“To make a difference and make it better”, that’s what modification fans often do and say. Cars are usually treated as more than just tools for moving from location A to B, like a canvas that can be customized to suit each owner’s tastes.
In addition to emphasizing aesthetics, modifiers must also pay attention to other things so that the modifications made to their vehicles become more special and different from others. Like doing engine swap , sometimes the topic becomes a serious discussion in every hangout, even the automotive enthusiast community.
Some people say engine swap is the riskiest and most ridiculous thing modifiers do, while others see it as the best way to get the perfect out of a modification and can increase performance more than the power of the previous car.
Before modifying the swap engine , it is better to understand the basic concepts of the swap engine first. This must be understood so that the information you receive is clearer. Starting from what is an engine swap , and why it can be a wonderful modification for those who enjoy modifying cars.
Understanding Swap Engine
The actual swap engine is one of the core components of a race car culture that has existed since the first time automobiles were introduced globally. Basically, the principle of engine swap is to swap engines. This term is used when we are going to replace the entire engine of our car with another car engine.
The entire engine is often in a package with the replacement (transmission) gearbox, ECU, and of course the wiring. In some cases, engine swap is done by changing engines from the same car brand and can also be done by using engines from different car brands for performance needs and restoration needs for classic cars.
For performance needs, sometimes modifiers also modify the standard engine as an option that can be done to simply improve performance. If you want to increase the performance of 10-30% of the standard engine capacity, this is usually done using the default car engine.
However, if you want to increase your performance even more with the adaptation of the latest engine technology, engine swap can be an option so that the engine room can be refreshed and get the technology provided by the engine you want to use.
Take for example if you want to optimize the built-in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo engine with peak power reaching 1100whp. By using a 4G63 engine which has proven to be tough and has excellent durability . This toughness is proven by the various successes of the Lancer Evo in rally races. On the drag racing track, this 1100whp is an incredible amount of power and is capable of clocking up to 8.2 seconds with speeds reaching up to 280 kmh.
But when used on the highway, chances are that you will be more comfortable driving a standard-engined car that has a much lower power, such as a power that can only reach 150whp. Of course, taking into account the durability aspects of parts and driving comfort. That is the perspective if the modifier maximizes the full range of the 4G63 engine limitations of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
It’s different if you use a Mitsubishi Lancer GLX car and want to modify the face lift to become the Mitsubishi Evo 4 GSR as a whole, not only the body parts that you will change. The engine part can also be done by swapping the engine using the 4G63 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo engine. This is done so that the modifications are carried out thoroughly and your car as a whole becomes a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
Not only that, engine swaps can be done with a different engine brand from the default car, for example the BMW E36 car with the Toyota 2JZ engine. This is commonplace by replacing a different engine from the original platform of the default car. Usually this is often done by modifiers for racing needs.
Challenges During the Swap Engine Process
The problem that arises when you try to swap a different engine is a problem with the ECU ( Electronic Control Unit ). The ECU which functions to run the new machine will no longer send CAN ( Controller Area Network ) messages correctly. You need to sort the cables one by one and make sure all the instrument clusters can function normally.
You could say, the ECU is the brain in a car that functions to regulate various systems, from opening and closing engine valves, injectors, spark plugs, batteries, radiators, to identification of car keys and alarms. Swap engines will certainly change the work of the ECU as engine management . In fact, if you replace the engine using the same type, the ECU must be reset.
This means, even though your engine is working normally, the rest of the car engine may be limping because each cylinder head works out of sync. Apart from these obstacles, the ABS and RPM will not function properly. Likewise, the speed meter on the instrument cluster will work messy, and it is possible that the power steering may not function normally. Surely the adjustment process requires a lot of experimentation so that all vehicle features can work optimally.
If the swap engine is to make a racing car, some of these things are not a big problem, because you will replace the entire electronic package using stand-alone as engine management. However, for users who swap engines for cars that are used daily, you can also consider using a stand-alone electronic system because it will make it easier to carry out the wiring process when installing your car engine swap , it’s just that the costs will be more. big.
