Engine swaps have long captured the imagination of car enthusiasts, offering a way to bring new life and power to a vehicle. Whether you’re looking to boost performance, change the sound, or just have a unique ride, engine swapping opens a world of possibilities.

If you’ve ever wondered which engine swaps are the most desired by gearheads, this article highlights 12 combos that stand out for creativity and impact. These swaps range from practical upgrades to wild creations, showing just how much your car’s heart can be transformed.

Chevy LS V8 into a classic Mustang

Swapping a Chevy LS V8 into your classic Mustang is a popular choice for many gearheads. The LS engine offers modern performance while keeping your Mustang’s vintage charm.

It fits well with some custom work, and you can find plenty of parts to help with the swap. You’ll gain reliability and power without losing the car’s original feel.

If you have the tools and patience, this swap can transform your Mustang into a more capable daily driver or track car.

V12 swap into a Mazda MX-5

If you want to make your Miata really stand out, a V12 engine swap is an exciting challenge. It requires clearing space in the engine bay, often needing custom radiator supports and exhaust adjustments.

The swap isn’t simple, but fitting a V12 gives your Miata a unique blend of power and smoothness. You’ll get a rare setup that turns heads and delivers a completely different driving feel.

Honda K24 in a Toyota AE86

Swapping a Honda K24 engine into your AE86 is a popular choice for those seeking more power and reliability. The K24 offers strong mid-range torque, making it well-suited for daily driving or track use.

You’ll need custom mounts and sometimes a modified oil pan to fit the engine properly. Pairing it with an S2000 transmission can improve shifting feel and performance.

This swap gives your AE86 a modern boost while keeping its lightweight charm. Many enthusiasts enjoy building and tuning this setup for a unique blend of old and new.

Chevrolet small-block in a Jeep Wrangler

If you want to add reliable power to your Jeep Wrangler, the Chevrolet small-block engine is a popular choice. It fits well and offers a good balance of power and ease of maintenance.

You can go with an LS engine for modern performance or an older small-block for classic simplicity. Both options give your Jeep a solid boost without overly complicated swaps.

Keep in mind, some custom mounts and wiring will be necessary, but this swap is well-documented and doable with the right tools.

Turbocharged 2JZ in a Nissan 240SX

If you want serious power in your Nissan 240SX, swapping in a turbocharged 2JZ engine is a popular choice. The 2JZ is known for its durability and ability to handle high boost levels without breaking a sweat.

This swap can transform your car’s performance, giving you a solid mix of speed and reliability. It’s a great project if you enjoy tuning and building engines that can handle big power. Many gearheads love how it turns a 240SX into a real powerhouse on the road or track.

Supercharged HEMI in a Dodge Charger

If you’re looking to boost your Charger’s power, swapping in a supercharged HEMI is a popular choice. This upgrade adds serious muscle without losing the classic Charger feel.

You can find projects where enthusiasts put Hellcat engines into older Chargers, turning them into real street beasts. It’s a complex swap but worth it if you want that aggressive supercharged sound and performance.

Ford Coyote V8 in a Mustang EcoBoost

Swapping a Ford Coyote V8 into your Mustang EcoBoost is a popular upgrade for more power. You’ll need to consider engine mounts, wiring, and possibly a new transmission since the EcoBoost and Coyote use different setups.

If your Mustang has a manual transmission like the MT82, you might need to swap it out for one that matches the Coyote. Keep in mind, this swap can cost around $10,000 or more depending on engine choice and parts.

BMW S54 engine in an E30 chassis

Swapping an S54 engine into your BMW E30 gives it a strong performance boost. This inline-six from the E46 M3 delivers smooth power and a sporty feel.

The swap can cost around $15,000, including parts and labor. The S54 is heavier than the original engine, so you may need to upgrade suspension for balance.

If you want a classic BMW with modern power, this swap is a popular choice among enthusiasts. It brings reliability and excitement to your E30 driving experience.

Electric motor swap in a vintage Beetle

You can give your vintage Beetle a fresh breath of life by swapping its engine for an electric motor. This upgrade offers smoother acceleration and quieter driving while keeping the classic charm intact.

Many enthusiasts enjoy the process because it connects vintage style with modern technology. It’s also a fun project if you like tinkering and customizing your car.

Electric conversions often use compact motors that fit well in the Beetle’s engine bay. Plus, you’ll appreciate the lower maintenance and instant torque on every drive.

Koenigsegg 3-cylinder engine in a Ford Fiesta

Imagine dropping a Koenigsegg 3-cylinder engine into your Ford Fiesta. This tiny powerhouse, known as the TFG (Tiny Friendly Giant), delivers impressive power despite its size.

The TFG uses Freevalve technology, meaning no camshaft is involved. This setup allows the engine to breathe better, boosting performance and efficiency.

Swapping this engine into a Fiesta would be a unique project. It’s an exciting idea for anyone who loves combining high-tech innovation with everyday cars.

Rotary 13B in a lightweight kit car

Swapping a 13B rotary engine into a lightweight kit car is a popular choice for its compact size and high-revving nature. You benefit from the engine’s unique power delivery while keeping the build light and agile.

This swap lets you create a fun, responsive car with good balance. The 13B can fit into various small chassis, making it a flexible option for your project. Just be ready to handle the engine’s specific maintenance needs.

LS engine in a Mazda RX-7

Swapping an LS engine into your Mazda RX-7 is a popular choice among gearheads. The LS V8 offers reliability and a solid power increase over the original rotary engine.

You get a more straightforward maintenance experience since LS engines have plenty of aftermarket support. This swap can make your RX-7 easier to live with daily while giving you strong performance gains.

Keep in mind, the LS engine weighs more than the rotary, so handling might change. Still, many enjoy the balance between power and drivability this combo offers.