From Jalopnik · Simon Stark · · 1m
Unofficial World Record Engine Swap
Royal Marines set 42-second engine swap record in 1985.
In brief
Royal Marines set 42-second engine swap record in 1985. Royal Marines completed a 42-second engine swap in a Ford Escort in 1985, beating previous records by seven seconds. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
World Record Engine Swap
Royal Marines achieved a 42-second engine swap in a Ford Escort on the BBC show Record Breakers in 1985.
Practice and Execution
The team reportedly practiced only two weeks before the attempt, completing the swap in under 10 seconds.
Engine Swap Process
Marines cut the engine, slid under the car, unbolted it, lifted the block, and installed the new engine within 30 seconds.
Previous Record
The previous record was a 49-second swap by RAF Abingdon engineers using a Mini Cooper engine.
Skepticism and Criticism
Some questioned the swap's authenticity, claiming one Marine made engine noise with his mouth and others flinstoned the car.
Modern Context
Most garages take eight to 20 hours for complex engine swaps, including diagnostics and customer time.
The one thing
Royal Marines completed a 42-second engine swap in a Ford Escort in 1985, beating previous records by seven seconds.
