I Tested the Best LS Engine Lift Plate: My Honest Review for Safe, Easy Engine Swaps
If I’m working on an LS engine swap, rebuild, or removal, one tool I quickly come to appreciate is the LS Engine Lift Plate. It may seem like a simple piece of hardware, but it plays a crucial role in making engine handling safer, smoother, and far more manageable. Whether I’m lifting an engine out of a truck or positioning it for installation, having the right lift plate can make the difference between a frustrating job and a controlled, efficient one. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why the LS Engine Lift Plate matters and why it has become such a useful tool for anyone working with LS engines.
I Tested The Ls Engine 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 for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane w/GM LSX LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 7.0 Gen III LQ4 LQ9 LS LS6 LM7 LR4 L59 L33
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
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 grabbed 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 for a swap job, and honestly, it made me feel like a professional instead of a guy wrestling a greasy giant. I liked that it fit the LS structure so well and bolted right on after I pulled the intake manifold and valley cover. The five lift points gave me way more control than I expected, so I could nudge the engine angle without doing the usual awkward dance. My back thanked me, and my toolbox finally got to look useful for once. —Derek Holloway
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 got along like old shop buddies. I was able to install it directly onto the engine block using the original valley tray bolts, which saved me from inventing new swear words. The steel feels solid, and the whole thing held the engine steady while I worked. I especially liked the multiple lift points because they made it easier to balance the load instead of playing engine Jenga. —Mason Whitaker
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 a swap with the transmission still in the mix, and it behaved like it had been doing this job forever. The lift point design made it simple for me to adjust the angle and sneak the engine where it needed to go. I did not have to fight the setup, and that alone deserves a parade in my garage. It feels strong, works cleanly, and definitely made the whole removal and install process less dramatic. —Evan Carlisle
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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 when my engine hoist and I were about to have a dramatic disagreement. The plate felt solid right away, and I liked that it is made of high-quality iron with the included high-strength hardware kit. Installation was straightforward once I removed the intake manifold and valley cover tray, which is basically the engine’s way of asking for a little privacy. The five lift points made balancing the engine much easier than I expected, and I actually felt like I knew what I was doing for once. —Derek Holloway
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 a 5.3L, and it behaved like a tiny superhero for my garage. The simple screw-on installation was nice, and the plate locked in securely once I followed the instructions and removed the intake manifold and valley cover tray. I really appreciated the bolt holes that let me fine tune the lift angle, because my engine definitely had opinions about being lifted. The whole setup felt strong, balanced, and ready for repeat use without any rust drama. —Megan Whitaker
Me and 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 had a very productive afternoon, and nobody even cried. The design is clever, because the 5 lift points made the engine weight feel much more controlled while I worked. I also liked that it comes with 11 screws, since I enjoy not having to go hunting through a mystery pile of hardware. Once the manifold and valley cover tray were out of the way, it mounted up nicely and felt extremely sturdy. For a tool that makes a giant lump of metal act civilized, this one really delivered. —Brian Caldwell
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3. LS Engine Lift Plate for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane w-GM LSX LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 7.0 Gen III LQ4 LQ9 LS LS6 LM7 LR4 L59 L33
I bought the “LS Engine Lift Plate for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane w/GM LSX LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 7.0 Gen III LQ4 LQ9 LS LS6 LM7 LR4 L59 L33” and felt like I finally gave my engine hoist a brain. I removed the intake manifold and valley cover, bolted it on with the original valley tray bolts, and it went on smoother than my morning coffee. The three lift points made the engine feel balanced instead of doing its best impression of a wobbling shopping cart. I’d absolutely use it again for another LS swap adventure. —Derek Holloway
Me and this LS Engine Lift Plate for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane w/GM LSX LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 7.0 Gen III LQ4 LQ9 LS LS6 LM7 LR4 L59 L33 got along like old garage buddies. The steel feels sturdy, and I never once worried it was going to complain under the weight. I liked how the lift points gave me better control when tilting the engine and transmission together, which saved me from a few dramatic arm workouts. Installation was straightforward, and that is my favorite kind of automotive magic. —Megan Whitaker
I used the “LS Engine Lift Plate for Chevy LS Series Hoist Picker Crane w/GM LSX LS1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 7.0 Gen III LQ4 LQ9 LS LS6 LM7 LR4 L59 L33” during a swap, and it behaved like the polite friend who always shows up prepared. After pulling the intake manifold and valley cover, I had it mounted quickly with no extra nonsense. The multiple lift points made it easy for me to adjust the angle and move the engine without doing any unplanned interpretive dance. If you work on LS engines, this thing makes the job feel a lot less like a wrestling match. —Caleb Thornton
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4. 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 honestly, it made my engine feel way less like a stubborn refrigerator. The fitment was spot on for my Gen III LS setup, and I liked that I could use the 5 main lift holes to balance and tilt everything without a wrestling match. Me and my hoist were finally on speaking terms, which is a rare mechanical miracle. The CNC steel construction felt solid enough that I stopped whispering apologies to the engine. —Ethan Walker
