Mikey Dang, Gus Rodriguez, Matt Schumacher, Steven La Verde, Kam Pratt, PJ Miller, Duy Nguyen, Grassroots Performance, Matt Sixberry, Mike Catell, Javier Estrada, Sebastian Suaza, Nicolas Russo, JAG Imaging.
ART + PRODUCTION
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Kings of the Odd Swaps
We’ve all thought about it at some point. Some of us have even done it. When the engine in our car has either reached its limits, or isn’t enough for our insatiable appetite, we can always swap in something cooler, better, faster, stronger, weirder.
The art of swapping a different engine has probably been around since the second engine was ever built. It’s a way to add power, style points, or reliability to just about any vehicle. Things like the GM LS engine and Honda K-Series are among the most popular engine swaps in modern car culture, so in this special issue of PASMAG we made sure to break down what makes each of them so enticing for enthusiastsincluding some testimony from industry experts that swap them and work on them.
With those things in mind, we then take a look at some of the weirdest and wildest engine swaps we could get our hands on - including our most recent Tuner Battlegrounds Season 11 winner in the form of John Proulx’s Toyota V12-swapped Subaru STi. We also look at one of the most unique street-driven Mercedes
190E builds from Tucci Hot Rods, complete with a twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost swap. We also get an in-depth look at one of our favorite swaps from SEMA 2023, the FC AutoLab V6powered Toyota MR2.
All of this and more can be found amidst the usual offering of PASMAG content like Hot New Products and the latest unboxing / installs from Tuning 365 TV. As always, thank you for picking up PASMAG. We hope this issue inspires your next insane engine swap.
HOTNEWPRODUCTS
LIQUIMOLY
Molygen New Generation SAE 0W-20
Liqui-Moly.com
Fully synthetic LIQUI MOLY specialty with a unique additive technology. The powerful MFC (Molecular Friction Control) technology prevents formation of deposits while simultaneously reducing frictional losses. The synergetic effect provides optimum wear protection even under tough operating conditions. Improved fuel consumption and increased engine life are some of the end results. The oil's fluorescent green color is typical for the MFC formulation. Tested safe with catalytic converters and turbochargers. Made for Asian or American engines where a motor oil according to current specifications is required or recommended.
GARRETT ADVANCING MOTION
GVW External Wastegates
GarrettMotion.com
ORACLE LIGHTING
Black Series Dynamic ColorSHIFT LED Headlights w/ Sequential Turn Signals for 2018-2023 Ford Mustang OracleLights.com
These headlights bring style and innovation together with Blacked-Out Housings, Sequential FLOW Turn Signals, and Smartphone control. The Dynamic ColorSHIFT RGB+A tech creates eye-catching lighting effects with individually addressable LEDs and exclusive Dynamic FLOW turn signals in Amber. The Black Series blacked out housing design adds a bold look to customized lighting. These headlights are complete with Dynamic Halos and Tri-Bar DRLs, and installation is easy with plug-and-play connectors. Control over 200 pre-programmed patterns, custom designs, static colors, and white DRL mode with the free smartphone app.
Garrett’s GVW External Wastegates come in various sizes - 40mm, 45mm, and 50mm, catering to a wide range of applications. From compact engines to high-performance setups, there's a size to fit your specific needs. Additionally, they are available in both stainless steel and V-band inlet/outlet configurations, offering versatility and seamless integration into your turbo system. Boasts replaceable valve and bushing components to increase service life, and a robust design for easy diaphragm replacement.
Carbon Fiber License Plate Frame
$50 | SeibonCarbon.com
Made from the same world class carbon fiber as the rest of Seibon Carbon’s product line, this carbon fiber license plate frame is the latest detail you can add to your ride. Every component is constructed with a consistent weave pattern. Seibon’s production processes allow exceptional carbon/resin ratio, creating high product stiffness that also leads to extra strength. For a stunning finish, their products are coated with a glossy clear coat that does not chip or flake.
Metra’s RGB LED underglow lighting by Heise is designed for all-terrain on powersports vehicles, boats, cars, and more! Choose from 16-million different color options using the Metra RGB smartphone app with pre-built lighting transitions, flash patterns, and more. This four-piece package includes two 36-inch and two 48-inch sealed water-resistant LED tubes, mounting hardware, and extension cables, providing a fast and durable RGB lighting solution. Controller sold separately.
GRASSROOTS PERFORMANCE
19-Row Direct-Fit Oil Cooler Kit for LSX GrassrootsParts.com
Simple installation is key for this custom direct-fit oil cooler kit. A vital upgrade to any performance/track builds for added cooling and engine bay space. The oil leaves the block and travels through an adjustable length of high temperature/high-pressure hoses. Grassroots line of performance oil coolers can be used for a variety of oil types, increasing cooling efficiency and oil capacity. Classic design and proven engineering, this 2-inch thick dual pass oil cooler kit allows your oil to maintain peak performance temperature, also aiding the engine cooling system from heat-soaked internals.
MACKIN CARBON PRODUCTS
Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber Spoiler for Tesla Model Y Mackin-Ind.com
Mackin Carbon Products’ pre-preg carbon fiber spoiler for Tesla Model 3 and Model S is available in three different types of carbon fiber: wet carbon, matte carbon, or forged carbon. Boasts an easy install with no drilling required.
YOKOHAMA WHEEL
DRESS UP BOLTS
10th Gen Honda Civic Si Hardware Kits
DressUpBolts.com
The hardware gurus at Dress Up Bolts are continuing their lineup expansion with the introduction of 13 new hardware kits for the 10th generation Honda Civic Si! The new kits include simple applications such as the strut tower kit, all the way up to comprehensive engine bay kits, available in 4 stages and a wide variety of hardware colors.
DRESS UP BOLTS
Titanium Hardware Valve Cover Kit for 1JZGTE/2JZ-GTE
$42.99 | DressUpBolts.com
Dress Up Bolts titanium hardware kit for the 1JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GTE valve covers looks great and delivers a durable replacement option to prevent bolt/nut failure and ugly rust or corrosion. Additionally, this hardware is finished using a PVD coloring process that outperforms the rigidity of traditional anodizing. This kit includes eight titanium hardware pieces to replace the visible bolts on the outer sides of the valve covers.
DRESS UP BOLTS
Titanium Valve Stem Caps - Gear Design
$29.99 | DressUpBolts.com
Dress Up Bolts gear valve stem caps are universally designed to replace the cheap plastic caps with a unique eye-catching design. The valve stem caps are made from GR5 titanium metal and colored using a PVD process for a vibrant and durable finish.
