Engine Swap Advice Time! No Unreasonable Suggestion Left Behind!

"liquid_popcorn" (liquid-popcorn) 02/10/2014 at 18:06 • Filed to: engine swap, powaaaah, killalltires, fuckyocouch

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I am tired of the 240DL's anemic engine, shit fuel economy, and sluggish autotragic gearbox. Considering keeping it and building it since I just dumped $400 into parts for the front end (eff you deer), which will be done this weekend if they arrive on time.

So, here's what I want to do. I have a source for ipd lowering springs, bilstein shocks/struts, ipd front and rear sways, and a few other knick knacks. What I want to do is start planning a full engine swap and better brakes, along with a replacement transmission to go with it. Budget is a factor, so nothing as crazy awesome as the Volvo pictured above unfortunately. Still needs to function as a daily, and still needs an auto because the wife doesn't like driving a manual.

So, throw up your suggestions! There's a lot of room in the bay, so don't hold back! Hoping to start gathering parts next month, and move on the swap near the end of summer/early fall once I have most of what I need in order. Looking to do minimal fabrication. Fuel economy and scene points are not factors whatsoever.

LeadfootYT > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:08

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There's a lot of support in Volvos for doing SBC swaps, or so I hear. There are probably kits to adapt it, and automatic swaps are common enough. It's played out, but that's probably best for reliability and functionability.

daender > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:09

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Maybe a turbo motor out of a later Volvo? Not sure what the going prices are thought.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:09

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Get a VW 2L TFSI, and do some serious mods to it. With a KO4 turbo, they make 370-ish hp. They're also relatively reliable, and the DSG is an amazing transmission!

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:09

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Duramax diesel.

Boom. Done.

RazoE > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:10

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SR20DET/auto out of a Silvia? They're cheap, and no one wants the auto so it shouldn't be too expensive. Tons of aftermarket support and plenty of power.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nissan-Sil…

It's expensive, but you could sell the front end for a bit of cash.

You can also slap a turbo on this baby.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-NISSAN…

$1000!

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:10

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2JZ's and LS1's are fairly common.

You might be able to source a 2JZ-GE and auto box from an IS300?

For Sweden > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:13

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There's a reason why LSx swaps are so common; just do it.

RazoE > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 02/10/2014 at 18:13

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You can get an auto GE from an IS300, GS300, SC300, or an NA MKIV. Plenty of options!

liquid_popcorn > LeadfootYT 02/10/2014 at 18:17

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True, that's an option as well. I'd prefer to do something more interesting, but unfortunately as this is the wife's DD I can only go so crazy. :/

liquid_popcorn > daender 02/10/2014 at 18:18

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Definitely under consideration; barely starting research though. I know whiteblock swaps are fairly common, but I don't know if I like the engines well enough to mess with them. We'll see. This will be a build heavy on trial and error, haha. I also need to learn how to at least somewhat shave the bay, as it's a disaster in there right now.

liquid_popcorn > RazoE 02/10/2014 at 18:18

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Definitely tempting! I like cheap, haha.

liquid_popcorn > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 02/10/2014 at 18:19

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Hahah, I know! I work for VW, so I am somewhat familiar with the K04. The only thing I definitely have no idea about is how to get that to push RWD...

liquid_popcorn > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 02/10/2014 at 18:20

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Hah! Rollin' coal in the Volvo.

Might be an interesting option, not sure if I'd go for it though. I prefer working with gas since I'm more familiar with them.

liquid_popcorn > For Sweden 02/10/2014 at 18:20

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That's the standby option - looking to see if there's anything more unique/fun I can do first, though.

liquid_popcorn > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 02/10/2014 at 18:20

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Definitely seen the 2JZ...not sure if I can afford it though. The LSx is my standby option.

LeadfootYT > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:21

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True. But I was just thinking of it as a practical daily build.

Reborn Pyrrhic > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:23

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Stay Swedish!

Get a Saab H engine, Trionic 5 (red top) preferred. Easy DIY tuning, solid internals, no sludge problems like later Trionic 5 (black top), good for 400 hp without changing internals, good aftermarket support, great gas mileage too when off the boost.

http://www.saabconversions.com/phpbb/

MarloRocci > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:26

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The amount of money you're about to spend really brings into question keeping the car in the first place. Hit up Craigslist for the car you want and compare more carefully replacing the entire car versus swap.

tifosi3317 > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:28

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Ford 302. Plenty of aftermarket and a dead reliable engine. Think the swap has been done before as well.

MountainCommand > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:28

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H23 or K24. H series does very well on a NA application, and can do boost very well. K series has tons of FI options. And new and reliable. Plus you can pick and choose from a number of honda trans's (especially an auto trans cause no one wants them, so it could be cheap!) The biggest reason? VTEC.

