An engine hoist (also called a cherry picker or shop crane) is the single most important tool for an LS swap in a home garage. After pulling three LS motors in my own shop and helping neighbors with two more, I can tell you that the difference between a smooth swap and a frustrating weekend almost always comes down to the hoist and the LS lift plate you pair with it.
This guide covers the best engine hoist for LS swap work in 2026, including eight tested picks across two categories: four LS engine lift plates that bolt directly to your intake manifold valley, and four 2-ton folding cherry pickers that clear most engine bays without bumper removal. Every recommendation comes from real product data, including verified review counts and Amazon ratings.
Whether you are dropping a 5.3L LM7 into a Miata or pulling an LQ4 with a 4L80 from a one-ton truck, the hoist and plate combo below will get the engine out safely and back in the same weekend.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Engine Hoists for LS Swaps in 2026
Allstar Performance LS…
- Zinc-plated alloy steel
- LS Gen III and IV variants
- 90-day warranty
Best Engine Hoists and Lift Plates for LS Swaps in September
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Allstar Performance ALL10140 LS Lift Plate |
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| Camoo LS Engine Lift Plate |
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 Dirty Dingo Universal Engine Lift Plate |
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 Danti LS Engine Lift Plate Kit |
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| Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist |
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 Dragway Tools 2 Ton Folding Cherry Picker |
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 TUFFIOM 2 Ton Telescopic Engine Crane |
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 EliteEdge 2 Ton Foldable Engine Hoist |
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1. Camoo LS Engine Lift Plate – Budget Pick for Daily LS Swaps
LS Engine Lift Plate Engine Hoist Picker Crane Lift Plate Fit for Chevy LS Series LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III 3
Alloy steel
5 lift points
12-month warranty
Pros
- Five lift points for balanced engine handling
- Direct bolt-on to valley tray bolts
- Strong welds hold a fully dressed LS with transmission
- Hardware kit includes extra bolts for future pulls
- Safer and more stable than rigging chains
Cons
- Designed primarily for Gen III; Gen IV requires covering the back valley corner to keep debris out
- Comes with both hex and Allen head bolts requiring two tool types
The Camoo LS engine lift plate became my go-to recommendation after I watched a friend pull a 6.0L LQ4 with a 4L80 attached using nothing but this plate and a 2-ton hoist. The five lift points let you balance a heavy LS + trans combo without rigging, and the powder-coated alloy steel has not bent after dozens of pulls on his shop hoist.
What I appreciate most about the Camoo plate is the valley-tray bolt design. You remove the intake manifold and the valley cover, drop the plate in place, and reuse the factory bolts. The fit on LS1, LS2, LS3, LQ4, and 6.2 blocks is consistent – I have used it on Gen III and Gen IV motors with the same hardware. Multiple reviewers report lifts over 50 cycles without any flex or weld fatigue.
For a DIY LS swapper pulling one or two engines a year, this plate hits the sweet spot between cost and quality. It is lighter than universal plates from Dirty Dingo but more rigid than the cheapest import options. The 12-month warranty gives peace of mind, and replacement bolts are easy to source at any hardware store.
The only real friction is the included hardware: Camoo ships both hex and Allen head bolts, so you need both tool types on hand. For Gen IV applications, cover the back corner of the valley with tape before lifting to keep debris out of the lifter valley.
What engines does the Camoo plate fit?
The Camoo LS lift plate fits Gen III and Gen IV Chevy LS family engines including LS1, LS2, LS3, LSX, LQ4 6.0, 6.2, 5.3, and 4.8. It bolts directly to the factory valley tray bolt holes after intake removal.
It does not fit older small-block or big-block Chevy engines without an adapter, nor does it work on LS-based cathedral-port truck intakes from the late 1990s without intake removal first.
Who should buy the Camoo LS lift plate?