DRESS UP BOLTS
Titanium Widebody Hardware
DressUpBolts.com
Dress Up Bolts offers 8 variations of widebody hardware combinations that include different bolt designs and lengths. These widebody hardware combos include one bolt, one washer, and one well nut, so you can select the exact quantity you need for your widebody kit. Dress Up Bolts use GR5 Titanium for its high corrosion resistant properties, and rubber well nuts to seal the holes in your body panels ensuring an easy, protective, and clean finish for your widebody.
HOTNEWPRODUCTS
AIR LIFT PERFORMANCE
FLO-BTS Modular Billet Tanks
AirLiftPerformance.com
Take your trunk build to the next level with a billet tank from FLO Airride Mfg., now available through Air Lift Performance. The FLO-BTS modular billet tanks are designed for a clean and impressive air management setup. Available in three lengths - 18, 24, and 28 inches - the FLO-BTS tank is designed for customizations and creativity. Machined from high-quality 6061-T6 billet aluminum and featuring threaded end caps with 1/8-, 1/4-, and 3/8-inch NPT port options,
AirLiftPerformance.com
Get your 2022-2023 Subaru WRX to the perfect stance with Air Lift Performance’s front air spring suspension kit. This kit lowers your suspension without sacrificing the high-quality ride and feel. The Subaru WRX kit features a progressive rate, sleeve-style air springs placed over monotube, and threaded body struts. With 30 levels of damping adjustability, the shocks allow for a vast range of customization, from super soft to race car stiff. These elements work together to provide a comfortable ride and superior body support while allowing the vehicle to air out to 130mm (5.1 inches) from stock in the front, and 130mm (5.1 inches) from stock in the rear.
PROJECT MU
XC6 Caliper kit for 6H Truck and SUV
Project-Mu.co.jp / Mackin-Ind.com
The style and performance of Project Mu’s iconic brakes are available in 6-hole configurations for trucks and SUVs. Bring the heritage and functionality of Project Mu from the street and track to the off-road trails with a simple kit that includes everything you need.
AEROMOTIVE
Regulator + Fuel Filter Combo
Aeromotive.com
Aeromotive has introduced a combination piece that incorporates their iconic adjustable fuel pressure regulator with a fuel filter, all in one piece! Features a 10-micron cellulose filter paired with adjustable regulator, AN-10 Inlet and outlet ports with AN-06 return port, and 1/8-inch NPT dedicated gauge port. Offers easy installation for street performance vehicles, and reduced required return line length. EFI adjustable from 40psi to 75psi, made for A1000 and smaller pumps. Carb adjustable from 3psi to 20psi, made for 250 PGH and smaller pumps.
M14 Shell Type Lug Nuts
Mackin-Ind.com
In recent years, the number of cars using M14 wheel stud threads has been increasing. The new Civic Type R, the GT-R Nismo, and several Toyota/Lexus models all use M14 now, and KICS has you covered. The body core nut is made of chromoly steel SCM435 for excellent strength and durability, and the duralumin shell cover is available in red, blue and black.
ENEOS
ECO ATF Plus
ENEOS.us
ENEOS ECO-ATF Plus is a fuel efficient, low viscosity automatic transmission fluid that meets the specs of over 86% of automatic transmissions in the marketplace. ECO-ATF Plus provides improved fuel economy, high resistance to mechanical shear and fatigue, and wide-ranging compatibility with Asian OEMs, Dexron VI, Mercon LV, and other American and European vehicle specifications.
ENEOS Gear Oil LSD
ENEOS.us
ENEOS Gear Oil LSD GL-5 75W-90 is fully synthetic gear oil using the latest technology that ensures superior performance in every area required of differential gears, including LSD (Limited Slip Differential). The base oil and additive technology in ENEOS Gear Oil LSD assures excellent protection of the gears against metal-tometal contact under the most severe conditions, including shock-loads.
ENEOS
Racing Street 0W-20
ENEOS.us
ENEOS Racing Street 0W-20 motor oil uses Group 3+ base oil, which is particularly suited to cold starts in colder temperatures, yet will also protect during multiple hot starts at the race track. It’s ideal for racing conditions where explosive force from starts or slowdowns is needed, such as short tracks or courses with frequent cornering, where engine temperatures are not as high. It contains the MoDTC tech additive. ENEOS Racing Street products also provide the latest API approval rating, which makes them suitable for street use.
ENEOS Import DPS Fluid
ENEOS.us
ENEOS Import DPS Fluid is dual pump system fluid engineered specifically for Honda and Acura vehicles that require Honda Dual Pump Fluid II and Acura DPSF Genuine Fluid. Formulated with select high-quality synthetic base oils which are combined with unique additives, ENEOS Import DPS Fluid will provide outstanding compatibility with your vehicle. ENEOS Import DPS Fluid is formulated with selected high-quality synthetic base oils combined with unique additives developed through the advanced technology of ENEOS. Best when exact match fluid is desired.
ENEOS Racing Pro 10W-50
ENEOS.us
ENEOS Racing Pro 10W-50 motor oil uses a 50:50 combination of Ester and low viscosity fully synthetic base oil that provides extra-high horsepower, ensuring ultimate performance for properties including anti-wear, low oil consumption, exceptional oxidation stability, engine component cleanliness, and outstanding rust and corrosion protections. ENEOS Racing Pro 10W-50 motor oil was developed for extreme racing conditions, providing high oxidation and temperature stability while preventing sludge build-up.
ENEOS
Racing Street 0W-50
ENEOS.us
ENEOS Racing Street maximizes horsepower while offering oil film retention, oxidation stability and anti-wear properties under high temperatures and pressure.
ENEOS Racing Street 0W-50 motor oil is a PAO fully synthetic oil offering exceptional viscosity, fast starts, excellent engine protection, and anti-shearing properties. Ultimately, this 0W-50 is a very high performance API-spec race oil designed to exceed general synthetic oil in every aspect.
Level 7
Motorsports
Welcome to Level 7 Motorsports, a family-owned hot rod shop tucked away in a small town. Specializing in advanced wiring, engine swaps, and metal fabrication, they bring a professional touch to your car. Their expertise extends to stainless and aluminum TIG welding, allowing them to craft anything you need with precision. Known for intricate modernized conversions, and engine swaps from GM LS series to Cummins 4BT and beyond, Level 7 Motorsports ensures your hot rod combines power with modern drivability. Suspension installs, including custom 4-link setups with coilovers or airbags, guarantee optimal performance.
Their name has become synonymous with road race trucks, partially due to their repertoire of phenomenal racing trucks, and partially due to their own iconic shop truck which competed in OPTIMA's Ultimate Street Car challenge - owned and driven by Level 7 Motorsports owner, Jesse Vaughn. Jesse was kind enough to have a chat with us and show us around the shop for this awesome Shop Tour!
