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Engine Swaps

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Comments

  • greg48336greg48336 Member Posts: 4
    I originally wanted to restore the '76 car (given to me by a relative), but the frame is too rusted out in the back. It has very low mileage (about 60K). I got the '85 car really cheap on ebay, and it was local. Currently, there are no emission laws in my state for cars this age, so I don't have to worry about that.

    Since my setup will be using a 305 V8 with vacuum advance and TH350 with vacuum modulator, are there things I will want to disconnect with the ECM? Not sure how much it controlled on '85 models.

    Also, I do not believe that my block should be any different than a newer one, so the motor mounts and the accessory brackets should be the same. Please let me know if you know differently.

    I plan to use the alternator on the '76 engine, and I was also going to use the power steering pump from that car also, and reconnect the hoses to the '85 steering gearbox. Do you agree with this?

    If I install headers, should I install them before putting the 305 into the '85 car?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well I think you'll have to rewire the entire '85 car. None of this stuff is going to work with your '76 engine and transmission, which will be controlled mostly mechanically I presume. So you'll have to figure out the charging and ignition systems based on how the '76 used to work.

    The blocks might be the "same" but I'm sure not all accessories go in the same holes...if you are lucky you'll find the right holes, but GM was always switching alternators from the left side to the right, or pumps this way and that.

    I'd use only the '85 steering components complete unless you are going to swap in the '76 complete post and box. You can get into very weird stuff by using a box from one car and a ram and steering arms from another....they aren't engineered to work together.

    The way you are doing things is kind of backwards I think...swapping an ancient technology into a more modern car...most folks these days are doing the opposite, which is a lot easier in some ways....it's easier to upgrade on old car than to downgrade a modern one.

    does that make sense? Hope so.
  • greg48336greg48336 Member Posts: 4
    Yes it does, unfortunately, and now I am getting cold feet about this. I think I will put the cars side by side and see how the routing to all the devices compares. I will also try to get some pictures of how the 305 V8 looked in a 1985 car. Thanks for your candor.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well I don't wish to discourage you, just encourage you to plan ahead and take the time to do your homework before you jump in. From my own experience, I recall how discouraging it was to get into a project and slowly come to the realization that I was in over my head, and that I couldn't go forward and couldn't back up.

    it's not good to find yourself without options. When it comes to engine swaps, information is the best tool in your toolbox. You can save hours...no DAYS...of knuckle-busting work by planning your method of attack.
  • 05jettagli05jettagli Member Posts: 1
    i have a 05 jetta gli 1.8t. its not fast enough 4 me. i was wontin to turn the turbo boost up but i dont kno how to. i know i should get the chip but i dont want to void the w. anybody know how to turn the boost up, please let me know. and if you have any other ideas how to make if faster let me know!
    thanks
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    You need a boost controller, there's no other safe way to do this. You have to know what's going on because not only the amount of boost but the duration of boost is critical. And I don't see any way around the warranty either. My advice is if you want to go fast, do it right and don't try to play both ends...either give up the warranty or give up the idea of making this car fast==you can't really have it both ways and feel good about what you are doing for yourself or the car, IMO.
  • iroc_fieroiroc_fiero Member Posts: 3
    I'm researching a project that I am working on and hope somebody who has done it or somebody who is pretty familiar with Fieros can give me some information. I've got a 1988 SE nothback that is going to be the victim of a transplant. I aquired a TPI 305 from an IROC-Z28 Camaro and have located a kit to install it(The V8 Archie Kit). The kit uses the stock fiero transmission (which is strongly advised that you strengthen). My question is about making that transmission (its an automatic) capable of handling more power. I have been told that there are newer transmissions that would bolt directly on to the fiero with little or no modification. But which ones? From which vehicles? Thanks in advance for any questions comments concerns or complaints.
  • iroc_fieroiroc_fiero Member Posts: 3
    :confuse: Anybody have any insight to the fiero transmissions? It may be easier just to grab a Northstar out of a caddy in a salvage yard. Its common to do that with this type of engine swap, but I was hoping to maintain the stock transmission and axel setup. That would really save me from having to custom fabricate more mounting brackets generally make the process smoother. That also raises the question of having the ECU to control the tranny... Any help?
  • jonesy44jonesy44 Member Posts: 1
    I bought an 85 S15 Jimmy and I am looking to restore it but I'm wanting to get away from the 2.8L that is currently in it. What I'd like to know is could I squeeze a 5.7L or 4.3L? If any has done this or knows of anyone who has let me know. Thanxs!!!
  • greg48336greg48336 Member Posts: 4
    Since the engine and tranmission are the "old" style, they obviously will not require signals from the '85 ECM. How can I find out what the ECM controlled in 1985 besides engine and transmission features, assuming I need to keep it in the car at all? I do plan to rewire the engine compartment of the car, or at least strip out what I no longer need there.

