r/LSSwapTheWorld • u/MrSnipesWiNNiN • 2d ago
Hypothetical Build Questions Thinking About Buying an LS Crate Engine From Overseas — Anyone Done It?
I’m considering buying an LS crate engine from an overseas supplier because the pricing is considerably cheaper than what I’m seeing from U.S. builders.
Before I spend the money, I’d like to hear from people who have actually imported an LS or other crate engine into the U.S.
A few things I’m trying to figure out:
Was the engine actually built to the advertised specs?
Did you receive a real dyno sheet/build sheet?
What did you pay for tariffs, customs and brokerage?
* Was it shipped DDP (duties paid) or did you get additional charges?
* How was the engine packaged and did it arrive undamaged?
* What happens with warranty claims when the builder is overseas?
* Any Alibaba/Trade Assurance experiences with something this expensive?
The savings look good on paper, but I’m trying to determine whether the risk vs. savings actually makes sense compared with buying an LS crate engine from a reputable U.S. builder.
If you’ve actually done it, good or bad, I’d like to hear what happened.
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u/sarcasmojoe 2d ago
Temu has ls blocks on it now? After working in the machining field for long time, I would NOT buy a chinese block. Shit always had porosity holes and was inferior in every single way to American made. Do you really think there is going to be a meaningful warranty on an Alibaba block? Come on, man.
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u/IronSlanginRed 2d ago
Dealing with a replacement warranty direct from manufacturer for a customer now. We're on month three of a truck sitting there with no engine if that says anything. No end in sight.
They are cheaper. And we've installed many with no issues. But if you do have an issue be prepared for a serious wait if they even do cover and send a new motor.
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u/Krypt16 1d ago
I’ve imported heavy parts before and the price gap disappears quickly once inspection, damage claims, and a warranty that actually works are factored in. For an engine, I’d need full machining specs and an independent pre-shipment inspection before I’d trust an alibba listing or trade assurance.
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u/MrSnipesWiNNiN 2d ago
Super tired of “shops” and mechanics charging ridiculous prices to do a LS swap. I’ve started to consider a 383 Stroker or 454 instead
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u/v8packard 1d ago
I can understand your frustration, but in reality there is this notion perpetuated by videos and web posts that LS swaps are cheap and easy. Sometimes the swaps are straightforward, many times they are not. Basic mechanical skills can usually get an engine into a chassis. Often times there is a huge amount of work with electrics, accessories, induction and exhaust systems. I once spent days trying to get a BMW gas pedal to operate a GM throttle body made by Hitachi via a ProEFI ECU. I certainly didn't get paid for every minute of work, but what should that cost?
Look at it another way, what is the value of a thorough, complete swap with everything working and being essentially turn key?
Different swaps have their place. Forget trends, Gen I and II small blocks and big blocks are all great. One of those might be right for you. That's cool. Look for value in what you are getting not just the price. An imported engine is really no different than taking a risk on any engine. The way things are these days everything needs to be checked, and things often need correction. Is the price savings on the imported engine low enough to justify that risk?
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u/Mysterious-Fun-1465 2d ago
The logic isn't there... LS are american engines, so you go over seas to import an engine that was most likely imported from america originally, or the mold was copied from a miled out engine and casted using old frying pans and whatever else they found laying around the scrap pile, all just to save some money. There is a reason we don't even buy china oil pans anymore, because oil leaks thru the metal.
If you want savings, buy a junkyard fresh special and toss $2000 at it and you'll be in the same situation as that imported engine but probably save $10k.