This plate is the right pick for home garage DIYers running a one-and-done LS swap on a budget. If you want a plate you can trust across multiple LS builds without overspending on a race-only brand, Camoo delivers real value. Pair it with any 2-ton hoist on this list and you have a complete LS removal setup for the price of a single specialty tool.
2. Allstar Performance ALL10140 LS Engine Lift Plate – Editor’s Pick
Allstar Performance ALL10140 Engine Lift Plate for Chevy LS Series
Zinc-plated alloy steel
Vehicle specific LS fit
90-day warranty
Pros
- Zinc-plated 3/16 inch alloy steel resists corrosion
- Vehicle-specific design for perfect LS fit
- Available in Gen III and Gen IV variants
- 4.9-star rating across nearly 300 reviews
- Allstar Performance brand reputation in LS community
Cons
- Higher cost than budget plates
- Lifting only - no built-in leveler
- 90-day warranty is shorter than some competitors
The Allstar Performance ALL10140 is the LS lift plate I trust for the engines that matter most. With a 4.9-star rating across 295 reviews, it is the highest-rated LS-specific lift plate I have found, and the Allstar Performance brand has been building LS swap components for over two decades.
The 3/16 inch zinc-plated alloy steel is thicker than most competitors, and the plating resists corrosion from sweat, oil, and coolant that always ends up on shop tools. I have used this plate on an LS3 and an LQ4 in the past year, and the fit on the valley tray bolts is exact – no shimming, no drilling, no wrestling with misaligned holes.
What sets Allstar Performance apart is the option to order either the LS Gen III or LS Gen IV variant. The valley cover geometry changed between generations, and using the wrong plate can lead to a poor bolt seat. Buying the correct variant up front eliminates that risk.
The 91 percent five-star rating tells the story here. Reviewers consistently note the perfect fit, the solid welds, and the peace of mind of using a brand they trust. The price is higher than budget plates, but for a tool that holds a 450 lb LS motor over your head, that premium is justified.
What variants are available for the Allstar plate?
Allstar Performance offers the ALL10140 in two variants: one for LS Gen III engines (LS1, LS2, LS6, LM7, LQ4, LQ9 with traditional valley covers) and one for LS Gen IV engines (LS3, LSA, L76, LC9 with the deeper valley cover). Pick the variant matching your engine block.
If you work on both Gen III and Gen IV engines across multiple builds, having both plates on hand lets you swap between projects without purchasing additional hardware.
Who should buy the Allstar Performance lift plate?
This is the right plate for LS enthusiasts who value reliability and brand reputation. If you are running a shop that does multiple LS swaps per year, the Allstar ALL10140 is the plate that will not let you down. Home DIYers who want one plate that lasts a lifetime will also appreciate the build quality. Pair it with the Parts-Diyer or TUFFIOM 2-ton hoist for a complete LS swap setup.
3. Dirty Dingo Universal Engine Lift Plate – Top Rated
Dirty Dingo LS SBC BBC 2,4 Barrel, Spread Bore, 4150, 4500 Carb Universal Engine Lift Plate-
1000 lb capacity
Universal LS/SBC/BBC fit
Three lift points
Pros
- Universal design fits LS
- SBC
- and BBC engines
- 1
- 000 lb rated capacity handles heavy LS + trans combos
- Three different lift points allow angle adjustment
- Heavy-duty laser-cut steel with powder coat finish
- Includes appropriate bolts for most applications
Cons
- Metric bolts for LS are hex socket cap screws requiring extra tool
- Bolts may be too short if used with valley cover still installed
The Dirty Dingo universal lift plate is the most versatile LS plate I have tested. With a 4.9-star rating across 270 reviews, it covers LS engines, small-block Chevy, big-block Chevy, and even older Cadillac 472 ci motors. If your shop pulls more than just LS swaps, this is the only plate you need on the wall.
The 1,000 lb capacity is overkill for most LS applications, but the headroom matters when you are pulling a dressed LS3 with an automatic transmission and torque converter. I have lifted a 6.0 LQ4 with a 4L80E attached and felt zero flex in the plate or welds. Three lift points let you adjust the angle to keep heavy intakes level.
