Letter From The Editor- EV Edition!

TIM CACHELIN . June 04, 2024 . EV Builders Guide

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From LS Swaps to EV Conversions Pioneering the Future of Hot-Rodding

As the EV aftermarket, and especially the EV swap space, continues to evolve it is useful to look at another pivotal movement in hot-rodding history—the advent of the LS swap. In 1997, Chevy debuted the LS series of motors as the replacement for the previous generation of small-block Chevy V-8s.

In the years that followed, hot-rodding pioneers began to work on fitting this affordable and powerful engine into almost anything with four wheels: Miatas, E30s, El Caminos, C10s, Land Cruisers, the list goes on and on.

Even now in 2024 the LS series of motors is still the ubiquitous choice for reliable, V-8 power on a budget. A plethora of resources, both online and in print, developed over the past 27 years makes finding answers and solutions simple. Furthermore, plug-and-play swap kits for almost every vehicle imaginable make an LS swap an achievable feat for even shade-tree mechanics. The widespread availability of these engines makes it a relatively affordable endeavor as well.

This same trend can now be witnessed in the EV space. For the past several years those who wish to harness the instantaneous torque and simplicity of an installed EV powertrain have faced an uphill battle. While the EV community is tight-knit and more than willing to lend a hand, information can still be hard to find. Most EV swaps on the road today are completely custom jobs requiring extensive wiring, fabrication, and programming skills.

Now, like with the LS and early 2000s, this is beginning to change. A new generation of companies have sprung up to simplify the process of EV conversion as well. Fellten will release a bolt-in Land Rover conversion kit this year in addition to its Mini Cooper and Porsche kits. ReVolt Systems has completely reworked the Tesla LDU into something that is easy, beautiful, and even more powerful. Ampere EV has debuted its Atom Drive System, drastically simplifying wiring and programming, and leaving only fabrication to the builder. Industry stalwarts like Holley have developed a bolt-in Tesla cradle LDU kit for the Chevy C-10.

So, cheers to the dedicated souls who’ve logged countless hours in the garage, whether fine-tuning an LS motor or diving into the world of electric motors. Your dedication to craftsmanship, ingenuity, and problem-solving embodies the very essence of hot-rodding. It is your blood, sweat, and tears paving the way for the next-generation of car-builders and gearheads. It’s certainly not an easy road, but it is a worthwhile one. I will see you along the way.