    Also, I need to try to find the wiring diagram for the '85 V6 car, so that I can label the wires as I disconnect them. Any ideas of a source for this?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Damn....there is a website that carries wiring diagrams but I just can't think of it. I just e-mailed you the address of one of our visiting techs and he might know.

    Shiftright the Host
  • zeronulzeronul Member Posts: 1
    Hey all, looking to do an engine swap on a '95 Eclipse. I was told that the 2.5 Avenger engine would fit ... but I'm not so sure how much I trust that particular source since he was the one trying to sell me the Avenger engine. Anyway, long story short: anyone heard of this before? Or does anyone know of any other simple engine swaps?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'll tell you my rule of thumb on these kinds of "unusual" engine swaps. I would NEVER attempt this without talking to a "pioneer", that is, someone who has gone before you and done the exact swap. This will probably require you expanded your search beyond these boards but check in with us and maybe somebody knows something more.

    A person can put just about any engine into any car with enough time and money but I sincerely doubt this is your plan, and I also doubt that we are talking about a "bolt in" kind of deal.

    Maybe you need to do a 2-step investigation here...one, can you even put the Mitsu V-6 in your car and how much trouble is that? (I assume you have a base 4 cylinder engine in your car) ....then you can maybe figure what Dodge has done to the Avenger set up to change it from the normal Mitsubishi V-6 installation.

    Also, not to be discouraging I hope, your car isn't worth a lot of money so anything you spend on the car will not be recovered when you sell it.
  • escortmanescortman Member Posts: 1
    I have a '96 escort and want to do a engine swap. what is the biggest(most powerfull) engine that will fit without alot of custom work?
  • thomas_the_gthomas_the_g Member Posts: 1
    I own a 1984 533i BMW with a quirky motor and trans that's going out. But I also have access to a 1995 5 series motor and trans with all accessories for $700. I was wondering how hard a swap would be to put the '95 motor/trans in my '84. Will it fit without too many mods?
    Thanks for any help you can give me.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I think it would be a daunting engineering task and you still wouldn't have a car worth very much when you were done. You'd be much better off just rebuilding your stock engine and if you wish doing some exhaust and cylinder head work to it for extra power if you want it. A '95 motor would need all its computer controls to say nothing of all the mechanical modifications. You don't want this kind of Franken-car.
  • rabbit1rabbit1 Member Posts: 1
    Hey fellas, i got a 94 nissan altima. Have no clue about this kinda thing. Was hopin for some suggestions I could look into for an engine swap. Want real good acceleration from 1-60. Any suggestions would be great.
    thanx.
  • bumpybumpy Member Posts: 4,425
    There are a few different ways you can go.

    Turbo the KA24DE. You'll need to find someplace with a good reputation to do this, since the engine will need internal work and tuning.

    Swap in an SR20DET from a U13 Bluebird SSS (Japanese Altima). You'll want the whole front clip to get the radiator, motor mounts, and other parts; and you'll need the tranny from an SE-R or G20 since the Bluebird AWD tranny won't fit in the Altima.

