Can I use a 1/25 engine in a 1/24 model?

[Duncan4114]

I've been looking for a good 1/24 scale SBC engine, but can only find it in 1/25 scale.  Probably couldn't swap out a chassis, but smaller parts like engines or wheels might work.  I found the engines I need at VCG Resin, along with some other parts.  It would sure save me a lot of aggravation if swapping will work.  Any one doing that? .

[stitchdup]

It depends what your putting it in. some 1/24 kits look ok with a 1/25 engine but others will look out of place. If it looks ok to you in a pic then it should be ok.

[LL3 Model Worx]

  On 10/29/2022 at 6:48 PM, Duncan4114 said:

I've been looking for a good 1/24 scale SBC engine, but can only find it in 1/25 scale.  Probably couldn't swap out a chassis, but smaller parts like engines or wheels might work.  I found the engines I need at VCG Resin, along with some other parts.  It would sure save me a lot of aggravation if swapping will work.  Any one doing that? .

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The linberg 37 custom Ford has a pretty nice 1/24 scale small block... its like a tpi motor but swapping intakes would be easy enough...

 

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Frankly, the scaling of many kit engines is so imprecise, you can usually swap between 1/24 and 1/25 sources without it being obvious.

Truth: often, if you compare the same engine (like smallblock Chevys for instance) from a kit labeled 1/24, and a different car entirely labeled 1/25 side by side, while they should be noticeably slightly different sizes, they just aren't.

Several kits have even been released labeled as 1/24 and 1/25 at different times, and some aftermarket parts are labeled as appropriate for both scales, on the same package.

I've really had no immediately noticeable problems, and I'm kinda a stickler about appearance.

There are, unfortunately, several engines in kits labeled 1/25 that are so ridiculously under-scale, you can't even use 'em in what they come in if you have any feeling whatsoever for correct relative sizes.

Edited October 29, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy

[Duncan4114]

Thanks guys.  I'll get the 1/25 engine from VCG, and I think I have that 37 Ford on a wish list on Model Round Up.  Is it the Boyd Smoothster.  It's going into a 1968 SCCA Corvette race car.

Edited October 29, 2022 by Duncan4114

[LL3 Model Worx]

  On 10/29/2022 at 9:07 PM, Duncan4114 said:

Thanks guys.  I'll get the 1/25 engine from VCG, and I think I have that 37 Ford on a wish list on Model Round Up.  Is it the Boyd Smoothster.  It's going into a 1968 SCCA Corvette race car.

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Yup, its the Boyd car.

[Plowboy]

The Revell-Monogram 1/24 '37 Ford coupe, sedan and cabriolet have a very nice SBC in them. The coupe has TPI. The cabriolet has a carburetor. Not sure on the sedan. They're backed by an automatic transmission. I think it's an AOD. They are a true 1/24 scale.

[Fat Brian]

If you can find one of the old Accurate Miniatures Grand Sport Corvettes or the Revell reboxing they have a 377 small block race engine and manual transmission. I don't know if the Webers are SCCA legal but they sure do look good.

[BubbaBrown]

I found when swapping engines if I stay with the same brands it is easier, Amt/Mpc to Amt/Mpc and Revell to Revell.

[Duncan4114]

Thanks for the heads up on the additional models.  I have so few from the 30's, I'll put them on my wishlist because I know someone is checking it this time of year.  I do have have one of those Grand Sport Corvettes, I completely forgot I had it.  I suppose I could make a resin copy of the engine. 

Bubba, I'm some what familiar with your town.  I use to race at Nelson Ledges in the 70's, always stayed at the Warren Motor Lodge.  That is the car I'm building.  Track looks great now, but it was pretty rough back then, especially when it rained: mud everywhere.  Sure do miss it.