The Engines We Trust

GM LS & LT V8s
From the tried-and-true LS3 to the latest LT4 supercharged units, these powerplants deliver unrivaled reliability and serviceability. With power ranges from 400hp to well north of 600hp, they transform classic 4x4s into machines that feel equally at home on a mountain pass or a cross-country drive.

Cummins Turbo Diesel Swaps
Legendary for their endurance, Cummins diesels are the ultimate expedition choice. Whether it’s a 4BT for compact torque or the iconic 6BT for unstoppable pulling power, these engines thrive where fuel economy, range, and low-end grunt matter most.

Toyota Powerplants
For the purist, Toyota upgrades like the inline-six 1FZ-FE or turbo-diesel 1HD-T keep Land Cruisers true to their roots while delivering modern drivability. These swaps maintain the lineage of Toyota’s engineering, with the benefits of fuel injection and easier long-distance ownership.

Ford Coyote V8s
A high-revving, 5.0L modern classic that pairs beautifully with vintage Broncos. Responsive, powerful, and endlessly tunable, the Coyote offers a mix of raw muscle and cutting-edge tech (variable cam timing, coil-on-plug ignition) while staying unmistakably Ford.

Beyond the Usual Suspects

These are the common swaps — the proven paths. But they’re far from the only ones. Over the years we’ve executed or envisioned builds that call for something more unusual:

• Rover V8 Reimagined – Restoring and uprating the original alloy V8 for those who want heritage preserved but performance sharpened.

• Mercedes-Benz Diesels – Known for their durability and range, these conversions are a nod to European overland tradition.

• Exotic Toyota Diesels – Hard-to-find 1HZ or 1HD series engines for Land Cruisers destined for global expeditions.

• Hybrid & EV Conversions – For visionaries who want the silence of electric torque while retaining the character of an icon.

Every project is a dialogue between past and future. If it can be imagined — and engineered with integrity — we can bring it to life.

Transmission Swaps

A powerful engine is only as good as the transmission behind it. Many classic 4x4s still carry their original gearboxes—units that were never designed to handle modern power, highway cruising, or the torque of upgraded engines. At Legacy Motorworks, we complement our engine swaps with transmission swaps, ensuring the entire drivetrain delivers strength, reliability, and drivability.

We specialize in pairing the right transmission to each build. That might mean fitting a modern 5- or 6-speed manual to give a Land Cruiser, Defender, or Bronco sharper control off-road. For others, a heavy-duty automatic with overdrive transforms the vehicle into a relaxed long-distance cruiser. We also perform automatic-to-manual conversions for drivers who want the engagement and simplicity of a clutch, as well as manual-to-automatic conversions for those seeking the ease of smooth shifting in traffic and on the trail.

Each swap is engineered with precision: custom mounts and linkages, driveshaft modifications, clutch or shifter integration, and full electronic adaptation where needed. From NV4500 manuals behind small-block V8s to 4L80E automatics with GM LS swaps, to improved ZF and R380 gearboxes in Land Rovers, we select transmissions that match the character and intended use of the vehicle.

The result is a drivetrain that feels original—but drives like it was built for today.

Legacy Overland swaps are not just mechanical upgrades. They’re the heartbeat of a new chapter in your classic’s story.

Contact us to learn more