What You Need to Know Before Swapping an Engine

Let’s start with the fact that many owners for one reason or another decide to put a more powerful engine on their car. It is noteworthy that far from always the replacement of the power unit for a more powerful one is done within the framework of special projects, when, for example, a unique racing track or rally car is created. And today we’ll discuss what you need to know before replacing the engine. Let’s go!

If You Deside to Replace the Engine

More powerful motor is quite often put on a car, which is then routinely operated on public roads. However, not everyone knows that you can change the engine for a more powerful one, but this replacement of the engine involves certain difficulties and complexities, not only technically, but also legally. Moreover, if you want more information on this topic, you can read useful tips and articles here and learn more about jeep engine swaps.

Swap Engine for A More Powerful One

Some believe that the installation of a more powerful power unit, which differs from the one which was initially installed at the factory, is a modern evolution in the field of car tuning. In fact, engine replacement has been practiced for a long time. This was done in order to be able to evade police harassment, if necessary. Then, in the 50s, the hot-rod-type cars which were old cars with powerful modern engines and serious modifications of the chassis, etc. became fashionable. 

Features

The reasons for which an engine replacement is done, can be very different. If with representatives of motorsport and the creators of exhibition exclusives and so everything is clear, then ordinary motorists often change the power unit in the following cases:

  • When the existing engine is seriously damaged and the cost of its repair is higher or comparable to the purchase of another contract engine, and with better performance;
  • Rejection of available options for boosting an existing motor and replacement of the unit with a more powerful ready-made analogue;

Given a number of features, the replacement to the motor, which is more powerful, but was put on a particular model from the factory, is the most popular. Moreover, many do not register the new engine with the relevant authorities, and only an expert can visually distinguish the substitution. This means that the car, which is already registered, after swap can continue to operate for its intended purpose, and problems may arise only when re-registering the vehicle, travel abroad through customs, etc.

As a rule, a standard gearbox suitable for a more powerful engine is installed on the car, and all this is mounted on the factory or slightly modified mountings. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace subframe, wheel drives, cooling system, and electronic control system wiring and ECU.

Bottom Line

As a result, on some models of cars it is possible to implement swap in such a way that the engine and gearbox are installed on the factory supports and mounts. The end result is a more powerful car with actually standard weight distribution and absence of global alterations in the underhood space. Most often such a result can be achieved when putting a boosted version of the same or similar engine that stood on the car originally.

Engine Change Registration

As you can see, the answer to the question whether you can change the engine to a more powerful, will definitely be positive. Technically it is possible to implement almost any project, and everything will depend only on your financial capacity and the qualifications of professionals who will directly implement conceived.

In other words, it is important to understand that the engine is a numbered unit, that is, it is not just a spare part. And in the case of swap engine for a more powerful one, you should also add to this the independent changes in the construction of the vehicle. So, to the mismatching engine number is added the problem of rework. And if you want to know more about engine swap, then read all about swap and its features here.

To Summarize

Given the above information, it becomes clear that at the initial stage, the first thing to do is to solve the problem of finding professionals who are able to expertly install the engine to replace the old one, considering the individual characteristics of such installation and the wishes of the customer. Further you should be responsible for the choice of this or that power unit on the secondary market, since a certain number of contract motors turn out to be in such condition that they also will have to be repaired after a few thousand kilometers. The probability of expensive overhaul for getting such unit back in operation is not excluded.