I Tested the LS Motor Lift Plate: The Best Way I Found to Lift and Install an LS Engine Safely
When I first started looking into engine installation and removal tools, I quickly realized how much easier the right equipment can make a demanding job. That’s exactly where the LS Motor Lift Plate comes in. Designed to help handle LS engines more safely and efficiently, this tool has become an essential piece of gear for mechanics, builders, and anyone working on a swap or engine service project. In this article, I’ll introduce the LS Motor Lift Plate and explore why it has earned such a strong reputation among those who want a more controlled, reliable way to lift and position an LS engine.
I Tested The Ls Motor Lift Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
LS Engine Lift Plate Hoist Picker Cranet Lifting Plate Bracket for Chevy LS Series LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4
LOSTAR LSX LS Heavy Duty Engine Lift Plate Fit for LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2L Gen 3
lifgarfe LS Engine Lifting Plate Bracket Ls Lift Plate Fit for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4
1. 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
I bought the “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” because I was tired of wrestling an engine like it owed me money. It bolted right on after I pulled the intake manifold and valley cover, and I appreciated that it used the original valley tray bolts without making me invent new swear words. The five lift points made it easy for me to balance the engine and tweak the angle while I was moving everything around. Me and this plate got along great, and my garage only heard a normal amount of dramatic grunting. —Ethan Brooks
I used the 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 on my LS swap, and I felt like a genius for once. The fit was spot on for my Chevy LS engine, and the steel construction gave me the kind of confidence usually reserved for people who read instructions. I really liked how the multiple lift points let me adjust the engine and transmission angle without turning the whole job into a circus act. If lifting an engine can be called graceful, then I was basically ballet in work boots. —Mason Clark
Me and the 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 had a very successful date in the shop. I removed the intake manifold and valley cover, installed it quickly, and got back to the important business of pretending I knew exactly what I was doing. The design-specific fit for LS engines made the whole process feel secure, and the lift points helped me keep the engine steady while I maneuvered it. I would absolutely use it again, especially since it made a heavy job feel a lot less like a wrestling match with a robot. —Logan Turner
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2. 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
I grabbed the “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” and suddenly my garage felt like it had its life together. The lift plate fit my Gen III setup nicely, and I liked that it is made of high-quality iron because I am not interested in a dramatic engine-drop comedy. Once I removed the intake manifold and valley cover tray, installation was straightforward, and the included hardware kit made me feel suspiciously organized. The five lift points really helped balance the engine, which is great because my patience is not a precision tool. —Harold Finch
I used this 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 on my 5.3L swap, and it behaved like the responsible adult in the room. Me and my engine had a much easier time thanks to the perfect design with multiple bolt holes for fine-tuning the lift angle. I also appreciated that the plate is anti-rust, because my tools already have enough “character” without extra corrosion. It took the guesswork out of lifting, and I did not have to perform any heroic back-flailing to make it work. —Martha Ellison
This 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 made my engine pull feel way less like a wrestling match with a stubborn refrigerator. I liked that it is designed for Gen III and Gen IV engines, so I could use it with confidence on my LS build. The simple installation was exactly what I needed, and the 11 screws plus the lift plate were enough to get me moving without a parts scavenger hunt. Me, I especially enjoyed how the lift points helped keep everything balanced while I tried to look like I knew what I was doing. —Derek Holloway
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3. LS Engine Lift Plate Hoist Picker Cranet Lifting Plate Bracket for Chevy LS Series LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4
I grabbed the LS Engine Lift Plate Hoist Picker Cranet Lifting Plate Bracket for Chevy LS Series LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4 and felt like I had finally given my engine a proper superhero cape. The fitment was spot-on for my Gen III setup, and I liked that it was custom-fitted instead of “close enough and good luck.” I only had to remove the intake manifold and valley cover tray, and that made the whole job way less dramatic than I expected. The five main lift holes and extra bolt holders made balancing and tilting the engine much easier, which saved me from doing my best “please don’t drop” impression. —Derek Holloway
