Anyone who has attended a car show or cruise night will eventually see a classic car with an engine that it did not begin its life with. Early in the days of hot rods and now even more so with resto-mods or pro-touring cars an engine swap is all part of the classic car hobby.
There are three main reasons for fitting an engine into a classic car for which it was not originally designed. The most common is performance. Most engine swaps are simply to get more power.
Another reason for an engine swap is practicality. If you have a worn-out engine that is obsolete or you can no longer get parts for, a more modern replacement is often the more economical path.
The third reason for an engine swap is convenience. Rather than hassle with rebuilding an old engine, replace it with an engine that is already running or rebuilt. The availability of today’s crate engines makes them a very popular engine swap solution.
Regardless of the reason, all engine swaps require time, thought, effort, and of course money. The good news is that whatever you are thinking of it has probably already been done, so there will be resources to guide you through to completion.
Installing The Engine Is Only the Beginning
Modifying a car to fit another engine, or modifying an engine to fit another car, is only the first step in the car engine swap process. Once the engine’s installed, it begins a series of “mini projects”. The transmission, cooling, and wiring all need to be hooked up and functioning properly. Also, with most modern engines a computer system and programming is also required. You may also want to upgrade the brakes and suspension.
Can I Buy a Complete Car Engine Swap Kit?
There are companies that specialize in making engine swap parts for specific makes and models. However, because there are so many variables, a car engine swap kit is never 100% inclusive. It will be up to you to work out all the small details.
A Car Engine Swap for Performance
Some might say that physical size is the only obstacle, but that is only true if you want or need to contain the engine under a hood. If you are building a hot rod, the sky is your only limit. In all other vehicles, however, physical dimensions of the engine must be considered.
Car Transmission
Very often, a replacement bell housing or adaptor plate solves the problem of mating a transmission to a dissimilar motor. There are also hybrid torque converters to help with common engine swaps.
Keep in mind that drivetrain components were engineered to withstand a certain amount of engine torque. If you are adding more power, consider swapping the transmission, drive shaft, and rear axle as well.
Car Cooling System
Modern engines run hotter than engines that were manufactured half a century ago. Adding more horsepower will require more cooling, which means a larger radiator. Several companies offer conversion radiators for common motor swaps.
Electric fans help when space is an issue, but they are not always the best choice. In good condition, a factory fan and fan clutch work surprisingly well. If you decide to go this route, remember that a fan shroud plays a major role in engine cooling.
Car Wiring
Custom wiring a car poses many challenges. Unless you have first-hand knowledge and working experience with amperage requirements, fuses, relays, and wire gauge thickness, keep your engine swap conservative. Example: replace a carburetor motor with another carburetor motor.
Upgrading the Brakes
If your car engine swap is giving you significantly more engine power, shouldn’t you have significantly more braking power?
Accessories
Consider how your engine accessories will hook up and run on the new engine. These include the alternator, water pump and power steering pump. Depending on how serious you are about performance, this may also include an air conditioning compressor.
Emissions And Exhaust Systems
If you are working on a 1974 or newer American vehicle, some thought must be given to the exhaust system. This will most likely include emissions-related parts such as an air pump, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensors.
Thirty years ago, hot-rodders were tearing air pumps off motors as quickly as they could, believing they were unleashing lost horsepower. We now know that air pumps draw minimal power to operate and can make an engine run better.
Tools And Equipment Needed for A Car Engine Swap
Basic hand tools are needed, including ratchets and sockets, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. If you have a garage air compressor, an air gun can be a big-time saver.
Engine Hoist
You will need an engine hoist twice; once to remove, and once to install. Inquire at a local auto parts store or an equipment rental store. Generally, they offer two-day rentals, but you must leave a deposit, usually with a credit card.
Crate Engines (Short Block vs Long Block)
If you do not want to rebuild your old motor, there are numerous crate engines on the market. A short block will include a pre-assembled block with connecting rods, pistons, and crankshaft. A long block gives you the short block, plus cylinder heads, valvetrain, and engine tin, which usually includes a timing chain cover, valve cover(s), and oil pan.
Most crate motors do not include manifolds, accessories, and wiring harnesses. However, you can find complete “plug-n-play” engine packages depending on your make and model classic car.
Car Engine Swap Real Cost
There is a universal rule that applies to all engine swaps: you will always spend more money than you think you will. This is because of the phenomena known as the “nickel and dime” effect.
You may find yourself needing to have a custom power steering hose made or fabricating a transmission shifter linkage that is not available. Perhaps the universal throttle cable you bought isn’t universal enough. These are just a few examples, and things like these add up quick.
Car Engine Swapping Tips
Before you remove your car’s hood, mark where the bolt holes are on the hood hinges. This will save a lot of time and potential scratches when reinstalling.
Keep the hood safe and out of the way. If you are going to put it on the roof of the car while swapping engines, put a tarp or heavy blanket down first.
Loosen high-torque bolts while the engine is still attached to the frame.
During the engine disassembly process (or right after), clean and tag all removed parts. Take pictures of everything so you can reference where things originally went. Put parts in marked boxes and set them aside out of the way, like in the trunk or back seat.
Finally
Embarking on a car engine swap on a street-driven vehicle will not only effect’s it is performance and handling, but also, it is safety and reliability.
It may not be emissions legal to run an old engine in a later-model vehicle in your state/province.
It wise to do all your research prior to starting the car engine swap process by knowing all the state motor vehicle regulations as well as understanding the requirements to fit your new engine into your prized classic car. An engine swap is not for the rookie DIY mechanic so do your preparation and again follow the simple principle of “measure twice, cut once.”
