YouTuber builds the first ever V8 Tesla by swapping out the motor for an engine
- Rich Rebuilt and his team managed to make a V8 Tesla Model S
- It took them over a year of work
- However, they managed to make this EV-to-ICE conversion work
Published on Sep 19, 2024 at 12:47 PM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on Sep 20, 2024 at 2:12 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Tesla is one of the biggest car manufacturers in the US, but they only ever make EV cars — so it was only a matter of time until someone fitted a V8 engine into a Tesla Model S.
Made by Rich Benoit and his crew, the V8 Tesla Model S is an official road-going car.
The idea for this EV-to-ICE conversion started when the Rich Rebuilt team bought a damaged 2015 Tesla Model S.
Unfortunately, the car’s battery and motor were dead on arrival, hence a terrible idea was born.
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First-ever V8 Tesla Model S
The Rich Rebuilt team took on this challenge and managed to complete the car after a year of work.
The car was aptly named ‘ICE-T’ and featured a 426HP 6.2L Chevy LS3 V8 from a wrecked 2011 Camaro SS.
However, it’s not the only time that someone has tried to put a gas-powered engine in a Tesla.
Another YouTuber also converted his Tesla and put a gasoline engine in it before taking it for service to a local mechanic for a prank.
In a similar vein, the Rich Rebuilt team has also managed to turn the battery-powered Tesla into an ICE car.
However, it wasn’t an easy task. The EV car is not meant to accommodate a gas engine and all the bits and bobs that come with it.
Converting the EV car
Fortunately, the Chevy V8 managed to fit like a glove in the Tesla Model S frunk-turned-engine-bay.
They also cut a seam down 70 percent of the length of the car to make way for a driveshaft.
The team also managed to install a manual gear shifter that didn’t smash their fist into the 17-inch touchscreen.
Unfortunately, the car doesn’t just run on hopes and dreams so they also installed a 14-gallon gas tank in the back of the car.
Funnily enough, the gas filler cap is hidden inside Tesla’s rear taillight, where the charge port used to be.
After converting the car, the team drove it 2,733 miles to the Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show in Las Vegas to show it off.
Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
