Isuzu Rodeo 3.1l swap for ?

[arcangel]

Hi,
I'm looking into replacing the GM 3.1l v6 in my 92 Isuzu Rodeo 4x4 with something a little more powerful. Could any of you recommend an engine that puts out around 200hp that will bolt into my existing mounts and trans without any machining? Would swapping my 4L30E automatic for a manual trans make my engine swap any easier? If someone could point me at the right place to find out what will work, it would also be much appreciated.

[Mad Max]

Well, there are lots of different engines that will fit the bellhousing bolt pattern. The easiest and least amount of work is to swap a 3.4 out of a 95 or so Camaro / Firebird into your rig. I think you have T body fuel injection - you may want to keep it for the time being if you don't have alot of $$ or time. Otherwise, an Edelbrock intake and Holley 390 CFM with an early non computer controlled distributor (82 - 85) and a larger exhaust will give you close to 165 HP. You will have to do a cam and higher compression for more power. You can be sure that it will be a major improvement over what you currently have. You could put a Caddy Northstar (325 HP) in, but it will take alot of work and a donor car. All in what you are capable of and can afford (time too). The 3.4 is the easiest swap, it is basically a bolt in. Good luck.

[arcangel]

so basically pull the intake manifold off of the 3.1 slap it onto the 3.4l? would the ECM i have work with the emissions set up of the 3.4l? I live in Cali so I think I have to watch stuff like that.

[Canyonero]

You'll want to bore the intake to match up with a larger throttle body (from a 4.3L), but yes, you basically swap all the 2.8/3.1 bits over to the 3.4L long block. You also have to drill and tap for the drivers-side starter.

[geoffinbc]

If your in California then you can build your 3.1L into a 3.2L. I built a 3.2L for my Trooper and it moves pretty good and i have 33's. It is important to pay attention to detail on the old iron head motors. Compression, quench, port matching and cam all make a huge difference. Intake and exhaust choices will also have an effect but the first four are the biggies on these motors.

The same applies to a 3.4L and you get a displacement bump but you have to re drill the starter mount and only 2 bolt holes on the engine mounts line up but it is not a problem. However I don't think the 3.4L is even a noticeable increase in power over a 3.2L so if you cannot find one or it costs too much then work with what you have.

[arcangel]

you mean the 3.2l Isuzu engine right? I'm trying to steer clear of that option, mainly cause Isuzu is, unfortunately, pulling out of the U.S. so parts are probably gonna get scarce pretty soon.
How expensive would it be to get the starter holes drilled? today's trip to the junk yard yielded two dead camaros with the 3.4l still in them. I'm really tempted mainly cause next week everything at that yard is 50% off so i could potentially snag a 3.4l for roughly $200. course first i have to find a way to figure out if either one is any good. any pointers would be appreciated.

[Canyonero]

He overbored and stroked a 2.8L to make a 3.2L, no relation to the Isuzu 3.2L.

[arcangel]

Nice!

[arcangel]

so assuming the starter is in the engine could i just wire a battery to that and a switch to the solenoid and compression test that way?

[geoffinbc]

Yes you could. But there is no oil in those engines so that is going to cause problems. I would just take the one with lower mileage if you only have 2 to pick from

[Ed_Mc.]

Swapping a 3.4 into a GM-V6-equipped ZuZu is a very common mod. Go to the www.planetisuzoo.com forums and do a search, you'll find numerous postings with lotsa detail on the ins-n-outs of this swap.

The starter drilling seems daunting but there's a special kit you can get from these folks for $66.99 shipped that makes it virtually foolproof:

http://rodneydickman.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=194

I have a bunch of info about this swap that may help, if you'd like it send me a private mssg and I'll forward to you. Be sure to include your e-mail address.

My 3.4 runs plenty strong with the Holley Big-Bore TBI (same size as a 4.3 TBI) and bored intake to match; 1.6:1 roller-tipped Small Block Chevy V8 rockers (just use the V6 rocker arm balls with the V8 rockers and you don't have to change the stock stud size); and a modified air cleaner (added an extra snorkel for better breathing).

If you really want to build it up, add a performance cam of your choice (you'll need better valve springs/retainers to match); do the port-matching that Geoff suggested; and you'll also want to improve your exhaust. The stock exhaust piping is sized way too small for even a 2.8.

A 'built' 3.4 will like a 2.5" single-exhaust. Be sure to replace your cat, too. The older-design cats are quite restrictive and it's common for them to be plugged. Summit Racing and Jegs (amongst other sites) have a good selection of cats, standard and hi-performance. Lotsa folks like the Dynomax Super Hemi turbo muffler for throaty sound but not too noisy at hiway speeds, and free-flowing. But whatever noise level you prefer; Flowmasters or other more 'expressive' mufflers will work as well and produce good power. A good local muffler shop can bend you up a nice 2.5" system for a reasonable price.

A few years back one of the S-Series.com 60 Deg V6 forums Dudes dyno'd his S-10 pickup with a hot-rodded 3.4. He got 187 HP at the rear wheels. This translates to over 200 BHP and I think you'll be quite happy with that level of performance in your Rodeo!!!

The S-10 Dude's ride also had a set of headers which unfortunately aren't a bolt-on for a 4WD ZuZu. Some have adapted headers to their 'Zu but probably more trouble than it's worth for a minimal amount of HP. Likely you'd get more gain from port-matching the stock intake & exhaust.

You'll definitely need to bore your intake and install a larger TBI since the 3.4 demands a lot more airflow. And you're looking for the HP, you can't get there with a stock 2.8/3.1 TBI.

The 3.4 visually is identical to a 2.8/3.1 block except for a large reinforcing "X" cast into the driver's side of the block. So, it'd be real hard for the Smog Cops to tell you have a different motor, as long as externally it has all the stock 3.1 equipment bolted to it. If all your emissions-controls equipment is working properly, and you have a new cat & O2 sensor to go with, you should have no problem passing Smog.

BTW, $200 for a complete 3.4 is a $teal, especially if you can see one running! You can sell all the Camaro parts you strip off and don't need on eBay or Craigslist. Heck, you oughta buy both of them to hedge your bet, keep the best one and sell the other for more $$$!

HTH & Happy Swapping...............ed

[arcangel]

wow thanks for the reply. that is a lot of good info. Sorry it took me so long to notice there was another reply. The current 3.4l count at my junk yard is four and there are also a couple 3.8l RWDs. Another half off day is coming. If I do this it will be my first build. could you give me an idea how much the machining would run me?

[geoffinbc]

I have a full build cost on my website take a look http://members.shaw.ca/betterthanyou/isuzueng.htm