An LS swap often succeeds or fails during the lift: the right hoist and engine-lifting hardware make positioning the engine safer, steadier, and easier to control.
These 10 options include adjustable lift plates, lifting eyes, and rolling LS engine stands. Use the guide below to match your setup to your engine, transmission, workspace, and budget.
Best 10 Engine Hoists for Ls Swaps Picks for 2026
Adjustable Balance Pick
- Fits a wide range of LS Gen III/IV engines
- Five holes help adjust balance and tilt
- 3/16-inch steel with red powder coat
Best For: Flexible LS swaps and controlled engine positioning
Firewall-Clearance Pair
Motobilt LS Motor Lifting Eyes
- Adds lifting points to LS engines
- Bent-in design helps clear the firewall
- Includes a gusseted pair in raw steel
Best For: LS rigs needing simple bolt-on lifting points
Fine-Tuning Choice
- Fits listed LS Gen III/IV applications
- Five lift holes adjust balance and tilt
- Additional bolt holders refine lifting angle
Best For: LS swaps requiring flexible angle adjustment
Rolling Storage Support
- Designed for V8 LS engines
- Swivel casters aid movement in tight spaces
- Includes mounting hardware and instructions
Best For: Mobile LS engine storage and post-lift support
Versatile Carb-Pattern Lift Plate
Universal LS Swap Engine Lifting Plate
- Fits LS Gen 3 and Gen 4 setups with intake removed
- Rated for up to 1,000 pounds with transmission attached
- Supports multiple common carburetor bolt patterns
Best For: DIY LS swaps and mixed carbureted-engine projects
Rolling LS Storage Support
Compact Engine and Transmission Cradle
- Fits LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, and LSX engines
- Supports an engine and transmission together
- Four swivel casters improve workshop mobility
Best For: Mobile LS engine storage and service
Three-Point LS Lift Plate
Heavy-Duty Alloy Steel Hoist Adapter
- Three hoist points help control engine angle
- 6 mm alloy-steel construction with welded reinforcement
- Fits LS Gen 3/4 and several carburetor patterns
Best For: Angle-adjustable LS engine installation and removal
Best Rolling LS Cradle
- Fits V8 LS engines and transmissions
- 880-pound capacity with 12-inch clearance
- Rolling cast-iron swivel casters
Best For: Mobile LS engine storage, rebuilding, and swap work
Best LS Hoist Accessory
- Fits numerous LS and Gen III engines
- Steel plate for hoist or crane use
- Includes bolts and mounting hardware
Best For: Lifting LS engines during removal and installation
Best Compact LS Engine Cradle
GETTKAOR Rolling LS Engine Stand
- Fits a broad range of GM Chevy LS engines
- 800-pound support for engines and transmissions
- Four swivel casters for workshop mobility
Best For: Garage storage, maintenance, and LS swap preparation
Adjustable Balance Pick – GSI 5-Hole LS Lift Plate
For engine hoists for LS swaps, the GSI 5-Hole Adjustable LS Engine Lift Plate is a versatile choice for Gen III and Gen IV applications. Its offset lifting points help you tune the engine’s center of gravity and installation angle, while the 3/16-inch steel construction is designed for full long-block assemblies.
Best For: DIY swaps, restorations, and professional shops working with a broad range of LS and Vortec engines.
Pros:
- Fits numerous LS Gen III/IV engines, including LS1, LS2, LS3, LSX, LQ4, and LQ9.
- Five lifting points help fine-tune balance and tilt during removal or installation.
- Made from 3/16-inch steel with a corrosion-resistant red powder coat.
- Manufactured in the USA.
Cons:
- Its broad fitment is described for iron-head and standard-manifold configurations, so other setups may require verification.
- At 7.54 pounds, it adds some weight to the hoist connection.
The adjustable hole layout is the main advantage here, especially when firewall clearance or a controlled installation angle matters. Verify your engine configuration before ordering.
