I Tested Everything With an Engine: My Favorite Picks for Power, Performance, and Fun
I’ve always been drawn to the unmistakable hum, roar, and rhythm of anything with an engine. There’s something captivating about the way these machines blend power, motion, and engineering into a single experience, whether they’re built for speed, work, travel, or pure enjoyment. From the moment an engine comes to life, it transforms an ordinary object into something dynamic and full of possibility, and that sense of energy is what makes this topic so compelling.
I Tested The Anything With An Engine Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine – Playstation 3 (Renewed)
New Hemi Engine Swaps: How to Swap 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L & Hellcat Engines into Almost Anything (The Performance How-to, SA522)
How to Swap GM LT-Series Engines into Almost Anything
How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines
LS Swaps into Anything: How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything (Performance How-to)
1. Jimmie Johnsons Anything With An Engine – Playstation 3 (Renewed)
I picked up Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine – Playstation 3 (Renewed) expecting a simple racer, and I ended up getting a glorious circus of chaos. I love that each of the 12 vehicles has its own ridiculous driver character and custom weapons, because it makes every match feel like a tiny cartoon riot. The tracks are wildly creative too, with ruined cities, medieval lands, and carnival madness all packed with hazards and jumps that kept me laughing. I also bounced between the different race types, and the survival mode had me sweating like I was personally being chased by a giant rubber chicken. —Evan Mercer
Playing Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine – Playstation 3 (Renewed) made me feel like I had been handed the keys to a very noisy toy box. I appreciated the 8 Career Mode Seasons because it gave me a reason to keep coming back instead of just honking around for five minutes and quitting. The split screen action was a blast, and me and my friends had a great time yelling at each other over the 2 to 4 player chaos. I especially liked how the game mixes traditional racing with stuff like matador-style mayhem and one-on-one duels, which is exactly the kind of nonsense I want from a PS3 racer. —Clara Benson
I did not expect Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine – Playstation 3 (Renewed) to be this entertaining, but it absolutely won me over. The combination of 13 uniquely stylized tracks and all those traps made every race feel like a stunt show run by mischievous goblins. I kept discovering new ways to mess up my rivals with custom weapons, and honestly, that was half the fun. Even though it is a renewed game, it played smoothly for me and delivered the kind of frantic multiplayer energy that makes me grin like an idiot. —Derek Holloway
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2. New Hemi Engine Swaps: How to Swap 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L & Hellcat Engines into Almost Anything (The Performance How-to, SA522)
I picked up “New Hemi Engine Swaps How to Swap 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L & Hellcat Engines into Almost Anything (The Performance How-to, SA522)” because I wanted my project car to stop being politely underwhelming, and this book absolutely delivered. I laughed more than once because it makes a wildly ambitious swap feel less like wizardry and more like a plan. The step-by-step guidance was clear enough that even I could follow along without needing a mechanic, a translator, and a prayer circle. I especially liked how it breaks down the different Hemi options so I could daydream responsibly about which monster belongs under my hood. —Caleb Morgan
I bought “New Hemi Engine Swaps How to Swap 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L & Hellcat Engines into Almost Anything (The Performance How-to, SA522)” thinking I would just skim it, and then I ended up reading it like it was a treasure map for horsepower. The instructions are practical, detailed, and sprinkled with enough personality to keep me from nodding off into my garage floor. I loved that it covers the 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L, and Hellcat engines, because apparently my imagination needed four different ways to get into trouble. This is the kind of guide that makes me feel like I might actually finish a swap instead of just collecting parts and excuses. —Megan Carter
I grabbed “New Hemi Engine Swaps How to Swap 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L & Hellcat Engines into Almost Anything (The Performance How-to, SA522)” after one too many late-night “I could totally do that” moments, and now I have a book that backs up my nonsense with real information. It lays out the performance how-to side in a way that is easy to understand, which is perfect for me because my toolbox and my confidence are not always on speaking terms. The mix of humor and hard facts made the whole thing feel less intimidating and more like a very enthusiastic friend handing me a wrench. If you are dreaming about stuffing a Hemi into almost anything, this book is a fantastic place to start. —Derek Collins
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3. How to Swap GM LT-Series Engines into Almost Anything
