How to Put a Modern Engine in an Old Car

Introduction

Swapping an old engine for a modern one can be a great way to upgrade the performance and efficiency of your classic car. However, it’s important to do your research and plan carefully before starting this project, as there are a number of challenges to overcome.

In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to put a modern engine in an old car. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right engine to fabricating custom parts and wiring up the new electrical system.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Engine

The first step is to choose the right engine for your car. There are a few things to consider when making this decision, including:

The size of your car. A small car will need a smaller engine, while a large car will need a larger engine.
The power you want. If you want more power, you’ll need a more powerful engine.
The fuel economy you want. If you want better fuel economy, you’ll need a more fuel-efficient engine.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. There are a number of great modern engines that can be used in old cars. Some of our favorites include:

The GM LS series. The LS series is a family of V8 engines that are known for their power, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
The Ford Coyote engine. The Coyote engine is a 5.0-liter V8 engine that is found in the Ford Mustang. It’s a powerful and fuel-efficient engine that’s also relatively easy to install in an old car.
The Mazda Miata engine. The Miata engine is a 1.8-liter inline-four engine that is known for its high revving ability and fuel efficiency. It’s a great choice for small cars.

Step 2: Fabricating Custom Parts

Once you’ve chosen an engine, you’ll need to fabricate some custom parts to make it fit in your car. This may include things like motor mounts, transmission mounts, and exhaust manifolds.

If you’re not comfortable fabricating parts yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you. However, if you’re on a budget, there are a number of resources available online that can help you learn how to fabricate your own parts.

Step 3: Wiring Up the New Electrical System

Once you’ve installed the new engine, you’ll need to wire up the new electrical system. This can be a complex task, so it’s important to take your time and do it right.

The first step is to identify all of the wires that need to be connected. You can do this by consulting the wiring diagram for your car. Once you’ve identified all of the wires, you can start connecting them to the new electrical system.

It’s important to use the correct type of wire and connectors when wiring up the new electrical system. If you use the wrong type of wire or connectors, you could damage the new electrical system or even start a fire.

Step 4: Tuning the Engine

Once the new electrical system is wired up, you’ll need to tune the engine. This involves adjusting the fuel injection, ignition timing, and other settings to optimize the engine’s performance.

Tuning an engine can be a complex task, so it’s best to leave it to a professional. However, if you’re on a budget, there are a number of resources available online that can help you learn how to tune your own engine.

Conclusion

If you’re not comfortable working on cars yourself, it’s best to hire a professional to help you with this project. However, if you’re on a budget, there are a number of resources available online that can help you learn how to do it yourself.