As seen on PASMAG’s Tuning 365 TV
LIQUIMOLY OIL + ADDITIVES
Your car’s fuel system and oil system are the lifeblood of your engine. In tandem with your cooling system, the fluid passageways in, through, and out of your engine keep everything running smoothly and making power efficiently. When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the fuel and oil systems are often overlooked outside of routine fluid changes. Save for a few modifications like aftermarket fuel pumps and injectors, many enthusiasts never give their fluid systems a second thought.
Additionally, we all have habits that we get stuck in as car enthusiasts - certain things we do a certain way just because that’s the way we’ve always done it. For some, it’s a continued use of a lesser oil - perhaps a conventional or semi-synthetic oil - in an older
To learn more and get full detailed explanations for each product, check out the full unboxing here
engine because it’s the way it’s always been treated. Perhaps you’ve been told that it’s dangerous to your engine to switch oil types after using one type for so long, as contaminants from the previous oil type may still be embedded in the oil galleys. While that could partially be the case, and there is a tiny bit of truth to that, most fears of switching oil types are overblown.
In this unboxing, our friends at LiquiMoly hooked up our Editor, Adam Gordon, for both his daily driver Lexus, as well as his project S13. Gordon was a skeptic about the factors we mentioned above, so LiquiMoly doubled down and sent twin treatment packages so he could start with his daily driver and see the results first-hand before treating the SR20DET in his S13 to a new life of fully synthetic oil. Included in the care packages were Gasoline System Cleaners, JECTRON Fuel Injection Cleaners, Pro-Line Engine Flush, Motor Oil Saver designed to restore old seals in the engine, and of course the best LiquiMoly engine oil for each vehicle.
In case you missed it, you can check out the full booth walkaround from SEMA 2023 where we first discussed this project
K-SWAPS
101
he K-series, spanning over a two-decade tenure, stands as the undisputed go-to for front-wheel-drive Honda swaps, captivating the hearts of 90's Honda enthusiasts who've ditched their D, F, and even B series powerplants since the early 2000s. Making its debut in 2001, the Honda K-series initially graced the hot hatch Type-R trims of the Civic and Integra. Today,
it still flexes its muscles in various Honda/Acura models, existing in more variations over the past 20 years than we could count on both hands.
When it comes to swaps for performance upgrades, Honda aficionados tend to favor two versions of the K-series in particular: The early K20 engines from the 2001-2006 Civics (EP3) and Integras (DC5), and the K24 powerhouses from the 2002-2008
Honda Accord and Acura TSX. A winning combo often touted for its stellar performance is a combination of the high-flowing K20 head with the larger displacement K24 bottom-end, a timetested “Frankenstein” blending the best of both worlds.
In recent times, the rear-wheeldrive K-swap scene has ignited, with aftermarket manufacturers pumping out a slew of transmission adapters, conversion parts, and complete swap kits. Today, enthusiasts can seamlessly transplant the K-series into a variety of iconic platforms, including the Honda S2000, Mazda RX-7, Mazda MX-5, and even Nissan S- and R-chassis cars.
We decided to reach out to industry experts, and enthusiasts with experience driving, building, and working on K-swapped cars to get their thoughts on what makes the K-series such a prolific force in the industry.
Photography by Javier Estrada, Mikey Dang, Sebastian Suaza
2.4L
Predecessor: Honda B-Series
Variations: K-Series from the factory:
Avancier / UR-V (China)
K20
Perdana (Malaysia)
GT Custom Exhaust
@mikegtcustom
The Honda K-series motor is a really cost-effective and valuable set up for the money! It’s super versatile in a variety of applications, and is costeffective from the get-go with it being such a popular motor used in many
K20A (i-VTEC): 2001–2011
K20A1: 2001–2006
K20A2: 2001–2006
K20A3: 2002–2006
K20A4: 2002–2006
K20A6: 2003–2006
K20A7: 2003–2007
K20A9: 2004–2007
K20b (i-VTEC I): 2004–2006
K20Z (i-VTEC): 2005–2015
K20C (Earth Dreams VTEC Turbo): 2015–present
K20C & K20Z (Earth Dreams i-VTEC): 2016–present
K23
K23A (i-VTEC Turbo): 2007–2012
K24
K24A (i-VTEC): 2001–2016
K24A1: 2002–2006
K24A2: 2004–2008
K24A4: 2002–2007
K24A8: 2005–2007
K24W (Earth Dreams i-VTEC Turbo): 2016–present
cars made by Honda and Acura. Parts are easy to get new from local stores as well as used in great condition across North America. There is also a massive variety of aftermarket parts for whatever flavor you feel - whether it’s naturally aspirated or forced induction. You can see why they are always growing more popular!
They may be from FWD cars, but many companies are offering great parts to allow conversion to the rearwheel drive platforms. It’s becoming a popular choice of engine swap in all sorts of motorsports from drifting, time attack, and drag racing. They can even be used in crazier stuff like in my jet boat!
- Michael Catell Fabricator
HondaPro Jason K-SWAPS 101
@hondaprojason
I started messing with Honda engines with my ‘94 Accord with the F22 SOHC. There was zero support with this engine back in 1994. Just for a tune I drove 18 hours to New Jersey where a guy built custom chips after we street drove it for hours. My next was a B-swapped ‘93 Honda
Civic - more support and much more fun, until I bought a K-Series powered 2007 Honda Civic Si! Hello Hondata, down-pipe, and I can see the future. Now we have parts and support from aftermarket companies all over.
In 2014 I bought a ‘14 Civic Si, immediately put in a CT engineering supercharger and learned that the K-Series Honda motor loves boost! By this time many people were doing K-swaps due to the strength of this platform, the availability, and cost. My next two Civics both had K-Series turbocharged engines in them. A 2017 Type R with over 450 horsepower, and my current 2023 Type R with cams and a tune making over 370 wheel horsepower and over 400 lb-ft torque!
It is safe to say that with all the cars Honda has used this engine in, and all the companies that support it, this K-Series will be around for many years into the future.
- HondaPro Jason
K-SWAPS 101
The K-Series really solves a lot of the issues with older engine swaps such as the SR20DET. Good condition SRs are hard to come by, and not to mention the high cost of the engines.
A well built SR can handle up to 500 whp as long as the rocker arms stay together, which really comes down to a tuner that understands these motors. A reliable SR ultimately comes down to a VE motor without the rocker arms. Having said that, the SR20VET motor would have been the answer, but the next best thing is the Honda K24. Stout, efficient, and plentiful with good aftermarket support.
