I have to admit that I actually do like import cars. Not the new imports, but rather some of the pre-1980s stuff especially if it is and LS Swap. Did you know that back then a Corolla was rear wheel drive? And did you know it could come with a cool hemi headed 4 cylinder that revved to like 9,000? Well they did, but I don’t care about that little 4 bangers. I do care about the fact that the Toyota and Datsun battle for American respect was hot and heavy in the 1970s when the gas crunch was going down. That’s when the little Toyota Corolla and Datsun B210 were selling well because of their good gas mileage. Honda was around then too, and we would approve of an Accord rear wheel drive swap. But that’s a much bigger job than stuffing an LS into a Corolla or B210. Or maybe not, who knows.
What we do know is that either of these cars would be cool with an LS Swap. We’re certain of it.
We’ve seen examples of both, but very infrequently in comparison to other Toyota and Datsun platforms. The Toyota Supra has had plenty of LS love, and Datsun’s 240/260/280 platform has had almost as many swaps as the Nissan 240 platform. The point is this isn’t anything new but the older models are certainly a bigger challenge and therefore of more interest to us.
But what do you think?
If you were going to do an LS Swap in a compact import, that was built before say 1980, what would it be? Feel free to share your suggestions with us, we’ll take them.
But if you don’t have another idea, then give us your opinion on whether you would go Corolla or B210? I think if it were me I would look for a wagon, since I like little station wagons. My initial pull is towards the Toyota, since my dad worked for them back in the 1970s, but the Datsun is cool too.
What do you think?
Actually was thinking LS for my tube frame MGB when its sbc went bad, really would of been more practical then the aluminum rod, roller cam, high compression gen 1 sbc (got a VERY good deal on the race type engine) I ended up putting in it. Still might end up with a LS type someday
The Datsun B210 is good but rather would do a LS transplant into a 510. Paint it in the famed BRE colors and rule the track!
I’d send them all to the crusher before I’d put an LS in them! Hell, I’d send a ’63 Mopar lightweight to the crusher before I’d put an LS in it!
Mazda REPU but with an LS4 in the back. Like Roadkill
The little classic Toyota quad headlamp pickup would feel my heavy handed touch.
I’d slot a Ford Cammer into that little Datsun, then open the hood and watch all those LS pests writhe around in anger until their tiny brains exploded!
LS3 into whatever Geordie has just because
LWB FJ45. Preferably one of the Diesel Canadian versions. Complete with a Jeep grill!! NICEJP on the license plate.
I’d put a LS in the rear tray of a Hilux. That way it’s easier to offload it at the scrap yard
So many great uses for LS engines. I’d go with a 510 Wagon, a 240Z, and a 2zj Supra, for the Honda S600 you have to go with one of those trick Hyabusa V8s.
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Datsun 620 “bullet side” pickup. Done as a 70’s street freak, with a tube axle in front and Pro Tracs sticking out tbe bed sides. Tunnel rammed 6.0, similar to the Cougar at this year’s show.
I put a 350 out of a 69 Camaro with a 4sp in a 74 Datsun 610 about 30+yrs ago.
Took 2weeks and $1000 and instant wheelie freakin\’ machine.
How about an LS powered Triumph TR7? Sure, you could put a Land Rover mill in there to roll your own TR8, but with a little more effort you could get a lot more power.