Questions to ask before you start an engine swap project–Number 4
We’ve identified at least 13 questions you should ask yourself before you start an engine swap project. Here’s another one:
Do you have or can you get the money?
Every law of the universe you’ve ever heard of will perch and defecate on your engine swap project. Murphy’s Law, The Peter Principle, The Law of Unintended Consequences and most importantly, the law of, Everything Costs Twice as Much as You Think It Will.
The $2000 or $4000 or $6000 you’ll spend for the engine and transmission? Just the beginning. One of my buddies believes there’s a law called, “The $200 Law”. Driveshaft? $200. Radiator? $200. Belts and hoses? $200. AC compressor? $200.
Maybe you can get set up with AutoZone or NAPA with a direct-deposit account. Just have your paycheck sent directly to them and get parts until it runs out.
Part of the reason my buddies and I formed Kwik Performance, Inc. came from our desire to save money on our own street rod and muscle car projects but still have stuff that worked really well and looked good at the same time. Not show quality. We don’t need no stinkin’ polished billet. But parts that looked sturdy and professional. That looked like they might have come from the factory. We first made those kinds of parts for ourselves, then we made them for our friends and now we make them for guys we’d like to have as friends.
I’m not bringing up the harsh financial reality to dissuade you from starting an engine swap, I’m just saying, be ready to invest more than you might think. If you’re having trouble making the rent payment, maybe you ought to wait.
