NIIX
01-14-2012, 11:38
Howdy all. Here's my first posting... and I think this is the thread to post in, if not help re-direct me.
I have a 1981 Amc Eagle SX4 (all time 4WD 4speed manual) that currently has a 151 cuin. "Iron Duke" that is on it's last leg.
I was considering swapping and improving the powerplant, and figured that if I was gonna swap motors, I might as well go for the gusto and switch to diesel.
I'm not concerned about rooster-tailing it all over the place... so non-turbo is an option. I currently drive a naturally aspireated diesel, and enjoy the power, economy and reliability of diesel. I would also like to start learning about performance maintenence and SVO adaptation... which brings me to....
What, in your opinion would be the better engine to put into the SX4? I am looking at a 1983 240D with a manual tranny attached, OR a Nissian SD33 from a Scout II. I have narrowed the field down to these two. I have thought about a 4BT (I'm not wanting to do an SAS, and I think it's too heavy for the SX4) but think these two options suit the weight and power set-up for the SX4.
But , before committing the $$ and time to this kinda conversion, I figgured I'd ask the dirtyhands in the field.
Questions:
1. Anyone know where I can find detailed specs for the SD33 and the 240D power and drivetrain setups? I've done the wiki-search, and googled them, but I'd rather get some factory numbers so I can sketch this all out on paper before making multiple trips to the boneyard.
2. Anyone have experience with either of these motors in a swap? If so, what are some of the gremlins that they carry with them?
3.What are some options for bellhousing compatability and transfer cases (divorced or otherwise)?
4. ...continueing with bellhousing... can anyone run me through the process of making an adapter/spacer from engine to transmission? (ie: pattern tips, material, material thickness, etc...)
5. Thoughts on running gear... Should I just swap the new motor's gear and adapt it to fit the AMC or try to keep the gear and adapt the motor? I don't wanna blow-out the rear (maybe a dana 44 in back if I keep the AMC gear) or is there something I'm not taking into consideration?
I have a shop, I have the tools, and being self-employed I can make the time. This will be my first conversion, although, I have rebuilt motors and vehicles before.
Basically, I'm open to comments and criticisim before starting this project. I know it's not gonna be an easy "plug and play" operation, but I'd like a checklist and order of operations outline to work from.
Thanks all!
I have a 1981 Amc Eagle SX4 (all time 4WD 4speed manual) that currently has a 151 cuin. "Iron Duke" that is on it's last leg.
I was considering swapping and improving the powerplant, and figured that if I was gonna swap motors, I might as well go for the gusto and switch to diesel.
I'm not concerned about rooster-tailing it all over the place... so non-turbo is an option. I currently drive a naturally aspireated diesel, and enjoy the power, economy and reliability of diesel. I would also like to start learning about performance maintenence and SVO adaptation... which brings me to....
What, in your opinion would be the better engine to put into the SX4? I am looking at a 1983 240D with a manual tranny attached, OR a Nissian SD33 from a Scout II. I have narrowed the field down to these two. I have thought about a 4BT (I'm not wanting to do an SAS, and I think it's too heavy for the SX4) but think these two options suit the weight and power set-up for the SX4.
But , before committing the $$ and time to this kinda conversion, I figgured I'd ask the dirtyhands in the field.
Questions:
1. Anyone know where I can find detailed specs for the SD33 and the 240D power and drivetrain setups? I've done the wiki-search, and googled them, but I'd rather get some factory numbers so I can sketch this all out on paper before making multiple trips to the boneyard.
2. Anyone have experience with either of these motors in a swap? If so, what are some of the gremlins that they carry with them?
3.What are some options for bellhousing compatability and transfer cases (divorced or otherwise)?
4. ...continueing with bellhousing... can anyone run me through the process of making an adapter/spacer from engine to transmission? (ie: pattern tips, material, material thickness, etc...)
5. Thoughts on running gear... Should I just swap the new motor's gear and adapt it to fit the AMC or try to keep the gear and adapt the motor? I don't wanna blow-out the rear (maybe a dana 44 in back if I keep the AMC gear) or is there something I'm not taking into consideration?
I have a shop, I have the tools, and being self-employed I can make the time. This will be my first conversion, although, I have rebuilt motors and vehicles before.
Basically, I'm open to comments and criticisim before starting this project. I know it's not gonna be an easy "plug and play" operation, but I'd like a checklist and order of operations outline to work from.
Thanks all!