What LS engine will fit in a 2015 Malibu depends on modifications. The LS1, LS3, and LQ4 are potential options but require custom mounts and transmission swaps.
A lot of performance enthusiasts feel strongly about the prospect of engine swapping LS engines into 2015 Malibus. Swaps with engines from GM’s LS engine family are common due to the power and performance potential with the added benefits of LS engines being very reliable and well supported in the aftermarket. The 2015 Malibu, however, was constructed as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) sedan. This design choice creates a variety of obstacles for carrying out an engine swap of this caliber.
The Malibu’s engine bay is built transversely and the bay size, among other factors, create a lot more challenges to be solved in comparison to rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platforms.
This article will discuss the potential engine options for this conversion and the requisite modifications in addition to providing you the information necessary to embark on this conversion project.
Contents
What is an LS Engine?
The LS engine family consists of the small-block V8 engine series manufactured by General Motors. The first LS engines were produced for the Chevrolet Corvette and subsequently were included in many GM cars. These engines are powerful and provide high performance which is why they are often used in engine swaps across many different types of vehicles – muscle cars, trucks, and even FWD cars like the Malibu.
What Makes LS Engines Special?
The LS engine is popular for its small size, high performance, and exceptional reliability. The following are some of the characteristics of the LS engine that make it a good fit for many different types of vehicle builds.
- Small Size: The LS engine is pretty small compared to many other V8 engines. This allows for a lot of flexibility in the engine bay that will house it.
- High Power Output: LS engines are designed to maximize torque and power production. This makes them great for performance builds.
- Reliability: LS engines are designed with reliability in mind, and with the ability to withstand high-performance driving and excessive use.
- Customization: Because LS engines are so popular, there is a massive amount of aftermarket support, meaning there are plenty of parts, pieces, and accessories to customize your engine.
Why LS Engines Are a Popular Swap
The combination of high performance and versatility, are two of many reasons why LS engines are such a popular choice for engine swaps. Below are some of the key advantages of using an LS engine for a swap:
1. Outstanding Performance
LS engines are known for having outstanding performance. LS engines, depending on the variant, can create from 300 to over 500 horsepower. This is a massive improvement compared to most stock engines in vehicles.
2. Small Size
LS engines are a type of v8 engine, and most v8 engines are massive, but LS engines, on the other hand are smaller and lighter than most v8 engines. This allows swaps to be done on vehicles, like the 2015 Malibu, that were designed to hold smaller engines like inline 4 or v6 engines.
3. Durability and Reliability
An LS engine is likely to outlast many other engine types. Its construction allows it to withstand high-revving and high-performance driving, making it a good choice for street and track driving. With the right maintenance, LS engines will provide many years of reliable service.
4. Extensive Aftermarket Options
The LS family engines are often used in custom builds, and as a result, a huge aftermarket support community has sprung up around them. There are many parts available for LS swaps, including custom mounts and wiring harnesses, as well as tuning software.
What Challenges are Present for an LS Engine Swap for a 2015 Malibu?
LS engines are versatile and allow for great customizability and engineering designs in modifications, but that does not mean it is easy to swap an LS engine into a 2015 Malibu. There is a design consideration that makes an LS engine swap a bigger challenge than it is. The Malibu is designed for front wheel drive (FWD) with a 4-cylinder engine or V6. This creates problems with even thinking about fitting an LS engine. The main difficulties that are presented when trying to swap an LS engine into a 2015 Malibu are as follows:
1. Transverse Engine Bay and FWD Design
The engine of a Malibu is transverse, meaning it is designed to sit sideways in the engine bay. Most other designs are longitudinal meaning that the engine sits front to back. Most LS engines are designed to be placed into the front of the engine bay for the longitudinal designs because it is placed in rear wheel drive (RWD) designed vehicles.
Because of this, there are a lot of changes that will need to occur with this engine and the drivetrain in the Malibu. Things like custom engine mounts, new exhaust systems, and adjusting the entire cooling system will need to be done to accommodate the new larger engine.
2. Transmission Matching
The 2015 Malibu stock transmission can work with either a V6 or a 4 cylinder. This means that it is not built for the power and torque of an LS engine. This means for the engine swap, a new transmission system is needed that is built for LS engines. Options for those would include the 4L60E or 4L80E automatic transmissions, and for a manual, the T56. This would include building new transmission mounts, new drive shafts, and could include additional modifications to install the new transmission.
3. Wiring and Electronics
The most complicated part of the engine swap is the electrical system. The Malibu has a wire system built for a whole different engine and electrical system. This means purchasing or building a new wiring system for the LS swap. The ECU also has to be programmed with the new engine data for it to function.4. Cooling and Fuel Systems
Upgrading to an LS engine means more heat will be generated than with a standard Malibu engine. This requires additional modifications to a vehicle’s cooling system, such as the installation of larger radiators, upgraded hoses, and more cooling components. Fuel systems will also require modifications, due to the upgraded fuel requirements of the LS engine, such as larger fuel injectors, a higher-flow fuel pump, and possibly customized fuel lines.
