We’ve seen a number of ICE-powered cars transformed into EVs in the past, but this time we’ve come across a YouTuber doing the opposite: fitting an EV with an internal combustion engine.
Over the years, Rich Rebuilds has repaired and modified many Tesla models and, just a few months ago, created his very own all-electric Cyberquad. Last year, he even built an electric rat rod. For his latest project, though, he is making a V8-powered Tesla Model S.
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Creating an ICE-powered Tesla will be no easy feat and involved much more than slotting a V8 under the hood. In fact, Rich Rebuilds reveals in this first episode of the build series that he has purchased three wrecked Model S donor cars that will be used in making the car a reality.
For starters, the YouTuber picked up a 426 hp 6.2-liter V8 engine from a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, including its six-speed manual transmission and fuel tank. The challenging thing with fitting a traditional engine and transmission into a car like the Model S is the simple fact that the Tesla was never designed to accommodate either. For example, the Model S’ chassis doesn’t feature a transmission tunnel so a custom one will have to be built.
What’s more, as the Model S’ battery pack is located in the floor, it doubles as a key structural part of the car. As such, the YouTuber will need to figure out how to strengthen the chassis in order to make up for the loss of structural rigidity.