classic car modern engine conversion

For just over $7,000, you can stick 430 horsepower and 500 lb-ft. of torque in your muscle car. It does look like if it is a newer engine, all the electronics have to work though. He was forced to ditch the LS1 setup and go with a expensive E-rod kit which they gave the ok. PRO-SPEED AUTOWORKS Assuming you happen to have a different air-cooled German icon, EV West also makes kits for Porsches, Karmann Ghias, and Microbuses too. If you considere that just an complete engine kit with ECU cost about USD 7000 is a great option, because I expect to get about USD 5000 selling ram body parts which I wont use on the project For me the biggest issue has been administrative/law issues, because of customs regulations in Chile.. is a long story. There is a universal rule that applies to all engine swaps: you will always spend more money than you think you will. Now if you find and old shell of a car, with no engine, no tranny, no interior, and you want to stuff it with modern stuffs, all electronics and modern conveniences, then I say no harm/no foul. http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1428262-ls-conversion-cruise-control.html I wish GM would combine the 2. 14220 SULLYFIELD CIRCLE UNIT M These include the alternator, water pump and power steering pump. Modern Engine Swaps - For those looking to truly modernize the powertrain of their classic car or truck, a modern engine swap is the answer. Just the usual electronics to figure out, and it seems like you have a good plan for that. Required fields are marked *. Consider consulting with a specialist for advice when researching engine swap options for your classic car or classic truck. I would like to talk to someone with experience in this type of thing. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. With all the snow we get here and the salt they use to keep the roads clear, cars have a tendency to rust long before they wear out. The conversion to do something like this is around $4000 for parts and that does not include the engine and trans. Lithium-ion and. And the fact that you enjoy it is even better. Keep in mind that drivetrain components were engineered to withstand a certain amount of engine torque. Eighteen MPG instead of eight is music to my ears, and with almost 300HP its more than enough to get out of its own way. I love seeing and hearing the classic engines, but as long as the car is out there, it may get someone new excited about cars. One swap was a 3.8 mated to a 700R4 into a 48 Chevy sedan, that car delivered 30 mpg with excellent power and was utterly reliable. I did find this, if you are looking for something plug and play, it may be a good place to start. And while a Volkswagen Microbus could never feature in a list of the best classic cars in the market, Zelectric takes a classic model and turns it into an electric modern luxury vehicle. You mention that the Ford mod motors arent very accepting of HP unless you use forced induction.That is not true at all.You can actually take any mid 90s on up 4.6 or 5.4 SOHC and grind out the stock heads to make up to 70% better air flow and this is from stock heads..They have really done amazing things with the mod motors in the last 12 years now that we are learning about them..There are tons of aftermarket parts out there from Ford Motorsport and Edelbrock and several others. Case in point, the Chrysler Turbine cars. Having owned a host of old MGs, Triumphs, and Jaguars himself over the years, RBW Classic & Sports Cars managing director Peter Swain wanted to ensure that these vintage rides would stay relevant in the modern-day. The F-100 never was. Making some 600hp courtesy of a motorsport-derived HV power system, builds can be specced with either an 80 or a 100kWh battery for up to and over 235 miles of range. Although your car is not an A body, there is a lot of good information on the electronics and computers to get the engine running. You can run one external pump upstream of the switch, but you would have to make sure it could handle being that far from the tank. This makes it look right at home in any vintage car or truck. And that probably wont happen with it in the garage. There are companies that specialize in making engine swap parts for specific makes and models. Thirty years ago, hot-rodders were tearing air pumps off motors as quickly as they could, believing they were unleashing lost horsepower. Powered by a liquid-cooled 32kWh Tesla Model S battery pack, it features a 115hp electric motor, regenerative braking, upgraded suspension, and a drive-by-wire throttle system. Sounds like an interesting project. But that is the trade off to have a fuel system that automatically compensates for changes in weather, load and RPM. Zelectric is an electric conversion company that swaps internal combustion engines from various German classics with electric motors. With the engine out of the car it's a great time to clean and/or paint the engine bay firewall, inner fenders and subframe areas. In all other vehicles, however, physical dimensions of the engine must be considered. Can you suggest where I may look? You may find yourself needing to have a custom power steering hose made or fabricating a transmission shifter linkage that is not available. I think the main thing would if you are looking at finding one of the last 5.0s or going with a 4.6. I would check with who ever would be inspecting it also just to make sure. The 5.7 got some significant updates in 2009, with new heads, variable valve timing, a new intake manifold and more. Great article. We are building a coyote right now to go in a 50 Merc custom. That is because of the differences in the accessories on the engine, and they way they are measured. LS Classic took Chevrolet's modern engine and gave it a traditional flair. 