Best Cars for a V-8 Swap in 2023
Looking for a fun project? Consider dropping a V-8 into one of these cars.
A V-8 swap is one of the coolest things you can do for certain cars. If you're interested in doing one yourself, consider one of these cars as a base.
2013-2023 Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86 / Scion FR-S
The Subaru BRZ and its Toyota-badged brethren are endlessly fun to drive, but that underpowered flat-four under the hood leaves a bit more to be desired. Luckily, there's huge aftermarket support for things like a V-8 swap. Ryan Tuerck's GT86 is the most extreme example, with a Ferrari 458 motor in place of the stock power plant.
2000-2009 Honda S2000
While the S2000's high-revving VTEC inline-four is a gem, it's still not a V-8. With a lightweight body and a torquey LS under the hood, the S2000 can be a supercar-killer. The car pictured here took it one step further, with a Viper V-10 in the nose.
1990-2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
No matter what generation, the Miata is one of the most eligible candidates for a V-8 swap. Flyin' Miata, a company specializing in Miata upgrades, built a fantastic example that we love to death. It's all the fun of driving a Miata, just with 400 extra horsepower.
1982-1991 Porsche 944
If you're looking for real power from a Porsche 944, you could spend the money and get a Turbo model. Another choice is finding a cheap broken example and dropping in a V-8. Honestly, the V-8 option sounds more fun (and more reliable).
1983-2012 Ford Ranger
Ford's smallest truck powered by a high-horsepower torquey V-8 engine? Sounds like a tire-smoking fun machine to us. Just be sure to upgrade the brakes after you've got the engine running.
1989-1998 Nissan 240SX
Drifters around the globe use the Nissan 240SX as a base for their builds, and for good reason. It's incredibly easy to swap in a bigger engine, plus the balanced chassis and long wheelbase make for a great setup on track.
1986-2020 Jeep Wrangler
Most Jeep Wranglers weren't built to have big power from the factory. That doesn't mean you can't drop in a nice fat V-8 block under the hood. Take this brutally cool Lexus V-8-powered Wrangler as an example.
1969-2021 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z platform already has a fantastic straight-six engine to go along with it, but if you're not a fan of it, or just don't want to deal with the maintenance that comes with vintage engines, a V-8 swap is the perfect solution. And the car is just as pretty, no matter what sits under the hood.
1984-1988 Pontiac Fiero
The Fiero never really lived up to expectations, and we're not sure a V-8 engine would've fixed it. Still, people do it all the time, and it's not like it makes the car worse.
1975-1996 Jaguar XJS
One of the best parts about the Jaguar XJS is also one of the worst parts. That silky V-12 under the hood of many XJSs is perfectly suitable for a grand tourer like this, but it's about as unreliable as anything. Swap a V-8 in, and you've solved the biggest problem without spoiling anything else about the car.
2006-2013 Porsche Cayman
The flat-six engines that came standard in the 987-generation Cayman aren't bad. But a V-8 fits, so why not? Renegade Hybrids, the same company that makes V-8 conversion kits for various 911s, also offers one for the Cayman. It requires a bit of firewall modification (and a transaxle from a Boxster S), but it can be done.
1973-1994 Volvo 240 Wagon
Want to make the ultimate sleeper? Drop an LS V-8 engine into a stock-looking Volvo 240 wagon and call it a day. No one will look twice at your car until you lay down a massive burnout and confuse everyone.
1981-2004 Chevrolet S-10
The Chevy S-10 is another small pickup worthy of having an eight-cylinder engine. Though it was never built with one, we're sure fitting a true LS engine under that hood won't be much of an issue.
1982-1999 BMW 3-Series
The BMW 3-Series is a fun, balanced machine right out of the box. But if you're looking for something different (and want to anger the purists at your next BMWCCA meet), V-8 swaps are definitely an option.
1978-2002 Mazda RX-7
Rotary engines are nice, but sometimes it's hard to put up with the lack of reliability. Luckily, It's pretty easy to drop an LS engine into any generation RX-7 and keep the fun factor intact. Just don't be surprised if your FD drives exactly like a C5 Corvette afterwards.
2003-2012 Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 makes an even better case for a V-8 swap. Unlike the RX-7, it didn't get a turbocharged engine, and never really lived up to its predecessor. With some real muscle under the hood, you could really make the RX-8 shine.
1964-2012 Porsche 911
As much as the purists protest, V-8 swaps have become a popular choice among 911s with tired or broken drivetrains. Why spend tens of thousands on a flat-six engine rebuild or replacement when you can just pop in a V-8 instead?
1981-1983 DeLorean DMC-12
The DeLorean DMC-12 was far from perfect, but those stunning lines, gullwing doors, and Back to the Future fame make it lovable. What would make it perfect, though, is a nice old-fashioned LS swap.
1983-1987 Toyota Corolla (AE86)
Go to any modern drift event, and you'll likely see a V-8-swapped Toyota AE86. It's an endlessly popular platform for getting sideways, and putting a V-8 under the hood—whether it be an LS or the 1UZ from a Lexus LS400—gives drivers more torque to work with.
Brian Silvestro is Hearst Autos' Lead Deputy Editor for rankings content. He spent over seven years as a staff writer for Road & Track Magazine, and still contributes regularly with car reviews, industry interviews, and more.
He also has a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
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