engine swap (my dream)

[ilov2xlr8]

the biggest swap possible (i think) is the new 4,6l northstar from cadillac. If you have a sedan version, i think it will fit in the rear of the car if you remove the 2 seats and move the gas thank front. The next challenge is to put a roll cage and a fire wall cause the frame isn't going to handle 300hp (The frame is going to the support of the engine). then you have 5 problems to solve. First, where do u put the radiator (if it's too far from the engine, it will overheat). Second, you have to change the rear suspention to be able to fit the cv axels and support the weigth of the engine (don't ask me how). At the same time, you have to upgrade the brakes.... The next challenge is to fit the exaust ( if you want it to be a quiet sleeper) The last one is to find out how to fixt the throttle, wires, computer.....


Is it possible? i think so if you have the will and the money$$$

[Hudson]

You'd have to turn the engine since the engine/transaxle setup would probably rub against any tires you would put to them...as long as you're trying to keep the engine INSIDE of the body.

[geozukigti]

Way more work than necessary. A turbo'd 1.3L DOHC will put out 300hp with some nice engine work (bore and stroke and low compression pistons). I've got a buddy with a chevy 350 in his metro. had to build a tubular steel frame to support the suspension, and had to tub out the rear, fuel cell, cut the firewall, all kinds of stuff, and it's still not as fast as some turbo 1.3's are. # of cylinders isn't power, saving weight gets more speed than throwing a buncha HP, and a 450lb motor at it. DMWdave on the teamswift boards runs low 10's in his turbo'd 1.3L. And it's still street legal, and good for a daily driver, and autocross/road race ready.

[98tracker]

i agree with geozukigti id go with the big block suzuki (1.6l) myself then swap heads with the swift then turbo!!!!

[ilov2xlr8]

i agree but the v8 has more potential... the cadillac's 4,6l is a front wheel drive when on the rear wheels the weigth is on the rear tires and with the acceleration, all the weigth transfer on the wheels (more traction).... The v8 is at 300hp but u can add a supercharger +180hp, you can also play with the computer to remove the cut-off +20hp. I will stick with the idea of the northstar....

[98tracker]

Originally Posted by ilov2xlr8

i agree but the v8 has more potential... the cadillac's 4,6l is a front wheel drive when on the rear wheels the weigth is on the rear tires and with the acceleration, all the weigth transfer on the wheels (more traction).... The v8 is at 300hp but u can add a supercharger +180hp, you can also play with the computer to remove the cut-off +20hp. I will stick with the idea of the northstar....

yeah but your also adding 450lbs with the v8 your saying stock weight with the 4 cyl. ive see people get 500hp out of the swift motor(1.3l 1300cc)

[ilov2xlr8]

at what price?

[geozukigti]

Around the $5000 mark (including turbo and headwork). You'll pay more than that for a complete Northstar engine. Plus rememer, you're gonna have to wire that motor up too. Northstar's require a LOT of wiring. And you're gonna be dropping a LOT of emission controls, which will require a complete aftermarket fuel and spark management system. Not to mention you'll be paying a few grand for the new 500lb steel frame you need bent, welded, and installed to support the engine in the back. If you wanna go high power motor, try dropping a turbo 3.1L V-6 in the front. It'll fit, with minimal mods to the axles and such. Just have to fabricate mounts, fit the sunbird suspension in the front, and run wiring. And that motor will do 300+hp at half the weight. IMHO, if you're looking for that much HP in a little tiny car, you better be a good machinist, and have a lot of your own tools, or that's gonna be a $20,000 fabrication job.....