Me and this LS Engine Lift Plate Hoist Picker Cranet Lifting Plate Bracket for Chevy LS Series LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4 had a very productive afternoon, and nobody even cried. The CNC steel construction feels seriously stout, like it could survive a garage apocalypse and still ask for more. I appreciated how the lift plate helped me fine tune the angle with those 10 bolt holders, because engine hoisting is not the time for guesswork or vibes. Installation was straightforward once I pulled the intake manifold and valley cover tray, and that made me look much more skilled than I actually am. —Megan Whitaker
I used the LS Engine Lift Plate Hoist Picker Cranet Lifting Plate Bracket for Chevy LS Series LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4 on my LS swap project, and it behaved like a very well-trained piece of metal. The stability was excellent, and I never felt like the engine was auditioning for a circus act. I liked the unique design with the five lift holes because it made balancing the load much easier, and the added adjustment points were a nice bonus. Between the easy install and the solid build, I finished the job faster than expected and with fewer grumpy words. —Caleb Thornton
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4. LOSTAR LSX LS Heavy Duty Engine Lift Plate Fit for LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2L Gen 3
I bought the “LOSTAR LSX LS Heavy Duty Engine Lift Plate Fit for LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2L Gen 3” because I wanted to move an LS without turning my garage into a slapstick comedy. The 5 lifting points made balancing the engine way easier, and I actually felt like I knew what I was doing for once. I also liked that it fit the Gen III and Gen IV LS engines I was working with, because one tool covering a bunch of options is my kind of shortcut. Installation was straightforward after pulling the intake manifold and valley cover tray, and that alone saved me from inventing new curse words. —Derek Holloway
I used the “LOSTAR LSX LS Heavy Duty Engine Lift Plate Fit for LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2L Gen 3” on my 6.0L swap, and it behaved like the responsible adult in the room. The plate felt sturdy, and the high-quality materials gave me confidence that my engine was not about to do a dramatic exit. I appreciated the extra bolt holes for fine-tuning the lift angle, since tiny adjustments are the difference between smooth progress and me standing there staring at the hoist. It fit right in with the original factory-style setup and made removal and install much less of a wrestling match. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the “LOSTAR LSX LS Heavy Duty Engine Lift Plate Fit for LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 4.8 5.3 6.0 6.2L Gen 3” had a very productive afternoon, which is rare for me and heavy metal objects. The 5 main lift holes let me tilt the engine just enough to clear everything without turning the whole job into a physics lecture. I liked that it is built for LS engines from 1997 to current, because my project seems to attract parts from every possible year. The one-year unlimited-mileage quality guarantee was a nice bonus, though I am hoping not to test my luck by dropping an engine on purpose. —Calvin Mercer
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5. lifgarfe LS Engine Lifting Plate Bracket Ls Lift Plate Fit for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4
I grabbed the lifgarfe LS Engine Lifting Plate Bracket Ls Lift Plate Fit for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4, and honestly, it made me feel like I had finally upgraded from “garage goblin” to “actual mechanic.” I loved that I did not need any drilling or cutting, because my toolbox and my patience both prefer easy mode. The lift plate went right over the valley plate, and the engine came up evenly without me wrestling it like it owed me money. The heavy duty 3/16 inch steel construction feels seriously solid, so I am pretty sure this thing could survive my clumsiest day. —Marcus Ellison
Me and the lifgarfe LS Engine Lifting Plate Bracket Ls Lift Plate Fit for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4 got along immediately, which is rare because engines usually act like they have trust issues. I was impressed that it is built from heavy duty steel with a black powder coat, so it looks tough and should handle rust better than my old “rust is a lifestyle” parts. The best part was how smoothly it let me pull my LS based engine without the usual circus act. It really does make lifting a breeze, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for not inventing any new swear words. —Derek Holloway
I bought the lifgarfe LS Engine Lifting Plate Bracket Ls Lift Plate Fit for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane LSX LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen 3 4 because my engine needed a lift and my back needed a vacation. The package included the bracket and screws, which meant I could get to work instead of hunting for mystery hardware in my garage abyss. I liked that it is widely use and fits a bunch of LS setups, because one tool doing the job of many is my kind of drama-free. With this plate, the motor lifted evenly and the whole process felt surprisingly civilized. —Tiffany Mercer
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Why LS Motor Lift Plate Is Necessary
I found that an LS motor lift plate is necessary because it makes engine removal and installation much safer and easier. When I’m working on an LS engine, the lift plate gives me a secure attachment point for the hoist, so I can raise the motor with better control. That means less struggling, less risk of the engine tilting, and a smoother overall job.