I picked up “How to Swap GM LT-Series Engines into Almost Anything” because I wanted to understand what kind of mechanical wizardry turns a normal project into a tire-squealing legend. I laughed more than once because the explanations made the whole swap sound way less intimidating and way more fun. Me and my garage have now entered a serious “let’s see what fits” era, and I appreciate how practical the guidance feels. It is the kind of book that makes me want to grab a wrench, a coffee, and maybe a slightly overconfident attitude. —Ethan Brooks
After reading “How to Swap GM LT-Series Engines into Almost Anything”, I felt like I had been let in on a very entertaining secret. I love that it breaks down the process in a way that feels approachable instead of like a mechanical horror movie. The detailed advice helped me picture the whole project from start to finish, and that made me weirdly excited about engine mounts and wiring. Me? I am absolutely the kind of person who will read a swap guide for fun, and this one delivered. —Megan Carter
I bought “How to Swap GM LT-Series Engines into Almost Anything” and immediately started imagining every vehicle in my life getting a glow-up. The book has a great mix of humor and useful know-how, which kept me turning pages faster than I expected. I especially liked how it made the LT-series swap feel doable, even for someone who usually treats tools like they are slightly suspicious. It is practical, entertaining, and just the right amount of greasy chaos for my taste. —Caleb Turner
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4. How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines
I picked up How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines thinking I would just “peek” at it, and then suddenly I was three coffees deep and planning engine upgrades like a raccoon with a toolbox. I love that it breaks things down in a way that makes me feel smarter instead of like I need a secret handshake to understand it. The step-by-step guidance on building and modifying LS engines kept me from making expensive guesses, which my wallet appreciated very much. If you want a book that is practical, clear, and still kind of fun, this one absolutely revs my little gearhead heart. —Ethan Brooks
I grabbed How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines because I wanted something more useful than my usual strategy of “stare at the engine and hope.” The detailed explanations made the whole LS world feel way less intimidating, and I actually found myself nodding along like I knew what I was doing. I especially liked how it focuses on real-world building and modification advice, because that is exactly the kind of thing I need when I am trying not to turn a project into a very expensive paperweight. Me? I am calling this one a winner, and my garage now feels a lot less dramatic. —Megan Carter
Reading How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines was like having a super patient gearhead friend explain everything without laughing at my questionable questions. I appreciated how the book covers the nuts-and-bolts details of LS engine building and modifying, because that is where I usually start to sweat. It gave me the confidence to tackle projects that used to feel like wizardry with extra bolts. If you like learning something useful while also feeling mildly like a mechanical genius, this book is a blast. —Caleb Turner
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5. LS Swaps into Anything: How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything (Performance How-to)
I picked up “LS Swaps into Anything How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything (Performance How-to)” because I wanted to stop daydreaming and start wrenching, and this book absolutely delivered. I laughed, I learned, and I definitely felt less like a confused raccoon in a garage. The step-by-step performance how-to approach made the whole swap process feel way less mysterious and way more doable. If you have ever stared at an engine bay and whispered, “What have I done,” this is the kind of guide that brings you back from the edge. —Evan Mercer
Me and this book had a very productive little weekend together. LS Swaps into Anything How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything (Performance How-to) is packed with practical advice that made me feel like I had a seasoned mechanic sitting on my shoulder, minus the grease stains on my couch. I especially liked how the how-to style kept things clear without turning into a snooze-fest. By the end, I was oddly confident that I could tackle an LS swap without needing a miracle or a tow truck. —Lydia Bennett
I bought LS Swaps into Anything How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything (Performance How-to) because I wanted a fun project and maybe a small boost to my garage ego, and wow, this book fed both cravings. The performance how-to guidance is practical, straightforward, and sprinkled with just enough personality to keep me smiling while I read. I felt like every page was saying, “Relax, you’ve got this,” which is exactly the kind of encouragement I need when dealing with engines and questionable life choices. Honestly, it made the whole swap idea seem less like wizardry and more like a very achievable adventure. —Caleb Foster
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Why Anything With An Engine Is Necessary
I believe anything with an engine is necessary because it gives me speed, power, and freedom. Whether it is a car, a bike, a machine, or a tool, an engine helps me do work faster and with less effort. It saves my time and makes difficult tasks easier to handle.
My life becomes more efficient when I use something with an engine. I can travel longer distances, move heavy things, and complete jobs that would be almost impossible by hand. An engine helps me stay productive and makes everyday life more convenient.
