Engine swaps have produced some astonishing results, from a turbocharged Nissan Silvia engine in a Mustang II to a Viper V-10 in a BMW M3. We’ve witnessed a Mustang equipped with a Corvette engine and even a Prius powered by a Hellcat. Just when we believed we had seen everything, a remarkable new creation emerged—a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited transformed with a steam engine and two additional wheels.
Dubbed the Loco Hauk, this distinctive vehicle was crafted by Hauk Designs in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The name “loco” references both its locomotive-like steam engine and its inherently wild nature. According to the Four Wheeler Network, the engine features a 100ci V-4 single-acting, trunk-piston, poppet-valve uniflow steam design, paired with an NSG370 6-speed manual transmission. The steam engine is fed by three water pumps drawing from a 55-gallon tank, operating at pressures reaching up to 1,000 pounds per square inch. This ambitious design relies on six batteries and six constant-duty solenoids to keep everything operational. Remarkably, a full 55-gallon tank can propel the Loco Hauk for 1 to 1.5 miles while cruising at speeds between 30 and 35 mph.
The Loco Hauk boasts a BDS four-link suspension system with four-inch BDS coil springs and Fox shocks. It rolls on six Grid Off-Road GD1 wheels fitted with 41.5×13.50R17 Pit Bull Rocker tires. This unique 6×6 vehicle has been engineered to resemble a locomotive, featuring three differentials: TeraFlex D60 units for the front and rear, along with a Ford nine-inch differential for the middle axle.
The aesthetic of the Loco Hauk evokes a Wild West style, both inside and out. Its black exterior is complemented by vintage gold accents that enhance the train-like theme, which continues into the interior. Inside, it features a 19th-century locomotive steam gauge along with vintage water well pumps for steam control and gear shifting. Modern touches include leather seats with diamond stitching from Star Fabrication and a Kicker stereo system.
While a steam engine in a JK Wrangler may not be the most practical or powerful engine swap seen to date, it undeniably stands out as one of the most fascinating.
.
