Skip to main content

Common engine swaps


EngineCommon swapsNotes
Chevrolet small-block engineHot Rods, Chevrolet Vega, Nissan S30Pontiac Fiero, S-10, Large sports cars such as the Austin-Healey, kit cars, light aircraft (later engines from the LS1 onward), Jaguar XJS and Jaguar XJ6, Suzuki Sidekick/VitaraThe most commonly swapped engine ever. Can fit in almost any vehicle with minor modifications.
Ford Windsor engineCommonly swapped into Hot Rods, Ford Mustangs, Ford Ranger and other pony cars, kit carsCan also use the Cleveland as well
Ford Modular engineCommonly swapped into Hot Rods, Ford Mustangs and other pony cars, kit carsQuite a wide engine, being about the same width as the Ford FE engine
Mitsubishi 4G63 engineThis 2.0L DOHC is commonly swapped into Mitsubishi Lancer early 5G, Eagle Summit 4G, Dodge Colt 3G and 4G, kit cars.Fitted to many Mitsubishi variants, including the Eagle Talon 1G and 2G with the DOHC turbo model. A very strong engine developing ~200 hp in factory turbo form, and 300+ hp with relatively minor modifications (bigger turbo, intercooler, exhaust and improved engine management computer). Some drag racing builds have been claimed to develop 700-1000 hp. Installation into 4G and early 5G Lancer variants is relatively straightforward and can use mostly standard Mitsubishi parts, as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution models used the essentially same engine. Later 5G Lancer models have the 2.0L 4G93 engine and simplified transmission that result in the intake and exhaust manifolds being on opposite sides compared to the 4G63.
The early '90s six bolt engines are the most desirable because the connecting rods are much stronger and they do not suffer from crank walk and bearing failure seen in many of the later (mid '90s) seven bolt engines.
Subaru EJ engineVW Type 1, VW Type 2, VW Type 3 Light aircraft, kit cars, dune buggies, Trikes.Adaptors available off the shelf. Note this is not applicable to automatic models which, at the time of writing, cannot be converted using an off the shelf adaptor.
Fiat twin cam engineMorris Minor (until the 1990s), Hot Rods, kit cars.Now supplanted by the lighter Rover K series in Morris Minors
Rover V8Hot Rods, kit cars, British Sports cars, light aircraftWeighs less than most four-cylinder engines. Typically mated to a T5 gearbox as used in Ford Cosworth RWD cars – this requires the correct bellhousing similar to TVR's. These are usually available off the shelf. BL's LT77 (as used in the Sherpa van and Rover SD1) may also be used but wear can be a problem in units covering anything well over 70,000 miles. Later LDV Pilot vans used a two-wheel-drive version of the stronger Land-Rover R380 gearbox that was developed from the LT77.
Land Rover 200TDILand Rover SeriesUsed in turbocharged form with or without inter-cooler. On older Land Rovers sometimes without the turbocharger. Mechanical Bosch VE pump, direct injection.
Rover MDI / Perkins PrimaLand Rover SeriesUsed in turbocharged form on older Land Rovers. Donor vehicles had no inter-coolers. Mechanical Bosch VE pump, direct injection.
Rover K-series engineHot Rods based on the Morris Minor, Sprite, MG Midget, Caterham 7's and other kit cars, Austin Mini (1959–2001)Needs Ford Type 9 transmission for rear wheel drive conversions. It weighs less than Austin A-series engine
Honda B engineHonda Civic, Austin Mini (1959–2001), mid engined kit carsNot suitable for inline RWD layouts, because engine turns counter clockwise (Chevy Corvair flat six turns the same way), though it could be placed in a mid engined sports car.
Honda H engineHonda Accord, (1990–2001), import tuner car, Austin Mini, mid engined kit carsWith original equipment F series motors capable of 130–150 HP, SOHC, some models with VTEC and lower rod ratios, the swap to a more potent H-Series motor (H22, or H23) with DOHC, VTEC, high revving friendly rod ratios, and 200+ HP is desirable. 1990–97 Accord engine swaps are straightforward drop-ins with minor modifications required for the wire harness, whereas the 1998–2002 Accords require swapping the driver side mounts to fit.
Honda F20C engineHot rods, kit carsBecoming popular because it is designed for RWD applications.
Ford ZetecHot Rods including most older Fords, such as the Ford Cortina, Ford Escort, Ford Anglia and also Kit carsNeeds Ford type 9 transmission in RWD layout, which bolts straight up.
Porsche flat 6 engineVW type 1, VW Type 2, VW Type 3, light aircraft, trikesNeeds sheet metal in engine bay removed and can be tail heavy.
Ford Cologne engineHot Rods, Saab 96, kit cars, other RWD Fords.Makes Saab nose heavy and requires to move the radiator either to the side or to the rear. There is also a Cosworth designed 24-Valve version, but the Colonge is available in displacements of up to 4 litres.
GM Duramax DieselPick ups, Rolls Royce Saloons (Often done for torque and economy)Can use TH-400 automatic transmission
Suzuki G engineMG Midget, Sprite, Austin Mini, Morris Minor, light aircraftNeeds Suzuki Swift transaxle in the Austin Mini, but bolts up to Suzuki truck/jeep five-speed for RWD cars (Transfer box is separate).
Mazda Wankel engineVW Type 1, VW Type 3, MG Midget, Sprite, light aircraft, Lotus 7 style kit cars, hot rods, Morris MinorVery light and compact, suiting a wide number of small RWD cars.
Chevrolet Corvair engineVW Type 1, VW Type 2, Karmann Ghia, light aircraft, dune buggiesNot suitable for front engined RWD layouts, because engine turns counter clockwise, like Honda.
Saab H engineSaab 99, BMW16v turbo engines are easily tunable and highly available. May also fit in Triumph Herald and Triumph Dolomite, which as it is derived from the Triumph Slant-4 engine and it could bolt up to the Triumph 5-speed.
