BUILDING A V8 POWERED TESLA, WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG?

EV Channels Review

This episode of Rich Rebuilds details the ongoing, complex process of swapping a V8 engine into a Tesla Model S, affectionately nicknamed 'Iced Tea'. The host emphasizes that this is a meticulous, one-of-a-kind build, justifying the extended timeline by highlighting the pitfalls of rushed car projects. The primary focus of this installment is the extensive wiring harness removal and adaptation, particularly due to the donor car's all-wheel-drive system and the project car's two-wheel-drive electronics. Significant effort is also dedicated to sound deadening, replacing worn-out components like seat belts and door panels, and removing unnecessary features such as the autopilot camera to save weight and complexity. While the build is far from complete, with the driveshaft installed but axles still pending, the team is making steady progress, tackling the tedious but essential tasks to ensure the car's eventual performance and reliability. The episode underscores the challenges of integrating disparate automotive systems and the dedication required for such an ambitious custom build.