Engines That Fit My Car: Dimensions for Common Engine Swaps
Read Time: 8 minutes
Article Summary: Find dimensions and swap compatibility for popular engines like LS, HEMI, SBC and more.
What Engines Can Fit in My Car?
There are many variables that come into play when asking “What engines that fit my car?” When swapping to a more modern engine in your classic ride, especially if you opt to deviate from the manufacturer of your vehicle, having the basic engine dimensions and weights is a tremendous help. In many cases, swapping a newer V8 engine in place of your classic V8 engine is relatively easy, only requiring a few things such as engine swap mounts and engine swap headers. Popular applications will often be serviced with complete engine swap kits as well.
Where the real head scratching starts to come into play is where enthusiasts like to “cross-pollinate” one brand of vehicle with another brand’s engine. When these projects move from paper to an actual car in the shop, knowing the subject engine dimensions is critical to determining if the project can even get off the ground and move forward considering your finances, skills, and time. Dropping an LS engine into a factory V8 powered Chevelle is a heck of a lot easier, quicker, and cheaper, than attempting to drop a big block Chevy into a Ford Pinto. While we know that where there’s a will, there’s a way (and we’ve seen a few BBC-swapped Pintos in our time), the feasibility of the project and your end goals will play a significant role in whether the swap should be attempted at all. The reality is asking yourself “What engine swaps can I do?”
Engine Dimensions and Weights
Critical engine dimensions include overall length, width, and height. You will find that this can vary depending on the application the engine is sourced from, and any aftermarket changes applied to the engine (serpentine conversion kit replacing old V-belts/pulleys for example). Often a truck application will differ from a car application as far as accessory drive, oil pan, intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, and sometimes even the valve covers. This is especially true with LS engine block dimensions, as there have been three different accessory drive depths used.
Some engine dimensions and weights will change based on option packages (aluminum vs iron block, factory tube headers vs iron manifolds, etc.). However, both engine dimensions and weights can be adjusted via the use of aftermarket parts. A small block Chevy with factory long water pump and accessories can be easily converted to a short water pump with compact serpentine drive, saving several inches off the overall length of the engine for example. This is why the engine dimensions and weights provided in the following engine dimensions chart and engine subsections should be used with the thought that these are approximate dimensions and can vary by specific vehicle model and year the engine is sourced from.
V8 Dimensions
Obviously, you’re going to have an easier time fitting some engines into specific vehicles. Classic pickup trucks come to mind with their large, expansive engine bays providing plenty of room for just about any engine you can think of swapping. Conversely, the smaller you go vehicle wise the more critical the engine dimensions and weights become. Any small car like a Ford Maverick, a Chevy Monza, an old MGB (hey, whatever floats your boat!) means measuring twice and cutting once if any cutting is required. As we said earlier, these engine dimensions and weights were taken from specific applications (noted in the chart) but will help you to determine just how much of a headache your engine swap might be.
Don’t forget that popular swaps, such as the ever growing LS swap, will be easier since many have gone before you in making that swap a success. This also means that your job can be made that much easier with popular LS swap components. As you travel to the fringe of the hobby with less popular engines no longer in production into vehicles not as popular, you will be doing much of the leg work alone as you pave your way to a successful engine swap. However, at the end of the day, you’ll have a unique and interesting project that is sure to turn heads and raise eyebrows as you pull into the local cruise night.
Engine Dimensions and Weights Chart
This engine dimensions chart is a handy guide to the popular swap engines mentioned throughout this article and their typical dimensions, weights, power ratings, and more. We also have a downloadable version for those that wish to keep a copy handy on their phone or shop computer.
LS Engine Dimensions
LS1 Dimensions
- Height: 28.0 inches
- Length: 29.5 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 430-460 pounds
- Horsepower: 305-350+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.7
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 346
- Based on Vehicle Type: Chevrolet Corvette C5 (1997-2004)
LS2 Dimensions
- Height: 28.0 inches
- Length: 29.5 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 415-440 pounds
- Horsepower: 400-425+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 6.0
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 364
- Based on Vehicle Type: Chevrolet Corvette C6 (2005-2007)
LS3 Dimensions
- Height: 28.0 inches
- Length: 29.5 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 415-440 pounds
- Horsepower: 430-480+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 6.2
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 376
- Based on Vehicle Type: Chevrolet Camaro SS (2010-2015)
LS7 Dimensions
- Height: 28.0 inches
- Length: 29.5 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 475-505 pounds
- Horsepower: 505-750+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 7.0
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 427
- Based on Vehicle Type: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2006-2013)
LS9 Dimensions
- Height: 28.0 inches
- Length: 29.5 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 475-505 pounds
- Horsepower: 635+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 6.2
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 376
- Based on Vehicle Type: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2009-2013)
5.3 LS Engine Dimensions
LM7 Engine
- Height: 34.0 inches
- Length: 30.0 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 440-460 pounds
- Horsepower: 270-300+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.3
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 325
- Based on Vehicle Type: GM Truck's and SUV's (1999-2007)
LM4 Engine
- Height: 34.0 inches
- Length: 30.0 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 440-460 pounds
- Horsepower: 290-310+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.3
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 325
- Based on Vehicle Type: GM Truck's and SUV's (2003-2006)
LS Weight
The LS is one of the unique engines on this list of popular engine swap candidates that comes from the factory in both aluminum and iron engine block configurations (all with aluminum heads/timing cover/water pump). While you may find some exceptions, for the most part GM put the iron blocks in trucks and heavy duty applications, while the aluminum blocks were used in performance applications like Camaro and Corvette (just to name two). While there are different versions of both the aluminum and iron blocks, and even aftermarket blocks with beefier construction, you will find that the aluminum version of any LS engine displacement is going to run 80-100 pounds lighter than its cast iron counterpart. Many are quick to jump on the aluminum block offerings for the lighter weight, which is something you can feel in small/light vehicles, but many LS fans will tell you not to count the cast iron block out if you’re planning on big power, since the iron block is much stronger.