    Swap in an SR20VE. You'd still need the Bluebird clip for parts, but you might be able to get a clip less motor and tranny. Add the VVL motor and SE-R or G20 tranny.

    Altima swaps are fairly uncommon since most Nissan performance of that vintage goes toward the 240SX (rear wheel drive), Sentra (lighter and smaller), or G20 (already has an SR20).
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    thanks for all the good info, bumpy!

    Mrshiftright
    Co-Host
  • enduroenduro Member Posts: 1
    have you any info on the BMW/Chevy swap.

    Don

    Medford NJ
  • the_polish_manthe_polish_man Member Posts: 3
    Hey, SO im getting a 1999 VW Golf GTI, and i was wondering what would be the max boost i should be running it at if i have the stock engine and stock Turbo, and i was also wondering how i would change my boost to something more higher... than the stock, also if i do turn up the boost what would be good to replace?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Here's a system for you

    http://www.electrodyne.cc/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ED&Product_Code=93- 545

    (I'm NOT recommending it because I never tried it!). It's a boost controller...and you'll want a better diverter valve for your stock turbo (or you'll dump boost too quickly) and a turbo timer to keep oil circulating in the turbo after you have shut down your engine. Figure $500 bucks or so plus installation costs if you aren't doing it yourself, and for that you get (claimed) 43 wheel horsepower!

    However, you should know that running a stock engine at higher boost than designed will shorten its life, depending on your discipline. You don't get something for nothing.
  • the_polish_manthe_polish_man Member Posts: 3
    Allright, and ya im gonna do it myself, im a mechanic, but im just getting into some serious tunning, and im just trying to see if i should get that vw golf, like, i dont care really if it lasts me only like a year or even 2 b/c i just want this to have some fun, and when i blow it up i wanna have a serious engine ready with cam's lifter's, pistons, rods, bearings, turbo uprage, and just the whole deal, just i dont know how much it's gonna cost me and im think about 2,000 b/c im getting all the parts' and engine, From Europe, b/c i have someone over there, they are going to bring my engine Litterally in parts, every couple months when he comes back and fourth, so i know it's gonna be a hell of alot cheaper, and it's better from The germans... do you think it would be worth getting it from Europe, or should i just get one from here?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    nah, I'd get the engine done here.
  • the_polish_manthe_polish_man Member Posts: 3
    Allright thanks man
  • greedgreed Member Posts: 1
    Hi there, I was wondering what type of engine I could drop into my little 95 Nissan 200sx SE. The largest most aggressive engine possible :mad: for my FWD car :lemon: ahha thanks.

    Ory
  • bumpybumpy Member Posts: 4,425
    Same choices as for the Altima a few posts up. You'd probably want the SR20DET, and you'll need a lot of SE-R parts (brackets, radiator, wiring harness, tranny).
  • viper3viper3 Member Posts: 2
    i have a 95 jeep cherokee with a 2.5L 4 cyl. and i was curious what would have to be changed in order to drop in a 4.0L v6.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Try the Jeep Cherokee discussion too.

    Steve, Host
  • blackcherrymusblackcherrymus Member Posts: 1
    what engine mounts do i need to install a 460 in my 76 f250 highboy? i have the original towers from the donor truck but they don't fit. any help would be appreciated. thanks
  • zwulfzwulf Member Posts: 1
    Want to do total engine swap on 83 Z28. Have 90 RS 305 TBI w/5spd trans. Want to put in 83 Z28. It has 350 auto. Need to know if I need to swap complete wire harnesses, etc. or if existing interior harness will plug up. Know I'll have to swap fuel tank, etc as is elec. fuel pump. Any ideas, info? Thanks,
  • mullins87mullins87 Member Posts: 959
    I'm currently going through a similar swap in a '95 Wrangler. Here's what will have to be changed: Engine(obviously), transmission, transfer case input shaft(or whole unit to one with the correct input shaft), engine wiring harness, computer, engine mounts will have to be moved(at least they do in the Wrangler), air box setup, radiator(maybe, it's the same part in the Wrangler), power steering pump(4 cylinder uses a remote reserve tank, I think, while the 6 uses an integrated one), starter, entire fuel delivery system(see comments below for explanation)....... I know I'm leaving things out. This is all I have considered on my swap. I haven't actually started my swap, but I am going through it looking at everything that is affected. I want to have all the parts together before I take the Wrangler apart.

