhp / 430 rwtq
• 0-60 mph: 4.1 s (down from 6.8 s)
• MPG improved to 18 highway
• Passed Nevada smog with catalytic converters and O2 sensors

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Complementary Upgrades for Reliability

• Brake Upgrades – 13-inch rotors & 6-piston calipers tame added speed
• Suspension Upgrades – Coil-overs and sway bars control body roll on Summerlin Parkway
• Electrical & Lighting Upgrades – Alternator, wiring harness, LED headlights
• Wheel Upgrades – Wider rubber for traction
• Cooling Enhancements – Oil coolers and trans coolers to survive 110 °F Vegas summers

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Service Areas We Cover

We serve classic-car owners across Southern Nevada, including:

• Las Vegas – The Strip, Arts District, Summerlin
• Henderson – Green Valley, Anthem
• North Las Vegas – Aliante, Eldorado
• Boulder City
• Pahrump & Sloan

Within 45 miles of 3271 S Highland Dr #709, we offer vehicle transport, on-site evaluations, and concierge pick-up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a typical engine swap take?
   → 4–8 weeks depending on parts availability and fab work.
2. Can I keep my factory gauges?
   → Yes. We integrate factory clusters using CAN-bus adapters or custom sensor solutions.
3. Will my classic pass Nevada emissions after a swap?
   → If the new engine meets or exceeds the donor’s emissions equipment and is tuned properly—yes.
4. What transmission should I use with an LS swap?
   → 4L60E/4L80E for automatics, T56 Magnum for manuals—matched to power goals.
5. Do you offer warranty on swaps?
   → All swaps include a 12-month/12 k-mile workmanship warranty; crate engines carry manufacturer warranty.
6. Can you tune flex-fuel or E85?
   → Absolutely. We install ethanol-content sensors and multi-fuel calibrations.
7. How much does an engine swap increase my car’s value?
   → On average 25-40%, depending on quality of workmanship and supporting mods.

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Ready to Start Your Engine Swap Journey?

Give us a call at (844) 777-1296 or schedule an appointment today. Let 777 Motorsports build the ultimate powerplant for your classic car—so you can conquer Las Vegas Boulevard, Red Rock Canyon, and beyond with modern muscle under vintage steel.