The stunning results of a Ferrari V8 swap in a Subaru WRX STI

A rally-car driver in the USA has swapped his Subaru WRX STI engine for a Ferrari V8 instead.

Sam Albert replaced the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in his WRX STI with a Ferrari F136 4.3L V8 – which served in a range of cars, including the Alfa Romeo 8C – in search of more power and torque for racing.

Reportedly the WRX is making “near identical to stock reported Ferrari numbers” – during its life, the engine produced as much as 445kW of power and 538Nm of torque.

The stock WRX STI makes 224kW of power and 408Nm of torque.

The engine change wasn’t just for the shock and awe but also to increase power outputs without being disadvantaged in the American Rally Association National Championship.

Regulations for Albert’s class state a car with a naturally-aspirated engine below 4.5 litres doesn’t require its power to be restricted, meaning the 4.3-litre V8 can be let loose. As a side-effect, he says the buttery smooth torque delivery is beneficial at ten-tenths.

Sam has been documenting the experience on social media including dyno testing, explainer videos, and a recent video of a shakedown.

A video posted by DirtFish on Youtube shows the rally car taking to the track with the beautiful symphony of its V8 engine on bitumen and dirt.