1985 engine swap

AustinandTrotsky

AustinandTrotsky

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I post a lot about this but like being prepared. I have a 1985 sunbird convertible. Those non turbo engines are so unreliable and I've already done 1 swap. I don't want to keep canbalizing the few 80s sunbirds left. What are the best engines to swap into these cars? Not necessarily the most powerful, but the easiest to swap in and the most reliable.
 
The same engine is the easiest. Used in Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Chevy Cavalier, Olds Firenza or rebuild the one you have.
 
2.2 OHV's will bolt in but you need the trans too, as the 1.8-2.0 OHC's need the trans that came with the engine...as they don't interchange with anything else... Have you thought of about a 2.0 OHC? ( 87-91 TBI ?) 92 and up are MPFI and are different...

Cavaliers use the 2.2 OHV but is an interference motor and suffer from timing chain tensioner problems with age and easily warping the the head if overheating...( Valves get bent)

2.8 - 3.1 V6's from earlier Cavaliers will work too, but more work....need the transmission too..plus maybe the CV axles, harness, computor, exhaust..mounts ,fuel pump, etc too.

Problem here is ,all this stuff is old and you don't know what you are getting....Cam wear is a big problem on OHC's....

A full rebuilt engine from a rebuilder or cylinder head if the bottom end is still good as Mel said is probably a good bet....that's if you can find anyone that knows the engine...not many left around except in Europe that still use these cousin engines over there...

Doug in P.R.😎
 
Getting a rebuilt engine seems next to impossible now, no one seems to do it anywhere. thank you for all the info y'all. I dont suppose there is a modern engine that can go in semi easily? maybe even something from toyota...a guy can dream
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G-287764 said:
Getting a rebuilt engine seems next to impossible now, no one seems to do it anywhere. thank you for all the info y'all. I dont suppose there is a modern engine that can go in semi easily? maybe even something from toyota...a guy can dream
Click to expand...
Why not rebuild what you have?
 
melsg5 said:
Why not rebuild what you have?
Click to expand...
Well I have certainly tried! One person said they could and basically stole it, I tracked them down but found what I believed to be parts of my engine rusting away in their dirt lot. I've yet to find anyone who would do a rebuild now, In the ATX area

EDIT:
to be clear I have a second engine now, it either has a timing belt problem or something rattling around in the top end, but is still driving quite well)
 
Cam ....Lifters... Followers ..Engine ( cam) needs synthetic or blended oil to survive in today's world... usually good for 250k+ miles..




Doug in P.R.😎
 
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