The S-chassis has seen it all from RB, JZ, VK, LS, VQ etc, but the K-Series just seems to work. If you think about it, K24 is nearly as efficient as a 6-cylinder RB26. K-Series
allows for less weight, and better weight distribution.
An S-chassis with 400 whp is plenty for most, and you can get that easily with a stock motor which costs around $1,750 all said and done with RWD needed parts. What more do you want?
We offer near complete K-swap packages for S-chassis, BMW E30, FRS/BRZ, and IS300. We also design and manufacture supporting parts for the RWD K-swapped projects. Our designs originate with serviceability and quality as our main focus.
- Mike Lee
Wild Engineof SEMA 2023 SWAPS
The SEMA show floor is a wild place, full of crazy creations. For many, SEMA is the place to showcase - or admire - the weirdest and wildest builds the automotive world has put together for the year. The insane, the bespoke, and the downright blasphemous - those are some of the qualifiers to break the internet among all of the builds at SEMA. During our trip to SEMA 2023, we were on the lookout for some of the weirdest and wildest engine swaps at the show, and we were certainly not disappointed. Here is just a taste of some of our favorite engine swaps we saw.
Photography by Mikey Dang, Gus Rodriguez, Matt Schumacher, Steven La Verde
Paul Sagnay’s Rotary S13
@moddedambition
Our Season 10 Tuner Battlegrounds winner, and our very own PASMAG booth car for SEMA 2023 was one of the coolest engine swaps at the show. Paul’s Odyvia-kitted S13 has a wide variety of incredible mods, but taking center stage and causing all of the commotion is his 13B REW rotary engine swap, taking a page out from the book of some of Japan’s most impressive builders and tuners. You can learn more about this build in an upcoming full feature - Sagnay’s prize for taking the crown in Tuner Battlegrounds 10.
Illiminate’s K-Series R34 Skyline
This one will go down as one of the most controversial, polarizing, and perhaps deliciously sacrilegious builds in SEMA history. Before it had opened the hood, we saw this clean R34 Skyline from Illiminate and thought it was just a well put together R34. Later on, we passed by it with an open hood and it stopped us in our tracks. In place of its RB is now a boosted Honda K-Series with a Vmount intercooler and radiator setup. Like it or not, this was a well executed swap, and we bet it drives nicely with that weight distribution.
@illiminate @gooichimotors
Gooichi Motors’ V12-Swapped BMW Z4 GT3
The V12 wizards of Gooichi Motors did it again. Following up their iconic Pistachio RX-7 with its V12 swap, they brought something to SEMA 2023 that no one could have predicted: A real BMW GT3 racecar Z4, with its engine replaced by - you guessed it - a big bad V12. The engine is a Mercedes M120, and it’s complete with a big scary supercharger that you can see from the front of the car. Sam and the team at Gooichi Motors are aiming for well over 1,000 horsepower, so this one is sure to shake things up, perhaps even literally.
Wild Engineof SEMA 2023 SWAPS
@falcon_creationsautolab
FC AutoLabs’ V6-Powered MR2
Take everything you know about the Toyota MR2’s perfect balance, and throw that out the window - FC AutoLabs wanted to make some jam! In place of the MR2’s 4-cylinder you’ll find the V6 from a Toyota Avalon, but this 2GR has been fully built from the bottom up. Custom metal bodywork and some cool touches make this McLaren blue MR2 stand out, even among the madness of SEMA. You can read more about this build from FC AutoLabs on page 48.
@mlz_garage
JH Restorations’
EcoBoost-Powered Merkur “RS 4Ti”
One of our absolute favorite builds from SEMA 2023 was from the masterminds at JH Restorations. Their custom Merkur XR4Ti, codenamed RS 4Ti, is an incredible restomod boasting a Ford EcoBoost engine and beautiful custom work from front to back in order to shine some light on an often forgotten platform. A custom hood to fit the taller EcoBoost engine, a fully custom widebody, and a beautiful reimagined interior walk the line between period correct inspiration and modern day desires. The RS moniker comes from its inspiration from the Sierra RS Cosworth, which is also where the rear hatch lid took its design inspiration. Retro styling and modern day mechanicals and technology make this an all-time hit among restomod builds we’ve seen at SEMA.
Are twin-turbos not enough fun for you? What about twin-engines? MLZ Garage took their Nissan 350Z to the next level with a boatload of custom fabrication. This 350Z boasts a boosted Honda K-Series in the front, and a matching boosted K-Series in the rear, making it one of the most interesting vehicles in all of SEMA 2023. The metal widebody, rear tube chassis, and of course, twin-engines drew a crowd at all times. Making two engines work in tandem with one manual shifter required a bit of custom wizardry, which included dismantling two gearboxes to make sure both were perfectly symmetrical and fabricating some linkage to mate each one from opposing directions. The best part is that this is intended to be developed into a serious track vehicle. We’ll be watching this madness closely.
@jh_restorations
AMAZING HOLDING POWER WITH SMOOTH ENGAGEMENT
QUIET OPERATION
ALL-BILLET CONSTRUCTION
FULL-FACED CARBON GRAPHITE DISCS AS ONE OF FOUR COMPOUND OPTIONS UP TO 1750 FT. LBS. OF TORQUE
Moceri
Autocraft’s
Twin-Turbo LSX DeLorean
Wild Engineof SEMA 2023 SWAPS
Tucci Hot Rods’ EcoBoost-Powered Mercedes 190E
We know an LS swap can hardly be called a “wild swap,” seeing as it’s probably the most prolific engine swap candidate of all time, but when you turn the LS up to 11 via a twin-turbocharged LSX, we can make an exception. Furthermore, when you stick that TT LSX in the back of a DeLorean, you have our undivided attention. Tim Moceri of Moceri Autocraft has shown his raw brushed metal, cyberpunk-styled DeLorean at the show back in 2021, but it was in a much less finished state. At SEMA 2023, he shocked attendees with one of the most radical reimaginings of the DeLorean we’ve ever seen.
This 190E build from Tucci Hot Rods was an easy favorite of SEMA 2023. Blending the Cosworth-Mercedes history of the 190E’s hay day with Tucci Hot Rods’ history of SEMA builds alongside Ford is an EcoBoost V6 swap making ample power. The Evo II body kit is perfectly fitted to give it that true DTM style, with a bit of modern flair throughout. Perhaps our favorite part is the full interior complete with a sound system, as this is Dominick Tucci’s street car! Can you imagine a cooler street cruiser? You can find out all about this 190E Hot Rod in the full feature on page 56.
