Chevy Spark 1.4L Engine Finds Wild New Life in a Polaris Ranger UTV

The Chevrolet Spark is one of the most misleadingly named cars in recent memory. While the Spark EV delivered impressive torque, its gasoline-powered models were underwhelming. Between 2013 and 2022, two generations of the Spark were sold in the U.S., powered by engines that were anything but exciting.

The second-generation Spark’s 1.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine produced just 98 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. Yet, as Mad Goat Customs demonstrated, this unassuming powerplant can become far more exciting in the right application.

From Spark to Powerhouse: The Engine Swap

Mad Goat Customs recently installed a Spark four-cylinder engine into a 2016 Polaris Ranger, a utility task vehicle (UTV). The swap was documented in a video posted to the company’s YouTube channel, with a tip of the hat to Engine Swap Depot for the discovery.

The Spark’s engine was chosen for its compact size, making it easier to fit into the UTV compared to larger engines like a Subaru boxer-four.

Technical Breakdown of the Swap

In its original front-wheel-drive configuration, the Spark’s engine was mounted transversely. Mad Goat Customs flipped it longitudinally, connecting the output shafts of the former transaxle to the front and rear differentials with gearing of 3.84 and 3.70, respectively. The rear differential was inverted to ensure correct rotation, and the transaxle was replaced with an AW50-42LE four-speed automatic from a Saab 9-5 Turbo, which can be controlled via steering-wheel paddles from a Honda Pioneer.

To accommodate the new setup, the frame was extended by seven inches, and a bed from a Ranger Diesel HST was added to improve the wheelbase’s appearance. The frame was also widened in critical areas to provide clearance for the engine and transmission. While the final result isn’t a stock UTV, it retains a surprisingly factory-like appearance until the bed is lifted to reveal the Chevy four-cylinder engine behind the cab.

Electronics and Performance Adjustments

Integrating the various components required replacing the stock ECU with an Arduino controller and CAN buses, along with several software modifications. The engine was refreshed with manual-transmission software (the Spark was available with either a five-speed manual or CVT from the factory) and detuned for better drivability and to prevent axle breakage. Despite these changes, the builder claims the engine has enough power to maintain fourth gear indefinitely.

While not the most extreme engine swap, this project showcases a creative use for an otherwise unremarkable powerplant. And somewhere, there’s likely a Spark waiting for a more exciting engine swap under its hood.

The post A 1.4L Chevy Spark Engine Doesn’t Sound Too Crazy Until You Put It in a Polaris appeared first on The Drive.