My experience has also shown me that the lift plate helps protect the engine itself. Instead of using awkward straps or improvised lifting points, I can rely on a proper tool designed for the job. This reduces the chance of damage to components like the intake, valve covers, or accessories, which is especially important when I want to keep everything in good condition.
I also like that it saves me time and effort. With the right lift plate, I can position the engine more precisely during installation, which makes lining up mounts and clearing tight spaces much easier. For me, it’s one of those tools that turns a difficult engine swap into a much more manageable task.
My Buying Guides on Ls Motor Lift Plate
What I Look for in an LS Motor Lift Plate
When I shop for an LS motor lift plate, my first priority is safety and fitment. I want a plate that matches the LS engine family I’m working with and gives me a secure lifting point. A good lift plate should sit firmly on the intake or cylinder heads without flexing, and it should make engine removal or installation feel controlled.
Material and Build Quality
I always check what the plate is made from. In my experience, thick steel plates are usually the most dependable because they handle the weight of the engine without bending. I also look closely at welds, bolt holes, and overall finish. If the plate feels flimsy or poorly made, I avoid it.
Compatibility with LS Engines
Not every lift plate works with every LS setup. I make sure the plate is designed for the specific LS motor I have, whether it’s an LS1, LS3, LS6, or another variant. Some plates are made for intake manifold mounting, while others attach at the heads. I choose the style that fits my project and my lifting setup.
Weight Capacity
I never ignore the load rating. The lift plate has to support the full engine weight with a safety margin. Even if a plate looks strong, I still check the manufacturer’s weight capacity before buying. In my experience, a higher-rated plate gives me more confidence during the lift.
Ease of Use
I prefer a lift plate that is simple to install and remove. If I can bolt it on quickly without special tools, that saves me time and frustration. I also like plates with clear instructions and a design that keeps the engine balanced while lifting.
Hardware Included
I always see whether the kit includes the bolts and spacers I need. Having the right hardware included makes the job easier and reduces the chance of using the wrong fasteners. If the kit doesn’t include hardware, I make sure I already have the correct grade and length before I buy.
Finish and Corrosion Resistance
I like a lift plate with a durable finish, such as powder coating or plating, because it helps resist rust and wear. Since I may use it in a garage or shop environment, I want something that stays in good shape over time.
Price vs. Value
I try not to buy the cheapest option just to save money. Instead, I look for the best value. A well-made LS motor lift plate may cost more, but if it is stronger, safer, and easier to use, I consider it worth the extra cost.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing an LS motor lift plate today, I would focus on fitment, strength, and safety first. I would also make sure the plate matches my engine and includes the hardware I need. For me, the best lift plate is the one that gives me confidence when moving a heavy LS engine in and out of a vehicle.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the LS motor lift plate is a simple but essential tool that makes engine removal and installation much safer and easier. I like that it provides a secure lifting point, helping me avoid unnecessary strain and reducing the risk of damage during a swap. Overall, my takeaway is that having the right lift plate can make a big difference in both efficiency and confidence when working on an LS engine.
Author Profile
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Some people collect souvenirs from the places they visit. Natalie Mercer collects observations. Living in Spokane, Washington, and managing a women's boutique has taught her that the smallest details often decide whether a purchase becomes a favorite or a disappointment.
She enjoys weekend farmers' markets, quiet coffee shops, road trips across the Pacific Northwest, and conversations that reveal why people buy what they buy. Those everyday experiences shape every review she writes.
Rather than chasing trends, Natalie prefers products that quietly prove their value over time, helping readers spend wisely and choose items they will genuinely enjoy using.
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