Engine Swap For Car Restoration
Apart from performance reasons, engine swaps are usually done by those who like restoring old cars. The main purpose of the modifier is to swap the engine on an old car, so that the car can be used daily and not only as a display in the garage. Imagine that you have a classic car and want to bring it back to life, you will definitely do optimal restoration so that the classic car can run normally again.
That’s where the swap engine comes in . By replacing a newer engine, and a more modern engine, you can enjoy the sensation of driving a classic car without fear of making you bothered by the problem of overheating or breaking down while running.
Of course there are other considerations and reasons why classic cars don’t need to swap engines , maybe you can survive by stocking up some of these car parts. However, if there are problems with using these parts or parts that are difficult to find, engine swap can certainly be an option for classic car owners.
Considerations to Know Before Doing an Engine Swap
Before deciding further to swap engines , you must further consider what your needs are in doing engine swap. There are several reasons why people swap engines . First, to boost car performance, because the factory default engine power is not yet according to taste. Then, the second reason is that it is difficult to get genuine engine parts.
The second reason is usually done by those who like to restore classic cars , so that the car can be used as an everyday vehicle without having to worry about problems with the engine. Another consideration that must be understood is cost, before deciding what type of machine to use, it’s a good idea to take into account the budget.
If you only want to use a machine with new technology and the budget is not too big. It would be nice for you to choose a machine that matches the brand of car you are using. This was done in order to simplify the installation process, to wiring without having to change many electronic systems in the car.
However, if your reason is to swap engines for performance without considering the budget that will be issued by an engine swap using a different engine from your car brand, this could be the right reason.
Swap Engines With Different Engines
If you have decided to swap an engine with a different make from the brand of car you own, this is where the complexity will start to be felt. Before deciding to use the type of engine, measurements and research are needed to see the suitability of the engine you want to use in the car we are modifying. For example, the LS2 engine is often the choice of modifiers to put it in their cars. The reason is, many workshops or modifiers have successfully conducted research to swap engines using these machines.
It’s the same if you have a BMW E30 and want to swap the engine to Honda’s K series engine . Even though it sounds impossible for the BMW E30 to use the K20 engine, it can be done, but you as modifiers must do more research first to implement the K20 engine that you want to use on the BMW E30.
Calculate the weight of the engine, suspension to gearbox
In addition, what needs to be considered and taken into account when doing engine swap is the position and weight of the engine and gearbox to be used. Importantly, this relates to comfort and safety while driving. Of course, the position of the machine must be in the center . So the concept of a seated machine is how the position of the machine can be aligned in the middle between the mounting and the axle.
As for the engine weight, it will greatly affect the ability of the suspension of the car itself. When doing a swap engine modifier must adjust the weight of the engine used with the use of the appropriate suspension. You can use an aftermarket suspension system, for example, such as a coilover type suspension.
Machines with large capacity and made from iron will certainly be heavier than machines with small capacities and made from aluminum. There needs to be a mathematical calculation that the modifier must do when swapping the engine to a large and heavier capacity, so the suspension must automatically be adjusted.
Change Braking System
The electronic sector , and engine weight have been discussed, there are still other aspects that must be considered if you want to swap engines. Changing the suspension system in a car, the braking sector is another important thing that must be considered. Just like the suspension sector, each type of car will certainly be equipped with a braking system that matches the engine’s own capabilities.
When replacing a large capacity engine, it is of course highly recommended to increase the braking sector. If the braking sector does not increase, it is feared that the car will find it difficult to stop at high speeds.
What was originally a 1,000 cc engine and then changed to 2,000 cc, the power would definitely increase considerably. If you still rely on the old brakes, surely the car will not stop perfectly when you brake.
Conclusion of Swap Engine Modification
Choosing the option to swap engines is not an easy thing to do. There are many considerations that car owners should carefully consider. Matters that need to be calculated mathematics and legality issues also need to be considered. By doing an engine swap , of course the vehicle engine number will also change its identity.
This will also lead to pros and cons, some agree because the old engine is still stored, some do not agree because if the car is used daily on the highway, the engine inside does not match what is stated in the car document.
If you still want to swap engines to improve your car, then you should first consult with modification workshops that are experienced and understand the car.