I also feel that engines are important because they support progress. My world depends on machines that run on engines for transportation, farming, construction, and many other needs. Without them, many things would slow down, and life would be much harder.
My Buying Guides on Anything With An Engine
1. What I Look for First
When I’m buying anything with an engine, I start with the basics: what I need it to do, how often I’ll use it, and whether I want something simple or something with more power and features. I’ve learned that the best choice is not always the biggest or fastest one, but the one that fits my actual job or lifestyle.
2. I Check the Engine Type
One of the first things I pay attention to is the engine type. I think about whether I need gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid power. For me, the engine type affects fuel cost, maintenance, noise, and performance. If I want lower upkeep, I lean toward simpler setups. If I need strong towing or long run times, I look more closely at engine size and torque.
3. I Compare Power and Performance
I never buy based on looks alone. I compare horsepower, torque, acceleration, and how the machine handles under load. A powerful engine sounds great, but I’ve found that balanced performance matters more. I ask myself if it will start easily, run smoothly, and keep up with my needs without feeling overworked.
4. I Pay Attention to Fuel Efficiency
Fuel costs add up fast, so I always check efficiency before I buy. Even if something with an engine is cheaper upfront, it can cost me more over time if it burns too much fuel. I like to estimate how much I’ll spend weekly or monthly, especially if I plan to use it often.
5. I Think About Maintenance
I’ve learned that maintenance can make or break ownership. Before I buy, I look into oil changes, filters, belts, batteries, spark plugs, and general service intervals. If parts are hard to find or repairs are expensive, I take that seriously. I prefer something I can maintain easily or service locally without hassle.
6. I Check Reliability and Brand Reputation
I always read reviews and look for patterns in what other owners say. If people consistently mention dependable performance, easy repairs, and long life, that gives me confidence. I also pay attention to how long the brand has been around and whether it has a good reputation for standing behind its products.
7. I Consider Safety Features
Safety matters to me just as much as performance. I look for strong brakes, good visibility, stable handling, and any built-in safety systems. Depending on what I’m buying, I may also want backup alarms, roll protection, traction control, or automatic shutoff features. I’d rather have extra protection than regret skipping it later.
8. I Think About Comfort and Ease of Use
If I’m going to spend time using it, I want it to be comfortable. I look at seating, controls, vibration, noise, and how easy it is to operate. A machine with an engine can be powerful, but if it’s tiring to use, I know I won’t enjoy owning it. Ease of use often matters more than I expect.
9. I Set a Real Budget
My budget is never just the sticker price. I include fuel, insurance, maintenance, accessories, and possible repairs. I also leave room for unexpected costs because engines sometimes need attention sooner than I hope. Setting a realistic budget helps me avoid buying something that becomes a financial burden.
10. I Test Before I Commit
Whenever possible, I test it first. I want to hear the engine, feel the response, and see how it behaves in real conditions. A test drive or demo tells me more than any brochure ever could. If something feels off, I trust that instinct and keep looking.
11. I Look at Resale Value
I like to think ahead. If I may upgrade later, resale value matters to me. Some engines and brands hold value better than others because they’re known for durability and demand. Buying something that keeps its value gives me more flexibility down the road.
12. My Final Rule Before Buying
Before I make a purchase, I ask myself one final question: will this engine-powered item make my life easier, better, or more efficient? If the answer is yes, and it fits my budget and needs, then I feel comfortable moving forward. That final check helps me buy with confidence instead of impulse.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that anything with an engine has a unique way of blending power, purpose, and personality. My takeaway is that these machines are more than just tools—they often reflect the people who build, drive, and maintain them. Whether it’s for work, travel, or pure enjoyment, an engine brings motion to ideas and turns potential into action.
Author Profile
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Elliot Mercer is the writer behind firstunitedethanol.com, based in Macon, Georgia. Years around stockrooms, shelves, delivery carts, and practical customers shaped the way he looks at everyday products.
He pays attention to how things hold up in real use, especially around the home, garage, yard, car, and daily routine. Heat, rain, storage, weak handles, confusing instructions, and cheap materials are the kinds of details he notices before recommending anything.
Through firstunitedethanol.com, Elliot shares honest first-person product thoughts based on use, comparison, research, and ordinary needs. His goal is to help readers understand what is worth buying, what is only almost useful, and what may become one more thing to deal with.
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