Some engines are just built differently. These mechanical marvels pushed past normal limits, breaking records and surviving challenges that would destroy regular engines. While most manufacturers focus on making simple, reliable engines, a special group of engineers created incredibly complex powerplants that somehow kept running despite their crazy designs.
The world of overengineered engines is filled with weird solutions to simple problems. Car companies threw normal design rules out the window, adding extra parts, complex systems, and wild features that made mechanics scratch their heads. Yet somehow, these complicated beasts refused to quit, earning respect from car fans and proving that sometimes the craziest ideas actually work.
Mazda 13B Rotary Engine
The 13B rotary engine threw away normal pistons for spinning triangles inside an oval chamber. Engineers had to create special oil injection systems just to keep the engine parts from wearing out. The engine needed extra attention and maintenance but kept working reliably in many Mazda RX-7 and RX-8 sports cars. Most 13B engines lasted over 150,000 miles when properly maintained.
Bugatti W16 Engine
Bugatti combined two V8 engines to make one massive W16 engine with four turbochargers. The engine needed ten radiators just to stay cool and used more fuel than a small airplane. Despite its extreme complexity, the W16 engine proved very reliable in the Veyron and Chiron supercars. The engine could produce over 1,500 horsepower while lasting over 100,000 miles.
BMW S85 V10 Engine
BMW created this Formula 1-inspired V10 engine for their M5 and M6 cars. It had individual throttle bodies for each cylinder and a complex variable valve timing system. The engine could rev up to 8,250 RPM and needed special warm-up procedures before hard driving. The S85 remained reliable when owners followed the strict maintenance schedule.
Porsche Type 547 Four-Cam Engine
Porsche’s 547 engine used four overhead camshafts when most engines only had one. Each cylinder had its own set of shafts, springs, and valves that needed perfect timing. The engine was so complex that only special mechanics could work on it. Many 547 engines are still running today in classic Porsche 550 Spyders.
Mercedes M156 6.2L V8 Engine
Mercedes built this hand-assembled V8 with a race car-style dry-sump oil system. Each engine had special forged parts and a unique firing order for better performance. The engine needed expensive oil changes every 6,000 miles but could handle extreme track use. Many M156 engines have passed 200,000 miles in AMG cars.
Subaru EJ257 Flat-Four Engine
Subaru’s famous boxer engine used unequal-length headers and complicated all-wheel drive systems. The engine needed careful tuning and special attention to head gaskets. Despite these challenges, the EJ257 powered many WRX STI rally cars to victory. Properly maintained engines often lasted beyond 250,000 miles.
Honda C30A V6 Engine
Honda created this V6 with titanium connecting rods and a VTEC system that used extra cam lobes. The engine needed perfect valve adjustments and special oil to handle its 8,000 RPM redline. Many C30A engines in NSX sports cars have run reliably for over 300,000 miles. The engine proved that complex designs could last with proper care.
Volkswagen VR6 Engine
VW designed this unique engine that combined V6 and inline-six layouts into one compact package. The engine needed special timing chain services and precise coolant flow management. Despite its unusual design, many VR6 engines survived well past 200,000 miles. The engine remained reliable when owners followed maintenance schedules.
Maserati F136 V8 Engine
Ferrari and Maserati jointly developed this high-strung V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. The engine used dry-sump lubrication and needed perfect timing chain tension. Regular oil changes and valve adjustments kept these engines running strong. Many F136 engines still power Maserati sports cars past 150,000 miles.
Mitsubishi 6G72TT V6 Engine
Mitsubishi built this twin-turbo V6 with active aero control valves and dual air-to-air intercoolers. The engine required careful boost control and regular timing belt services. Despite its complexity, the 6G72TT powered many 3000GT VR-4 cars beyond 200,000 miles. Proper maintenance kept these engines reliable.
Audi W12 Engine
Audi combined two V6 engines to create this W12 powerplant with four rows of cylinders. The engine needed complex cooling systems and precise fuel injection timing. Regular maintenance kept these engines running smoothly in luxury cars. Many W12 engines have passed 150,000 miles without major issues.
Toyota 1LR-GUE V10 Engine
Toyota created this Formula 1-inspired engine for the Lexus LFA supercar. The engine used titanium valves and could rev from idle to redline in 0.6 seconds. Special sensors monitored engine health and precise maintenance kept them running. Most 1LR-GUE engines still run perfectly in preserved LFA models.
Volvo B8444S V8 Engine
Volvo designed this compact V8 with a transverse mounting and unique firing order. The engine needed careful timing belt maintenance and special oil filter changes. Regular service kept these engines running reliably in S80 sedans. Many B8444S engines lasted well beyond 200,000 miles.
Chrysler 8.0L V10 Engine
Chrysler modified their V8 design to create this massive truck engine with special head gaskets. The engine required regular valve adjustments and careful warm-up procedures. Proper maintenance kept these engines powering heavy trucks for years. Many V10 engines survived past 300,000 miles.
BMW S70/2 V12 Engine
BMW built this race-inspired V12 for the McLaren F1 supercar with individual throttle bodies. The engine needed perfect valve adjustments and special oil change procedures. Regular maintenance kept these engines running in million-dollar supercars. Most S70/2 engines still run perfectly after 30 years.
Nissan VRH35TT V8 Engine
Nissan created this twin-turbo V8 with plasma-coated cylinder walls for the GT-R race car. The engine used special sensors to monitor turbocharger speeds and boost pressure. Careful maintenance kept these engines reliable in endurance racing. Many VRH35TT engines lasted multiple racing seasons.
Jaguar V12 HE Engine
Jaguar designed this V12 with high-efficiency cylinder heads and complex fuel injection. The engine required perfect timing and careful fuel system maintenance. Regular service kept these engines running in luxury cars. Many V12 HE engines survived well past 150,000 miles.
Cadillac Northstar V8 Engine
Cadillac built this aluminum V8 with limp-home technology and variable valve timing. The engine needed careful head bolt maintenance and attention to the cooling system. Proper repairs and maintenance kept these engines running reliably. Many Northstar engines lasted beyond 200,000 miles despite their complexity.
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