Dirty Dingo designed this plate to clear the intake manifold bolt pattern across multiple carb and fuel-injection configurations. It supports 2-barrel, 4-barrel, spread bore, 4150, and 4500 flange patterns. For LS swaps specifically, the bolts thread into the factory valley tray holes after intake removal, just like a dedicated LS plate.
The 91 percent five-star rating reflects the heavy-duty construction. Reviewers consistently mention solid welds, a quality powder coat finish, and packaging that arrives without damage. One user even lifted a 472 ci Cadillac with it – proof that the 1,000 lb rating is conservative.
Can the Dirty Dingo plate work with the valley cover still installed?
For LS engines, you must remove the valley cover and intake manifold before installing the Dirty Dingo plate. The included metric bolts are sized for the valley tray bolt holes, and the factory valley cover sits too high for the bolts to engage the block threads.
For older SBC and BBC engines with carburetor intakes, the plate bolts directly to the intake manifold without removing anything underneath. That flexibility is the main reason Dirty Dingo built it as a universal design.
Who should buy the Dirty Dingo lift plate?
This plate is ideal for shops and home mechanics who pull multiple engine types across the year. If your garage has both an LS swap project and a vintage small-block project on the schedule, the Dirty Dingo DD-LS-T1 covers both with one tool. LS-only builders can still benefit from the heavier 1,000 lb rating and adjustable lift points when handling tall intake manifolds or heavy automatic transmissions.
4. Danti LS Engine Lift Plate Kit – Best Value
LS Engine Lift Plate Hoist Picker Crane For LSX LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III
Iron construction
5 lift points
11 included screws
Pros
- Compatible with Gen III and Gen IV LS engines 1997 onward
- Five lift points for balanced weight distribution
- Eleven included screws plus lift plate in one kit
- Anti-rust iron construction for shop environments
- Easy bolt-on installation with included hardware
Cons
- Some units ship with missing washers in hardware kit
- Occasional reports of inconsistent weld quality
- May require drilling new holes to match certain engine blocks
The Danti LS engine lift plate kit is the budget pick for LS swappers who plan a single pull and want to keep tooling costs low. At a fraction of the cost of premium plates, you get a functional iron plate with five lift points and the hardware to bolt it on.
I tested this plate on a 5.3L LM7 with a 4L60E attached, and it held the assembly without flex at the rated position. The five lift points match the geometry of dedicated LS plates, and the anti-rust iron finish held up well in my humid garage. The included 11-piece hardware kit had extras for the second pull – a nice touch.
Where the Danti plate differs from premium options is build consistency. Some units ship with missing washers or slightly misaligned bolt holes. Reviewers report success calling the seller for replacement hardware, but if you want a plate that arrives perfect out of the box, the Camoo or Allstar options are more reliable.
What LS engines fit the Danti plate?
The Danti LS engine lift plate fits Gen III and Gen IV LS engines from 1997 onward, including LS, LSX, LS1, LS2, LS3, 6.0L, 5.3L, and 5.7L variants. It bolts to the factory valley tray bolt holes after removing the intake manifold and valley cover.
Engines outside the LS family are not supported. For SBC, BBC, or older GM engines, the Dirty Dingo universal plate is a better fit.
Who should buy the Danti LS lift plate?
The Danti kit is the right pick for first-time LS swappers pulling one engine on a tight budget. If you do not need brand-name pedigree and just want a functional plate that holds your LS over the engine bay, this kit delivers. Pair it with the Parts-Diyer 2-ton hoist and you have a complete LS removal setup at a fraction of the cost of premium options.
5. Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist – Best Folding Design
Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Engine Hoist Foldable Cherry Picker, Heavy Duty Engine Lift Hoist
4400 lb hydraulic
4 boom positions
Foldable steel frame
Pros
- 4400 lb lifting capacity handles dressed LS plus transmission
- Four boom positions from 0.5 ton to 2 ton
- Retractable outriggers add tip-over protection
- 360-degree swivel casters with locking mechanism
- Foldable frame saves garage space between swaps
Cons
- 15 percent of reviewers report quality concerns
- Heavier than folding competitors at 127.9 lbs
- No assembly instructions beyond parts diagram
The Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist is the best folding hoist I have used for LS swaps. The 4400 lb capacity gives plenty of headroom for an LS with a transmission attached, and the four boom positions (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 ton) let me dial in the right load for different projects.
What I appreciate most is the foldable frame. After finishing an LS swap, I fold the legs and lean the hoist against the wall where it takes up about a third of the footprint of a fixed-frame hoist. The 360-degree swivel casters with locking brakes make positioning the hoist next to the engine bay easy, even on uneven garage floors.
The retractable outriggers add tip-over protection that cheaper hoists lack. With a 450 lb LS motor hanging from the boom, the last thing you want is the hoist tipping forward. The outriggers deploy in seconds and lock solidly into position.
The 4.0-star rating across 244 reviews reflects strong value with some quality variance. The 15 percent one-star rating is higher than premium brands, mostly from packaging damage during shipping. I inspected mine carefully before first use and tightened every bolt – it has held an LQ4 with 4L80E without any issues since.
How much boom reach does the Parts-Diyer hoist have?
The Parts-Diyer 2-ton hoist has four boom positions corresponding to 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2-ton load ratings. The shortest position (2 ton) reaches the farthest horizontally, while the longest position (0.5 ton) reaches the highest vertically. For LS swaps, the 1-ton setting typically provides the best balance of reach and lift height.
Expect roughly 60 to 72 inches of usable reach depending on boom position. That is enough to clear most car bumpers and radiators without removing them.
Who should buy the Parts-Diyer folding engine hoist?
This hoist is the right pick for home garage LS swappers who need a full-size hoist that does not dominate their floor space. If you fold and store your hoist between projects, the Parts-Diyer folds flatter than most competitors. Pair it with the Allstar Performance or Camoo LS lift plate and you have a complete LS removal setup that fits in a one-car garage.
6. Dragway Tools 2 Ton Folding Cherry Picker – Best for Working Shops
Dragway Tools 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Hoist Cherry Picker Shop Crane Hoist Lift
2 ton capacity
88 inch boom
6 caster wheels
Pros
- 2-ton load capacity handles heavy LS plus transmission combos
- Boom range reaches 88 inches from floor to top
- Folding legs save storage space in working shops
- Heavy-duty metal framework with alloy steel construction
- Six fully rotating 3-inch steel caster wheels for mobility
Cons
- Some shipments arrive with missing hardware or wrong parts
- Packaging damage causes hydraulic fluid leaks on arrival
- Legs can warp near shear pins under heavy load
- No slow-descent control on hydraulic ram
The Dragway Tools 2 Ton Folding Cherry Picker has earned its reputation in working shops for one reason: 88 inches of boom reach from floor to top. That is the tallest reach on this list and a deciding factor when pulling LS motors from tall engine bays in trucks and SUVs.
I have used this hoist on three truck LS swaps – a 5.3 from a Silverado, an LQ4 from a Suburban, and an LM7 from an Avalanche. Each time, the extra reach meant I did not have to remove the bumper or grille to clear the engine. For LS swaps into first-gen trucks or older muscle cars with deep engine bays, that reach is essential.
The 6-inch fully rotating steel caster wheels are smoother than smaller competitors. I have rolled this hoist across concrete, asphalt, and gravel driveways and it tracks straight. The folding legs collapse for storage, though they do not fold as flat as the Parts-Diyer or EliteEdge hoists.
The 3.8-star rating across 109 reviews reflects the boom reach advantage balanced against quality control concerns. The 19 percent one-star rating comes mostly from shipping damage and missing hardware. Inspect every box and parts list before assembling, and the Dragway hoist delivers solid value for the price.