What LS Engine Fits best in a 2015 Malibu?
Due to the numerous difficulties associated with engine swapping in a 2015 Malibu, selecting the right LS engine is of the utmost importance. With that in mind, here are some of the more optimal selections for an LS engine swap in the 2015 Malibu.
1. LS1
The LS1 is one of the most favored, and budget-friendly choices for engine swaps. It is a 5.7L V8 engine, with an output of approximately 350 HP and 365 lb-ft of torque. The LS1 was first utilized in the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro, and it provides an excellent mix of power and reliability. Although it does not have the outright power of the larger LS engines, the LS1 is more than capable of providing a worthwhile boost in performance over the stock Malibu engine.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Proven performance
- Compact size for a V8
Cons:
- Less power compared to newer LS variants
Ideal for: Those looking for a moderate performance upgrade.
2. LS3
The LS3 is a 6.2L V8 engine that boasts an output of approximately 430 HP and 424 lb-ft of torque. It is one of the most well-liked LS engines, and can be found in high-performance cars like the Chevrolet Camaro SS, and Corvette C6. The LS3 provides a notable power increase over the LS1, and is a fantastic option for those wanting a more powerful engine in their Malibu. However, due to its increased size, placing the LS3 into the 2015 Malibu will demand more alterations compared to the LS1.
Advantages:
- High power output.
- Exceptional performance.
- Dependable and easily attainable.
Disadvantages:
- Bigger size, leading to more added modifications.
- Increased price.
Best suited for: enthusiasts wanting a major power boost.
3. LQ4
The LQ4 is a 6.0L V8 engine which was first seen in GM trucks. It offers about 300 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. This really is a solid choice for the ones wanting more torque and not looking for the high revs of a LS engine. The LQ4 is built to last and can be really put through the wringer which is a good option if you intend to use the Malibu for towing or other heavy tasks.
Advantages:
- High torque.
- Lasts a long time and very reliable.
- Cheap.
Disadvantages:
- Less horsepower than LS3.
- Not very high revving.
Best suited for: those who want high torque and durability more than high end power.
4. LS7
For the best performance on the 2015 Malibu, you will want to go with the LS7. With 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, this 7.0L V8 engine is the most powerful on this list. This is the most expensive engine on this list, and will take the most modifications. Most of the changes will be on the cooling system, exhaust, and transmission.
Pros:
- Most powerful
- Great high-revs
- Great performance
Cons:
- Most expensive
Best suited for: High-performance and race-engine.
Necessary Modifications for the LS Swap
A 2015 Malibu will require a lot of changes to swap an LS engine in. This includes:
- Custom engine mounts: The engine mounts on the Malibu are made for inline-4 and V6 engines, so custom mounts will need to be made for the LS engine. Aftermarket suppliers and rectified the problem.
- Transmission Changes: The factory Malibu transmission cannot cope with an LS engine’s power. An alternative transmission like the 4L60E or 4L80E, or possibly a manual T56, means you’ll need an adapter plate and possibly a built-to-spec driveshaft.
- Cooling system upgrades: The LS engine adds a considerable amount of heat, so cooling system upgrades, like a bigger radiator, upgraded hoses, and possibly more, are needed.
- Upgrades to Fuel System: The LS engine will exceed the Malibu’s stock fuel system, so larger fuel injectors, a custom fuel pump, and custom fuel lines are needed to adequately fuel the system.
- Exhaust System Changes: The exhaust system will need to be upgraded to accommodate the LS engine’s larger headers and exhaust manifolds, which will require custom exhaust routing.
- Wiring and ECU (Engine Control Unit): It is a must to update the stock wiring harness and the ECU to be compatible with the LS engine. You can modify the stock harness to achieve a custom design, or just buy one designed for the LS swap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about LS engine swaps for the 2015 Malibu –
- Is the stock transmission with a 2015 Malibu LS swap still an option?
No, stock transmission will not make the swap. Swapping it to a 4L60E or 4L80E is needed.
- Is fitting an LS an easy task on the 2015 Malibu?
No, not at all. Plenty of work will be needed because the compact engine bay and transverse FWD of the Malibu. A lot of modifications will be needed. This does include custom mounts, a transmission swap, and a wiring job.
- What is the cost of an LS swap on a 2015 Malibu?
Depending on the type of engine, parts needed, and labor, an LS swap can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000.
- Is it possible to do an LS swap on a 2015 Malibu on your own?
It is possible if you have the advanced mechanical skills needed, and experience completing engine swaps. A lot of people do this because it is easier to have a professional do the work.
Conclusion
Engine swapping for a 2015 Malibu is more than a simple weekend project, but can still be very rewarding. Although LS1, LS3, LQ4, and LS7 LS engines all have their pros and cons, and all require work for their engine bay fitment, you will still have a lot left to do, such as, custom alterations to mounts, a, transmission swap, a wiring job, and some upgrades to the cooling system. But for the right amount effort, you can make your Malibu 2015 Cadillac Escalade powerful no matter what.
