Engine swapping, a hot rodding tradition dating back nine decades, originated in home garages during the early days of the automotive scene. The concept of fitting a larger, more powerful engine into an unconventional chassis is a rite of passage. This Toyota V12 powered Subaru creation serves as a reminder that nearly any engine can be adapted to fit into almost any vehicle.
John Proulx, a Canadian expert in engine swapping, especially with a focus on Toyota engines. He’s making waves on social media with his V12 powered Subaru project. After successfully fitting the renowned six-cylinder 2JZ-GTE into a different Subaru, he made another project by doubling the cylinder count with Toyota’s 1GZ-FE this time around.
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The 12-cylinder engine initially propelled the luxurious 1997-2017 Toyota Century sedan. It may not be the powerhouse you imagine, boasting around 276 hp, but its torque exceeds 350 lb-ft. The V12 is tweakable to yield much more power with boost, and that’s on John Proulx’s agenda. He aims to reach 1,000 hp, managing it with a MaxxECU Pro Premium unit.
Back in 2018, Mr. Nagata has crafted an impressive Supra rendition, and he’s not alone. Several enthusiasts have triumphantly executed the 1GZ-FE swap into various chassis, such as the Chaser and Corona. However, what sets this apart is that it is the first one we’ve seen going into a Subie.
In this build, the transmission adds an intriguing aspect. And, to address the common question, the Subaru won’t be all-wheel-drive. To manage the anticipated power, a BMW dual-clutch unit has been chosen. It employs a custom adapter plate to connect to the Toyota engine. While some might find the use of a Bimmer transmission controversial, the current focus on developing paddle shifters elevates the intrigue in this project.
Congratulations to John Proulx for crafting an extraordinary and impressive creation that has caught the attention of enthusiasts. You can follow along with his build as he updates it regularly on his Instagram.
