Engine Swap Compatibility Guide: Finding the Right Engine Upgrade

Welcome to our Engine Swap Compatibility Guide, your ultimate resource for enhancing your car’s performance through engine swaps.

engine swap compatibility guide

Are you looking to unlock greater power, efficiency, or torque? Engine swaps offer a compelling solution. By replacing your stock engine with a more powerful or efficient one, you can experience a remarkable transformation in your vehicle’s capabilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of engine swap compatibility, focusing on popular car models.

How to find a compatible engine for your car?

Finding a compatible engine for your car can be daunting, but there are several ways to go about it. Here are some tips:

  1. Research online: Several websites and forums provide information on the best engines for performance upgrades, engine swaps, and compatibility. Some popular ones include Forestlite, hostautomotive, and Reddit.
  2. Consider engine type: Different engine types have different compatibility with different cars. For example, the Four-Cylinder (Inline-Four) engine is the most popular engine around and is compatible with almost any cabin space.
  3. Check with a mechanic: A professional mechanic can provide valuable insight into engine compatibility and can help you choose the right engine for your car.
  4. Consider other factors, such as engine swap cost, complexity, and legal and insurance implications, before making a decision.
  5. Be aware that putting a modern engine into a car it wasn’t designed for is complicated and expensive. Several things like wiring, cutting, and fabrication should be put into consideration. If done incorrectly, you may encounter a lot of safety and performance issues that require troubleshooting.

Finding a compatible engine for your car requires research, consideration of factors such as cost and complexity, and consultation with a professional mechanic.

Engine Swap Compatibility Guide

The table below provides a handy reference for engine swap compatibility and car engine upgrades across various car models. It outlines the compatible engine swaps for each car model, allowing car enthusiasts to explore different options for enhancing their vehicle’s performance.

From the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86/Scion FR-S to the BMW E30 3-Series, each car model has a range of compatible engines, such as the 2JZ-GTE engine from the Toyota Supra, LS V8 engine from General Motors, and many more.

Car ModelCompatible Engine Swaps
Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86/Scion FR-S (2013-2023)2JZ-GTE engine from the Toyota Supra, LS V8 engine from General Motors
Honda S2000 (2000-2009)LS V8 engine (requires LS1 V8 swap kit)
Mazda MX-5 Miata (1990-2023)Ford 5.0L V8, GM LS V8, turbocharged Mazda 13B rotary engine
Porsche 944 (1982-1991)Grand National engine, Nissan Silvia SR20DET turbo engine, Honda Prelude VTEC/Honda S2000 engine
Ford Ranger (1983-2012)4.0L SOHC V6 from Ford Explorer
Nissan 240SX (1989-1998)Nissan Skyline RB25DET or RB26DETT engines
Jeep Wrangler (1986-2020)GM LS V8, Hemi V8, diesel engines
Volvo 240 WagonGM LS V8, Ford 5.0L V8, turbocharged Volvo B230FT engine
Nissan ZNissan Skyline RB25DET or RB26DETT engines, GM LS V8
BMW E30 3-SeriesBMW S50/S52 inline-six from E36 M3, GM LS V8, Toyota 2JZ-GTE engine
Note: It’s important to research the compatibility, costs, complexity, and any legal or insurance implications before performing an engine swap.

Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86 / Scion FR-S (2013-2023)

The Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, and Scion FR-S share the same platform and engine, making engine swaps relatively straightforward. One popular swap is the 2JZ-GTE engine from the Toyota Supra, which offers a significant power increase. Another option is the LS V8 engine from General Motors, which provides even more power and torque.

Honda S2000 (2000-2009)

The Honda S2000 is known for its high-revving, naturally aspirated 2.0L engine. However, some enthusiasts opt for an LS V8 engine swap for more power and torque. This swap requires an LS1 V8 swap kit, including the necessary conversion components.

Mazda MX-5 Miata (1990-2023)

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a popular platform for engine swaps due to its lightweight construction and rear-wheel-drive layout. Some popular engine swaps for the Miata include the Ford 5.0L V8, GM LS V8, and even the turbocharged Mazda 13B rotary engine.

Porsche 944 (1982-1991)

The Porsche 944 offers several engine swap options, including the Grand National engine, the Nissan Silvia SR20DET turbo engine, and the Honda Prelude VTEC/Honda S2000 engine. These swaps can provide significant power increases and improved reliability compared to the stock engine.

Ford Ranger (1983-2012)

Ford Ranger owners have several engine swap options, including the 4.0L SOHC V6 from the Ford Explorer. This engine provides more power and torque than the stock Ranger engine and is compatible with all 2001-2007 engines.

Nissan 240SX (1989-1998)

The Nissan 240SX is a popular platform for engine swaps, with many enthusiasts opting for the Nissan Skyline RB25DET or RB26DETT engines. These engines offer significant power and torque increases, making the 240SX a formidable performance machine.

Jeep Wrangler (1986-2020)

Jeep Wrangler owners have several engine swap options, including the GM LS V8, Hemi V8, and even diesel engines. These swaps can provide more power, torque, and fuel efficiency compared to the stock engine.

Volvo 240 Wagon

The Volvo 240 Wagon is a popular platform for engine swaps due to its sturdy construction and rear-wheel-drive layout. Some popular engine swaps for the 240 Wagon include the GM LS V8, Ford 5.0L V8, and even the turbocharged Volvo B230FT engine.

Nissan Z

Nissan Z owners have several engine swap options, including the Nissan Skyline RB25DET or RB26DETT engines and the GM LS V8. These swaps can increase power and torque, making the Nissan Z a formidable performance machine.

BMW E30 3-Series

The BMW E30 3-Series is a popular platform for engine swaps due to its rear-wheel-drive layout and lightweight construction. Some popular engine swaps for the E30 include the BMW S50/S52 inline-six from the E36 M3, the GM LS V8, and even the Toyota 2JZ-GTE engine from the Supra.

Our Engine Swap Compatibility Experience

Having personally experienced the wonders of engine swaps, we must say that the Subaru BRZ offers a seamless platform for such modifications. After careful consideration, we opted for the renowned 2JZ-GTE engine from the Toyota Supra, and the results were simply astounding.

The engine swap installation process was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the compatibility between the engine and my BRZ. Once the swap was complete, the newfound power was truly exhilarating. The 2JZ-GTE breathed new life into my car, elevating its performance to a whole new level.

If you’re in search of a remarkable engine swap, we can personally vouch for the 2JZ-GTE as a game-changer for the BRZ, 86, or FR-S. Prepare to be blown away by the incredible power and enhanced driving experience it offers.

Disclaimer: Please note that the personal experience shared above is anecdotal and may vary depending on individual circumstances, skill level, and specific vehicle modifications. Undertaking an engine swap involves inherent risks and should be approached with caution. We recommend conducting thorough research, consulting with professionals, and following appropriate guidelines and safety measures to ensure a successful and safe engine swap. The results and outcomes of engine swaps may vary, and it is essential to consider all factors and potential implications before proceeding with any modifications to your vehicle.

Here’s a video from BeaKhan showing his 2JZ BRZ engine swap project! Check it out!

Conclusion

In conclusion, engine swaps can be an effective way to increase your car’s performance and reliability. However, it’s essential to research the compatibility of the desired engine with your car’s make and model.

Additionally, consider the costs and complexity of the swap, as well as any potential legal and insurance implications. With the right research and planning, an engine swap can be a rewarding modification for your vehicle.

Read more: Engine Swap vs Rebuild: Which Is Right for Your Car? Explained

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