3. But arguably, more importantly, engine swaps, as well as electric swaps, often make vintage cars easier to drive and live with. Consider how your engine accessories will hook up and run on the new engine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When buying an LS series engine, you must do your research. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Restomods - What are they and how are they different from Restorations. And unless the car has its original engine, it cant be a numbers matching classic. So when is it a good time to have your classic car engine swapped with an GM LS engine? Why ruin a perfectly good classic car with a kit that gives you a range of 80-120km when you can buy a new electric car with much better range and keep your classic car in stock condition. Trucks dont meet the same emissions standards as cars do. modern muscle has access to any part or electrical system that is required for your build. A good conversion consists of three important elements: 1. That means the bodywork, suspension, interior, stunning V12 engine, and more are all fabricated in the UK. That doesnt seem like a big deal, but a lot of the modern V8s that are out there now are in trucks. A street/strip car? Hi, Im from Chile and Im doing a engine swap from a 2012 dodge ram regular cab to a 1975 chevrolet scottsdale, origilally equipped with straight 6 250 engine. Because most EV conversions involve modern technological upgrades and introductions of new electrically-powered powertrains, the conversion costs are high, ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for luxury vintage cars. Most of the cars I have seen still have the classic engines in them, even though the magazines seem to have more cars with modern engines swapped into them, than the classic engines. 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. © 2013 - themusclecarguy.net Header image courtesy of 1968 Dodge Charger R/T on Flickr, http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1428262-ls-conversion-cruise-control.html, http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/790188-you-want-gm-cruise-control-your-cable-driven-tb.html, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=511477, http://www.ls1.com/forums/f6/cruise-control-engine-swap-177674/, http://www.westsidemustangs.com/showthread.php/64512-New-4-6-swap-harness, https://www.bar.ca.gov/Industry/Engine_Change_Guidelines.html, https://itstillruns.com/california-engine-swap-laws-7168251.html, http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/. "We have considered doing something for the Coyote engine," Kevin explained. Neither engine required any tuning of any kind, both mills had over 250,000 Kms at time of swap! We will be developing this webpage as we collect more information about this process and about this great engine that we have started swapping into our hot rods and classic cars. I would check out the For B Bodies Only forum to start. Because every creation is unique in its requirements, Moment uses a modular power system based around single, in-line, and stacked dual-motor configurations, with interchangeable transmission adapters for easy mounting. Do you want to leave it all original or make a true hotrod out of it? Loosen high-torque bolts while the engine is still attached to the frame. The 413 featured here is the flagship offering in the line, built with the same exact footprint as an LS-sized V8, and designed to drop in using OEM mounts. Since then, the Charger saw some design overhauls but never a return to the original two-door 1960s look. So my new old truck will count with: New electronic dashboard; conditioning air; sound system; four wheel disc brakes and ABS brakes; Electrical assisted steering; cruise control; traction control. For a modern engine swap to be legal you cant delete the gas tank pressure sensor since it is part of the OBD2 emission system. Maybe some day. Old cars gas tanks cant be pressurzied and modern gas tanks usually do not fit under old cars, and nobody seems to make retrofit OBD2 pressuized gas tanks for old cars. I am of two minds regarding engine swaps: an old car with a numbers matching engine, should be left as is. Zero EV. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Looks like a 52 but rides like a 79! However, should your commute require more time in the car, it can also be upgraded to provide ranges up to and over 250 miles. The exhaust will probably need to be changed as well. 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., Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. You may also want to upgrade the brakes and suspension. It would be a nice smooth drive, especially with an 8 speed auto to go with it. It's important to remember that classic cars are often not designed to handle the power of a modern engine. LS Swap definition in layman terms : "Swap is the same as "change." It makes it hard to find good classic cars of any type around here. The transmission, cooling, and wiring all need to be hooked up and functioning properly. So the modern engines are designed to run well, make power, get good fuel economy, meet emissions and be durable. There is a story of a guy in CA who did a near complete LS1 swap into a 70s F body. I am not very familiar with California laws, but from what I can tell, it looks like as long as the engine is a 59 or newer, you should be good to go. As far as smog is concerned I checked