A 1.4L Chevy Spark engine doesn't seem too wild until you place it in a Polaris.

      Mad Goat Customs via YouTube

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      The Chevrolet Spark is one of the most inaccurately named vehicles in recent times. While the Spark EV boasted impressive torque, the gasoline-powered versions lacked excitement. Two generations were sold in the U.S. from 2013 to 2022, featuring engines that were decidedly bland. For instance, the second-generation Spark’s 1.4-liter inline-four produced a mere 98 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. However, that could be quite thrilling in the right vehicle.

      In this scenario, the right vehicle is a 2016 Polaris Ranger. Mad Goat Customs replaced the original engine with a Spark four-cylinder engine for a client some time ago and recently shared a video on its YouTube channel (thanks to Engine Swap Depot for the find). This specific engine was selected for its compact dimensions, making it easier to install in the UTV compared to a Subaru boxer-four.

      As is typical in many front-wheel-drive vehicles, this engine was mounted transversely in the Spark. It was rotated to a longitudinal position here, with the output shafts of the previous transaxle now linked to the front and rear differentials, which have gear ratios of 3.84 and 3.70, respectively. The rear differential was inverted to ensure it spun in the correct direction, and the transaxle was not the original; it's the AW50-42LE four-speed automatic derived from a Saab 9-5 Turbo, which can be operated with steering-wheel paddles from a Honda Pioneer.

      To accommodate these changes, the frame was extended by seven inches, and a bed from a Ranger Diesel HST was integrated to make the elongated wheelbase appear less awkward. The frame was also widened in certain areas to ensure there was enough clearance for the engine and transmission. Although it doesn’t appear completely stock, it’s not immediately obvious that this UTV is powered by a car engine until one raises the bed and discovers the Chevy four-cylinder positioned behind the cab.

      Ecotec Engine Swapped Polaris Ranger

      To integrate the various components, the stock ECU was replaced with an Arduino controller and CAN buses, along with some software adjustments. The engine was updated with manual transmission software (this generation of Spark was available with either a five-speed manual or a CVT from the factory) and detuned for better drivability while preventing axle damage. Nevertheless, the builder asserts it has sufficient power to operate in fourth gear all day long.

      While it may not be the most radical engine swap, this appears to be an excellent application for an otherwise unremarkable engine. And somewhere, there must be a Spark with potential for something more exciting under the hood.