Engines are typically judged on their efficiency, their power ratings, and their ability to make noise and thrust a hot rod down the road. That being said, there is a definite aesthetic appeal to them as well. Proof of that is the gallery of 50 engine photos that ran earlier today. If an engine is a compelling photo subject, it has to draw out opinions from people viewing them, hence the reason for this question.
If one were to get the data about how many million or hundreds of millions of dollars have been made over the years on snappy valve covers, polished carbs, high temp engine paint, chrome alternator brackets, and any other piece designed purely to make the pile of big iron under the hood look better, the numbers would be staggering.
Today’s question of the day should draw out some interesting answers and we’re sure that brand loyalty won’t play any role in the way people respond to this question.
BangShift Question of the Day: What is the Ugliest Engine Ever?
Anything from post 1972 to 1988.
the hoses of insanity.
That Tucker engine looks kinda funky…definitely not the prettiest lump I’ve ever seen.
The small block ford is difficult to fix up so it looks nice. But I guess that applies to most of the the front-distributor engines.
Whatever engine is the opposite of the the 392 hemi is probably the ugliest
‘Probably the [Mazda/Wankel] rotaries…
The leaning tower of power from Mother Mopar tops all comers.
Fugly, fugly, fugly…
Ron
Half an International V8 or the rotary
This Mitsubishi G54B looks as if the car is powered by blackened garden hose.
Mitsubishi Montero G54B
Oh God! It’s Kthulu
Im not sure whats the ugliest engine now a days, there is plenty to choose from. But the best looking of all the stock engines is the First Gen Hemi (331-354-392) and Second Gen Hemi (426) is certainly the best looking. That and the cross ram 413-426 Max Wedges./
I never much cared for Ford Y blocks.
Duramax
Anything diesel in an oldsmobile or an s-10
I’m going with the Ford Mod motors with their massive size and tiny cubes. Not to mention the air intake on top that looks like they got it from Home Depot’s plumbing dept.
small block chivy thats why everybody and their dog makes chrome for it
What is ugly to me is these plastic covers which modern manufacturers use
to hide their engines.
It used to be that car makers took some measure of pride in their product
and made at least some effort to make it attractive looking.
The ’80’s six cylinder BMW’s are an excellent example of caring about what
your car’s engine looks like.
LS is not a handsome engine as far as I’m concerned… but a Homelite weedeater motor is ugly. A one sided crank support will never look right.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/leslieherger/2801936484/