The Ten Craziest Automotive Engine Swaps Ever Attempted (2024)

Oh you swapped an LS1 into a Miata? That’s cute.

10.) Nash Rambler – Ferrari V8

The reason you see so many different LS engine swaps is because those motors are cheap, plentiful, and durable. A V8 from the Ferrari 360 isn’t any of those things, which makes this mid-engine Nash Rambler with one all the more amazing.

It even has a gated six speed!

Suggested By: Myself, Photo Credit: GP Imports via Carscoops

9.) Chevrolet Corvair – Jaguar V12

Chevrolet’s Corvair was GM’s attempt at making a Volkswagen-inspired car, with its rear mounted, air-cooled flat four. One owner decided his Corvair lacked power, so he decided to stuff a Jaguar V12 in the front.

Using a heavily modified 4-speed transaxle from a Tempest, the builder was abled to wedge the stroked Jag V12 in the frunk, and gave his Corvair 370 hp.

Suggested By: smalleyxb122, Photo Credit: Corvair Corsa

8.) Toyota Prius – Harley V Twin

The loons who race the 24 Hours Of LeMons give us plenty of crazy engine swaps, but one of our favorites is this Harley V-Twin powered Prius.

I can’t think of a better engine for a Prius than this. Well done.

Suggested By: Bonhomme7h, Photo Credit: Mr. Spank via Oppositelock

7.) Ford Granada – Koenigsegg V8

The Granda was never exactly, uh, what you’d call a fast car. You might decide you want a little more go out of it, so you decide to swap in a Ford Modular V8, an appropriate, sensible choice.

Or, you could swap in an insane Modular V8, like the twin turbo from a Koenigsegg CCX. This guy actually did that, because his 600 HP Cosworth YBT wasn’t up to the task.

Suggested By: alwaysmiata, Photo Credit: jr

6.) Fiat 500 – Lamborghini V12

There are many great variations on the “stick a giant engine in the back of a subcompact car and give it fender flares” theme, but the most amazing is this original 500 with a V12 from a Lamborghini Murcielago.

Check out this feature from Speedhunters. It’s as ridiculous as you think it is.

Suggested By: AntiLag, Photo Credit: Ommedi Meccanica

5.) Ford Capri – Rolls Royce Merlin

They call this Ford Capri “The Beast.” Considering it has a 27 liter Rolls Royce Merlin engine under that absurdly long hood, the name seems appropriate.

Old Top Gear did a film about it, and it’s well worth a watch.

Suggested By: 365Daytonafan, Photo Credit: The Beast

4.) Triumph Spitfire – Allison Turboshaft

Sticking with the airline theme, we now have a dainty Triumph Spitfire with an Allison turbine engine from a helicopter built by college kids with a budget of $3,000.

Engineering students at the University of Arizona built it simply to test a digital turbine controller, and it’s amazing.

Suggested By: Garland, Photo Credit: godzillus

3.) Saab 9-3 Wagon – Viper V10

The Saab 9-3 is a FWD car. The Dodge Viper is a RWD car. You would think that it would be impossible to stick a Viper motor in a 9-3, but you’d be wrong.

It looks like it took a hell of a lot of work to make, but the end result seems to be well worth it.

Suggested By: Danny.Radomski, Photo Credit: via Jalopnik

2.) Lexus LFA – NASCAR V8

Normally I’d shun anyone who would swap out the org*smic V10 in the Lexus LFA, but this one was flood damaged and they put a NASCAR V8 in it. I’ll give them a pass.

Oh, and to make it even better it’s a drift car now.

Suggested By: evoCS, Photo Credit: HY DY via YouTube

1.) Toyota MR-2 – Kinner R55 Radial

Aircraft engine swaps are always amazing, but I haven’t seen anything more amazing than this MR-2 race car with a vintage radial engine standing proud out the back.

It’s certifiably insane.

Suggested By: JayHova, Photo Credit: Frankenstein Motorworks

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