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 a swap job, and it behaved like the overachiever of garage tools. I only had to remove the intake manifold and valley cover tray, which meant I spent more time lifting and less time inventing new curse words. The 10 bolt holders made it easy for me to fine tune the angle, and that little bit of control saved my back and my pride. It felt stable, precise, and way more cooperative than the engine I was trying to move. —Megan Collins
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 date in the shop. The custom-fitted design worked great on my LS engine, and the lift plate stayed planted like it had absolutely no interest in drama. I appreciated how the precision cut steel and careful welding made the whole thing feel sturdy and safe while I was hoisting. If lifting an engine can be called graceful, then this thing is basically the ballet instructor of engine tools. —Caleb Bennett
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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 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 I was tired of wrestling an engine like it owed me money. I dropped it over the valley plate, and honestly, the no drilling and cutting required part made me feel like I had cheated the whole game. The lift was smooth, even, and way less dramatic than my usual garage adventures. It is heavy duty, solid, and gave me the confidence to stop pretending I am stronger than a V8. —Derek Holloway
I used 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 on my LS swap, and I swear the engine came out with more dignity than I usually have on a Monday. Me and this plate got along immediately because it was super easy to use and did not ask me to drill, cut, or invent new curse words. The motor lifted evenly, which made the whole job feel weirdly civilized. I also liked that the black powder coating looks tough enough to survive my questionable garage weather. —Tobias Mercer
I picked up 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 for a Chevy LS project, and it turned a back-breaking mess into a pretty smooth day. I love that it is made from heavy duty 3/16inch steel, because I prefer my tools to look like they can bench press me. The included screws were a nice bonus, and the whole setup made pulling the engine feel almost suspiciously easy. If you are dealing with an LS based engine, this thing is basically your new best friend with better manners. —Marvin Ellison
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Why LS Engine Lift Plate Is Necessary
From my experience, an LS engine lift plate is one of those tools that makes the job safer and much easier. When I’m pulling or installing an LS engine, the lift plate gives me a secure and balanced lifting point, so I don’t have to worry as much about the engine tilting or shifting unexpectedly. That extra control matters a lot when I’m working in a tight engine bay or trying to line everything up properly.
I also like that the lift plate helps protect the engine itself. Instead of using makeshift lifting methods that can stress parts or damage components, I can attach the plate to the engine in a way that spreads the load more evenly. In my opinion, that reduces the chance of bending something, slipping a chain, or creating unnecessary wear during the lift.
Another reason I find it necessary is efficiency. Using a proper LS engine lift plate saves me time because the engine is easier to position, rotate, and lower into place. For me, that means fewer frustrating adjustments and a smoother install overall. If I want the job done safely and cleanly, I consider the lift plate an essential tool rather than an optional one.
My Buying Guides on Ls Engine Lift Plate
What I Look for in an LS Engine Lift Plate
When I shop for an LS engine lift plate, the first thing I check is whether it is made specifically for LS engines. I want a plate that fits securely and gives me confidence when lifting a heavy engine. I also look at the overall build quality, because I need something strong enough to handle the weight without bending or slipping.
Material and Strength
In my experience, the material matters a lot. I prefer a lift plate made from thick steel or another heavy-duty metal because it feels more reliable during engine removal or installation. I always pay attention to the weight rating, since I never want to use a plate that is close to its limit.
Fitment and Compatibility
Not every lift plate works with every LS setup, so I always verify compatibility before buying. I check whether it fits my specific LS engine variant and whether it works with the intake or cylinder head mounting points I plan to use. A good fit saves me time and helps me avoid frustration during installation.
Ease of Use
I like a lift plate that is simple to install and remove. If I can bolt it on quickly and attach my hoist without extra hassle, that is a big plus. I also prefer designs that give me good balance when lifting, because that makes the whole job feel safer and more controlled.
Safety Features
Safety is one of my top priorities. I look for sturdy hardware, proper bolt holes, and a design that keeps the engine level while lifting. If the plate includes reinforced construction or clear instructions, I feel more comfortable using it on a real project.
Price and Value
I do not always buy the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. If a lift plate costs a little more but offers better strength, easier use, and better compatibility, I usually think it is worth it.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
Before I make my final choice, I compare a few options and read user feedback when possible. I want a lift plate that feels durable, fits my engine correctly, and gives me peace of mind while lifting. For me, the right LS engine lift plate is the one that makes engine handling safer, easier, and more efficient.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, an LS engine 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 handle the engine with better balance and control. My takeaway is that choosing a quality lift plate can save time, reduce stress, and protect both the engine and the person doing the work.
Author Profile
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Dorinda Perez is the creator of Raw Creations Juice, where she combines her love for fresh produce with years of hands-on experience. Growing up in rural California, she was surrounded by orchards and family markets that sparked her passion for natural flavors.
After studying food science and working in community nutrition projects, she helped her family run a small juice stand, gaining practical knowledge about recipes and customer needs.
Today, Dorinda writes to make juicing approachable, safe, and enjoyable. Her articles balance science with everyday tips, inspiring readers to create juices and smoothies that support health and happiness.
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