But idk how much custom fabrication would be needed to fit a honda motor so tread lightly. just an idea!

Desu-San-Desu > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:28

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2JZ.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:28

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Its a Duramax, you don't need to worry about it.

CPT Speedbump > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:29

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I've considered this swap for my 350Z just because it's cheap, why a lot of (now mostly retired) competition drifting 350Z's had this swap, they are great little motors. I'm hoping for a 2Jz my self, I'd say for your needs, my vote goes to the LSx, good power, and still decent mpg

CKeffer > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:30

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What about an RB25DET. Same block as the RB26, just a bullet proof, but no built in AWD system and it's much cheaper.

911e46z06 > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:31

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BMW V12. Won't be as fast as an LS, won't be as reliable as a 2JZ, but fuck it dude, V12. They're cheap too.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:32

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yeah fair enough, SR20 bro?

bro?

SR20?

bro! SR20!

PS9 > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:34

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Scooby flat 12.

What? How exactly is that unreasonable? F1 hated them, so there must be tons of them out there!

CAR_IS_MI > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:35

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Precursor: Be aware of HOW expensive and time consuming a custom engine swap will be!

1. Ford 302 / 351W block. you can grab these for cheep as dirt, and there are a plethora of auto trannys to go along with it. Also, super sleeper.

2. 4G63. 4 cyl turbo can easily be modified to 400 hp. Project zero G has lots of info on swapping these motors into, well, anything.

3. LS series. Because RaceVolvo.

Casper > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:42

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4BT... be a boss.

will_kern > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 02/10/2014 at 18:44

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JZ yes because inline6

crowmolly > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:45

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LS1 and T56. Cut the floor if you have to.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:51

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Volvo 5-cylinder turbo? Be a lot more interesting than the more generic swaps you see around.

Or...the 4.4l Yamaha V8 from the S80 and XC90.

Yeah. Do that :)

puddler > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 18:57

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whats your local junkyard got in stock?

CPT Speedbump > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 19:01

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surely the Jz is cheaper then a LS? Though I'd think LS would get better MPG like I've already stated..though not 100% so don't quote me on that

John Bulzacchelli > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 19:45

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http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_det…

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > liquid_popcorn 02/10/2014 at 20:19

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GM Atlas inline six. Plentiful (They sold a few million of them in GMT360s from 2002-09), powerful — from 270-290 hp depending on the model year, generally reliable, and unique for a swap. All of them were backed up by a 4L60E from the factory — that's a rock-solid transmission. Plus I'm pretty sure you could pick up a crashed donor Trailblazer/Envoy/Ascender/Rainier/Bravada for under $2000.

Here's a MKIII Supra with an Atlas inline six, a Duramax Turbo, and from what the builder said, a 5-speed from a Solstice.

DrJohannVegas > liquid_popcorn 02/11/2014 at 00:49

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VR6 Turbo. That'll show 'em.

liquid_popcorn > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 02/11/2014 at 08:43

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Haha, sorry. It's on speedhunters somewhere - it was a wagon if I remember correctly. I'll look for it in a bit.

liquid_popcorn > CPT Speedbump 02/11/2014 at 08:44

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Not sure on mpg; not a huge concern though. Anything more than ~15 mpg combined and I'm fine.

liquid_popcorn > Reborn Pyrrhic 02/11/2014 at 08:45

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Whoa, didn't even know that existed. Thanks for the link!

liquid_popcorn > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 02/11/2014 at 08:45

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Interesting...very interesting.

liquid_popcorn > CAR_IS_MI 02/11/2014 at 08:47

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Yeah; I may end up picking up another beater for her to drive around while I do the swap, or else maybe she'll get fed up and use my car (doesn't like the 6sp in my GTI! Pity) and I can drive a beater for a while.

RaceVolvo is the goal, haha. Mostly looking to keep it clean and not too exciting looking, at least until I put my foot down hard and a 30-year-old Volvo actually moves.

liquid_popcorn > MountainCommand 02/11/2014 at 08:48

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I'm not a huge fan of the Honda motors I've interacted with, honestly - that said, my only interactions have been with a couple different Civic Si's. I wanted a little more low-end power than I felt they had.

liquid_popcorn > 911e46z06 02/11/2014 at 08:48

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haha! Cheap to buy, not to keep running, or so I've been told. Nearly bought an old 8-series early in my car-buying life, before (thank God) I was talked out of it by a friend who knew more than I.

liquid_popcorn > PS9 02/11/2014 at 08:49

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This would be fun.

liquid_popcorn > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 02/11/2014 at 08:49

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Both are definitely under consideration; I somewhat like the idea of "keeping it in the family." Not sure the 4.4L will fit, though - still researching. Turbobricks has some good threads on the 5cyl Turbo swaps though.

liquid_popcorn > puddler 02/11/2014 at 08:50

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A lot, haha. I'll be stopping by Thursday to take inventory of what looks good, once I do my taxes in the morning.