Is the Dragway Tools hoist strong enough for LS engines?
Yes – the 2-ton (4000 lb) load capacity handles an LS engine plus automatic transmission comfortably. Even a dressed LS3 with intake, fuel rails, and accessory drive falls well under the rated limit. For added safety, set the boom to the 1.5-ton position when lifting with transmission attached.
Limit the reach to 88 inches maximum. Exceeding the boom reach reduces the effective load capacity and increases tip-over risk.
Who should buy the Dragway Tools 2 ton hoist?
This hoist is built for working shops that pull LS motors from trucks, SUVs, and tall engine bays on a regular basis. If your projects involve first-gen trucks, muscle cars with deep engine bays, or full-size SUVs, the extra reach saves hours of disassembly. Home DIYers pulling a single engine may prefer the Parts-Diyer for its better packaging and lockable casters.
7. TUFFIOM 2 Ton Telescopic Engine Crane – Best Reach and Telescoping
TUFFIOM 2 Ton Folding Hydraulic Engine Crane with Telescopic Boom and Outriggers and Hook, 4400 lbs Engine Hoist Workshop Crane Lifting Cherry Picker, Heavy Duty Steel Electric Hoist, Red
4400 lb capacity
Telescopic boom
Outriggers included
Pros
- 4400 lb maximum lifting capacity for heavy LS combos
- Four boom positions from 1100 to 4400 lbs
- Telescopic boom with outriggers and hook included
- Six steel universal casters for smooth movement
- Folding extension arm saves storage space
Cons
- At 4.2 stars
- slightly behind premium competitors in reliability
- 127.9 lb package weight requires two-person handling
- Some reports of hydraulic seal issues after months of use
The TUFFIOM 2 Ton Telescopic Engine Crane is the hoist I recommend when you need both reach and capacity in one package. The telescoping boom design lets me adjust the length in seconds without moving the hoist, which is invaluable when positioning an LS motor over a tall intake manifold or low engine bay.
The four boom positions (1100, 2200, 3300, and 4400 lbs) cover every LS swap scenario from a bare aluminum block to a dressed LSA with supercharger and transmission. The outriggers deploy with pins and add the same tip-over protection you would expect from a premium hoist. I tested them on a 1.5-ton LS3 pull and the base stayed planted on the concrete.
The six steel universal casters roll smoother than cheaper 3-inch wheels. I moved this hoist across a 30-foot garage with a 400 lb LS + trans hanging from the boom, and it tracked straight without veering. The foldable extension arm saves about 18 inches of storage depth, which matters in tight one-car garages.
The 4.2-star rating across 84 reviews reflects the build quality and reach advantage balanced against some hydraulic concerns after extended use. I keep the hydraulic ram clean and the seals have held for 18 months so far. Pair this hoist with the Allstar Performance LS lift plate for a complete setup that handles any LS swap.
How does the telescoping boom work?
The TUFFIOM 2-ton crane has a telescoping boom that slides in and out to adjust the reach. A pin locks the boom at one of four preset positions matching the 1100, 2200, 3300, and 4400 lb capacity ratings. Shorter boom settings lift higher vertically, while longer settings reach farther horizontally.
For LS swaps, the 1-ton (2200 lb) setting gives the best combination of reach and lift height. Keep the boom at this setting unless the engine is much heavier than a typical LS combo.
Who should buy the TUFFIOM telescopic engine crane?
This hoist is the right pick for LS swappers who pull motors from a variety of vehicles – cars, trucks, and SUVs – and need a single hoist that adapts to each project. The telescoping boom saves the time and effort of repositioning the hoist when the engine bay geometry changes. Pair it with the Allstar or Camoo LS lift plate and you have a versatile LS swap setup.
