Seeing as I am soon to be owning a spare LS motor, I've started thinking about what it should go in, then the thought just went to a generic idea of what cars out there have a disproportionately large engine compartment for their size, and conversely, what cars seem to have way too small of an engine compartment (or a unfortunately placed crossmember or steering rack) for their overall size.
I seem to recall 70's GM X-bodies (Novas, etc), have a decent amount of space for what was considered a compact car back then, but maybe not a huge amount of space.
You could get a Nova with a big block so there's plenty of room in there for an LS.
Patrick said:
Datsun Z car 
Don't do it. Purists will hate you
But also, do it. Let them hate.
I assume any Datsun Z purists that hate engine swaps were overloaded a couple of decades ago. That platform has seen a lot of different ones.
The LS is pretty darn compact and can go in a space usually reserved for a four cylinder or even a rotary. I mean, I got one into an MGB with no external signs. Maybe stay away from LBCs built around an A series, but otherwise I'd just get the car you want to stuff that thing in there.
It may also require space for a turbo, intercooler and piping. 
The Z-car thing reminds me, how were 80's 300ZXs? Fairly small car with a long nose, so maybe it could work.
I was also going to say Z. Z32. In theory one should lose a bit of weight going LS and end up with an extra 100hp at the worst. They make an adapter so you can use the stock transmission.
One with a blown motor can be had fairly inexpensively. With a swap you've solved potentially the worst thing about the cars - they are tedious to work on because of the engine bay packaging.
Patrick said:
Datsun Z car
In the vein of shameless self-promotion, TR7. 
Small car, engine bay designed for a v8, and...I have one available!
NOHOME
MegaDork
3/21/22 11:11 a.m.
In the grand scheme of things, if the car's tin will cover the engine, the swap can be done. You just have to commit to doing what needs to be done. Go with the frock you like.
The only "natural" swaps would be GM cars that came with a V8 where there is a swap kit on the market.
Mustang with LS is also kind of a belly-button swap because the cars used to be cheap and they are relatively light. Swap kits available.
Keith Tanner said: Maybe stay away from LBCs built around an A series, but otherwise I'd just get the car you want to stuff that thing in there.
I do have some cars in mind already, but figured expanding the list of possibilities is never bad, plus this thread could give bad ideas to other people.
NOHOME said: The only "natural" swaps would be GM cars that came with a V8 where there is a swap kit on the market.
The cars on my list now are all on platforms that came from the factory with small block chevy engines, as one of my considerations is how quickly (and cheaply) I could execute a swap, after all the issues I've run into with my S10 project.
If you do go with a an S30 Z, the LS swap can be done in a weekend. Very straightforward
STM317
PowerDork
3/21/22 11:41 a.m.
A Squarebody Blazer has a massive engine bay, tons of aftermarket for "easy button" LS swaps, and has a shorter wheelbase and overall length than a mid 70s Nova
84FSP
UberDork
3/21/22 11:45 a.m.
Rx8 seems to be a good candidate as they are Miata-ish and have broad availbility of broken but cared for cars to choose from.
Just remember:
1) Finding room for the headers is often the biggest challenge.
2) Vertical exhaust through the hood fixes #1.
In reply to pinchvalve (Forum Supporter) :
Well, I mean one could just "extend" the space if you need extra room for headers, too.
In reply to TurnerX19 :
Agreed, I've been eyeing these again recently myself
mtn
MegaDork
3/21/22 12:54 p.m.
Just judging on the fact that it came almost exclusively with I6 engines, the Z3/Z4 may be an option.
In reply to eastsideTim :
In another recent thread we mentioned GM Colonnade cars. The El Camino versions offered up to 454 and many wagons offered 400 and other big stuff. My '77 Malibu had a 250 straight 6 and the remaining room in the engine bay was significant.
But, having had a Colonnade as my high school car, I tend to look for them. At the last couple really big events I've been to, Power Tour and Drag Week, the Colonnade cars have almost zero representation. I was amazed at how few were there. Just a little newer and the G-body is so popular. Just a little older and you have high dollar late 60's Chevelles/Tempest, etc. The Colonnades are really under represented. I don't know if that translates to then cheaper to buy than the cars that came before them and the cars that came after.
In reply to John Welsh :
From what I've seen searching for 2 door Colonnade cars, $2-3K gets you one that doesn't run and is about to rust apart. $5-7K can get you a runner in indeterminate condition, and then there's a jump to $15-20K for the really nice ones. Pre-Covid, I was seeing running, poor condition ones for about $3K.
They are a leading option, but I don't know how well they qualify in this thread, as they are about the same size as a 1980s Caprice.
In reply to eastsideTim :
Think beyond space.
Cars built after the early 70's started to be heavier. So even if it will fit performance will be less than a lighter car.
Brakes really weren't that great with few exceptions until the 90's.
Handling was also an issue. For example a lot of small light cars would suffer from the weight of an V8 but feel nimble with a light 4 cylinder.
Aerodynamics also plays a part. The Chevy Monza for example ( and Pontiac Sunbird ) are narrow, low, and offer a more aerodynamic front thus pushing around less air.
The last turbo RX7 is a very natural home for one. Lots of strength in the differential, lose the melty doritos, all good.
In reply to Streetwiseguy :
Came here to say any RX7, and even the RX3s,4s, etc
