I have found an '88 two door that appears to be in good condition except it has no engine. It had a 2.6, still has the auto tranny. I was wondering what folks have put in their machines that they are happy with. I have had a '97 RS 3.5 litre that was a great machine. I have had a variety of ther 4x4's including a series II Land Rover. I like the Monty's capability. Just looking to see if this would be a good project. thanks

 

2.6Turbo from a Starion/Conquest (engine, turbo, and ECU)... (I know many who have done this)
4.3 Chevy V6 (engine, ECU, tranny, xcase too IIRC)... (I know several who have done this)
Mitsu Turbo Diesel engine (if you have access to one and are allowed by your local laws)... (I know one person who's doing this & is currently buying the parts to accomplish it)

 

Thanks Off Roader, Is it worth putting a Mitz 3.0 in one of these, they seem to be more available than the Starion? Can the 4.3 be adapted to the Mitz tranny or does the ECU need to have the whole powertrain from the Chevy? The Diezel would be cool but not sure of options, like the one that were in the pick ups?

 

I don't want to discourage you but I do want to set the right expectation with you since I don't know your mechanical ability/wallet ability <GRIN>

That said... doing an engine swap from the 2.6 to a v6 is a MAJOR swap.
- There's alot to be done including transplanting the engine, & wiring harness.
- In some cases the harness connectors will be in the right spot, but in other cases you will have to extend or shorten the harness.
- I'm not 100% sure if you'll need to add items that aren't part there for the 2.6.
- Items in the engine bay may need to be relocated due to layout differences between an I-4 engine and a v6.

If you go with a mitsu 3.0 it's probably possible but i don't know any who has done it. I suspect you'll have to find a 3.0 that has a matching tranny type (auto or manual) because the ECU differs depending on what kind of tranny it has.

The closest I've heard for a v6 swap is someone who's currently putting in a 3.5 DOHC v6 mitsu motor (94-96 SR Montero's) into a 2 door 2.6 Montero/Raider. They are either using a 2.6 that had an auto tranny or they've also transplanted an auto tranny from a v6 Gen I Montero. Wiring is a major pain "in the you know what" and they are paying someone big $$$ to do the wiring even though they did the rest of the transplant by themselves.

Ray

 

Thanks Ray/Off Roader,
I still need to get some more specifics before launching into this as a project. I am somewhat able to turn wrenches pretty well, but haven't taken on a project like this. I just want to have a pretty good idea before i start. I know everything can not be predicted, but previous experience from other folks that are willing to share can put things in the right perspective. Thanks again

 

A surprising added benefit, is that the V6 gets better mpg than the 4 cyl.

 

This is a big no brainer. PASS! Not worth the time, money, and aggravation. trust me

 

No problem. Check your emails. I sent you a message with a couple of resources for doing a swap.

HTH.