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cucumberholster@reddit

This little dickhead on YouTube has a civic chassis with a built motor, turbo, with a mustang shell over the top. It’s a cool car. It’d be cool to make a 90’s civic with a 302, 4 speed and rear wheel.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

The creations people come up with!

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cucumberholster@reddit

Tomsrefurb on yt he drives like an asshole and a fair bit of his work is really corner cutting couldn’t stand those two things so I moved on, but has some creative ideas and cool builds.

I just can’t support someone who’s image will hurt car guys

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OutlawMINI@reddit

I'd put a Jaguar straight 6 from something like an XK (XK120 through E Type) into a modern Miata or 370Z roadster.

Alternatively, same swap into a MINI R59 roadster, rwd swap.

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cherokeevorn@reddit

Gt86 with a group 4 BDA ,

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_whatever_idc@reddit

Has to be Cosworth DFV, doesn’t it? For pure sound, I would go with whatever Matra made with that V12 they ran in F1.

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travellering@reddit

BRM V16 into a Honda Fit. It's simply swapping one forced induction 1.5 liter engine for another, how hard could it be?

Google Nick Mason BRM recording to see what it should sound like if you can get all 600+ horses running together...

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Wait, there is a V16 that is 1.5 liters?

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travellering@reddit

Yup, built in 1953 and capable of revving to 12000.. https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/wh73y2/1953_brm_v16_mk2_driven_and_recorded_by_nick_mason/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

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Beegussss@reddit

1.95 inch bore and 1.9 inch stroke. 😂

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revocer@reddit (OP)

https://i.redd.it/su2ylk5rc6h11.jpg holy moly. TIL.

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rudbri93@reddit

Caddy 500 in a miata

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Beegussss@reddit

Ford GAA

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ReallySmallWeenus@reddit

HP is basically the same, but now the clutch is an on-off switch.

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mmaalex@reddit

Pretty sure that engine would weigh more than the rest of the car

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LameBMX@reddit

you mean 6 miata's in a 2 wide 3 long configuration?

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nayls142@reddit

Caddy 500 in a Tesla model Y

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Beegussss@reddit

Ford GAA in a Miata

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Elitepikachu@reddit

Imagine if you could buy a modern mustang with a solid rear and a 429 or 428

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clintj1975@reddit

427 side oiler or cammer.

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Beegussss@reddit

Ford GAA dohc 32v flat plane v8

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Beegussss@reddit

12v71ta in a 2025 long nose Pete

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Beneficial_Try9602@reddit

Dude put a Cummins in a Mustang on his YT channel. That was crazy.

It going to be a little heavy in the front and light in the rear…

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worstofalloptions@reddit

the Cumstang

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Beegussss@reddit

Horse cum

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revocer@reddit (OP)

That’s kinda wild.

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ProfileTime2274@reddit

Why would you ever want to do that ? The first problem would be in most states it would never pass inspection.

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Beginning_Tension829@reddit

Imagine living in a state that actually does that

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ProfileTime2274@reddit

That is true and Delaware is trying to make you pass stricter emissions then the vehicle was required to pass when it was manufactured.

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mar78217@reddit

That was my initial thoughts, but the comments are fun. This is, of course, why people go the other way with it. Modern drivetrains are better. If you restomod a car, you have a beautiful, classic car with modern conveniences and a lower property tax bill/ cheaper tag. If you mod a new car with an old engine, it fails emissions, requires more maintenance and you also get to pay the higher taxes.

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ProfileTime2274@reddit

I have a hard time getting my 1980 jeep to pass emissions. Because they tryed have me do for a fuel injected vehicle.

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Solon_City_Schools@reddit

Most States

Inspection

lol

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ArmsOfaTRex@reddit

Don be a fun sucker. I’d love to drop the 455 from my old ‘71 Formula into Pontiac Solstice. Can imagine starting that around unknowing folks who didn’t know straight pipes were a thing.

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Otherwise-Ad6675@reddit

New ram 3500 megacab with a 4-71t detroit diesel paired up to 6 + 4 Spicer twinstick for the ultimate tow pig.

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MoparMap@reddit

I wouldn't have thought about a diesel, but that kind of feels like the best answer the more I think about it. Modern engines have come so far that I can't think of anything off the top of my head that I would have picked on the gasoline side other than maybe some silly race engine because fun noises. Diesel on the other hand, while still having come incredibly far as well, does have the allure of potentially being incredibly simple and robust.