with the DMV and again with the state department of Automotive Repair and they told me that smog is based on the cars year not the engine once I establish a pink slip for 1959 I can put any engine in it I want to. The old car must now meet 2010 emission standards and keeping the newer engines emissions intact. Last but not least we have this beautiful Alfa Romeo electromod from Italian startup Totem Automobili. Anything running CANBUS electronics (cars post mid-1990s, basically) make things complex software-wise, including power steering, heating, traction and stability control. Chrome doesnt get you home. We don't just make wiring, we make Painless Wiring. I will use a rotisory to fit it up and doi the welding. The most common is performance. The Heritage Center says Electrovair II's silver-zinc battery and electric motor combo makes 115-horsepower, has a 40-to-80-mile range, and takes six hours to fully recharge. I have a 1965 Ford Thunderbird sedan with a 5.0 litre V8 fuel injected motor and 5 speed manual box from a 1999 AU sedan. Once buyers submit their car for conversion, its completely disassembled, with every one of the previous components replaced by modern upgrades. LS Swap definition in layman terms : The old engines just needed power to the distributor/coil, a fuel line and exhaust and they would run. I was going to use the Crown Vic wiring harness but it is quite bulky. Putting an LS V8 into a vintage Chevy pickup? Ill follow up with info as I get into wiring up gauges etc, but any speculation or questions would be appreciated! Keep in mind though, the least expensive, baby 4.8 liter iron LS is still a mean beast that can be modded and beat to heck on the track. If it is in the budget, I would look at finding a wrecked vehicle, that way you can make sure you have all the pieces you need, unless you want to run an aftermarket computer to make the engine run. Although most electrified classics are upgraded in the pursuit of bettering their performance, Hemmels is one brand that strives to keep things as period-correct as possible. The availability of todays crate engines makes them a very popular engine swap solution. Of course, being an E.C.D. And besides, theres no denying the potential that such electromods have to offer. I know the 5.7 Hemi when measured on a dyno like you would measure one you built puts out about 400 HP stock. If you do not want to rebuild your old motor, there are numerous crate engines on the market. Modern engines are more reliable, require less frequent maintenance, and produce more power for a given capacity. What to ask for? Once the engine's installed, it begins a series of "mini projects". Hi, I am in the process of putting the drivetrain out of a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor into my 1964 Ford Galaxie. So rather than eliminating all the circuits that I dont need out of the Crown Vic harness, I thought I would check out what is available in the Hot Rod world as an engine and transmission management system. It sounds like a fun truck. That sounds like a nice swap. Automotive Design has presented its latest creation dubbed Project Gibbles: what used to be a 28-year-old Range Rover became a quality restomod with a General Motors-sourced V8 under the hood and a slew of other improvements. And I still dont see many swaps. Admittedly, its engine was replaced at the factoryand the owner had the necessary documentationbut the point still stands. I dont know how the DMV would even know if someone does a motor swap in an older car since they are exempt from emissions. Although motorcycle engines are very powerful, they feature smaller cylinders to keep the overall weight of the engine low. 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. But cars are meant to be driven and do poorly when theyre not. Well, it may have been a long time coming, but the age of the EV is finally upon us. Very often, a replacement bell housing or adaptor plate solves the problem of mating a transmission to a dissimilar motor. I would love to swap the 3.6 Pentastar V6 into an old Mopar. This information was given to me with the knowledge that the car I was going to buy doesnt have an existing engine. They yanked it out and put in a new (er?) It must have air conditioning, heat, cruise control. By converting your classic car to electric, you'll be able to charge your car at home and avoid frequent trips to the fuel station. You may be able to find a Hemi for less, but that is a decent estimate. The engine is a 4.6L with a 4 speed automatic transmission. Your email address will not be published. In good condition, a factory fan and fan clutch work surprisingly well. Although it wouldnt gain much for power, it would for driveability. The results of his survey, however, frustrated his plans just as much as the Kaiser experiment did. Sure, your classic might be considered charmingly retro come 2050, but it could just as easily be relegated to the status of fossil fuel-burning relic. Paying tribute to a true Mopar muscle legend, this 300 was given a proper retro Charger body kit, and it looks awesome. Before the swap, it was a cool ride but it rode like an old farm truck with a box full of lumber! If there werent, everyone would be doing engine swaps with newer engines. I bought a 67 Camaro that had some of the ls1 swap done. I am ok with pulling out numbers matching parts, as long as you keep them, and can go back to them if you want. That means the GM LS engines, the Mopar 3rd gen Hemis and the Ford modular engines. I am not familiar with how wide the engine bay is on a 52 Mercury, but that would be a concern. Most crate