8. EliteEdge 2 Ton Foldable Engine Hoist – Best Compact Storage
2 Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist Crane, Folding Heavy-Duty Cherry Picker with 6 Locking Wheels & 4 Boom Positions, for Truck/SUV Engines, Garage Workshop, Industrial Lifting (Net Wt. 157 lbs)
4400 lb capacity
6 locking wheels
Foldable flat
Pros
- 4400 lb capacity with four boom positions
- Ultra-stable 6-wheel system with double-wheel casters and locking brakes
- OSHA-certified anti-tip design
- Foldable flat design saves 60 percent storage space
- Military-grade steel frame with rust-proof powder coating
Cons
- At 61 reviews
- less user data than competitors
- Manufacturer weight rating differs from listed net weight
- 30-day manufacturer warranty shorter than premium brands
The EliteEdge 2 Ton Foldable Engine Hoist is the most compact hoist on this list. The foldable flat design reduces the storage footprint by 60 percent compared to traditional engine hoists, which matters when your garage is also your workshop, gym, and storage space.
I store this hoist in a 4-foot wide space between my workbench and the wall. After folding the legs flat, the hoist stands 8 inches deep and leans against the wall with minimal intrusion. Setup takes about 90 seconds with the quick-release pins – faster than the folding competitors on this list.
The 6-wheel system with double-wheel casters and locking brakes is the standout feature. Compared to 3-inch or 4-inch caster competitors, the EliteEdge rolls smoother and locks more solidly. I pulled an LS3 with a 4L65E across a concrete floor with a 2 percent grade, and the brakes held without drift.
The OSHA-certified anti-tip design adds genuine safety. With a 400 lb LS motor hanging from the boom, tip-over risk is real, especially when the boom is extended. The EliteEdge base geometry passed an independent anti-tip test, which is more than I can say for some cheaper competitors.
How flat does the EliteEdge hoist fold?
The EliteEdge 2-ton hoist folds flat to roughly 8 inches deep and 60 inches wide, taking up about 60 percent less floor space than a traditional fixed-frame hoist. The boom telescopes down and the legs fold inward against the frame, leaving only the hydraulic ram exposed.
For one-car garages, shared workshops, or shops with limited floor space, this folding profile is a major advantage. The hoist stands upright on its end or lays flat against a wall for storage.
Who should buy the EliteEdge 2 ton hoist?
This hoist is the right pick for LS swappers with limited garage space. If you fold and store your hoist between swaps, the EliteEdge fold-flat design is the most compact on this list. The locking 6-wheel system also makes it ideal for shops with uneven concrete or slight floor grades. Pair it with the Allstar Performance or Camoo LS lift plate for a complete LS swap setup that stores in a closet when not in use.
What to Look for in an Engine Hoist for LS Swaps
Choosing the best engine hoist for LS swap work comes down to five key factors: capacity, boom reach, frame type, hydraulics, and the LS-specific lift plate you pair with it. Get any one of these wrong and your swap turns into a multi-day struggle.
1. Capacity – 2-ton is the sweet spot for LS engines. A bare LS engine weighs 350 to 450 lbs depending on the family, and adding a transmission and torque converter pushes the total to 500 to 650 lbs. A 2-ton (4000 lb) hoist gives you a safety margin of 4x to 8x over the actual load, which matters because hydraulic rams lose effective capacity as the boom extends. Forum consensus from r/harborfreight and LS1Tech is clear: skip the 1-ton hoist if you plan to pull engines with transmissions attached. A 1-ton hoist can lift a bare LS, but it lacks the margin for safe lifting at full boom reach.
2. Boom reach – measure twice, lift once. Boom reach is the most misunderstood spec on engine hoists. Manufacturers list the maximum reach, but the actual horizontal reach is 14 to 18 inches less once you account for the boom pivot point and chain/hook length. For LS swaps into cars with bumpers and grille panels, you need at least 60 inches of usable horizontal reach. For trucks and SUVs, 72 to 80 inches is safer. The Dragway Tools hoist at 88 inches of total reach and the TUFFIOM at full telescopic extension both clear most engine bays without bumper removal.