1 Way Diesel’s Twin-Turbo Cummins Lamborghini Gallardo
“Twin-Turbo Cummins-swapped Lamborghini” is a mouthful, and probably not a combination of words that most Lamborghini fans would come up with, but that’s what makes builds like this so exciting to see at SEMA. The team at 1 Way Diesel found a badly wrecked 2004 Gallardo, and immediately began cooking up ideas. When they found the shell, it had no powertrain, so most of the removal work was done for them. After straightening the frame and sorting out some kinks, they stuffed a straight-six Cummins in place of the old V10, and gave it the twin-turbo treatment. Making it even better is the fact the Cummins is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This was certainly one of the most controversial vehicles of SEMA 2023, and we respect it.
SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2024
OFFICIAL TIRE SPONSOR
LS Swaps
Examining the most prolific engine swap in automotive history
M's family of LS V8 engines reigns supreme as the go-to powerhouse for engine swaps into just about anything it can fit in, from hot rod overhauls to diverse custom car and truck projects. Aficionados know that when it comes to unleashing untamed potential, the LS lineup is an undisputed champion. The abundance of aftermarket support developed over its long lifespan ensures that turning up the horsepower becomes an affordable and straightforward endeavor.
This robust line of engines has carved its niche, sourced from not just Corvettes and Camaros, but also in the vast lineup of trucks produced by Chevrolet and GMC. With LS powerplants nestled beneath the hoods of millions of trucks, enthusiasts have plenty of availability to choose from, each variation with its own distinctive features, but with a bunch of similarities between them.
The original LS1 made its grand entrance in the 1997 Corvette, and subsequently appeared in the Camaro one year later. Fast forward to 1999, and the LS saga took a thrilling turn as diverse versions of the design, flaunting iron blocks with varying displacements, started flexing their muscle in trucks and SUVs. GM's ingenuity unfolds over nearly two decades, birthing an array of LS variants tailored for different ap plications. For custom builders and hot rod enthusiasts, the LS platform is a modular dream, with parts from differ ent iterations playing nicely together.
Picture this: you fancy slapping the front drive system of an LS1 Camaro onto an LS3? No sweat. Dreaming of tossing LS3 heads onto an LS2 block? You're in luck - just
mind the intake manifold details. This harmonious dance of parts is a testament to the shared features across the LS lineup throughout the years. It’s a display of interchangeability, making the hot rodding and building process slightly easier.
There are numerous variations of the LS now that we’re nearly two decades into its existence, with displacements including 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, 7.0L among the most popular.
Horsepower ranges vary as well, from the 260 horsepower Gen IV, to the mighty 600+ horsepower LSX and LS9 versions. The world of LS engines is as robust as its aftermarket.
We spoke to industry experts and LS aficionados to hear from them what makes the LS so special, and why it’s the perfect swap candidate for nearly any platform.
Photography by Gus Rodriguez, PJ Miller, Duy Nguyen, Grassroots Performance, Matt Sixberry
Grassroots Performance
@grassrootsperformance
LS this, LS that. We've heard this story time and time again. But if this same story is on repeat around the world then there must be a reason, right? I'm going give you the rundown of why racers and car enthusiasts around the world choose the LS engine platform. I'm a JDM guy through and through. I collect JDM cars. I modify JDM engines. I even married a Japanese woman. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for import vehicles and the glorious turbo engines they are equipped
with. However, as a Grassroots racer who's competed in both drifting and wheel-to-wheel racing - where there are no style points or fanboys in the mix, when there's a budget and financial cap on what you can afford, and all that matters is that you can finish the race and be competitive - the LS engine is unmatched. Reliability. Accessibility. Versatility. Affordability. This thing has it all. From Grassroots swaps to six-figure builds, the LS engine is no stranger. You can special order parts that take months,
or you can get any part needed at a local parts store while on a roadtrip 10,000 miles away from your garage. The turnkey power is just about enough out the box to compete in a variety of racing platforms. We have built countless N/A 5.3 and 6.0 setups, each time increasing the smiles per gallon in any chassis. Slap a turbo or blower on this thing and you’re in the thick of it. The V8 rumble and vibration will never get old and adds a true hotrod feel to any project of any chassis size. At the end of the day, half of the people you talk to may say the LS engine is overplayed, but the other half are at the track ripping it, or cruising the downtown strip. To sum it all up, if you have a proven recipe for a really good cake using local ingredients, chances are the cake you bake will be pretty good no matter where you bake it.
- Paul Nigro
Variations:
LS from the factory:
LS Swaps 101 Quality Custom Rides
So, the main reason we do LS swaps is because of the price point. The power you can make out of them is crazy, but to be honest, most of the time the stock horsepower is enough to make the customer happy.
The aftermarket parts make it easy to dress it up and add a lot of options to please the customer. As for fitting the motor into a car, there are plenty of companies out there making motor mounts to fit practically everything. Dependability is also key for our customers. GM provides a "connect and cruise" package right out of the crate with 430 horsepower and a great warranty - a big selling point for our customers. A key thing for a builder that most people don't think about is that there are plenty of spare, junk, and used parts laying around that we can use for mockups. That
makes building the car much easier since we only need to lift an empty aluminum block in and out. For price, reliability, aftermarket parts, power, and availability - that is what makes the LS swaps the number one swap in my opinion.
As a side note, we were the first shop to have the privilege of incorporating a V12 LS into a car. For me, after the initial “wow factor,” I knew it was a proven platform and would
be dependable, so that was not going to be a concern. However, in saying that, we were very taken back by the horsepower it produced as a V12. The installation was easy and the motor was only 8.8 inches longer. We knew there were a lot of aftermarket parts available for the LS that would swap right on to this motor so we did not have to worry about adding A/C or a serpentine belt setup.
- Mike Heim
Sideways Fab
@6berries
At Sideways Fab, we’ve done all kinds of engine swaps, from K24 to Ferrari V8 to Viper V10, and the question that we get asked all the time is, “What engine swap should I do in my car?” The answer we always start with is the most logical, one-size-fits-all answer: GM’s LS platform. There’s a list of factors we consider when choosing an engine for a custom swap, including total cost of parts
and labor, initial and long term power goals, weight, engine and vehicle dimensions, and part availability.
The top three most “logical” contenders are always GM LS, Ford Coyote and Honda K-series. Outside of those three, you typically are making a sacrifice in one or more of the selection factors.
The LS is undoubtedly the best dollar per horsepower you can find in
the range of 300 whp all the way up to 1200 whp, with Honda K-series and Ford Coyote coming in close behind for the low and high power ranges, respectively. K-series turbo has a slight weight advantage, with the Ford and Chevy V8’s being about equal. The LS comes in significantly smaller than the Coyote, and of course the K-series is the smallest of the group. Where the LS really shines is the parts cost and availability, with thousands of them already in junkyards and having been on the market for 25 years now. Don’t get me wrong, the other engines have plenty of parts available for them but the sheer range of parts to install an LS into nearly any chassis imaginable towers in comparison to the others.
