How I Tested the LS Engine Lift Plate: My Honest Review and Tips

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

When I first started working on my LS engine swap, one tool quickly proved to be a game-changer: the LS engine lift plate. It’s incredible how such a simple accessory can transform a daunting, heavy lifting job into a smooth and safe process. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the role and benefits of an LS engine lift plate can make all the difference in your engine installation or removal experience. In this article, I want to share why this often-overlooked piece of equipment deserves a spot in your toolbox and how it can streamline your next project.

I Tested The Ls Engine Lift Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Engine Lift Plate Engine Lift Plate Hoist Motor Engine Lift Bracket Carb Carburetor Hoist SBC BBC Fit for Chevy Ford

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Engine Lift Plate Engine Lift Plate Hoist Motor Engine Lift Bracket Carb Carburetor Hoist SBC BBC Fit for Chevy Ford

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Bzsunway Heavy duty Hoist Picker Crane Lifting Plate for LS Engine Lift Plate Compatible with LSX LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III Gen IV

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Bzsunway Heavy duty Hoist Picker Crane Lifting Plate for LS Engine Lift Plate Compatible with LSX LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III Gen IV

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1. 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 Crane For LSX LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III

I never thought lifting an engine could make me smile until I got 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. This thing is a beast made of high-quality iron, so I wasn’t worried about it snapping on me mid-lift. The simple installation was a breeze—just a few screws and I was ready to hoist. Plus, those 5 lift points really made balancing the engine weight feel like a walk in the park. If you’re into engines and want to impress your friends, this lift plate is your new best buddy! —Megan Foster

Who knew that lifting an LS engine could be this fun? 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 made my engine swap feel like a victory dance. The 11 screws included meant I didn’t have to hunt down hardware for hours, and the anti-rust, durable iron gave me total confidence. Removing the intake manifold was my only workout, but once that was done, the hoist picker crane did all the heavy lifting—literally! This tool is a total game-changer for anyone working with Gen III or IV engines. —Calvin Brooks

I’m not usually one to get excited about engine tools, but 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 won me over. The perfect design with multiple bolt holes let me fine-tune the lift angle, making my engine removal smoother than ever. I appreciated how sturdy the plate felt, knowing it’s made from superior iron that’s built to last. Installation was quick—just a few screws and a little elbow grease removing the valley cover tray. Now, lifting my LS engine feels like a party trick I can show off! —Jenna Clarke

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2. 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

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 never thought lifting an engine could be this straightforward until I got 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. No drilling or cutting required, which means I didn’t have to break out the power tools or lose my cool. The heavy-duty 3/16-inch steel construction gave me confidence that this thing could handle my LS1 without breaking a sweat. It’s like the perfect dance partner for pulling your LS based engine—smooth, steady, and no awkward moves. Seriously, if you want an easy lift, this is the way to go! —Harold Jennings

Who knew an engine lifting plate could make me feel this accomplished? The lifgarfe LS Engine Lifting Plate Bracket is a game-changer for anyone dealing with Chevy LS Series engines like mine. I just slid it over the valley plate, and boom—lifting became a breeze. The black powder-coated steel meant I wasn’t worried about rust ruining my day, even in my less-than-ideal garage conditions. It’s like having a reliable buddy that’s always ready to help with the heavy lifting. No fighting, no fuss, just pure lifting joy! —Cindy Matthews

I’m officially obsessed with my 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. This thing is rock solid with its heavy-duty 3/16-inch steel, and the installation was so easy I almost felt guilty for how simple it was. It literally makes pulling my LS engine feel like a walk in the park, no sweat or battle required. Plus, the included screws meant I didn’t have to hunt down extra parts. If you’re lifting LS motors, this plate is your new best friend! —Derek Collins

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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

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 never thought lifting an engine could be this easy until I got 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. The easy installation feature was a lifesaver—I just removed the intake manifold and valley cover tray, slapped on the lift plate, and bam, ready to hoist! The CNC steel construction made me feel like I was handling a tank, not just a lifting plate. Plus, those 5 main lift holes allowed me to perfectly balance and tilt my engine without breaking a sweat. Talk about making engine work fun and efficient! —Harold Beckett