Firewall-Clearance Pair – Motobilt LS Motor Lifting Eyes
Among engine hoists for LS swaps, the Motobilt LS Motor Lifting Eye Pair takes a straightforward approach: bolt-on lifting points designed specifically for engines that lack a factory-mounted hoist point. The bent-in shape is intended to help clear the firewall during installation and removal.
Best For: LS-powered rigs where firewall clearance and simple bolt-on lifting eyes are priorities.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for LS engines without a factory lifting point.
- Bent-in shape helps provide firewall clearance.
- Sold as a pair with welded gussets already installed.
- Ships as raw alloy steel for users who want to finish it themselves.
Cons:
- Raw steel is not supplied with a protective finish.
- A pair of lifting eyes offers less adjustment than a multi-hole lift plate.
- The supplied notes do not specify a rated lifting capacity.
This kit is a compact, purpose-built solution for adding lifting points to an LS engine. Its raw finish and fixed design make it best suited to buyers who value simple installation and can confirm their mounting requirements.
Fine-Tuning Choice – Yoursme LS Engine Lift Plate
The Yoursme LS Engine Lift Plate is built for engine hoists for LS swaps involving Gen III and Gen IV engines. Five main lift holes provide balance and tilt adjustment, while an additional set of bolt holders is intended to help fine-tune the lifting angle during installation or removal.
Best For: LS swap projects that need multiple adjustment points and a simple lift-plate installation.
Pros:
- Designed for a wide range of LS, LSX, LS1, LS2, LS3, and related 4.8L–6.2L applications.
- Five primary lift holes allow balance and tilt adjustments.
- Ten additional bolt holders offer further angle-tuning options.
- CNC steel construction and welded fabrication support a stable lifting setup.
Cons:
- Installation requires removing the intake manifold and valley cover tray.
- The supplied notes do not identify a lifting-capacity rating.
- Fitment should be checked for engine configurations outside the listed applications.
With both main lifting holes and additional bolt-position options, this plate emphasizes adjustability. It is a practical candidate when you want more control over engine angle without using separate lifting eyes.
Rolling Storage Support – LEQEE LS Engine Cradle
Unlike a lifting plate, the LEQEE LS Engine Stand is a storage and support solution to use alongside engine hoists for LS swaps. The two-piece metal cradle is designed for V8 LS engines and includes swivel caster wheels for moving an engine or transmission into a tight storage or work area.
Best For: Storing, supporting, and repositioning LS engines or transmissions after lifting.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for V8 LS engine compatibility.
- Swivel caster wheels make the supported engine easier to move.
- Metal construction is intended for high-performance applications.
- Includes mounting hardware and instructions for installation.
Cons:
- This is a rolling cradle, not a hoist lifting plate or lifting-eye set.
- The supplied notes do not specify a weight-capacity rating.
- Compatibility is described for LS engines and transmissions, so other engine families may not fit.
This cradle is most useful as a companion to lifting equipment, giving an LS engine a movable support platform once it is out of the vehicle. Confirm the mounting arrangement and capacity for your specific engine and transmission.
Versatile Carb-Pattern Lift Plate – Universal LS Swap Engine Lifting Plate
For engine hoists for LS swaps, the JOYOKYOPK lift plate is a practical option when you need to raise a Gen 3 or Gen 4 LS engine after removing the intake manifold and valley cover tray. Its steel construction and stated 1,000-pound capacity also support lifting with the transmission attached when properly installed.
Best For: DIY LS swaps and older carbureted-engine projects requiring a universal, bolt-on lifting point.
Pros:
- Works with LS Gen 3 and Gen 4 engines with the intake manifold removed.
- Supports lifting engines with the transmission attached up to 1,000 pounds.
- Compatible with several common carburetor bolt patterns.
- Includes necessary assembly and mounting bolts.
Cons:
- LS installation requires removing the intake manifold and valley cover tray.
- Its universal design may require confirming the engine’s bolt pattern before use.
This is a flexible choice for mixed engine projects, especially if you want one lift plate that can serve both LS and carbureted applications. Verify fitment and hardware before lifting.