Small Block Chevy Dimensions
Chevy 350 Dimensions
- Height: 28.0 inches
- Length: 30.0 inches
- Width: 26.0 inches
- Weight: 550-600 pounds
- Horsepower: 145-370+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.7
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 350
- Based on Vehicle Type: Chevrolet Camaro (1970-1981)
Chevy 350 Weight
The standard small block Chevy weight listed above is for a factory engine with cast iron cylinder heads, exhaust manifolds, and intake manifold. You can easily drop 60-80 pounds or more using aluminum heads, aluminum intake manifold, and light weight tubular steel headers. For most small block Chevy engines, you can often come in anywhere from 450-475 pounds dry weight fully dressed with light weight components replacing the factory cast iron and steel components on the engine.
LS vs SBC Dimensions
When the LS engine was under development part of the dimensional restrictions of the new engine was that it would need to be relatively compact ands similar to the outgoing Gen 2 small block Chevy it was replacing. To that end, when you compare the LS height, length, and width to the SBC you will see that the height is the same for more LS iterations, with a few versions being taller (mostly truck engines). The length is the same at 30 inches (again, with a few versions coming in just shy at 29.50 inches in length). Lastly is width, with the LS engine coming in roughly two inches narrower than its older sibling. It is easy to see why the LS swap has been so popular in classic GM vehicles that came with some form of SBC from the factory. Other than engine mounts/adapters, and a few other items, the LS is darn near a drop in for anything that was originally powered by a small block Chevy.
Big Block Chevy Dimensions
454 Dimensions
- Height: 28.0 inches
- Length: 32.0 inches
- Width: 34.0 inches
- Horsepower: 230-450+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 7.4
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 454
- Weight: 700-750 pounds
- Based on Vehicle Type: Chevrolet C10 (1973-1974)
454 Weight vs 350
When you think big block Chevy you think heavy, right? That’s a big cast iron lump sitting on the frame rails at roughly 600 to 750 pounds. When you consider that a small block Chevy comes in at 530-650 pounds in factory optioned form, the difference is only 70-100 pounds. With today’s aftermarket options, such as aluminum heads and intake manifold, you can easily bring your BBC’s weight down to match, if not better, the weight of a stock 350 SBC. That’s a lot of displacement and performance for little weight penalty; if any at all!
Ford Engine Dimensions
289 Dimensions
- Height: 27.5 inches
- Length: 29.5 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 450-500 pounds
- Horsepower: 140-270+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 4.7
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 289
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ford Mustang (1965-1966)
Ford 302 Dimensions
- Height: 27.5 inches
- Length: 29.5 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 475-525 pounds
- Horsepower: 140-290+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.0
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 302
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ford Mustang (1967-1969)
351W Dimensions
- Height: 29.0 inches
- Length: 29.5 inches
- Width: 26.0 inches
- Weight: 525-550 pounds
- Horsepower: 250-385+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.8
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 351
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ford Mustang (1968-1970)
302 vs 351 Weight
When it comes to small block Ford engines, many enthusiasts think that if 302 cubic inches is good, the 49 additional cubes offered by the 351 Windsor is better, and rightfully so. Unlike some corporate engine families that have larger displacement in the same block casting, Ford opted to create a completely new casting for the 351 Windsor displacement. While it may “look” like its 302 counterparts, the block has an inch taller deck height and beefed up casting areas. This additional gray iron, combined with the 351’s larger crankshaft, means the 351 Windsor is roughly 50 pounds heavier.
This means that to fit the 351 Windsor in place of a 302 you will have to answer to the block’s additional height and width from the 1-inch taller deck along with factoring in the additional weight. In tight engine bays like the 1965-1966 Mustang, a better alternative many consider is a 302-based stroker kit or complete crate engine. This provides similar displacement to the 351 (usually in the 347-349ci range) without the fitment hassles or additional weight. That said, you can easily reach base 302 engine weight on your 351 Windsor by simply upgrading the iron heads to aluminum heads. Then you only have to worry about the taller deck height and increased width it brings to the party.
