Ep 8. Parking Lot Engine Swap

In Roadkill season 8 episode 8 titled "Parking Lot Engine Swap," hosts David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan embark on a mission to swap an LS engine into their 1974 Chevy Heavy Crew Cab truck. However, their plans to use a nearby race shop fall through and they are left to complete the engine swap in a parking lot.

The episode kicks off with the hosts rolling out their old Big Block engine from the Chevy truck and inspecting it to see what went wrong. They find badly worn bearings and decide that the engine should be replaced rather than rebuilt. Since the Heavy Crew Cab is a heavy vehicle, they opt to install a lightweight LS engine to improve performance. With no access to an engine hoist or specialty tools, the duo sets out on a quest to source a usable LS engine and complete the engine swap in the parking lot.

They take their search to a local junkyard and come across a 5.3L LS engine in a wrecked Cadillac Escalade. After purchasing the engine and a handful of other parts, they head back to the parking lot to start the engine swap. It quickly becomes clear that the swap is going to be more work than anticipated. They have trouble removing the old engine and struggle with finding enough clearance in the cramped parking lot.

To add insult to injury, a storm hits halfway through the engine swap. As the rain pelts down, the hosts work through the night, illuminating the parking lot with nothing more than a few work lights. Despite the difficulties, they manage to swap the new engine into the Heavy Crew Cab by early morning.

The next day, they try to start the engine, only to be met with a series of problems. The fuel pump won't prime and they discover a corroded wire under the hood. After fixing the wire, they try again and are finally able to fire up the engine. However, they quickly face a new challenge of keeping the engine running.

The hosts eventually solve the problem by rewiring the fuel pump and resetting the computer. With the engine running smoothly, they take the Heavy Crew Cab for a test drive. The transformation is impressive, with the truck now running smoothly and showing improved performance.

Despite the challenges faced during the engine swap, the hosts are thrilled with the outcome and proud of their achievement. They have successfully completed an engine swap in the most unorthodox location and brought their Heavy Crew Cab back to life.

Overall, "Parking Lot Engine Swap" is a testament to the Roadkill team's ingenuity and unwillingness to back down from a challenge. The episode is filled with tension, humor, and a sense of camaraderie between the hosts. It will leave viewers inspired to take on their own automotive projects and see what they can achieve with a little creativity and determination.