Rolling LS Storage Support – Compact Engine and Transmission Cradle
Although it is not a lifting plate, this rolling cradle complements engine hoists for LS swaps by providing a stable place to store or service an LS powerplant after removal. It is designed for LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, and LSX engines and supports the engine and transmission together.
Best For: Garages and workshops that need mobile LS engine storage during swaps, rebuilds, or maintenance.
Pros:
- Precisely designed for several GM V8 LS engine families.
- Supports both the engine and transmission.
- Four swivel casters make the assembly easier to move in tight spaces.
- Includes mounting hardware and instructions for assembly.
Cons:
- It is a storage and service cradle, not an engine-hoist lifting attachment.
- Its listed fitment focuses on LS engines rather than universal applications.
This cradle is a useful companion to a hoist when your project needs a secure, movable resting platform. Choose it for post-removal support rather than overhead lifting.
Three-Point LS Lift Plate – Heavy-Duty Alloy Steel Hoist Adapter
For engine hoists for LS swaps, this 6 mm alloy-steel lift plate offers three hoist points for adjusting engine angle during removal or installation. It is designed around LS Gen 3/4 valley-cover patterns while also supporting SBC, BBC, and Ford carburetor patterns.
Best For: LS swap builders who want multiple attachment points for balancing an engine in a tight bay.
Pros:
- Three hoist points help adjust the engine angle during installation.
- Uses a 6 mm alloy-steel plate with reinforced welded joints.
- Compatible with LS Gen 3/4, SBC, BBC, and Ford carburetor patterns.
- Includes specified mounting hardware and thick washers.
Cons:
- Requires confirming the bolt pattern before lifting.
- Proper load balancing and tightened hardware are necessary for safe use.
The three-point layout makes this a strong fit for swaps where controlling engine angle matters. Its broad pattern compatibility adds versatility, but careful fitment and balance checks remain essential.
Best Rolling LS Cradle – Tolpassa LSx Engine Stand
For engine hoists for LS swaps, the Tolpassa LSx Engine Stand is a rolling support option designed specifically for complete V8 LS engines and transmissions. Its steel cradle, 880-pound capacity, 12-inch ground clearance, and swivel casters make it useful for moving, storing, or working on an LS powertrain after lifting.
Best For: LS builders who need a mobile cradle for storage, rebuilding, swaps, or transporting a complete engine-and-transmission combination.
Pros:
- Custom-fit design for V8 LS engines with support for the transmission.
- 880-pound load capacity and Q235 carbon-steel construction.
- Heavy-duty 3-inch cast-iron swivel casters and 12-inch ground clearance.
- Includes mounting hardware and wrenches for quick assembly.
Cons:
- This is a rolling cradle, not an engine hoist or lifting plate.
- Its LS-specific design may be less useful for non-LS engines.
This stand is a practical follow-up tool once an LS engine is out of the vehicle. Choose it alongside a compatible hoist if you want to move or store the engine securely, rather than use it as the lifting connection itself.
Best LS Hoist Accessory – LS Engine Lift Plate
Among engine hoists for LS swaps, this steel lift plate is the direct connection accessory for lifting an LS engine with a hoist or picker crane. It is shaped for a wide range of Chevy LS and Gen III applications, including LS1, LS2, LS3, LQ4, and common 4.8L through 6.2L engines.
Best For: DIY mechanics and engine-swap builders who need an LS-specific lift plate for removal and installation with a compatible engine hoist.
Pros:
- Broad compatibility across LS1, LS2, LS3, LQ4, LSX, and Gen III engines.
- Designed for a secure, stable connection to engine hoists and picker cranes.
- Steel construction with included bolts and mounting hardware.
- Includes a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons:
- It is an accessory and does not include an engine hoist or crane.
- Verify the engine’s mounting points and hoist capacity before lifting.
This is the most directly relevant choice when the priority is connecting an LS engine to a lifting device. Its value depends on having a suitable hoist and confirming compatibility with the specific engine configuration.