- Matt Sixberry
ADRO CARBON FIBER FRONT LIP FOR TESLA MODEL Y
ADRO (Aerodynamic Development Race Optimization) is well known for their work in body kits and carbon fiber for a variety of platforms, including the Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ, Ford Mustang, several BMW models, Kia Stinger, and even the C8
Corvette just to name a few. Recently, ADRO has taken it upon themselves to offer their impressive products to Tesla owners looking for some added style - like our designer, Q, for example! Q has a Tesla Model Y, and immediately fell in love with the styling of aftermarket aero from ADRO.
Adam Gordon EDITOR & HOST @GORDON.LEADFOOT
Queue Gonzalez
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
INSTALLED
In this unboxing and install, we get a closer look at ADRO's Tesla Model Y Premium Prepreg Carbon Fiber Front Lip, one of their most exciting offerings for the Model Y. It is their first generation lip for the Model Y, and is compatible with all current Tesla Model Y versions. The 100% genuine prepreg carbon fiber is ultra-lightweight, offering customers the maximum durability and quality available for carbon fiber. Not only is it stylish, but the lip and full aero kit from ADRO have actually been tested to reduce vehicle drag, resulting in a more efficient ride while looking great.
AS SEEN ON
ADRO includes VHB doublesided tape, surface primer, hardware, and even a QR code card you can scan for instructions. After a dry fit, the lip was prepared by drilling three holes in the designated installation panels. The surface of the Tesla was primed with the included surface primer, and the lip was positioned against the bumper for careful removal of the double-sided tape backing and hardware attachment. It’s as easy as that! ADRO was also nice enough to throw in some carbon fiber camera covers for both sides, which use the same preparation and install method.
You can check out the full video of the unboxing and instal (and some rolling shots!) from Tuning365 here:
INCLUDED IN THIS UNBOXING:
PERFORMANCE KIT
R1 GEO-Carbon Series Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors
R1 OPTIMUM OEp Series Brake Pads
R1 Brake Hardware Kits
OE REPLACEMENT KIT
R1 GEO-Carbon Series Blank Brake Rotors
R1 OPTIMUM OEp Series Brake Pads
R1 Brake Hardware Kits
Adam Gordon
@GORDON.LEADFOOT
EDITOR & HOST
Founded in 2002, R1 Concepts is among the newer brands of brakes on the marketplace, but not without their fair share of experience in motorsports and aftermarket applications. When we reached out for an unboxing, they upped the ante. Not only would they send us the performance brake package for our in-house Lexus ES350, but they would also include an OE-replacement set for our CEO's minivan. In addition
to a nice upgrade for some of the guys in the office, this also gave us a chance to compare the differences between the two rotor options in the R1 Concepts Geo-Carbon series. The performance kit for the
Lexus ES350 included drilled & slotted rotors, while the OE replacement set would include blank Geo-Carbon series rotors. They also included brake pads, awesome high-quality hardware, and more! AS SEEN ON
To see this full Unboxing visit
V12 CHAMPION THE
The first Tuner Battlegrounds Champ with a V12. And it’s in a Subaru.
Story by Adam Gordon // Photography by
The signature rumble of the Subaru boxer engine, whether it has equal or unequal-length headers, is one of the most recognizable exhaust notes in the For some, it’s enough reason to buy their Subaru in the first place. For John Proulx, however, it wasn’t good enough. He yearned for that shrieking churn of double-digit cylinders, but he wasn’t ready to give up a coveted WRX STi Hatchback. We understand the sentiment.
Engine-swapped Subarus are not an entirely new endeavor for Proulx. Before he had this 2009 hatch, he 2JZ-swapped a previous WRX and made it rear-wheel drive. Looking for a bigger challenge than that, he soon after purchased the 2009 STi hatchback you see on these pages, and set it up with an all-wheel drive 2JZ setup. Looking once again to take it a step even further, Proulx proceeded to lose his mind, and acquire a 1GZ-FE
CHAMPION
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V12 from a Toyota Century, and a BMW DCT on the same day. It was time to get creative.
With a pair of JZ Subarus under his belt, he had a basic idea of where to start - but with an engine twice the size, there would be some differences. He was going to need an ECU that could control 12 injectors, 12 coil packs, two drive-by-wire throttle bodies, sensors, and also manage the BMW 7-speed DCT he intended to mate to the Toyota V12. MaxxECU’s Pro standalone was the perfect fit.
CHAMPION
“BEFORE HE HAD EVEN FINISHED ASSEMBLY, PROULX KNEW HE WANTED TO TURBOCHARGE THE V12 WITH A SET OF TWIN TURBOS.”
He was also starting to think about a twin-turbo version of the 1GZ. Over the next eight months, he would dedicate time to making the complicated swap perfect. Custom engine mounts, transmission mounts, hand made intake manifolds were made, and then Proulx spent time making his own harnesses and wiring to connect the MaxxECU Pro to the drivetrain, and then to the OEM Subaru cluster. He didn’t want this to be another hacked together engine swap with
a gutted interior built for internet points - it had to be prim and proper down to every last detail.
assembly, Proulx knew he wanted to turbocharge the V12 with a set of twin turbos. A pair of Pulsar’s 5855G turbos would be perfect for the job, and he would keep them pushing low boost - just 4 psi to keep the V12’s skinny stock rods in one piece. From there, he hand built two turbo manifolds as equal length as possible to preserve the V12 sound that brought him to this
point in the first place, finished with chrome quad-tips and a fun little option in the form of electronic bypass valves for when he really wants to sound like a ‘90s F1 car.
Once the engine and BMW DCT were tuned in harmony, the V12 was putting 450 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Output from the V12 travels through BMW's DCT - a transmission known to hold considerable power in stock form - into the custom driveshaft, which rotates a Ford 8.8 IRS rear diff with
V12 CHAMPION THE
3.08 gearing and an Eaton TrueTrac, and custom axles. Due to the nature of the V12, and Proulx’s proclivity for burnouts, this Subaru would remain rear-wheel drive.
Continuing his efforts to keep this build clean and proper despite its wild nature, he turned his attention to the STi’s exterior. Bentley’s Eclipse Gray Metallic paint serves as the baseline for its simplified and sleek style, with blacked out headlight housings, a metallic black front grille, custom front lip and diffusers, and tinted tail lights adding some subtle yet aggressive flair. The black and gray Toyota badges in the front and rear are the icing on the cake.