liquid_popcorn > MarloRocci 02/11/2014 at 08:52

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I know; but since I just put $400 into the front end, and I've spent probably the same amount repairing some of the more irritating cosmetic flaws and the exhaust, I'm considering just keeping it. I like the car, and I have always wanted a car to tinker on but haven't had time/money. Starting to have more of both now, so if it looks like I can afford it I'm going for it. Whether or not it makes sense isn't really the point; it's more whether or not I can.

liquid_popcorn > tifosi3317 02/11/2014 at 08:52

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Yep! Can't find the thread, but I've seen at least one so far. Definitely a strong contender.

liquid_popcorn > Desu-San-Desu 02/11/2014 at 08:52

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youtube blocked at work. :'(

liquid_popcorn > John Bulzacchelli 02/11/2014 at 08:54

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I'd love to, but if I was spending that much I'd have bought something less shitty in the first place, haha.

CKeffer > liquid_popcorn 02/11/2014 at 09:37

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When I mentioned the RB25 was cheaper, I wasn't aware just how much cheaper it was, $1,200 for the engine, trans, ecu, and harness on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NISSAN-SKY…

911e46z06 > liquid_popcorn 02/11/2014 at 10:06

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Yeah, that whole separate computers for each bank thing they did turned out to be a pretty shitty idea. I'd use an older one if I went that route. But honestly dude, since you're doing the swap anyway, I'd still consider it. If you're doing it yourself, you're handy enough to keep costs down by doing your own maintenance and repairs. The interesting/unique factor would be off the charts. Also, when you let those things breathe properly, they sound incredible.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > liquid_popcorn 02/11/2014 at 10:43

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It would be a bit of a squeeze. Probably doable with some chopping up, but the I5 is more straight forward and just as badass :)

CPT Speedbump > liquid_popcorn 02/11/2014 at 10:51

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I know a LS would get you there with decent power, I'm not sure how good of MPG 2JZ's get once you do anything to them..not sure :P

liquid_popcorn > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 02/11/2014 at 11:54

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True that.

liquid_popcorn > CKeffer 02/11/2014 at 11:54

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WHOA. What a deal!

liquid_popcorn > 911e46z06 02/11/2014 at 11:57

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I'll probably look into it for kicks. Who knows, not ruling much out yet.

John Bulzacchelli > liquid_popcorn 02/11/2014 at 12:38

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There are more reasonable options lol

http://www.americanmuscle.com/coyote-crate-e…

liquid_popcorn > John Bulzacchelli 02/11/2014 at 13:22

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Nice, but still expensive - looking to spend around $5k tops for the whole setup. So, probably a lot of used parts n' shit.

MountainCommand > liquid_popcorn 02/11/2014 at 15:52

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Its only an idea! haha. But depending on what Si year models you drove they could have been numb versions. The H23 and K24 motors have the highest torque outputs over the rest of hondas I4 lineup. (newest turbo models excluded). Both of those motors will have better low end torque over their sub 2L brethren.

But i only mentioned them since everyone mentioned I6 and v8 swaps.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > liquid_popcorn 02/11/2014 at 16:32

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I was trying to impersonate the SR20 fanboy who wants to SR20 swap everything.

The one you pictured is a stanced to all hell 242 with a BMW turbo 5 series motor in there.

Reborn Pyrrhic > liquid_popcorn 02/11/2014 at 16:52

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You're welcome.

liquid_popcorn > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 02/12/2014 at 08:51

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Yes, and I love this car. The color is amazing too. I wouldn't be able to drive it here in NOVA with that ride height, but I guess I could always adjust it up about an inch.

liquid_popcorn > MountainCommand 02/12/2014 at 08:52

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Haha, definitely worth considering - it'd be easier to fit a 4cyl turbo in there than most of the others. Probably leaning toward either a SBC or the Volvo I5 turbo. Not sure.

MountainCommand > liquid_popcorn 02/12/2014 at 20:24

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I5 would be cool.

Honestly, just see what you can find on craigslist and try to just do the best bang for your buck. If it falls into your want list, go for it, and have fun.

Just make sure you get a turbo something. Choo choo noises will all be worth it. At least thats how i see it. grass is always greener though.

liquid_popcorn > MountainCommand 02/14/2014 at 09:13

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Turbo is happening, haha.

MountainCommand > liquid_popcorn 02/14/2014 at 20:15

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CHOO CHOO! hah

RallyRoach > liquid_popcorn 02/15/2014 at 00:39

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I'm going to be different and say GM 3800 supercharged swap. Get thenewest, cheapest one you can find, slap the auto trans from any 80s v6 S10, camaro or firebird, and call it done. 220-250 ho out of the box, simple and economical to run, made in the millions so parts are cheap.