I Tested Anything With an Engine: My Honest Take on What Really Performs
I’ve always been fascinated by the raw energy, ingenuity, and endless variety behind anything with an engine. From the unmistakable rumble of a classic car to the steady hum of a motorcycle, a boat, a lawn mower, or even a piece of heavy machinery, engines have a way of turning ordinary objects into something powerful and alive. They represent motion, innovation, and the human drive to build things that go farther, work harder, and do more. In this article, I want to explore the broad and exciting world of anything with an engine, where performance, mechanics, and everyday utility all come together in surprisingly compelling ways.
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 pileup of fun. I love that there are 12 vehicles, each with its own ridiculous driver character and custom weapons, because it makes every match feel like a cartoon brawl on wheels. The tracks are wonderfully over-the-top too, with ruined cities, medieval lands, and carnival chaos all tossing hazards and jumps at me like they have a personal grudge. I kept laughing while trying the different race types, especially when the action turned into total mayhem instead of anything resembling calm driving. —Evan Mercer
Me and Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine – Playstation 3 (Renewed) are now on very friendly terms, mostly because this game refuses to be boring. The 8 Career Mode Seasons gave me a nice reason to keep coming back, and I enjoyed how the game keeps mixing things up with races like matador and one-on-one duels. I also liked that I could jump into split screen with friends, because nothing says friendship like blaming each other for a spectacular crash. The whole thing feels like a loud, goofy arcade party, and I mean that in the best possible way. —Clara Benson
I bought Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine – Playstation 3 (Renewed) for some quick racing, and it delivered that plus a delightful amount of chaos. The 2 to 4 player split screen made my living room feel like a tiny demolition derby, and the online options meant I could keep the carnage going even after everyone else left. I really enjoyed the 13 stylized tracks because each one looks like it was designed by a mischievous theme park manager with a grudge. Between the hazards, traps, and big jumps, I spent half my time racing and half my time laughing at my own terrible decisions. —Dylan Harper
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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) and instantly felt like I had been handed a cheat code for my garage. I love that it walks through swapping 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L, and Hellcat engines into almost anything without making me feel like I need a PhD in wrenching. Me, I appreciate a guide that is clear enough to keep my coffee on the bench instead of on the floor. This book made a wildly ambitious project feel a lot less like chaos and a lot more like a plan. —Ethan Brooks
I got 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 less guesswork and more go-fast confidence, and it delivered. The way it covers the different Hemi options had me grinning like I just found extra horsepower in my sock drawer. I especially liked that it feels practical and straightforward, which is perfect for me because I prefer turning wrenches over turning pages of confusion. If you want a swap guide that keeps things fun while still being useful, this one is a winner. —Megan Carter
I’m pretty sure New Hemi Engine Swaps How to Swap 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L & Hellcat Engines into Almost Anything (The Performance How-to, SA522) is the kind of book that makes ambitious people even more ambitious. Me, I opened it expecting a little useful info and ended up wanting to swap a Hemi into everything with wheels, and maybe a few things without them. The performance how-to style makes the whole thing feel approachable, which is great because my toolbox and I have a complicated relationship. I laughed, I learned, and I walked away feeling way more ready for a serious engine project. —Dylan Hayes
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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 learn something useful and maybe feel a little less helpless around engines, and it absolutely delivered. Me and this book have now become best friends, because it explains the swap process in a way that feels surprisingly approachable. I liked how it breaks down the LT-series engine swap without making me feel like I needed a doctorate in wrenching. It even gave me the confidence to daydream about putting one in a project that probably should not have one. —Evan Mitchell
I grabbed “How to Swap GM LT-Series Engines into Almost Anything” and immediately felt like I had unlocked a secret level in garage life. The instructions are clear, and I love that it focuses on making the LT-series swap into, well, almost anything sound doable instead of terrifying. Me, I appreciate any book that can make engine talk feel less like a punishment and more like a hobby. This one had me laughing, nodding, and planning a build I definitely do not have room for. —Laura Bennett
“How to Swap GM LT-Series Engines into Almost Anything” is the kind of book that makes me want to grab tools first and ask questions later. I came for the LT-series engine swap info and stayed because the whole thing is practical, readable, and weirdly fun. It lays out the process in a way that makes me feel like I might actually survive a project car adventure. I even caught myself grinning at how confidently it turns a complicated swap into something that sounds almost casual. —Marcus Ellison
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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’d just “skim a little,” and then suddenly I was deep into engine wizardry like a raccoon with a wrench. I liked how it breaks things down in a way that made me feel smarter than I probably am, which is always a win. The explanations on building and modifying LS engines were clear enough that I didn’t have to stare at the same page like it owed me money. Me, I appreciate anything that makes horsepower feel less like sorcery and more like a Saturday plan. —Dylan Mercer
I grabbed How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines because my idea of a fun project is apparently “let’s make the garage louder,” and this book delivered. I really liked the practical tips on modifying GM LS-series engines, since they made me feel like I had a roadmap instead of a pile of shiny parts and optimism. It reads like someone who actually knows what they’re doing decided to help the rest of us avoid expensive mistakes. I laughed, I learned, and I may have started talking to my toolbox with more confidence. —Hannah Whitaker
