Ask any builder what the most swapped engine of all time is, and you’ll probably get a heated debate — but the truth is, a few powerplants have earned legendary status across the world. From street rods to imports and drift cars, these engines have powered countless builds, shaping entire eras of automotive culture.
Chevrolet Small Block V8 — The King of Swaps There’s simply no competition. The Chevy Small Block, especially the LS-series, is the undisputed champion of engine swaps. Affordable, compact, and incredibly reliable, the small block has found its way into everything from classic Hot Rods to Miatas and even supercars. Whether it’s an old-school 350 or a modern LS3, GM’s V8 is the ultimate plug-and-play powerhouse. It’s not uncommon to see these engines comfortably pushing 400–500 horsepower on stock internals — or breaking the 1,000hp mark when built for boost.
Honda B- and K-Series — The 4-Cylinder Legends On the opposite end of the spectrum sits Honda’s B- and K-Series engines — the most swapped four-cylinders on the planet. Lightweight, high-revving, and bulletproof, these motors transformed the import scene. The K24, pulled from Accords and CR-Vs, has become a modern favourite thanks to its torque and endless tuning potential. Whether in a Civic, an Integra, or even a rear-wheel-drive Miata conversion, these motors prove that displacement isn’t everything.
Toyota JZ-Series — The Boost Beast Few engines carry the cult status of Toyota’s 1JZ and 2JZ. Built like a tank and capable of handling insane boost, the JZ family quickly became the go-to for big power builds. Originally powering the Supra, these engines have since been dropped into BMWs, Nissans, and even American muscle cars. A properly tuned 2JZ can make four-digit horsepower numbers while staying rock-solid reliable — a true engineering marvel.
Ford Barra — Australia’s Turbo Titan Straight out of Ford Australia’s Falcon lineup, the Barra 4.0L inline-six is fast becoming one of the most exciting modern swap contenders. Tough, turbocharged, and capable of massive power with minimal internal upgrades, the Barra has earned a cult following worldwide. Builders are dropping these motors into everything from drift cars to Mustangs and classic Fords. With the right turbo setup, it’s not uncommon to see over 700hp from a street build — making the Barra a serious threat to the 2JZ and LS crowd. Its growing global support network and factory strength make it one of the most promising swap engines of the new era.
Other Icons of the Swap World The list doesn’t end there. Ford’s Coyote 5.0L V8 has become a modern favourite for classic restomods and F-series builds. Nissan’s RB26DETT remains a legend among Skyline fans. The Toyota 1UZ-FE V8 has earned respect in South Africa for its durability and affordability, while the Cummins 5.9L 6BT diesel dominates the 4x4 swap scene with brute torque and old-school simplicity.
The Local Heroes Here in South Africa, the Chevy Small Block still reigns supreme. From Cobras to classic Fords and everything in between, the 350 and LS conversions continue to define the local restomod scene. Following close behind are Ford’s 302 and 351 Windsor V8s, along with the bulletproof 1UZ-FE — proving that great swaps are about more than just power; they’re about personality, availability, and that perfect blend of old-school and modern tech.At the end of the day, the best swap isn’t just about horsepower — it’s about what makes your project come alive.
Whether it’s the unmistakable rumble of an LS, the scream of a VTEC, or the whistle of a big turbo Barra, engine swaps are where creativity meets engineering — and that’s what keeps the RestoMod world turning.
