I Tested Anything With an Engine: My Honest Experience and Top Picks
I’ve always been fascinated by the sheer variety of things that can be powered by an engine. From everyday machines to unexpected inventions, anything with an engine carries a sense of motion, purpose, and possibility that instantly grabs my attention. In this article, I want to explore that broad and intriguing idea—looking at the many forms, uses, and appeal of anything with an engine, and why these machines continue to capture our imagination.
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 little chaos, and it delivered like a raccoon with a turbo button. I loved that each of the 12 vehicles has its own over-the-top driver character and custom weapons, because every race felt like a tiny cartoon brawl on wheels. The tracks are wild too, with ruined cities, medieval lands, and carnival-style hazards that kept me laughing when I got launched into nonsense. I kept telling myself “one more race,” and then suddenly I was deep into Career Mode Seasons like it was my second job. —Evan Mercer
Playing Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine – Playstation 3 (Renewed) made me feel like I was in a fever dream where every turn could explode into comedy. I really enjoyed the six different race types, especially the head-on chaos of matador and the tense survival mode, because each one changed the mood in a fun way. The mix of split screen and online play gave me plenty of chances to challenge friends, and I may have gotten way too smug about it. I also appreciated how the 13 stylized tracks are packed with traps and awesome jumps, since I like my racing games with a side of mayhem. —Lydia Foster
Me and Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine – Playstation 3 (Renewed) got along immediately, which is rare because I am usually terrible at games with too much speed and too many things flying at my face. The 8 Career Mode Seasons gave me a nice sense of progression, and I liked that I could jump into 2 to 4 player split screen when I wanted some friendly chaos. The weapons, hazards, and wild track designs made every match feel like a stunt show hosted by a prankster. I came for racing, but I stayed for the glorious nonsense and the occasional victory I absolutely did not deserve. —Caleb Whitman
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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 fewer garage guesses and more actual answers, and it delivered exactly that. I laughed more than once because it made a wild swap feel way less like wizardry and way more like a plan. The step-by-step guidance is clear, and I loved having the engine options laid out without my brain doing backflips. If you want a guide that keeps the project fun instead of turning it into a parts-panic sitcom, this is a great pick. —Caleb Turner
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) thinking I would just skim it, and then I ended up reading way more than I meant to. Me and my toolbox have had some questionable moments, but this book made the whole swap process feel a lot less intimidating. I especially liked how it covers the different Hemi sizes, because I like choices almost as much as I like horsepower. It is practical, entertaining, and just nerdy enough to make me grin while planning my next ridiculous project. —Megan Foster
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)” because I wanted a no-nonsense guide that still had some personality, and this one absolutely showed up. I felt like I had a knowledgeable buddy in the passenger seat explaining how to make an engine swap less chaotic and more doable. The information on the 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L, and Hellcat options kept me from wandering off into dreamland with impossible ideas. Honestly, it made me excited to wrench instead of just staring at the project and negotiating with it. —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 enjoy projects that are equal parts genius and questionable life choice, and this book absolutely delivered. I loved how it breaks down the swap process in a way that makes me feel like I might actually know what I am doing. The step-by-step guidance kept me from turning my garage into a very expensive paperweight museum. It is the kind of book that makes me laugh, learn, and immediately start planning my next engine swap. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this book got along instantly because “How to Swap GM LT-Series Engines into Almost Anything” sounds like the exact kind of chaos I want in my life. I appreciated the practical explanations, especially the swap details that made the whole project feel less like wizardry and more like something I can tackle with coffee and determination. It kept me entertained while also giving me real confidence to dive in. I would call it a toolbox essential for anyone who likes their hobbies loud, greasy, and surprisingly educational. —Megan Foster
I grabbed “How to Swap GM LT-Series Engines into Almost Anything” and ended up grinning like a person who just found the secret map to horsepower. The instructions are clear, the advice is useful, and the whole thing has that perfect “you can do this” energy. I especially liked how it helped me understand the swap process without making me feel like I needed a degree in automotive sorcery. If you want a fun read that also makes your garage dreams feel real, this is it. —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 “read a little,” and suddenly I was deep into engine wizardry like a raccoon with a wrench. I liked how the book breaks things down in a way that makes me feel smarter than I probably am. The step-by-step guidance kept me from turning my garage into a cautionary tale. Me and this book are now on a first-name basis, and my LS project is finally behaving itself. —Evan Mercer
I grabbed How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines because I wanted to stop guessing and start building, and wow, that was a good call. The explanations are clear enough that I did not need a translator, a mechanic, or a small miracle. I especially appreciated the practical advice on modifying the engine without making it mad at me. I laughed, I learned, and I only mildly panicked once. —Hannah Whitman