Ford 460 Dimensions
- Height: 30.0 inches
- Length: 34.0 inches
- Width: 30.0 inches
- Weight: 690-730 pounds
- Horsepower: 250-385+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 7.5
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 460
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ford Full-size (1972-1978)
390 Motor Dimensions
- Height: 29.0 inches
- Length: 32.0 inches
- Width: 27.0 inches
- Weight: 625-650 pounds
- Horsepower: 265-400+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 6.4
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 390
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ford Trucks (1968-1975)
Ford Y-Block Dimensions
- Height: 27.0 inches
- Length: 30.0 inches
- Width: 27.0 inches
- Weight: 580-640 pounds
- Horsepower: 210-245+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.1
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 312
- Based on Vehicle Type: Mercury Full-size (1956-1959)
Ford Flathead V8 Dimensions
- Height: 26.0 inches
- Length: 30.0 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 450-500 pounds
- Horsepower: 95-100+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 3.9
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 239
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ford (1939-1948)
Ford Modular Engine Dimensions
5.0 Coyote Dimensions
- Height: 27.0 inches
- Length: 28.5 inches
- Width: 30.0 inches
- Weight: 575-600 pounds
- Horsepower: 412-480+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.0
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 302
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ford Mustang (2011-2014)
Ford 4.6 Engine Dimensions
- Height: 26.0 inches
- Length: 29.0 inches
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Weight: 575-625 pounds
- Horsepower: 190-320+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 4.6
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 281
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ford Mustang (1996-2004)
Ford 5.4 Dimensions
- Height: 28.0 inches
- Length: 30.0 inches
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Weight: 480-530 pounds
- Horsepower: 260-550+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.4
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 329
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ford F150 (2004-2008)
Mopar Engine Dimensions
Hellcat Hemi Dimensions
- Height: 29.5 inches
- Length: 29.0 inches
- Width: 29.0 inches
- Weight: 620-670 pounds
- Horsepower: 690-730+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 6.2
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 376
- Based on Vehicle Type: Dodge Challenger Hellcat (2015-Present)
Gen 3 5.7 Hemi Dimensions
- Height: 27.0 inches
- Length: 29.0 inches
- Width: 29.0 inches
- Weight: 510-550 pounds
- Horsepower: 345-395+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 5.7
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 345
- Based on Vehicle Type: Ram Truck (2003-2008)
426 Hemi Dimensions
- Height: 31.0 inches
- Length: 32.0 inches
- Width: 29.0 inches
- Weight: 690-720 pounds
- Horsepower: 420-440+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 7.0
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 426
- Based on Vehicle Type: Plymouth Road Runner (1968-1971)
Jeep 4.0 Engine Dimensions
- Height: 28.5 inches
- Length: 27.5 inches
- Width: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 470-500 pounds
- Horsepower: 185-200+ HP
- Engine Displacement (Liters): 4.0
- Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches): 242
- Based on Vehicle Type: Jeep Wrangler (1991-1995)
We know there are many other engines, including rare classics like the classic 392 Hemi to the latest modern engines like Ford’s 7.3L “Godzilla” V8 found in Super Duty pickups that are gaining interest for engine swaps. To that end, we have created this second engine dimensions and weights chart for these additional engines of interest. Again, we have a downloadable version for those that wish to keep a copy handy on their phone or shop computer.
How Long Does Engine Swap Take?
Engine swaps vary in complexity, which can make providing an estimate of time difficult. Popular engine swaps with a lot of aftermarket support will obviously take less time than an older engine going into a more obscure chassis. In general terms, you should be able to perform the typical engine swap in a weekend, provided you have the supporting engine swap mounts, exhaust headers or manifolds, and other bits to get the engine secured. You may not have the vehicle running and driving that weekend, but we feel confident that you’ll be fairly close to it unless you’re building something exotic like a turbocharged LS with aftermarket EFI system.
The more complicated the swap, or the more out of favor the engine or chassis that is being used, means more time will be needed to accurately measure clearances, fabricate mounts, and more to complete the swap. This is where engine dimensions and weights are more critical. One extremely helpful tool for these build types is our line of mock up blocks. These mock up blocks allow you to determine if the engine will fit at all, acting as a “go/no go gauge,” and provide assistance with exact placement of the engine in your chassis so that mounts can be fabricated and other bolt on items like exhaust, accessory drives, and more will clear.
Most Popular Engine Swap
While we have tried to cover the many interests in engine swaps we see from our customers, we know that there will always be an interesting one-off opportunity out there that someone will latch on to. An old Cadillac V-16 in a 1937 Dodge? Sure, it can happen with enough skill and time. However, many will opt to go the simple route with an LS swap, and we can’t say we blame them either when the question comes up about “What engine can I put in my car?” The LS engine has been the engine to swap for several decades now and has been found in everything from GM and Ford hot rods, muscle cars, and trucks, to kit cars and other replicas.
It’s vast aftermarket support makes most LS swaps a weekend bolt-in project that only requires some hand tools. The LS makes a great solution for those “fringe” builds too, but in those cases, you’ll certainly need to pay more attention to the LS block dimensions and one of the best ways to do that is with our bolt together LS mock up block. In just a few minutes you’ll be able to confirm fitment and engine placement so you can get to work completing your swap.