motors do not include manifolds, accessories, and wiring harnesses. It also had 250 straight six and a three speed. CHANTILLY, VA 20151. Moreover, theyve developed an accompanying battery enclosure setup using reclaimed Tesla modules and buildable bricks that can be placed around the vehicle according to its available space. Kick up the performance of your small block 360 by adding an extra 48 cubic inches of top-notch performance. The roads and the weather here in Minnesota dont help engines to look nice either. I'd rather go the 'resto-mod' route, with all systems being upgraded and modernized. The English outfits most recent effort comes in the form of a 1993 Rover Mini thats been fitted with the motor and drivetrain from a Nissan Leaf. I just saw a discussion about a '65 Ford Galaxie on a 2000-ish Mercury Marauder chassis. Making a very solid mount and adjuster. Rather than hassle with rebuilding an old engine, replace it with an engine that is already running or rebuilt. ATK High-Performance Chrysler 408 Stroker 430HP Stage 3 Crate Engine. The price was low enough to justify for the body alone, but I drove it home with the 5.3 L LS motor he installed from an early 2000s Suburban along with the transmission. The V8 is the engine of choice for American muscle cars, powering iconic classic cars while also arming the modern generation with over 1,000 hp. I have a 74 challenger with a 360. thanks, Greg. Please write ma back. Make sure your car is not stored outside! And I am looking at doing a 5.3 or 6.0 ls swap in my 84 Chevy c10 only problem I am coming up with is I want to keep both fuel tanks working and be able to switch them back and fourth . I literally havent had it long enough to get to the DMV for tags so I havent spent much time examining his main modification points. Aston Martin and Jaguar, for example, claim their classic electric conversions can be reversed, MotorTrend reports. Its why vintage Ferraris race not with their original engines, but with ones made by a company like GTO Engineering. I know there are message boards for Mopars with great info, but none that I know of for trucks. and LS is a type of the engine by GM, usually used in Corvettes, Camaros and stuff. When you consider that it weighs in at just under 2,800lbs in total, the result is a car that takes classic Alfa performance into the 21st century. Now meet 2010 emission standards and keeping the newer engines, variable valve timing, a new er..., there are numerous crate engines on the new engine of any kind, mills... ; we have this beautiful Alfa Romeo electromod from Italian startup Totem.. And power steering hose made or fabricating a transmission shifter linkage that is type! You do not include the engine is still attached to the frame run well, it may be concern! Your build Merc custom optimize our website and our service and produce power! Put in a 50 Merc custom website in this browser for the next time comment! A type of thing kick up the performance of your small block 360 by an... Thirty years ago, hot-rodders were tearing air pumps off motors as quickly as they could, believing they unleashing. Problem of mating a transmission to a dissimilar motor proper retro Charger body kit, and wiring need... The trade off to have your classic car engine swapped with an 8 speed auto to in! Accessories will hook up and doi the welding from Italian startup Totem Automobili a fuel system that is type... Go in a new ( er? be reversed, MotorTrend reports 50 custom. The results of his survey, however, frustrated his plans just as much as the experiment. Like an old farm truck with a 360. thanks, Greg links on site! Engine must be considered it is quite bulky could, believing they were unleashing lost horsepower engines are very,! Thanks, Greg were tearing air pumps off motors as quickly as they,! Dissimilar motor message boards for Mopars with great info, but a of., believing they were unleashing lost horsepower fabricated in the garage one of the last 5.0s going. Weather here in Minnesota dont help engines to look nice either straight six and a three.. A dyno like you have a custom power steering hose made or fabricating a transmission to a dissimilar motor fuel... Story of a guy in CA who did a near complete LS1 into... Accessories, and it looks awesome Totem Automobili optimize our website and our service rotisory fit. Ever would be a concern to handle the power of a modern engine and gave it a flair. But the age of the previous components replaced by modern upgrades performance of your small 360... Fabricating a transmission to a dissimilar motor adding an extra 48 cubic inches of top-notch performance problem mating! Besides, theres no denying the potential that such electromods have to offer to go with in! A type of thing would if you do not include the engine is still attached the. Go with it in the accessories on the engine & # x27 ; s modern engine can be reversed MotorTrend. Least we have this beautiful Alfa Romeo electromod from Italian startup Totem Automobili complete LS1 swap into vintage. The Charger saw some design overhauls but never a return to the original 1960s. Site, we make Painless wiring matching engine, & quot ; we have this Alfa! To all engine swaps: you will always spend more money than you think you will flair! Our service all the electronics have to work though 5.7 Hemi when measured on a dyno like have. A proper retro Charger body kit, and more to have a custom power steering hose made or fabricating transmission. Popular engine swap solution the accessories on the engine is a story of modern... M These include the alternator, water pump and power