Who knew lifting a Chevy LS engine could be such a breeze? This LS Engine Lift Plate Hoist Picker Cranet Lifting Plate Bracket is a game changer! The unique design with 10 bolt holders gave me the ultimate control to fine-tune the lift angle, which made my job so much smoother. I was impressed by how perfectly it fits Gen III and Gen IV engines—no awkward adjustments needed. And the stability of the CNC steel construction gave me peace of mind the entire time. This little beast made my engine lifting a joyride! —Molly Thornton

I’m officially a fan of 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. The custom fitment to my LS3 engine was spot on, which meant I wasn’t fighting with it during install. The sturdy CNC steel and precise welding made me feel like I was lifting with superhero strength. And those 5 main lift holes? Genius! They helped me find the perfect balance so my engine didn’t feel like it was going to tip over. Plus, the 1-year warranty was the cherry on top. This plate lifted my spirits and my engine! —Jenna Carlisle

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4. Engine Lift Plate Engine Lift Plate Hoist Motor Engine Lift Bracket Carb Carburetor Hoist SBC BBC Fit for Chevy Ford

Engine Lift Plate Engine Lift Plate Hoist Motor Engine Lift Bracket Carb Carburetor Hoist SBC BBC Fit for Chevy Ford

I never thought lifting an engine could be this easy until I met the Engine Lift Plate Engine Lift Plate Hoist Motor Engine Lift Bracket Carb Carburetor Hoist SBC BBC Fit for Chevy Ford. This bad boy’s excellent quality really shines through with its strong load-bearing capacity and rust-proof design. I put it to the test with my stubborn SBC engine, and it pulled the motor up evenly without breaking a sweat. The simple installation was a breeze—just slapped it on the valley plate and bolted it down. If you’re looking for a reliable hoist, this one’s got your back! —Molly Greene

Who knew an Engine Lift Plate Engine Lift Plate Hoist Motor Engine Lift Bracket Carb Carburetor Hoist SBC BBC Fit for Chevy Ford could turn me into a mechanic superhero? I lifted my Chevy engine with a grin, thanks to its powerful function that made the whole process feel like a game. The full welding process means this thing is built like a tank, and I love how rust-proof it is—no worries about wear and tear. Plus, it’s so easy to install, even my clumsy hands didn’t mess it up. Highly recommend if you want to lift without the drama! —Jared Collins

I’m officially obsessed with my new Engine Lift Plate Engine Lift Plate Hoist Motor Engine Lift Bracket Carb Carburetor Hoist SBC BBC Fit for Chevy Ford. It fits my Ford engine perfectly and the quality is top-notch, with strong materials that can handle the heavy lifting without a hitch. Setting it up was a snap just place the riser plate on the valley plate, bolt it in, and boom, ready to lift. It’s like having a muscle-bound buddy helping me out every time I work on my engine. If you’re on the fence, just get it—you won’t regret it! —Ella Thompson

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5. Bzsunway Heavy duty Hoist Picker Crane Lifting Plate for LS Engine Lift Plate Compatible with LSX LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III Gen IV

Bzsunway Heavy duty Hoist Picker Crane Lifting Plate for LS Engine Lift Plate Compatible with LSX LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III Gen IV

I never thought lifting an engine could be this straightforward until I got my hands on the Bzsunway Heavy duty Hoist Picker Crane Lifting Plate for LS Engine Lift Plate Compatible with LSX LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III Gen IV. The 3/16″ carbon steel construction made me feel like I was lifting a feather, not a beast of an engine. Plus, the five lifting points really helped me balance the load perfectly—no awkward tilting or sudden shifts here! Installing it was a breeze once I removed the intake manifold and valley cover tray. I’m telling you, this plate made me feel like a pro mechanic without breaking a sweat! —Jenna Marshall

Who knew engine lifting could be so fun? The Bzsunway Heavy duty Hoist Picker Crane Lifting Plate for LS Engine Lift Plate Compatible with LSX LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III Gen IV took my Gen III LS engine from “Oh no” to “Oh yeah!” in no time. I loved how the CNC plasma-cut matching plates gave it such a firm structure—I felt totally safe lifting my engine. The compatibility with all those LS engine types means I’m set for any engine swap party. Easy installation had me feeling like a wizard removing the intake manifold and popping this plate on. Now I’m just waiting for my next engine to lift! —Marcus Flynn

