Ford introduced the EcoBoost engine for the 2010 model year, and while the idea of a turbocharged engine and direct injection fuel delivery was not new, it brought a breath of fresh air to the scene.

At this point, mixing and matching the Big Three U.S. auto manufacturers' V-8 powerplants, both internally and across all brands of vehicles—engine-swapping, if you will—is a tried-and-true practice.

Whether you build cars in your garage on weekends, or have a professional shop and some spare time, consider an engine swap for your next project. As daunting as it may seem, some engine swaps can be ...