Have you recently checked out how much a Toyota 2JZ GTE engine sells for? Looking at eBay Motors, prices start at more than $5000.
Sure, you could save a little and get a non-turbo 2JZ, but what about considering one of the following engines as an alternative? These also have aftermarket support while being something a little different.
And prices? Should cost less than the famed 2JZ GTE.
GM Vortec 4200 Inline-Six
Photograph courtesy Bring a Trailer
Where to see the full potential of this underrated American inline-six? Look no further than the Nelson family, longtime $2000 Challenge competitors known for building fast, inexpensive machines.
When first introduced in the early 2000s, the 4200 was good for some 270 horsepower. By the end of production in the mid-2000s, horsepower was approaching nearly 300. Add some boost, and you should easily have a recipe for fun.
If you aren’t picky for mileage, several engines are available on eBay Motors for less than $1000.
And if you’re looking for a more unique flavor, GM also offered two five-cylinder variants, the Vortec 3700 and Vortec 3500.
BMW N54/N55 Inline-Six
Photograph by Tom Suddard
While maybe not as inexpensive as some others on this list, the N54 and N55 still represent affordable alternatives to JDM darlings like the 2JZ as well as the RB26 and RB30.
While the thought of maintaining an out-of-warranty BMW engine might sound scary, our own experiences with an N55-powered 435i have shown that it’s doable for most DIY folks.
While quite similar in specifications, the N54 and N55 do have a few differences. One of the most notable of these is that the N54 uses a twin-turbo setup, whereas the N55 uses a single twin-scroll turbo.
eBay Motors shows N54s available for around $1000 to $2000, with the newer N55 available for approximately $3000 to $4000.
Toyota UZ V8
Photograph courtesy Lexus
Toyota reliability but the eight-cylinder flavor.
While you’ll find most examples under the hood of Land Cruisers, Tundras, Sequoias and the like, the UZ was also used to power a few different versions of the Lexus SC, GS and LS.
Need more racing pedigree? Both Toyota- and Lexus-badged race cars competing in Super GT, one of the top-most levels of sports car racing in Japan, have used modified versions of the UZ, putting out as much as 500 horsepower or more.
Based on what’s available on eBay Motors, expect to pay $1000 to $2500 for an engine.
Volkswagen 2.5-Liter Inline-Five
Photograph courtesy Bring a Trailer
How about something really different? In the early to mid-2000s, Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Beetle buyers could opt for a 20-valve, 2.5-liter inline-five engine rated at 170 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque.
While those figures aren’t the most impressive, it’s the humble VW engine’s relatives that offer a look into its true potential.
Take, for example, the current Audi RS 3. Look under the hood, and guess what you’ll find: That’s right, a derivative of that very same 20-valve, 2.5-liter engine, but now with a turbocharger and a power output of 401 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque.
While it’s not exactly plug and play, the same aftermarket that can add power to that Audi engine can also add power to the Volkswagen engine.
And while you’re at it, you can brag to everyone at cars and coffee that you technically have half of a V10 from a Lamborghini Gallardo–even if it’s really just a shared cylinder head design.
eBay Motors shows several complete assemblies available for well under $1000.
What About You?
Do all of these swaps make the most sense? Is it worth following the less followed path? Can you figure out the rest of the details? I’m eager to see the results–and hear more about your favorite unorthodox swaps.