Opel C20XEAustin Mini, hot rods, Lotus 7 style kit cars.May be too powerful. Can also be fitted in RWD layouts with an Opel Manta/Vauxhall Omega or Ford Type 9 5 speed transmission.
Toyota JZ engineCelica SupraThe xA61 version of the Supra have off the shelf adaptors for this car to swap out the 5M engine, and fit 1/2JZ engine. (With the off shelf adapters the swap bolts in)
Cadillac Northstarhot rods, kit cars, sand rails, dune buggies, light aircraft, Pontiac Fiero and other GM late models.Bellhousing is similar but slightly different than the GM metric engines pattern.
Cummins B seriesJeeps, rock crawlers, Dodge pickups, Ford pickups, Chevy pickups, Toyota pickups, off-road vehicles, and a wide variety of truck pulling vehicles4Bts are popular due to the size and weight of the 4cyl vs the larger 6cyl. Using a stock GM transmission adapter plate for a 4Bt will yield a tilt to the engine while Ford and Dodge adapter plates will not. There are a wide variety of various adapter plates for the B series due to its wide use in agriculture and on road vehicles. Normally used for its reliability, low-end torque, and fuel economy.
General Motors GM 3800 engine seriesJeeps, Chevrolet S10s, Pontiac Grand Am, Pontiac Fiero, hot rods, kit cars.The 3800 engine was offered in different configurations ranging from 165 hp (123 kW) in the Pre-Series I to 260 hp (190 kW) in supercharged Series III engines. Compression ratio was typically 9.4:1 in naturally aspirated versions and 8.5:1 in the L67 supercharged version. Conversions are popular due to a large supply—in GM midsize cars and minivans from the late 1980s through mid-2000s. Even though it is a 90° V6, the engine shares the GM 60° V6 bell housing bolt pattern and swaps between FWD and RWD transaxles and transmissions are straightforward. Can be adapted to more traditional Front engine, RWD set ups and is a cousin of the Rover V8.
Ford Pinto engine & CosworthHot rods, kit cars, VW type 1A common swap for many small Fords, with the Cosworth version being capable being tuned of 500BHP. This is being replaced by the Zetec, Duratec and Ecoboost engines.
Toyota 4A seriesMR2s, Corollas, kit cars, Morris Minor.4A engine was offered in different configurations ranging from 90 hp (67 kW) to 170 hp (130 kW). The high performance variations included either a 5 valves per cylinder configuration or an intake coupled with a roots-type supercharger. Conversions are popular due to a vast aftermarket and many compatible parts between engine versions. Some conversions are very easy, for instance the supercharged 4A-GZE engine and electronic fuel injection (EFI) system are a direct plug-and-play conversion into a non-SC AW11 MR2. Even the SC-type wiring harness plugs directly into the non-SC-type chassis harness of the non-SC AW11 MR2. The non-SC flywheel, clutch, a C56-type transaxle, and axles can be directly fitted to the SC engine with no modifications making the conversion popular. Also FWD variants are able to be converted to RWD congiguration and is a swap for Morris Minor coupled to a Toyota 5 speed T50 gearbox.
Toyota 3RZ-FEHiluxs, 4Runners, and other Toyota rock crawlers.The 4-cylinder 2.7-liter 3RZ-FE engine came as standard equipment in 1994 - 2004 Toyota trucks. This engine develops 150 hp (110 kW) and 177 ft-lbs torque. Older Toyota Hilux pickups were equipped with 4-cylinder engines ranging from 90 hp (67 kW) and 122 ft-lbs torque (1979-80 Carbureted versions) to 135 hp (101 kW) and 173 ft-lbs torque (rare 1986-87 Turbocharged versions). These older engines, like other engines of their time, had relatively low compression ratios ranging from 7.5:1 to 9:1, and when used in a daily driven rock crawler, an average of 12–16 miles per gallon fuel economy is expected. The much improved 3RZ-FE engine features a 9.5:1 compression ratio and uses newer technology such as a hot wire mass airflow sensor, knock sensor, and a narrow angle dual camshaft cylinder head. The result is a more powerful engine with much improved efficiency, achieving 17–21 miles per gallon when used in a daily driven rock crawler. Additionally, the 3RZ-FE uses the same family of Toyota W-series transmissions as the fuel injected Hilux, so older Hilux W56 transmissions may be used with the new 3RZ-FE by using the W59 bellhousing. The 3RZ-FE flywheel and clutch components are fully compatible making this a great replacement engine for old Toyota Hilux engines.
Volkswagen Turbocharged Direct InjectionSuzuki Samurai 4x4s, Chevrolet Tracker, Suzuki Sidekick/VitaraAfter-market kits make this a straightforward conversion, but it may also be possible to use the petrol engine with them too. Kit could be adapted to a small hot rod or kit car with the petrol engine.
Toyota UZ engine V8Hot rods, kit cars, Toyota Hilux, Older RWD Toyota cars and trucks, Toyota Supra, light aircraft.Commonly sourced from the Lexus.
General Motors 60° V6 engineHot rods, kit cars, Pontiac Fiero, MGBs, MG Midgets, other British sports cars, Chevy S-10Can be fitted in both front & rear wheel drive applications, sharing the bellhousing pattern as the Cadillac Northstar and Buick V6. That said, transverse & inline engines use different blocks.
Dodge Viper V10hot rods, pick ups, kit carsDisplacement is the same as the Big block Cadillac, at 500 cubic inches.
Chrysler Hemi enginehot rods, older Mopar vehicles, Kit cars, dragsters
Chrysler LA enginehot rods, kit cars, muscle carsComes in V6, V8 and V10 configurations.
Big Block Cadillac engineHot rods, kit cars, pick ups, American GM Muscle cars from the 50's-70's.One of the largest displacement car engines ever mass-produced, with the biggest ones being 500 cubic inches (8.2 litres). Very easy to get hold of in scrapyards and are very torquey.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Regulator Replacements

