89z24 swap

[cleanz]

I'm thinking of swapping engines, but not of size at this point. I want a good reliable engine as this is a daily driver and needs to stay that way and get good mileage. How difficult is the total swap and what will be involve as far as wiring and drive train changes. The larger the engine the better.
Thanks

[Superdave]

the 3400 swap is well documented in the Jbodies.. hundreds of them are rolling around and they've been getting around 30 MPG highway and probably around 20 in town.

http://www.domesticcrew.com/installguide.htm

and http://www.v6z24.com/howto/3400/


there are very few wiring changes, it can usually be done in a weekend...

[cleanz]

I like the idea of little fabrication and thought about the 3400 swap, but would like to clear 200hp.(should have made that statement earlier). 250 would be great. What car would be the best bet to look for as being a donor ?Will I need to use the trans from the donor car or can I stick with my trans and converter from the 2.8 ?

[IsaacHayes]

LX9 3500 swap then, with a cam. You'd want a 5spd the auto's probably can't take it very long.

[Superdave]

Yep, a 3500 with a good exhaust setup and a moderate cam will clear 250 crank HP easy.

your problem will be getting the auto tranny to hold up to the power. "Asylummotorsports" has a beretta with a stock 3500 swap with a set of headers running high 13's with an auto tranny... but iirc he's got $2500 worth of work to the tranny to make it hold up.

the TH125c just isn't the most stout thing out there. a 5 speed swap would be a very good idea.