Often we see videos on famous car modding channels about engine swaps. We see hosts explain why a particular engine is best for tuning, extracting maximum power, and why it's a perfect match for that vehicle.
It’s all nonsense, let me tell you why. One simple reason – your location.
Time and time again, we discuss… no, actually, we go to war in the comments, arguing about the best swap engine. And yes, we have the usual suspects like any JZ, RB, LS, M50 or M52, K-series, and so on. People keep missing what is important, and that is how available an engine is to you.
It’s not realistic for an Aussie to go for an M52 engine, just as it’s not realistic for me to go for an LS. Yes, such engines can be found, but I can find BMW parts everywhere, just as it’s easier to find a 1JZ in Japan.
It also depends on the platform. If you want to drop a powerful engine in your MK2 Golf, you’ll grab a VR6 and be done with it. But if I’m looking for a power boost on my E21, then dropping an M50 or M42 is so much easier than rotating a VW engine under a BMW bonnet.
Imagine this ,one car enthusiast from each continent at the same table. I bet they will never agree on the best swap engine. At best, they will respect each other’s choices, or as it usually goes, they’ll insult each other until alcohol does its thing.
That’s my two cents.