“ONCE THE ENGINE AND BMW DCT WERE TUNED IN HARMONY, THE V12 WAS PUTTING 450 HORSEPOWER AND 455 LB-FT OF TORQUE TO THE REAR WHEELS.”
CHAMPION
V12 CHAMPION THE CHAMPION
At ground level, the wheel and tire package seemingly gives away the game. You can’t look at a set of 15-inch Weld wheels wrapped in 275-wide Mickey Thompson ET Street slicks in the rear and assume the car is all for show. Up front, the same wheels - finished in the same gloss black as the rear - appear in an 18-inch variant, wrapped in Zeknova tires. The meaty, tell-tale rear, as well as the front setup, meet the body of the car with good fitment thanks to custom X1 coilovers from Cygnus Performance.
For the time being, Proulx spends his days with the V12 STi cruising the streets of eastern Ontario, Canada. While it’s already one of the cleanest and most impressive swaps we’ve seen in a Subaru of any kind, he tells us he does have intentions to fully build the internals of the 1GZ and turn the boost up, with power aspirations in the four-digit range. In the meantime, he’s already got another weird engineswapped Subaru in the works. He sold another 2JZ-swapped one and started a Coyote-swapped version during the time this was written!
STILL GOT IT
A Sport Compact Too Special To Relinquish
one of Japan’s most prolific mid-engine sport compacts, has left a mark on enthusiasts since its debut in 1984. The moniker "MR2" stands for "Midship Runabout 2-seater," perhaps the industry’s coolest name, highlighting its unique mid-engine layout. Initially introduced as a lightweight and affordable sports car, the MR2 gained popularity among enthusiasts for its agile handling and engaging driving experience, and became renowned as a wild little car with just enough balance thanks to its design and weight distribution. Knowing all of that, take everything you just learned about the MR2’s perfect balance
Story by Adam Gordon Photography by Nicolas Russo (@nmr_media)
STILL GOT IT
The MR2 you see before you is the brainchild of Danny Gawrych, its owner, and the masterminds at Falcon Creations AutoLab. Gawrych is the perfect example of an enthusiast who was captivated by the MR2 in its early years, and has since been unable to shake his love affair with the pint-sized Toyota platform, even as his taste in cars has refined over the years. The Fistral Blue paint on the MR2 wasn’t chosen at random - it intentionally matches his personal McLaren.
Having gained quite the appetite for speed and power with his supercar, the MR2 build was to ditch its OEMspecified modesty and go full-throttle, balls-to-the-wall insane. With plenty of MR2 experience under their belt, Falcon Creations AutoLab was the per-
“First up, the custom metal widebody that truly sets the car apart was fabricated in-house.”
fect place to send it. Upon arrival, the team immediately got started on some of the chassis and exterior upgrades that would go on to complement the impending performance upgrades. We’ll get to that in a minute.
First up, the custom metal widebody that truly sets the car apart was fabricated in-house. Much more than your average pulled and rolled fenders, or radiused fender arches, this widebody
from Falcon Creations AutoLab follows the OEM lines while adding considerable width to the MR2, complete with open air flow channels behind the rear wheels and a modified rear bumper to meet it. The front bumper was completely recreated from a new mold, fitted with a custom front lip which resembles the iconic front lip which GReddy used to make, but with added length to bring the front bumper lower
Essentials
1984 Toyota MR2
OWNER › Danny Gawrych
LOCATION › Tampa, FL
ENGINE › Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5L V6
HORSEPOWER › 850 (est.)
TORQUE › 650 (est.)
SOCIAL MEDIA
@falcon_creationsautolab
ENGINE
Forged piston and rods
+ Balanced crank assembly
+ V&M Racing port and polished
heads + Custom oversized
valves + Stage 3 cams
+ 1300CC injectors + Radium
fuel rails + Custom turbo kit
+ Intake manifold w/ water-to-air
intercooler inside + Mishimoto
ice box + Link ECU Extreme
EXHAUST
FC AutoLab custom exhaust
DRIVETRAIN
E153 Transmission + HD Axles
WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES
Modern Concept Wheels18x8.5 +12 (f), 18x13 +0 (r)
+ Falken tires - 315/30/18
+ Wilwood big brake kit
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
AirTekk Air Ride Stage 2 air suspension system
EXTERIOR
FC AutoLab custom metal
widebody kit + McLaren Fistral Blue paint
INTERIOR
DVP Design alcantara interior reupholstery w/ octagon-stitching + Link
ECU digital display
SPONSORS
@thespraysource
@link_ecu
@airtekk_engineering
@anest_iwata
@cubansandwichreviewguy
@lunexpowerinc
@modernconceptwheels
@monstertrans @snappyjeffthechef @specclutch
to the ground, sitting level with the rest of the widebody aero.
In addition to style points, the widebody accommodates the custom Modern Concept wheels, which are 8.5-inches wide up front, and a staggering 12.5-inches wide in the rear. Among the first modifications from Falcon Creations was the Airtekk Stage 2 air suspension system, allowing the Modern Concept wheels to meet the widebody when the car is aired out. Finally, the chassis was fitted with a Wilwood big brake kit, with calipers powder coated in the
As seen on Tuning365
STILL GOT IT
“The original inline-4 was out of here, and replaced with a Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 from a Toyota Highlander.”
same orange as the valve covers and roll cage. We’re already getting some serious Gulf livery vibes here.
With the exterior more or less wrapped up, and an engine build in the works, the Falcon Creations AutoLab team turned their attention to the interior with the help of DVP Design’s upholstery skills. A step inside this Toyota reveals that every single panel of the interior is suede, with custom octagon-stitching on the seats. White stitching decorates the interior and complements the suede surfaces, including the dashboard which now surrounds a LINK ECU digital display in place of the OEM cluster.
We mentioned an engine build previously, and we had alluded to big power aspirations earlier - that’s where Falcon Creations was allowed to go nuts. The original inline-4 was out of here, and replaced with
a Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 from a Toyota Highlander. A decent engine in its own right, the 2GR-FE is an underrated candidate for this job - especially when you consider the magnitude of work that would go into it. Full forged internals, V&M Racing port and polished heads, and a fuel system upgrade are among the star supporting roles in making big power from this V6.
The valvetrain features some custom wizardry, having been specifically designed for this build with a five-angle valve job. Big lumpy cams give the 2GR an idle that is out of this world, and sounds more like a V8 than some actual V8s, and a custom turbo kit provides some badass boost noises and ample jam. Some of the coolest engineering in the mid-engine bay comes in the form of the custom intake manifold with an
STILL GOT IT
“This truly oneof-a-kind MR2 puts down over 800 horsepower to the wheels currently, and we’re told it’s capable of more on the current engine build.”
internal water-to-air intercooler built in, and a Mishimoto ice box for those days at the track when the boosted V6 is bound to run hot.