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MrToyotaMan@reddit

Mechanically injected turbo diesel engines are more reliable and still made decent power. Even when comparing them to modern common rail systems they still hold their own. At my last job I replaced the windshields on a Peterbilt with 1.3 million miles on it. It had a 3406 CAT engine that is still keeping up with modern diesels. Old non turbo diesels can’t even come close to modern stuff though.

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mmaalex@reddit

Why not a 6-71? It should fit in that giant engine bay.

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JSTootell@reddit

I loved the sound of that 6-71T generator screaming. Been over 25 years, but I think the governor was set for 2300 rpm.

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jeeves585@reddit

Only issue is a mega cab is a short bed :(

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SailingSpark@reddit

If you are going that far.. mod the frame so you can run a megacab and a long bed. You are going to need a football field to do a Uturn, but might as well have fun with it.

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No_Control8389@reddit

So step up to a 4500 or 5500 and get a much tighter turning radius. Add cab. Add bed.

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Ok-Bill3318@reddit

Big block into a Prius

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Funny

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Iowa-Andy@reddit

I’d put a ford 302 and 4 speed in a 2010 wrangler 4 door. Prep the engine for about 350hp and let her fly!

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Aretebeliever@reddit

I always get a laugh out of guys that talk about how they wish they could go back to carbs and stickshifts and drive those every day.

It's the epitome of rose colored glasses.

They just happen to forget how much those engines sucked compared to most stuff today. Carbs absolutely suck to start in winter, you have to replace the spark plugs every 30k, tune up your carb constantly, oil leaks happen all the time, and engines typically only lasted until 100k at the absolute most. And the manual transmissions SUCKED compared today's offerings.

Source: I work at a dealership that we sell tons of classics every month.

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outline8668@reddit

Yet my old carbed jeep starts great in the dead of a canadian winter never had an issue rowing gears even in the cold. I put a 2 bbl Holley mechanical choke 2300 series carb off an older jeep on it. Rebuilt the carb when I first got it and upgraded it with an off-road spring loaded needle and seat. Even in the cold I could kick it down and be driving in 60 seconds. Same with my 440 roadrunner. After I got the choke setup properly even in 32 degree weather I was gone in 60 seconds.

I think a lot of people who cry about how bad carbs were either had vehicles that suffered from other issues that were not sorted out or did not take the time to make sure their carb was dialed in correctly.

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rezwrrd@reddit

I wouldn't daily a carb or mechanical fuel injection any more. I did my time with those and I don't have time to deal with either right now. I've got my own rose colored glasses for the 80s and 90s though, throttle body electronic fuel injection was one of the greatest things to happen for reliability especially in the winter.

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MoirasPurpleOrb@reddit

I wouldn’t.

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YogurtTheMagnificent@reddit

Seriously. The world has moved on from carburetors in vehicles for good reason!

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WiseShoulder4261@reddit

I don’t mind the carburetors, it’s the ugly modern cars with cheap plastic interiors that would keep me from a swap like that.

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GrumpyDrum@reddit

My thoughts exactly, my head is swimming with cool old engines like Jaguars XK or Fords BDA, but I can't think of any modern car worthy 😂

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revocer@reddit (OP)

I believe Mercedes had a fuel injected engine pre-1970. Not sure though.

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Dismal_Estate9829@reddit

Chevy did too, no thanks. It’s like using Apollo 13 tech in a spacex rocket.

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Wne1980@reddit

That’s old Bosch systems that were pretty goofy even when the parts existed to service them. Pre-smog CIS wasn’t the worst, but I don’t have much kind to say about D-Jetronic that came before that

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ReallySmallWeenus@reddit

So did Chevrolet. That doesn’t make it a good option compared to a modern car.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

None of this makes sense. That’s what makes it fun.

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angrycanadianguy@reddit

It’s pretty insane to want a pre 1975 engine of any kind in a modern car. The oldest id go is maaaaybe 90’s, but probably no more than 2000.

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BJoe1976@reddit

Same

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GrumpyDrum@reddit

Jaguar V12, in a VE2 Commodore wagon.

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dpaquet71@reddit

Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV engine in a mx-5 miata. That would be slower, but the sound would be glorious.

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rezwrrd@reddit

I don't know if I'd go back as far as the 70s, but for a long time now I've wished I could put an 80s or 90s drivetrain and interior into a Ford Flex. Or maybe a Bronco or Maverick now that those are out. They've got the modernized boxy-ish look but I don't want to deal with all the screens and computerized stuff inside, plus GDI and EcoBoost and all the extra modules and junk inside the engine bay.