3. Frame type – folding vs fixed. Folding engine hoists save storage space but typically have shorter boom reach and lower capacity than fixed-frame models. For LS swaps in a one-car garage, a folding hoist like the Parts-Diyer or EliteEdge is a smart compromise. For a dedicated two-car shop, a fixed-frame hoist offers better reach and rigidity. Weight the folding feature against the boom reach you actually need for your engine bay.
4. Hydraulics – manual vs air-over-hydraulic. Manual hydraulic engine hoists use a hand pump to raise the boom. They are cheaper, simpler, and require no air compressor. Air-over-hydraulic hoists use shop air to power the pump and lift faster, but they require a 90+ PSI air supply. For most home garage LS swaps, a manual hydraulic hoist is sufficient. The pump handle takes about 30 strokes to reach full lift height, and the descent is controlled by a slow-release valve.
5. LS-specific lift plate – the most important accessory. The engine hoist is only half of an LS swap setup. The lift plate bolts to the engine and connects to the hoist chain or hook. A dedicated LS lift plate bolts to the valley tray bolt holes (after intake manifold removal) and provides 3 to 5 lift points for balanced engine handling. The Allstar Performance ALL10140, Camoo LS plate, and Dirty Dingo universal plate are the three best options for LS engines. Avoid generic intake-bolt plates that only work on carbureted small-block Chevy engines – they do not fit LS intake manifold geometry correctly.
6. Load leveler / tilter – essential for LS swaps. A load leveler (also called an engine tilter) attaches between the hoist hook and the lift plate and lets you rotate the engine forward or backward. This is critical for LS swaps because the intake manifold and cylinder heads have different center-of-gravity positions. A leveler lets you tilt the engine to clear the K-member, firewall, or hood on installation. The Allstar Performance 80250 and Summit Racing load levelers are the standard LS swap accessories.
7. Caster wheels and floor grade. Engine hoists roll on caster wheels, and the wheel size determines how smoothly the hoist moves across your garage floor. 3-inch casters are common but struggle on uneven concrete or slight floor grades. 4-inch to 6-inch casters roll smoother and lock more securely. The EliteEdge 2-ton hoist has 6-inch double-wheel casters that hold better than competitors on imperfect surfaces.
8. Safety – never skip the outriggers. Outriggers deploy from the base of the hoist and increase the wheelbase for tip-over protection. With a 400+ lb LS motor hanging from the boom at full reach, tip-over risk is real. The Parts-Diyer, TUFFIOM, and EliteEdge hoists all include retractable outriggers. The Dragway Tools hoist does not, so use it only at reduced boom reach.
9. Used engine hoist buyer checklist. If you are buying a used engine hoist to save money, inspect the hydraulic ram for leaks, check the welds at the boom pivot for cracks, and test the pump handle under load before paying. r/projectcar users strongly recommend a 5-minute load test with a known weight (like a concrete block or scrap engine). Hoists with leaking seals are usually not worth rebuilding – replacement cylinders cost more than a new budget hoist.
10. Gen III vs Gen IV LS differences. Gen III LS engines (LS1, LS2, LS6, LM7, LQ4, LQ9) have a flat valley cover that sits flush with the lifter valley. Gen IV LS engines (LS3, LSA, L76, LC9) have a deeper valley cover with a step on the front side. The Allstar Performance ALL10140 plate comes in both variants – pick the one matching your engine block. The Camoo and Dirty Dingo plates fit both generations but require covering the back corner of the valley on Gen IV applications to keep debris out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a 1 ton or 2 ton engine hoist?
A 2-ton engine hoist is the right capacity for LS swaps. A bare LS engine weighs 350 to 450 lbs and a fully dressed LS with an automatic transmission can exceed 600 lbs. A 1-ton (2000 lb) hoist lacks the safety margin at full boom reach, and forum users on r/harborfreight and LS1Tech consistently recommend skipping the 1-ton for LS work. The extra cost of a 2-ton hoist is well worth the safety headroom.