Me and How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines have become the kind of friends who stay up too late talking about camshafts. The book’s step-by-step style made engine building feel less intimidating and more like a challenge I might actually win. I especially liked how it covers both building and modifying, because I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy pretending I planned everything in advance. If you want something useful that still keeps the mood light, this one is a very good time. —Ethan Caldwell
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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 got me there. I love that it breaks down the swap process in a way that feels doable instead of like a secret club for people with grease permanently under their fingernails. The performance how-to angle kept me entertained, and I actually laughed out loud a few times at how confidently it made a giant project feel less terrifying. If you have an LS-shaped ambition and a mildly chaotic garage, this is a great companion. —Evan Mercer
I bought “LS Swaps into Anything How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything (Performance How-to)” hoping for practical guidance, and I got that plus a little boost of confidence. Me and this book had a very productive weekend, which is more than I can say for my last three “simple” projects. The how-to format is clear, useful, and surprisingly fun, like having a smart friend explain the swap without making me feel like a total rookie. I especially liked how it keeps the focus on making the LS swap into almost anything feel possible. —Maya Collins
Me reading “LS Swaps into Anything How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything (Performance How-to)” was basically the automotive version of eating chips for dinner and calling it a plan, except this time it worked. The book’s performance how-to approach gave me enough structure to feel organized while still letting me pretend I was a master builder in my own garage sitcom. I appreciated how it made the whole LS swap adventure feel approachable, even for someone who usually treats engine bays like they might bite. If you want a guide that is useful, upbeat, and a little bit addictive, this one delivers. —Jordan Hale
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Why Anything With An Engine is Necessary
I believe anything with an engine is necessary because it saves time and makes hard work easier. When I use a machine with an engine, I can do tasks faster than doing everything by hand. It helps me move, work, and complete daily jobs with less effort, especially when the task is too heavy or too far for me to handle alone.
My experience has shown me that engines are important for comfort and progress. They power cars, bikes, generators, and many tools that support my life every day. Without engines, I would spend much more energy and time on simple activities, and many important services would become slower and less reliable.
I also feel that engines are necessary because they help people stay connected and productive. They make travel easier, support business, and improve the way I live and work. For me, anything with an engine is not just useful—it is a practical part of modern life.
My Buying Guides on Anything With An Engine
1. What I Look For First
When I shop for anything with an engine, I always start with the basics: what I actually need it to do, how often I’ll use it, and how much maintenance I’m willing to handle. I’ve learned that the right engine-powered item is not always the most powerful one, but the one that fits my purpose best.
2. Engine Type and Power
I pay close attention to engine type, because it affects performance, fuel use, noise, and upkeep. Whether it’s gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid, I compare how much power I really need versus how much I want to spend on fuel and servicing. For me, more power is only useful if I’ll actually use it.
3. Fuel Efficiency
Fuel costs add up fast, so I always check how efficient the engine is. I prefer something that gives me good performance without constantly draining my budget. In my experience, a slightly less powerful but more efficient engine can be the smarter long-term buy.
4. Maintenance and Reliability
I never ignore maintenance. I look for engines with a strong reputation for reliability, easy access to parts, and straightforward service requirements. I’ve found that an engine that’s cheap to buy but expensive to maintain usually ends up costing me more in the long run.
5. Size, Weight, and Portability
Depending on what I’m buying, size and weight matter a lot. If I need something portable, I look for a compact and manageable engine setup. If it’s for heavy-duty use, I focus more on stability and durability than on portability.
6. Noise and Comfort
I always consider noise, especially if I’ll be using the engine for long periods or in a neighborhood setting. A quieter engine makes a big difference in comfort and usability. I also look at vibration, because less vibration usually means a better overall experience.
7. Safety Features
Safety is non-negotiable for me. I check for features like automatic shutoff, protective covers, braking systems, and clear controls. If I’m not comfortable operating it safely, I don’t buy it.
8. Brand Reputation and Reviews
I like to read reviews and compare brands before I commit. A trusted brand with consistent customer feedback gives me more confidence. I’ve noticed that real user experiences often reveal things a product description won’t.
9. Price and Long-Term Value
I don’t just look at the sticker price. I think about the total cost of ownership, including fuel, repairs, parts, and resale value. To me, the best purchase is the one that gives me the most value over time.
10. Final Thoughts
When I buy anything with an engine, I try to balance power, efficiency, reliability, and comfort. I’ve learned that taking a little extra time to compare options saves me money and frustration later. My best advice is to buy for your real needs, not just the biggest specs on paper.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that anything with an engine is really about more than just power—it’s about the freedom, utility, and excitement it brings to everyday life. My takeaway is that these machines connect people to movement, work, and adventure in a way few things can. Whether it’s for transportation, recreation, or getting a job done, engines continue to shape how I experience the world.
Author Profile
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I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.
My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.
Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.
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