A bit of a sillier idea, but a common restomod engine swap for old air-cooled VWs is a newer Subaru engine (since the engines share a layout and roughly similar footprint). It would be pretty funny to go the other way and put a 60s VW flat four into a modern Subaru. If you thought an EJ25 was slow in an Outback, just watch a 40hp VW-powered Subie try (and fail) to get out of its own way!

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Which 80s or 90s would you put in?

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rezwrrd@reddit

I had a Grand Marquis for several years and loved it, so my first go-to would be the 4.6 Modular (though I'd maybe skip the 4R70W and go for a manual transmission instead). With the overhead cams that engine is physically very large so it might not fit in the engine bay on a Flex, so maybe a 5.0 instead. For the Maverick I'd lean more toward an 80s/90s Ranger drivetrain, RWD with the gutless but reliable Lima engine.

Either way I would replace the gauges with the 90s Ford style, yellow needles with large, green numbers and tick marks. I always found it very easy on the eyes compared to the harsh LEDs and bright screens of modern dashboards. The interior would be cloth and either red, blue, or light grey, depending on the exterior paint color.

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Dry_Ad687@reddit

Some straight 6 with a ton of torque

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AgonizingGasPains@reddit

Early diesel (non-DPF) in modern vehicle. In my state, diesels are "exempt" from emissions regulation, not just testing. It's a small thing in the wording, but big in outcome. Lots of guys put Cummins 4BTs from bread trucks into Jeeps using this rule.

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Dismal_Estate9829@reddit

That’s about the only right answer in this entire thread. I used to think that would be an awesome idea until I drove a jk with a 4bt. I lost a tooth filling.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Fascinating.

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Total-Improvement535@reddit

“New” Lincoln Continental body with a 70-72 Continental underpinning.

460 V8, RWD, floats like a boat, no emissions so you get full power of the engine

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Dismal_Estate9829@reddit

And still be lower than what came out.

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Dismal_Estate9829@reddit

I absolutely would not. Ever. I don’t want to put a pre 75 engine in a pre 75 car. The drivability, power, reliability and aftermarket support of the LS/coyote and I hate to say hemi (dodge hater), it would be crazy to stick old tech in a new car. I’m so irritated by your question. 🤣

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funktonik@reddit

None. Wtf

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bolunez@reddit

Big stinky-assed diesel in a Prius.

I'd probably never drive it because I don't like stinky-ass diesels, but it would be funny as shit.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Hahahahaha hilarious.

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JRH2009@reddit

The bland styling by safety regulations of any new car combined with the reliability and efficiency of 40 year old ones.

Short of some Italian v12 so at least it makes a good noise, I don't know what's to gain.

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Solid_Enthusiasm550@reddit

I'm an Old School Muscle car guy, so they would have stay brand specific.

426 HEMI - 4 any mopar

ZL-1 427 - 4 the GMs

427 s.o.h.c. - 4 the blue oval

S20 2.0l I-6 - 4 a nissan Z

13A - for a Mazda Miata

XK 3.8l - for a jaguar

Type 912 flat-12 - l coyld probably squeeze it into a 918 chassis?🤔

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ilikepisha@reddit

68 Chevelle

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PracticableSolution@reddit

Put a stroked SB2.2 with mechanical Hillborn stacks in the back of a C8 corvette

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Much_Box996@reddit

How about aluminum 427 from the zl1

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PracticableSolution@reddit

I like that better!

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JSTootell@reddit

Give me an old straight six to put in my 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Yes!!!!!!! Freaking brilliant.

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SmokeFarts@reddit

Model T drivetrain in a Cybertruck

Joking aside (who would ever choose a cybertruck for anything??)

Newer Ford Ranger with a Mercury 255 Flathead and 3 on the tree with automatic overdrive.

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worstofalloptions@reddit

22re in a Dodge ram, just so it could be reliable for once

and still slow

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Hahahah

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NeuroguyNC@reddit

I'd find a way to put in a Plymouth 225 cu in slant six engine in something. Easy to work on and will last forever if you take care of it.

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icemonsoon@reddit

So replace one crap engine with another? 90s and 00s engines only for me

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revocer@reddit (OP)

For the sake of argument, what 90’s engine would you place in a what 2025 body?

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mar78217@reddit

1992 Honda NSX engine in a 2025 anything.... lol.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

It works!!!

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Kdoesntcare@reddit

The answer to this is a VW VR6. Add some forced induction and keep up with Veyrons. I don't think the 3.2 liter was a thing until 2003 though, doesn't really matter the 2.7 and 2.8 engines are great too.

You could step back into the 80s with an Audi 5 cylinder turbo engine. Something else that's easy to make stupid fast.

