Once you’ve decided to go ahead with an engine conversion, one of the next decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a half cut or just an engine package.
There are advantages and disadvantages with both options, and the right one will depend on your needs.
Generally with a half cut you get everything from the dashboard forward (with a few exceptions) however with the engine package you’ll generally only get the engine, wiring loom and computer, and perhaps the gearbox.
We have details some of the factors to think about below:
Cost
It’s a fact that an engine package will generally cost less that a half cut, so if cost is an issue, an engine package may be a better option.
However, getting the half cut can save you money in some ways, especially if you are doing the swap yourself.
The average home garage worker will find the conversion much easier with a half cut, so if you can save a few bucks on not needing a mechanic, the half cut could pay for itself.
Another benefit is that you may be able to sell additional parts from your half cut, which could also subsidise the cost of buying a half cut instead of an engine package.
Making life easier
If you’re doing the conversion yourself and don’t have a great deal of engine conversion experience, getting a half cut can make your conversion much easier.
Having your half cut and your own engine bay in the same garage means you can compare the two side-by-side as you go through the conversion. It also means that you know you have everything to get the engine running in its new home.
Extra bonuses
If your half cut is from the same make and model as the car to be converted, getting yourself a half cut can provide you with plenty of extra JDM goodies for your car.
Parts that can be swapped over may include bigger brakes, strut braces, interior panels, and even exterior parts such as bumper bars and headlights in some cases.
So much metal…
One advantage to getting an engine package over a half cut it that it’s much easier (and cheaper) to transport and move around. A half cut contains a lot of metal, and therefore a lot of weight.
If space is an issue in your garage, a half cut could pose a few problems. You will literally have another half of a vehicle to fit into your garage, plus the space taken up by the engine and gearbox once it’s removed.
Another issue is that you’ll need to dispose of the half cut and all the leftover parts once you’re done. Disposing of a half cut can be a pain, and by taking an engine package you avoid some of the hassle.
Which should you choose?
If you are doing the conversion yourself and don’t have a huge amount of experience, getting yourself a half cut is the recommended option, especially if the half cut is from the same make and model of your own car.
If you have plenty of experience and confidence with engine conversions, then it may be worth saving a few bucks by going with the engine package. The money saved can be spent elsewhere on your project!
