In case you missed it, Rich Rebuilds started a Tesla V-8 swap sometime back and uploaded a video about the same. What makes this swap unique is that people have converted internal combustion-engined cars to EVs, but not the other way around. Some folks have attempted it, but none have managed to reach completion. Rich embarked on the same journey, but he has managed to successfully plonk a V-8 engine under the hood (or the frunk, if you’re a stickler for terminologies) of the Tesla.

That’s A Hell Lot Of Work

In the last video, we saw Rich Benoit try to convert a base Tesla Model S 75 into a fuel-powered car. This video is a continuation of the same, but we see a lot of technical progress being made. After a lot of cutting and chopping from the donor cars for the parts, the team managed to get the base ready for it. Under the hood, they had to cut the strut tower bar to get the drivetrain inside. It will be replaced by another “thing” to increase the rigidity, most likely a bolt-in solution.

The original steering rack was attached to an electric motor, so it had to be removed since it would bump with the harmonic mounts. Instead, it was swapped with a hydraulic rack borrowed from a 2010 Camaro SS.

Since EVs don’t have a transmission tunnel, it was fabricated into the flat skateboard platform.

It makes 426 horsepower, which would be an upgrade over the Model S’ 382 ponies. To make it even better, it will feature a six-speed manual gearbox.

There is another installment due for this video, which could premiere sometime next week. Perhaps, we’ll get a glimpse of the final product after all the custom fabrications. Do you think this project is genius or just a waste of time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.