    Be careful of the engine you buy. While you should consider its condition, try to buy a '92 to '95 model. I've been told there was a cylinder head design change in '92, making it more powerful than the '91 model. You can put an older engine in if you want to, but I wouldn't. Also, you can put a newer than '95 model year engine in. However a '96 on up will be an OBD-II engine, and while it can be plugged into an OBD-I computer(that's what you have), the fuel system will have to be replaced. OBD-I systems use a fuel pressure regulator mounted on the fuel rail, with an attached return line, and operate around 40 psi. OBD-II systems utilize a tank mounted pressure regulator, therefore no return line, and they operate at around 50 psi. Your current fuel pump may, or may not, be capable of running 50 psi for an extended time. Also, if you buy an OBD-II engine you'll probably want to run the OBD-II computer with it. It is very possible to integrate its wiring into your current harness, and I've read a few articles where it has been done, I started to do it as well. However, after diving into it, I've decided to go with an OBD-I setup.
  • ppritchppritch Member Posts: 2
    Swapping the motor and tranny in my son's 79 Malibu. The new tranny(TH350) mounts don't match up to the frame. He said the was a bracket attached to the old tranny that attached to the frame and also had a hanger for the catalytic converter but he didn't keep it. Does anyone know the name of this and where I can acquire a new one?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Probably called the rear transmission mount and probably a wrecking yard item.
  • ppritchppritch Member Posts: 2
    I've hit a couple of junk yards but as of yet haven't found one...
  • mopardude4mopardude4 Member Posts: 1
    Hey all, I was wondering if i could swap my old 97 motor for the 2000-2003 neon motor? If is could would there be anything that needed to be changed? Or if it cant be dont why is that?

    Thanks,
    Paul
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Once again the biggest challenge these days to swapping out older motors for newer ones is the engine management systems and getting all that to work in your 1997 car. At least with the much older cars when you swap you can often buy aftermarket EMS.
  • vwbellvwbell Member Posts: 3
    Alright guys, I have a 2003 Jetta 2.0 that I bought for the sole purpose of turbocharging. I met a guy with a tuner shop that will perform all the necessary modifications and upgrades for $2,500. Great price, but after doing some research I like the idea of supercharged Jettas. Does anyone have any advice. I know it is going to be about $1,000 more but that is fairly trivial.
  • meedelmeedel Member Posts: 1
    I rebuilding my 1987 Wrangler with a 1994 Grand Cherokee 4.0 HO engine.
    I had troubles with my computer. ( one of 1992 )
    Now I've got a correct computer from 1994 ( from a Wrangler ) with AX15 support.
    I have placed a wiring harnes from a 1994 Wrangler and it's patrol tank.

    Now my next move is to get the fuel pressure regulator working.
    Everything else seems to be oke.

    It's a good move to implement a Cherokee 4.0 HO engine.

    regards, :)
  • mullins87mullins87 Member Posts: 959
    I just landed a computer and wiring harness for a 4.0L with AX-15 tranny out of a '95 Wrangler. I consider myself lucky that it's the same year harness as my Wrangler, this way I don't have to worry about the wiring harness plugging into the fuse block. Now if I can land an AX-15 at a reasonable price, I'll be in business! :D
  • mandrew1mandrew1 Member Posts: 2
    I switched out the engine of my 1984 Wagoneer with a 1986 2.8 and I am having a real problem with the wiring none of the wire ends will match up the wiring has been changed before I got the Jeep the computer control is not on the 1984 but it is on the 1986 this simple engine switch is becoming a nightmare can I by pass the computer control since my 1984 does not have it the Haines manual I have is no help,I have asked a number of pro`s locally but they were more lost then I am,does anybody have any advice.? thanks for reading this countryc
  • mullins87mullins87 Member Posts: 959
    Well, I must say that I know absolutely nothing about the engine/vehicle in question. Running on my experiences from other vehicles, which in this case may be worth a lot less than $0.02. If the '86 engine is not computer controlled, except for an O2 sensor, then you can bypass the computer. Is the ignition on the '86 computer controlled? Can the ignition from the '84 engine be swapped out?

