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Gen Coupe Swaps is a free, step-by-step resource for putting a GM LS V8 into a Hyundai Genesis Coupe, both the BK1 (2009–2012) and the BK2 (2013–2016). It started as one builder's wiring notes in a Google Doc and grew into a full set of guides covering every system you'll touch: engine and mounts, wiring and the Holley ECU, cooling, fuel, transmission, driveshaft, rear end, brakes, and the small stuff like A/C, gas pedals, and reverse lights.
Everything here comes from real swaps, with photos, wire colors, pin numbers, and part numbers, plus vendor specs and sources linked on each page. Wire colors and pinouts change between years and between 2.0T and 3.8 cars, so always confirm against your own car and the factory shop manuals.
BK1 vs BK2: What Changes for the Swap
| BK1 (2009–2012) | BK2 (2013–2016) | |
|---|---|---|
| Front clearance | Tighter: use a Corvette-spacing accessory drive | About 1.5" more room between engine and fans |
| Factory engine mount | Three studs to the subframe | Single center stud (LOJ mounts are designed around this one) |
| Mount kits | LOJ mounts need the subframe drilled (tools included). Check your kit. | Bolts in |
| In-tank fuel pump | DeatschWerks DW420 (2010–12) | DeatschWerks DW430C (2013–16 3.8) |
| OEM gas pedal pinout | BK1 pinout | Different BK2 pinout |
Details are in Motor Mounts, accessory drive spacing, fuel pumps, and gas pedal pinouts.
The Swap, Step by Step
A typical order of attack. Each step links to its full guide.
- Pick the engine: 5.3, 6.0, LS1, LS3 or supercharged, plus accessory spacing and 24x vs 58x crank reluctor.
- Choose a swap kit and motor mounts: Sikky, LOJ or ISR, with a Genesis-specific oil pan.
- Transmission & clutch: T56 Magnum XL specs, pilot bushing, shifter, and the Wilwood clutch master fix.
- Driveshaft and rear end: the 3-to-4 bolt adapter, sedan axles, and the Ford 8.8 IRS for big power.
- Wiring: passenger fuse box, push to start, ECU cranking power, reverse lights.
- ECU & tuning: choosing a Holley Terminator X kit, dash mounting, speedo.
- Fuel system: in-tank pump, dedicated relay, EVAP.
- Cooling: radiator, fans and relays, steam vent line, heater hoses.
- Alternator, power steering, A/C, and gas pedal.
- Intake and exhaust & heat shielding: hood clearance, headers, and keeping heat off the fuse box.
- Brakes: ABS delete, proportioning valve, line lock.
- Troubleshooting: quick fixes for overheating, charging, fans, no-start and more.
What Parts Cost
Reference prices for the swap-specific parts, as listed by vendors in October 2026. The engine, transmission, clutch, radiator, and tuning are on top of this and vary a lot by what you find.
| Part | Typical price | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & trans mounts | $412 – $616 | Motor Mounts |
| Swap kit packages | $1,400 – $3,700 | Swap Kits |
| Headers | $990 – $1,232 | Exhaust |
| Holley Terminator X kit | from ~$1,450 | ECUs & Tuning |
| Driveshaft | $710 – $1,350 | Driveshaft |
| In-tank fuel pump | ~$200 – $220 | Fuel System |
| Power steering line kit | ~$168 | Power Steering |
Before You Begin
- Join the Facebook groups Swapped GCs and Genesis Coupe LS Swaps. That's where most wiring photos and real build logs get shared.
- On a BK1, use Corvette accessory spacing for radiator clearance.
- Plan a serious radiator and fan setup, the steam vent line, and an oil cooler from the start. Heat is the number-one LS Gen Coupe headache.
- Buy mounts, oil pan, and headers from the same kit maker so everything lines up.
Most-Read Guides
Engine Selection
5.3, 6.0, LS1, LS3, LSA, accessory spacing, and what to buy with the engine.
Swap Kits
Sikky, LOJ and ISR compared: what's included and what each costs.
Wiring
Fuse box, starter, push to start, reverse lights, Holley power.
ECUs & Tuning
Terminator X vs X Max, dash, speedo, and fan control.
Cooling
Radiator, fans, steam vent, IAT placement, heater hoses.
Power Steering
Line kits, adapters, pressure reducers, and electric pumps.
HP Wars
How much is your swap making? The HP Wars leaderboard ranks LS Gen Coupes by wheel horsepower in N/A, turbo, supercharged, and nitrous classes. Send your dyno sheet to get on the board.
Featured Builds & Contributing
Finished (or well-documented) build? Get it on the Featured Builds page. Spotted a wrong wire color or have photos that would help someone else? Get in touch. The guides get better every time someone shares what worked on their car. If the site saved you time, you can chip in to keep it online.