Attach that to a 6 speed quattro transmission with a Torsen rear differential, old school quattro. Both of those engines are small enough to go in sideways if you don't have clearance for the full transmission.

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Kdoesntcare@reddit

Malaka's VR6 RS3

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mar78217@reddit

At least OP said pre 1975... if 1976 - 1980s it would e so much worse...

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uronim-the-car@reddit

Porsche 930 in a Porscge Taycan

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No_Educator_6376@reddit

454ss engine in modern Camaro

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1jrjrhank@reddit

Not pre '75 but I would put a 4.0 into a Jeep Gladiator .

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Much_Box996@reddit

You’re good. AMC sold the engine starting in 64.

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J-Rag-@reddit

Put an engine from a 70s VW Beetle and slap it in a Ram 2500

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mar78217@reddit

Poor thing wouldn't be able to move itself...

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weredragon357@reddit

Small Block Chevy in everything

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mar78217@reddit

At least you know it will run... lol

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Hahahahah.

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rjames06@reddit

Datsun Z432 in the new Z as it should be.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Fascinating. A Z in a Z.

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jckipps@reddit

Find some way to transversally-mount a Ford flathead v8 in a modern Ford front-wheel-drive car. Totally impractical, but it'd just be cool to see the bare flat heads looking up at you when you lift the hood.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

That would be cool.

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Potential_Stomach_10@reddit

429 SJC in a new 'Stang or

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Street-Dependent-647@reddit

Ok this is unhinged but I would take a Porsche flat 12 from a 917 and put it in the new electric VW bus.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Totally unhinged. It works!

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TPSreportmkay@reddit

Low hanging fruit is to put an iron duke 4 cylinder in a Tesla since that's an improvement. But then you're stuck driving a Tesla

It would be cool to build the 455-SD Pontiac wanted to build in 1973 but smog standards caused it to have a lame cam and EGR. So unfuck that mess and put it in a Hyundai N Vision 74. If we're not counting that then maybe take a dumb electric charger off the road with a 455 cubic inch middle finger to the EPA.

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revocer@reddit (OP)

Bwahahah on the Tesla.

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Swamp_Donkey_7@reddit

Boss 429 in a Miata.

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twothirtyintheam@reddit

They stopped making the car I'd use in 2024 I think, but I'd put a mid-60s Chevy 327/365 HP Corvette engine into a red Jaguar F-Type convertible. And it would have a manual transmission (though not sure if I'd go old school 4-speed or modern 6-speed with it, probably modern 6-speed to better match the car).

Why? Styling-wise, the F-Type Jag always seemed like a really good modern take on the C2 Corvette to me.

That engine in particular is one of my favorite old motors because it revs to the moon and sounds great doing it. Yes I know the 427 (and some other GM engines of the 1960s) had more power. I just think that particular 327 would fit the character and look of the Jag really well. And yes I know it wouldn't be quite as fast as the modern-engined version. That's okay (for me at least). It would still be pretty peppy.

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DoggoCity@reddit

Putting an old 440 six pack in a modern muscle car would be pretty awesome.

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Solon_City_Schools@reddit

ND Miata + 787B. Would be cool with an Emria or Boxster/Cayman too.

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Ok-Communication1149@reddit

A big block Buick with a switch pitch super turbine 400 in a Prius.

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series-hybrid@reddit

There are precedents, but it is a niche field. John Deere has locked the software so the expensive tractors can only be worked on by the dealer. Even when under warranty, you only find out it broke down when you use it, and you only use it when its time to plant or harvest. That's the time that the dealer mechanic is swamped.

This has led to a resurgence in taking older tractors with no electronics, and rebuilding them.

Also, "preppers" fear that all electronics will get fried by an EMP (whether from nature or an attack), and they are increasingly having at least one vehicle that has no electronics.

This is fueling a resurgence in rebuilding OBS Ford trucks (1992-97), which have had a long run of legacy engines, plus the earlier bricknose trucks, which had a lot of smog equipment on their carburetors. The common options are a 302, 351, and a 300-6-cylinder. Models with factory EFI and smog equipment can have it stripped out and a carburetor easily installed.

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beipphine@reddit

What about something fuel injected like the Chevy 327 Fuelie with 375 shp and 350 ft-lbs of torque. You get the benefits of fuel injection without any of the electronics. Without an overdrive transmission 16 city - 20 mpg highway was possible.

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pfcgos@reddit

I've thought for years that it would be fun to take an old truck (I'm partial to Dodge, but pick any of them, we just want a truck that's basically bullet proof) and put all the modern amenities in it. I'd rather have the old body, but all things considered, it wouldn't be the end of the world if it looked like a newer truck.

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