Source: TikTok @thatkswappedekDIY culture has come a long way from Pinterest crafts and IKEA hacks. With more people rolling up their sleeves and diving into hands-on projects, the definition of “do-it-yourself” is stretching in ways no one saw coming. Enter Temu, a shopping app that’s quietly become a haven for budget-friendly innovation.
From arts and crafts to electronics and auto parts, Temu offers a little bit of everything. But one Florida TikToker recently took things to a whole new level. Not only did he rebuild a working LS V8 engine using only parts from Temu, but now he’s preparing to test his creation with a 700-mile road trip.
The DIY Spirit Gets a Temu Twist
It’s no secret that Temu has exploded in popularity. With exceptionally low prices and an extensive product catalog, the platform has captured the attention of both everyday consumers and dedicated hobbyists. Among them is Irving, known on TikTok as @thatkswappedek, who recently embarked on his most ambitious project to date: constructing a fully functional car engine using only components sourced from Temu. After coming across claims that many auto brands were simply rebranding inexpensive components from sites like Temu, he decided to try rebuilding a car engine with nothing but Temu parts.
It was a bold experiment, one that combined curiosity, creativity, and risk. With a mix of curiosity and grit, he set out on his build, filming every step for his TikTok audience of fellow car fanatics.
Temu-Built, Track-Ready
Part by part, bolt by bolt, Irving pieced together the engine with patience, precision, and a whole lot of determination. What began as a pile of affordable components from Temu slowly took shape into something far more substantial than anyone expected—a fully assembled LS engine built entirely in his garage. No fancy tools. No brand-name backing. Just a DIYer armed with internet research, grit, and a goal.
The newly built engine was taken to a local mechanic for its first real test. As the key turned and the ignition caught, the engine roared to life, then settled into a smooth, confident purr that sounded more like a machine from a high-end performance shop than a DIY build. After running a full diagnostics check and inspecting every component, the mechanic gave it a thumbs-up.
What’s Next? A 700-Mile Road Test
Irving’s preparing for a 700-mile road trip to the legendary Tail of the Dragon, a winding, high-performance stretch of road that draws enthusiasts from all over the country.
It’s a bold move that perfectly captures the spirit of today’s DIY movement: resourceful, fearless, and sometimes a little outrageous. After building an engine with only affordable parts from Temu and silencing the skeptics, he’s now taking it to the road.
The Bigger Picture: DIY in the Age of Affordable Everything
This story isn’t just about one man and his budget engine. It is about how DIY culture is evolving. Platforms like Temu are lowering the barrier to entry, giving more people access to tools and parts they might never have considered before. Whether you’re building a garden bench, customizing a drone, or rebuilding a V8, the resources are out there, and increasingly, they’re just a tap away.
DIY is no longer confined to hobbyists with spare time or professionals with training. It’s for anyone willing to learn, experiment, and get their hands a little dirty. In a world that often encourages consumption over creation, stories like this serve as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always come from the top down—it can just as easily come from a backyard, a budget, and a bold idea.
