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It's surreal seeing an LS-swapped Tesla pull into a Chevy service center.

Despite donning exterior looks that remained essentially the same for the past few years, the Tesla Model S continues to attract attention. This certain Model S does attract attention, particularly because it sounds like a V8-powered vehicle. Actually, this Model S is now a V8 sedan, and it actually drives on the road.

This is just another of those engine swaps, but an unusual one as it involved a Tesla Model S and an LS3 V8 engine. Rich Benoit – a.k.a. Rich Rebuilds – commenced this project around two years ago with a flood-ruined Tesla Model S P85D. But since Tesla wouldn’t sell a replacement powertrain, Rich decided to convert the Model S into an ICE car. He acquired an LS3 V8 engine from a Chevrolet Camaro SS as well as electronics for the Tesla.

Together with his pals, Rich tried to figure everything out. They built a new transmission tunnel, installed a new fuel cell, and put the interior back to their places. Then they installed a new muffler, a sequential shifter, gear indicator and more. They also installed fuel pumps and various V8-related accessories. They reached a new milestone when the V8 Tesla finally came to life.

Rich’s V8 Tesla was bound for display at the SEMA Show, so the team had to make the ICEd Model S look more than attractive. They chose to finish the car in bronze or ICE Tea, as it is a Tesla with ICE (car's name is ICE-T). They implemented a chrome delete on several sections, including the A pillar, door handles and turn signal. The V8 Tesla also features various blacked out parts, including its windows and headlights with color-matching shroud.

RELATED: Rich Rebuilds' V8 Tesla Stole The Show At SEMA 2021

The V8 Tesla rides on high-performance WELD wheels, which Rich plans to replace with blacked out ones in the future. Rich decided to install air suspension instead of coilovers as the adjustable ground clearance makes the V8 Tesla look convincingly great good.

Interestingly, Tesla electronics still work. Various functionalities are now operational, including the navigation work, Bluetooth and steering wheel. The V8 Tesla doesn’t have a key, though (nowhere to install), so Rich just employs a key fob to start the engine and everything. Of course, the engine is still independent of the car. Rich is now proceeding to the second phase of the project.

The car still can’t do many things, but it drives. It surprised people at a gas station and in a local Chevrolet dealership.

Source: Rich Rebuilds On YouTube

Julybien Atadero writes from the island of Cebu covering various automotive topics including new sports cars, classic muscles, pickup trucks and SUVs. While I like peace and quiet, I love playing with my kid. When I have nothing else to do, I watch documentaries and animations.