    Can you give us more information about the engine?
  • mandrew1mandrew1 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the reply the 1986 engine has a computer command control module and a four wire plug coming out of it that goes to the distributor and plugs in,there also a two wire plug coming out of the distributor that goes to the coil,the coil also has a second plug for a two wire plug that I am not sure were it is or were it goes. The 1986 Jeep was totaled out by the owner not me there was not much left other then the engine and tranny my Haynes repair book is not much help with this. I can fix anything when it comes to the mechanical repairs but the electrical repairs can give me gray hairs. The engine turns over but it is not getting the spark it needs to start,coil wire is plug into the distributor,I think my problem is the other two plug that the coil has on it my repair manual does not show it and it is for repairing 1984---2000 Jeep Wagoneer,Cherokee and Comanche maybe I should replace the distributor with one out of a 84 jeep or S10 they have the same engine.
  • mullins87mullins87 Member Posts: 959
    If it's not getting any spark, then changing out the distributor with the one from the old engine would be my first move. Could that two wire plug coming from the coil be the 12V power supply?
  • 97jgc97jgc Member Posts: 1
    :cry: I was just reading the post of another member who also blew their motor in the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee and was advised to get a used motor or a crate engine. I also just purchased the a 1997 Laredo with the V-8 and have no intentions of getting rid of it now. Other than the hunk of metal now sitting in the engine compartment, it's in perfect condition all around. Has all the toys on it too. So, I do not want to go for the used engine but would rather drop in a nice v-8 that is compatible. Can anyone recommend a few choices that won't require a whole new power train or massive engine compartment gutting to fit it in? I'm looking to up the HP to around 300 or 350 if possible from the stock 225 HP the 97 engine produced. I also figure I'll be dropping about 3500 to 4000 on an engine and no idea on labor and install yet. I was thinking it might have to be a chrysler but I have seen people use Chevy's in swaps. Since I am not a mechanic, looking at the specs myself is not going so well because I don't understand them to be honest. Any help at least on a few to look at would be fantastic. I don't want to simply rely on my mechanic to tell me everything without having a little knowledge of some options if possible.

    I'd be happy to reply with progress on what I encounter so other might learn from it as well.
  • dudley318dudley318 Member Posts: 1
    I HAVE A 96 BMW 318, AUTO. ITS GETTING VERY TIRED. I WOULD LIKE TO SWAP IN A LATER ( READ MORE H/P) 6 CYLINDER ENGINE AND TRANS. ANY SUGGESTIONS. ITS ALSO GOT TO REMAIN SMOG LEGAL.
  • mrhaney409mrhaney409 Member Posts: 1
    I HAVE A 97 KIA SPORTAGE RWD. 2.0 LITER AND NEED TO KNOW IF A 1.8 LITER OUT OF 96 SEPHIA FRNT.WD WILL INTERCHANGE AND IF SO WITH WHAT DIFFICULTY ?
    PLEASE HELP ANY ADVICE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
  • jsmokinjsmokin Member Posts: 2
    whats up i'm in the same jam your in except i want the b18 motor swapp for my 91 civic hatchback
  • jsmokinjsmokin Member Posts: 2
    TO ANYONE OUT THERE WHO KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT MAKING A B18 MOTOR AND TRANS FIT IN A 91 CIVIC HATCH BACK PLEASE GET BACK TO ME!!!
  • jhawk21jhawk21 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1997 dodge neon sport and i want to swap out the engine for a different one. I want to put in either a srt-4 engine or a mitsubishi gsx engine. is this possible??
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