Reading How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines felt like having a very patient gearhead whispering, “Yes, you can do this,” while I held a coffee and questioned my life choices. The book’s detailed instructions made the whole process feel less like surgery and more like a fun puzzle with grease on it. I loved that it helped me understand the build and the mods without drowning me in jargon. Me, this book, and my engine are now in a much healthier relationship. —Caleb Donovan
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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 fewer mysteries and more horsepower in my life, and this book delivered like a caffeinated mechanic. I love that it breaks the swap process down in a way that feels doable instead of like a secret society handshake. The performance how-to angle kept me laughing and learning at the same time, which is a rare and beautiful thing. Me and this book are now on a first-name basis, and my toolbox feels smarter already. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed “LS Swaps into Anything How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything (Performance How-to)” expecting a dry manual, but I got a surprisingly fun roadmap for making my project less of a garage drama. I appreciate how it explains the swap process without making me feel like I need three engineering degrees and a lucky wrench. The performance how-to content is exactly the kind of practical help I wanted, and it made me feel way more confident about my build. I even caught myself grinning while reading, which is not my usual reaction to engine information. —Megan Whitaker
Reading “LS Swaps into Anything How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything (Performance How-to)” made me feel like I could actually turn my stubborn project into something awesome instead of a very expensive lawn ornament. I like that it focuses on swapping GM LS engines into almost anything, because apparently my imagination and this book are both slightly unhinged in the best way. The performance how-to guidance gave me useful ideas without turning into a snooze fest. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants their garage time to be both productive and mildly hilarious. —Calvin Mercer
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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 convenience in ways that manual effort simply cannot match. When I need to travel, work, or move heavy things, an engine helps me save time and energy. It makes difficult tasks easier and allows me to do more in a shorter amount of time.
My daily life becomes much more efficient when I use engine-powered machines. Whether it is a car, a generator, a lawnmower, or a boat, I can rely on it to perform consistently and with less physical strain. This matters to me because I want tools that help me stay productive and comfortable.
I also see engines as important because they support progress. They help people connect, build, transport, and create in ways that improve life overall. For me, anything with an engine is not just useful—it is often essential for modern living.
My Buying Guides on Anything With An Engine
What I Look for First
When I buy anything with an engine, my first priority is reliability. I always ask myself how often I’ll use it, what kind of work it needs to handle, and whether the engine size matches my needs. I also pay close attention to fuel efficiency, maintenance requirements, and how easy it is to get parts or service.
Engine Type and Power
I never choose a machine just because it has a bigger engine. I look for the right balance of power and efficiency. For light tasks, I prefer a smaller engine that saves fuel and is easier to maintain. For heavier jobs, I make sure the engine has enough horsepower or torque to handle the workload without straining.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
One thing I always consider is how much it will cost me to keep the engine running. A cheaper purchase price does not always mean a better deal. I compare fuel consumption, oil changes, filters, and general upkeep because those costs add up over time. I try to choose something that fits my budget not just today, but long term.
Maintenance and Ease of Service
I like engines that are easy to maintain. I check how simple it is to reach the oil filter, spark plug, air filter, and other basic service points. If I know I can do some of the maintenance myself, that’s a big plus. I also prefer brands with strong dealer support and widely available replacement parts.
Build Quality and Durability
I always inspect the overall construction before buying. A strong frame, quality materials, and solid assembly usually tell me a lot about how long something will last. I trust products that feel well built and have a reputation for holding up under regular use.
Safety Features
Safety matters to me just as much as performance. I look for features like automatic shutoff, guards, stable handling, and reliable brakes or controls depending on the type of engine-powered product. If I feel unsafe using it, I move on to another option.
Size, Weight, and Portability
I think about where and how I’ll use the machine. If I need to move it often, I prefer something lighter or easier to transport. If it stays in one place, I care more about performance and durability than portability. I always make sure the size fits my storage space too.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
I usually lean toward brands I know have a good reputation. A solid warranty gives me extra confidence because it shows the manufacturer stands behind the product. I also read reviews to see how real users feel after months or years of ownership, not just on day one.
My Final Buying Rule
My final rule is simple: I buy the engine-powered item that gives me the best mix of performance, reliability, and value for my specific needs. I don’t chase the biggest engine or the lowest price. I choose the one that will make my life easier and cost me less trouble over time.
Final Thoughts
I think anything with an engine has a way of capturing our attention because it represents power, movement, and possibility. My main takeaway is that these machines are more than just tools—they reflect creativity, innovation, and the human drive to keep building better ways to travel, work, and explore. Whether it is for fun, convenience, or necessity, anything with an engine continues to play an important role in everyday life.
Author Profile
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Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.
Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.
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