DIY is having a major moment. From home renovations and upcycled furniture to arts, crafts, and everything in between. But have you ever heard of someone building their car engine from scratch? One Florida TikToker just pulled it off, and yes, it runs!
Irving–known online as @thatkswappedek–took on this bold challenge and proved that DIY enthusiasts can do more with less. After sourcing every essential component for his engine rebuild from Temu, he now has a running LS engine, and he’s preparing for a road trip across hundreds of miles to show off his creation.
The Rise of DIY with Temu: Crafting a Budget-Friendly Engine
Temu has gained momentum as a platform offering affordable alternatives for just about everything, including car parts. DIYers are taking advantage of the platform’s low-cost options for experimental projects. A recent survey by Omnisend revealed that 53% of consumers shopped on Temu last year, drawn in by its competitive prices. Offering savings of up to 40% compared to retailers like Amazon, Temu has become a popular destination for those looking to maximize their budget.
For Irving, this price gap was the key factor. Rather than spending thousands on a traditional engine rebuild, he set out to see if he could restore a junkyard LS engine using only Temu parts for just $700. After purchasing a $500 junkyard engine, he turned to Temu for key components such as a $162 camshaft, oil pump, and gaskets.
As the engine slowly came together, his confidence grew. “I have a feeling I’m going to prove a lot of you wrong,” he said in a video, determined to show that affordable parts could deliver impressive results.
The Temu Engine Challenge: DIY at Its Best
It all began with a simple scroll on TikTok when Irving discovered a theory that auto parts brands were reselling inexpensive components from Temu at inflated prices. Intrigued by the idea, he decided to take on a challenge: Could he rebuild an entire LS engine using nothing but parts sourced from Temu and do it all for only $700?
When the parts arrived, Irving was pleasantly surprised. They were in better shape than expected, and after comparing them to standard parts, he found no issues. But the real test would come when he attempted to start the engine.
The Moment of Truth: Does It Run?
After days of hard work, it was finally time to test the engine. Irving took his Temu-powered creation to a local mechanic, connected it to the diagnostics system, and flicked the switch.
At first, nothing. Then—ROAR.
The engine roared to life, sounding smooth and powerful. Even the mechanic, who had been initially doubtful, was impressed. After running diagnostics, he gave the engine a thumbs-up, confirming that it was in perfect working condition.
The reaction from followers was overwhelming:
- “I’m worried now—my mechanic might be using Temu parts and charging me full price.”
- “Next challenge: Build a Temu Porsche.”
The Ultimate Test: A 700-Mile Road Trip
Starting the engine was one thing, but the real challenge was whether it could endure a long-distance test. Irving believes it will. He’s planning a 700-mile road trip to the famous Tail of the Dragon, a legendary stretch of road known for its sharp curves and breathtaking scenery.
Will this Temu engine stand the test of a grueling road trip? We’ll have to stay tuned to see if this DIY, low-cost creation has what it takes to conquer the full 700 miles.
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