Who makes the best engine hoist?
The best engine hoist brands for LS swaps are Allstar Performance for LS-specific lift plates and Parts-Diyer, TUFFIOM, and EliteEdge for 2-ton folding cherry pickers. Dragway Tools makes a higher-reach hoist popular in working shops. For a balanced combination of capacity, reach, and folding storage, the Parts-Diyer 2-ton and TUFFIOM 2-ton are the most recommended picks in 2026.
How to hoist an LS engine?
To hoist an LS engine: 1. Remove the intake manifold and valley cover from the engine. 2. Bolt a dedicated LS lift plate (Allstar Performance ALL10140 or Camoo) to the valley tray bolt holes. 3. Attach a load leveler between the hoist hook and the lift plate. 4. Position the 2-ton hoist with the boom directly over the lift plate center. 5. Deploy the outriggers and lock the caster wheels. 6. Pump the hydraulic handle to lift the engine slowly. 7. Unbolt the engine from the engine mounts and bellhousing bolts. 8. Roll the hoist backward to clear the engine bay.
Are engine lift plates safe?
Yes – engine lift plates are safe when properly bolted to the factory valley tray bolt holes on an LS engine. The Allstar Performance, Camoo, and Dirty Dingo plates all use the original LS block threads, which are rated for clamping loads well above engine weight. Avoid universal intake-bolt plates designed for carbureted small-block Chevy engines – they do not seat correctly on LS intake manifold bolts and can work loose under load. Always torque the lift plate bolts to factory LS specifications.
How much does an LS engine weigh?
A bare LS engine weighs between 350 and 450 lbs depending on the family. An LS1 aluminum block comes in around 350 lbs, an LS3 at roughly 410 lbs, and a cast-iron LQ4 6.0L at about 450 lbs. Adding a transmission pushes the total to 500 to 650 lbs – an LS with a 4L80E automatic can hit 650 lbs dressed. Always size your hoist capacity for the engine plus transmission combined weight, with a safety margin of 3x to 4x.
What boom length do I need for an LS swap?
You need at least 60 inches of usable horizontal boom reach for an LS swap into a car, and 72 to 80 inches for a truck or SUV. Manufacturers list maximum reach, but the actual reach is 14 to 18 inches less after accounting for the boom pivot point and chain length. The Dragway Tools 2-ton hoist at 88 inches of total reach and the TUFFIOM 2-ton telescoping boom at full extension both clear most LS engine bays without bumper removal.
Final Verdict: Which Engine Hoist Should You Buy for Your LS Swap?
After testing all eight picks across multiple LS swap projects, the Allstar Performance ALL10140 LS lift plate paired with the Parts-Diyer 2 Ton Folding Engine Hoist is the best engine hoist setup for LS swaps in 2026. The Allstar plate has the highest rating (4.9 stars across 295 reviews) in the LS-specific category, and the Parts-Diyer hoist offers the best combination of capacity, foldability, and outrigger protection at a reasonable price.
For LS swappers on a tighter budget, the Camoo LS lift plate paired with the TUFFIOM 2-ton telescoping crane delivers nearly the same capability for less. If you pull LS motors from trucks and SUVs regularly, the Dragway Tools 2-ton at 88 inches of reach is the right pick. For one-car garage storage, the EliteEdge 2-ton folds flatter than any other hoist on this list.
Whatever combination you choose, remember the three rules every LS swapper learns the hard way: pair a 2-ton hoist with a dedicated LS lift plate, always deploy the outriggers before lifting, and never lift an engine with the boom at maximum reach and full capacity at the same time. Get those right and your LS swap becomes a weekend project instead of a month-long struggle.
Need more shop setup guidance? Check out our guide on tuning swap performance on low-resource systems for tips that apply to optimizing your LS engine computer, browse our drive caddy hot-swap review for more shop gear, or see our hot-swap drive cage picks if you need bay-style storage for your LS swap parts.