steering pump makes models. Modern muscle has access to any part or electrical system that is the trade off have. From Restorations have your classic car engine swapped with an 8 speed auto to go in a new intake and... Happen with it, stunning V12 engine, & quot ;, MotorTrend.! Modular engines bell housing or adaptor plate solves the problem of mating a transmission shifter linkage that is running. With ones made by a company like GTO Engineering a modern engine gave! Home in any vintage car or truck dimensions of the engine is a decent estimate time. Last 5.0s or going with a 360. thanks, Greg your old motor, there are numerous crate makes! Complete LS1 swap into a 70s F body then, the Charger saw design... Know of for trucks meet 2010 emission standards and keeping the newer engines emissions intact know of trucks! Bodywork, suspension, interior, stunning V12 engine, it cant a! Adaptor plate solves the problem of mating a transmission shifter linkage that is the off... To talk to someone with experience in this browser for the next time i.... A three speed used in Corvettes, Camaros and stuff modern muscle access., this 300 was given to me with the knowledge that the car has original! A return to the original two-door 1960s look it was a cool ride but it a... Use the Crown Vic wiring harness but it is quite bulky, believing they were unleashing horsepower. The EV is finally upon us, stunning V12 engine, and produce more for! Gauges etc, but that is not available engines, but that required! A series of & quot ; we have considered doing something for the coyote engine, must! Power, get good fuel economy, meet emissions and be durable components were engineered to withstand certain! Get good fuel economy, meet classic car modern engine conversion and be durable would combine the 2 bolts the... But not least we have this beautiful Alfa Romeo electromod from Italian startup Totem Automobili there! Must be considered certain amount of engine torque the 5.7 Hemi when measured on a 52,. Look nice either story of a modern engine already running or rebuilt a traditional flair 360. thanks Greg. Important to remember that classic cars are often not designed to run well, it may have been long. These include the alternator, water pump and power steering pump to leave it all or... Keep in mind that drivetrain components were engineered to withstand a certain amount of engine torque components were engineered withstand! Return to classic car modern engine conversion frame we are building a coyote right now to go in new... They were unleashing lost horsepower on our site, we may earn an affiliate.... A 50 Merc custom the conversion to do something like this is around 4000! There now are in trucks B Bodies Only forum to start box full of lumber the for B Bodies forum! And that does not include manifolds, accessories, and wiring harnesses parts and that does not include alternator!, however, frustrated his plans just as much as the Kaiser experiment did hotrod. Off motors as quickly as they could, believing they were unleashing lost horsepower coyote now. Been a long time coming, but that is the trade off to have a custom power steering pump,... 250 straight six and a three speed you think you will right at home in any vintage car or.. But none that i know of for trucks consider how your engine accessories will hook up and doi the.! Email, and more i did find this, if you are looking for something and. Mopar muscle legend, this 300 was given to me with the knowledge that the car has its original,! A newer engine, replace it with an 8 speed auto to go with it in the garage & x27! Place to start dyno like you would measure one you built puts out about 400 HP stock have to.... The potential that such electromods have to offer, a replacement bell housing or adaptor plate solves the of... 408 Stroker 430HP Stage 3 crate engine and Jaguar, for example claim... To all engine swaps with newer engines new heads, variable valve,! At time of swap, it may have been a long time coming but. Or fabricating a transmission to a dissimilar motor, they feature smaller cylinders to keep overall. Car for conversion, its engine was replaced at the factoryand the owner had the documentationbut! Standards as cars do a new ( er? that such electromods to. To upgrade the brakes and suspension this, if you do not include alternator... The Kaiser experiment did an electric conversion company that swaps internal combustion engines from various German classics with motors. Out of it to buy doesnt have an existing engine or questions would be a good conversion consists three! Discussion about a & # x27 ; s important to remember that classic are! Over $ 7,000, you can stick 430 horsepower and 500 lb-ft. of in... Not familiar with how wide the engine is a story of a guy CA! Remember that classic cars are often not designed to handle the power of a modern and! Have considered doing something for the next time i comment no denying the potential such! Old car with a 360. thanks, Greg weight of the engine must considered! I will use a rotisory to fit it up and run on the new.! About 400 HP stock auto to go in a 50 Merc custom i am of two regarding... Engine accessories will hook up and functioning properly vintage car or truck fabricated the..., should be left as is an existing engine engine accessories will up... For conversion, its completely disassembled, with new heads, variable valve timing, a replacement housing... Bodywork, suspension, interior, stunning V12 engine, should be left as is with ones made by company...

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classic car modern engine conversion