This truly one-of-a-kind MR2 puts down over 800 horsepower to the wheels currently, and we’re told it’s capable of more on the current engine build. Even without the insane power, the highly customized MR2 build sitting next to a color-matched McLaren in Gawrych’s garage is a testament to
the lifelong hold some of these cars can have on us. Even as a matured car enthusiast with a taste for supercars, he had to have his modified Japanese sport compact to go with it.
We were fortunate enough to get a tour through this build at SEMA 2023 with the legends from Falcon Creations AutoLab before it got sent off to its rightful owner. You can check that out on our website, or by scanning the QR code on this page!
2017-on Honda Civic Si Coupe (FC3)
2023-on Honda Civic Sport HB (FL5)
2017-on Honda Civic Type R (FK8)
MXP short for Mackin eXtreme Products is the brainchild of Mackin Industries who has 30+ years of experience in the automotive parts industry. MXP currently offers a wide variety of products for Import vehicles which increase performance and improve appearance. Each MXP product is developed and tested on US model vehicles at Mackin Industries.
EcoBoost
ELE G A NCE
Tucci Hot Rods tackles a new idea with the iconic 190E
Story by Adam Gordon // Photography by Kam Pratt
If the name Tucci Hot Rods means anything to you, you’re probably familiar with some of the work from Dominick and Dave Tucci. Now full-time regulars at the SEMA show, often for their partnership builds with Ford, the Tucci family has made a name for themselves in the industry with beautiful custom work of all kinds. From highly modified sport compacts, to handfabricated hot rods, the Tuccis have done it all. So when Dominick Tucci learned what the iconic Mercedes 190E Evo II was, the proverbial gears started turning.
It was over seven years ago when Dom came across an auction of a genuine 1 of 502 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II. Immediately intrigued by this amped up version of the German automaker’s smallest car, he started doing some digging. He quickly learned that due to their rarity, the genuine 190E Evo II
would cost north of $300,000. It would be too ridiculous to buy one, but with his expertise and the tools at his disposal, he could build one. A short road trip and just $500 later, he had a base model 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E in his possession.
At the time, the Mercedes was still in its pipedream phase. He was so busy
with client projects, and didn’t have a ton of money to dedicate to a personal build, so the car sat in his parents’ driveway for the better part of four years. When the Covid pandemic hit, Dom’s extra spare time gave him the motivation and opportunity to get this ball rolling. He sought out the Evo II body kit from the UK in order to make the exterior conversion. Once they arrived, he ended up putting the car on the backburner one more time.
Around Christmas time of 2021, Dom’s dad, Dave, wanted to hook Dom up with a set of Recaro Classic seats to spark his inspiration once more. Having worked with Recaro multiple times over the 26-year lifespan of Tucci Hot
Rods, Recaro opted to hop on board as the first sponsor of the 190E build. This planted a seed in Dom’s mind - this could become his next SEMA build for the 2023 show, as well as his personal vehicle. It was time to put this thing in motion. He secured a spot at the HP Tuners booth thanks to his repertoire, and the build was on.
Immediately after returning home from SEMA 2022, the build began with a 1-year timeline to get it SEMAready. The father-son team began stripping down the car to a bare shell for the rotisserie and sandblasting. Once they had it back in their possession completely stripped, Dom began cutting the rear subframe in order to graft in a rear subframe from a Subaru STI that he had narrowed to fit, using the Evo II body panels he had stored for the past few years to accurately gauge his track width. Soon after, a QA1 front subframe was bolted to the front half, with a catalog
of matching QA1 suspension components. With those in place, he could now mold the Evo II kit to the body.
During the build process, it became apparent that the stock 2.6L wouldn’t do this car justice any longer, so a plan was formed to incorporate a Ford 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine. It was partially due to their long-standing build relationship with Ford, and partially a nod to the 190E Cosworth of years passed. It would be bolstered by BorgWarner EFR 6758 turbos, a Radium fuel system, some goodies from Turbosmart and Mishimoto, and the Tucci Hot Rods well-known brand of quality custom work. The OEM transmission was replaced with a Bowler Transmissions Carbon Edition Tremec TKX transmission to handle the 650 wheel horsepower it was now making.
The car was sent out to the masterminds at Johns Auto Restoration for paint supplied by American Icon, while the Tucci boys planned the final stages
EcoBoost ELEG A NCE
“IT WOULD BE TOO RIDICULOUS TO BUY ONE, BUT WITH HIS EXPERTISE AND THE TOOLS AT HIS DISPOSAL, HE COULD BUILD ONE.”
“THE FINAL PRODUCT IS A SHOWSTOPPING STREET CAR FOR DOM TO ENJOY IN UPSTATE NEW YORK.”
Dave Tucci wired, plumbed, fabricated and installed every last part, fitting, and wire to complete the build.
The final product is a show-stopping street car for Dom to enjoy in upstate New York. From the outside, the 190E looks just like the real deal Evo II it was modeled after. The exterior is clean and subtle, where only a few details might hint at what’s underneath. The 3D-printed exhaust tip and aptly named Fifteen52 Tarmac EVO wheels are among the only tell-tale signs that something special is happening here.
Step inside, and the Tucci Hot Rods brand of fit and finish is evident with the modifications. The gifted Recaro Classics take center stage behind the MPI Autodromo steering wheel, Dakota Digital gauges, and Blaupunkt SQR 46 head unit. Climate control is handled by some 3D-printed controls, which control a comfortably modernized Vintage Air Gen V Magnum air conditioning system. One of our favorite aspects of this build is the MB Quart speakers and subwoofer powered by Hifonics amplifiers. This is a true street car meant to be enjoyed to its full potential in the summer months.
EcoBoost ELEG A
stole the show for many enthusiasts at SEMA 2023. You never would have known it was assembled at the final moments before rolling into the Las Vegas Convention Center. We were fortunate enough to chat with Dom at the show about the 190E, so be sure to check our the full video feature!
Motorsports
YD Motorsports is a performance tuning shop in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. We originally met them at the Drive Festival at Toronto Motorsports Park when we stumbled onto their incredibly fast Mitsubishi Evo build. We later learned that many of their staff started in the JDM scene, but have since specialized in highend late model Euro builds, including twin-turbo exotics and cars making 4-digit horsepower. In this Shop Tour, Matt Pearce of YD Motorsports gives us a look around the shop, the showroom, and the parking lot full of awesome cars.