Has your car or truck seen better days? Is your vehicle not running? Perhaps, you are in need of a replacement motor or regulator in your car! At Ernie’s Paint and Body Shop, our skilled technicians will perform a diagnostic to determine if your vehicle requires a replacement motor or regulator. Then, we will fix it for you! When your vehicle unexpectedly quits working, you are unable to travel to work and school or perform simple errands. Ernie’s understands the major inconvenience caused by not having access to a working vehicle. When you bring your car or truck to Ernie’s, we will work with you to assess and fix your vehicle’s motor or regulator problems as quickly and conveniently as possible. Our highly trained Ernie’s employees are equipped to work quickly and carefully to ensure that your repairs are done right! If your vehicle has quit running, you may be in need of a replacement motor or regulator. Vehicle repairs can easily become costly, so you want to ensure that you...

Engine swap

An  engine swap  is the process of removing a car's original engine and replacing it with another. This is done either because of failure, or to install a different engine, or to usually one that is more modern and so more efficient, this may make it more powerful and or economical. Older engines may have a shortage of spare parts and so a modern replacement may be more easily and cheaply maintained. Swapping to a diesel engine for improved fuel economy is a long established practice, with modern high efficiency and torque diesel engines this does not necessarily mean a reduction in performance associated with older diesel engine swaps. For the particular application of off-road vehicles the high torque at low speed of turbo diesels combined with good fuel economy makes these conversions particularly effective. Older non-electronic fuel injection diesels were well known for their reliability especially in wet conditions. An engine swap can either be to ...