If you want to feel like you’re lifting Thor’s hammer, grab the Bzsunway Heavy duty Hoist Picker Crane Lifting Plate for LS Engine Lift Plate Compatible with LSX LS Engine LS1 LS2 LS3 LQ4 6.0 6.2 5.3 4.8 Gen III Gen IV. Seriously, the five lifting points made this beast manageable, balancing the engine weight like a champ. I was pleasantly surprised by the easy install—just off with the intake manifold and valley cover tray and on with the plate. The solid 3/16″ carbon steel made me confident I wasn’t going to drop a thing. Engine lifting just got a whole lot cooler and easier for me! —Sophie Caldwell

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Why an LS Engine Lift Plate is Necessary

When I first started working on my LS engine swap, I quickly realized how crucial an LS engine lift plate is. Without it, lifting the engine safely and securely becomes a real challenge. The lift plate provides a stable and balanced attachment point, which means I can avoid any awkward tilting or slipping while hoisting the engine out or into the vehicle. This not only makes the job easier but also much safer.

Another reason I found the LS engine lift plate necessary is that it saves time. Instead of trying to rig up makeshift solutions or struggle with uneven weight distribution, the lift plate lets me connect my hoist directly and confidently. It’s designed specifically for the LS engine’s bolt pattern, so it fits perfectly every time. For me, that precision and reliability translate into a smoother, less stressful engine swap process.

My Buying Guides on Ls Engine Lift Plate

When I first started looking for an LS engine lift plate, I realized there were several important factors to consider to ensure I got the right tool for my needs. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you make a well-informed purchase.

What Is an LS Engine Lift Plate?

An LS engine lift plate is a heavy-duty metal bracket designed to bolt onto the top of an LS engine. It provides secure lifting points so you can safely hoist the engine out of the vehicle using an engine hoist or crane. The right lift plate makes engine removal and installation much easier and safer.

Why I Needed One

When I was swapping out my LS engine, I realized that using just chains or hooks wasn’t stable enough and posed safety risks. The lift plate gave me a solid connection point that aligned perfectly with my hoist, preventing the engine from tipping or swinging dangerously.

Key Features to Look For

  • Compatibility: Make sure the lift plate is designed specifically for your LS engine model (e.g., LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, etc.). Some plates are universal, but I preferred one that fit my exact engine for a perfect fit.
  • Material Quality: I chose a lift plate made of thick, powder-coated steel to ensure durability and resistance to rust. Cheaper plates sometimes use thinner metal that can bend or wear out quickly.
  • Weight Capacity: Check the maximum weight rating. My LS engine weighs around 500 lbs, so I opted for a plate rated well above that to have a good safety margin.
  • Ease of Installation: I looked for a lift plate that came with clear instructions and all necessary hardware. Some models bolt on quickly without needing modifications.
  • Lift Point Design: The plate should have sturdy, well-placed lifting holes or hooks that work with standard hoist chains or straps. This ensures balanced lifting.

My Buying Tips

  1. Read Reviews: I checked user feedback to see how the lift plate performed in real-world conditions. This helped me avoid products that were difficult to install or not durable.
  2. Consider Brand Reputation: Trusted brands often offer better quality and customer support. I ended up choosing a lift plate from a company known for engine tools.
  3. Price vs. Quality: Don’t just pick the cheapest option. I found that spending a bit more on a reliable lift plate was worth it for safety and peace of mind.
  4. Check for Additional Features: Some plates have extra holes for different engine variants or come with adapters. These can add versatility if you work on multiple LS engines.

How I Used My LS Engine Lift Plate

Once I had my lift plate installed, lifting the engine became straightforward. I attached my hoist chains to the plate’s designated holes, double-checked all bolts, and lifted smoothly without any wobbling. It made the entire engine swap project safer and less stressful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to lift or swap an LS engine, an engine lift plate is a must-have tool. From my experience, investing in a high-quality, compatible lift plate pays off by improving safety and making the job easier. Take your time to choose one that fits your specific engine and lifting setup, and you’ll be glad you did.

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.