HOT SWAPS

GUIDE TO FOUR POPULAR ENGINE CONVERSIONS

Engine swaps have been going on since the Model T started rolling off the production line at the beginning of the 20th century; mad folks wanting to go faster than the factory ever intended or perhaps to obtain more reliability than the factory could ever muster. Whether it’s a later model engine into an older chassis, or one that makes four times the power without any mods — whichever way you look at it, Kiwis love engine swaps. But choosing the right engine for your project can be a minefield. First up, you’ll want to consider the most important factor of all: how the engine will actually mount and whether it will fit. Failure to get sumps clearing cross members or headers to accommodate steering shafts can spell the end to projects long before they even get off the ground.

After you decide that your chosen engine will fit (or you’re stubborn enough to make it fit), selecting the correct variant of that motor is the next hurdle. Choose incorrectly and you could be left wondering where all that promised power is. Armed with our guide of some of the more popular engine swaps, it should make getting your hands on the correct-model engine that much easier. When buying second hand, always take into account the condition of the engine, and ask if any tests have been carried out prior to its removal. Most wreckers will offer a start-up warranty for peace of mind. We always prefer to buy wrecked motors complete, even if we’re not going to use the loom, etc., as it can become an expensive headache sourcing those missing plugs or parts.