Best Compact LS Engine Cradle – GETTKAOR Rolling LS Engine Stand
For engine hoists for LS swaps, the GETTKAOR Rolling LS Engine Stand is a compact support cradle for engines and transmissions once they have been lifted or installed. It fits a broad range of GM Chevy V8 LS engines, uses four swivel casters, and supports loads up to 800 pounds.
Best For: Home garages, workshops, and LS builders who want a movable stand for storage, maintenance, custom builds, or swap preparation.
Pros:
- Fits a wide selection of LS engines, including LS1, LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9, LSX, LM7, LQ4, and LQ9.
- Supports engine-and-transmission combinations up to 800 pounds.
- Four 3-inch swivel casters allow movement in tight workshop spaces.
- Includes mounting hardware, instructions, and two open-end wrenches.
Cons:
- This cradle supports and rolls an engine but is not a lifting device.
- Its stated 800-pound capacity is lower than the 880-pound capacity of the Tolpassa stand.
The GETTKAOR stand is a sensible space-saving companion to an engine hoist. Its broad LS coverage and included assembly tools make it particularly suitable for builders who need to move or store a powertrain around a garage.
How We Picked the Best Engine Hoists for Ls Swaps
This roundup focuses on lifting and support equipment commonly used during LS removals, installations, storage, and mock-up work. We considered compatibility with GM LS Gen III and Gen IV engines, adjustability, material strength, mounting hardware, caster design, and the practical demands of aligning an engine with an engine bay.
Not every product listed is a complete hydraulic shop crane. Some are lift plates or lifting-eye sets that attach to a separately purchased engine hoist, while others are rolling cradles or stands intended to support an engine after lifting. Confirm the product type before ordering.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | Look For | Typical Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Installing an LS engine | Adjustable mounting points and secure hardware | Five-hole lift plate or dedicated lifting eyes |
| Storing a bare engine | Wide cradle, strong mounts, and locking casters | Rolling LS engine stand |
| Supporting an engine and transmission | Higher capacity and reinforced frame | Heavy-duty cradle stand |
| Working with mixed engines | Universal mounting pattern and broad adjustability | Multi-pattern lift plate |
Key Buying Factors for Engine Hoists for Ls Swaps
Fitment and Lifting Angle
Choose attachment points that match your LS block, intake, valley cover, and accessories. Adjustable plates can help control the engine angle, which is especially useful when clearing the radiator support or aligning transmission input shafts. Check whether the design is intended for Gen III, Gen IV, LSX, or specific displacement families.
Capacity and Construction
Verify the rated capacity of the complete lifting system—not just the plate or eye bolts. Include the engine, intake, exhaust manifolds, accessories, fluids, transmission, and chains or straps. Steel thickness, weld quality, fastener grade, and contact with the block all matter. Never exceed the lowest-rated component.
Stability and Workspace
A rolling cradle should have a broad footprint, adequately sized swivel casters, and a locking feature when available. Measure your garage doorways, workbench clearance, and vehicle access before buying. A compact stand may be convenient but less stable with a transmission attached.
Hardware and Safety
Look for supplied bolts and clear mounting instructions, then inspect every contact point before lifting. Use rated chains or straps, keep the load centered, lift slowly, and never work beneath a suspended engine. A load leveler can provide finer angle control when the vehicle requires a steep installation angle.
Who Should Buy Which Engine Hoists for Ls Swaps?
Choose an adjustable LS lift plate if you are installing or removing engines regularly and need control over balance and tilt. Dedicated lifting eyes are a simple option for a known LS configuration when you already own a suitable hoist and want fewer parts around the intake area.
Choose a rolling LS engine stand or cradle if your priority is storage, assembly, or moving a long block around the shop. If you plan to keep the transmission attached, select a model explicitly designed and rated for the combined load. For occasional home-garage work, prioritize verified fitment, stable casters, and complete hardware over the lowest price.