hello,
I've got a 1981 SX4 with the 258 in it, with that motor being trash(bad crank,possiy a thrown rod) Instead of rebuilding the motor I've decided to put and LS2 into it, for roughly the same price of rebuilding the 258. After searching a little on the internet, there is hardly any help with doing this swap, I we wondering if y'all had any advice, or if you have done this swap before, anything helps and have a good day.
Welcome to the Den. There isn't much help out there as its not been done a lot. There is a guy on the Den here that worked out the kinks to put a AMC V-8 in a Eagle and there is a guy around that had a LS3 (maybe) in his Eagle wagon. Eagles were designed around the 258 (and they slipped a 4 cylinder in there later). Besides the front axle bolting to the bottom of the engine, the engine is offset a couple inches to help with front end clearance. Pretty much expect to be reengineering a lot of that car and replacing a lot to get that chevy in there. Other routes you might want to consider are a Jeep 4.0 swap. FI 4.0 put out about 190 HP and they'll fit much easier. Could also make you a stroker 4.0 (4.0 engine with 258 crankshaft) for more power. You'll have option of running the fuel injection or putting a carb on it. If you plan on going the V-8 route, you'll be doing a lot of engineering to fit it right.
I had a 5.3L in an Eagle, but I didn't put it in. However, it had a solid front axle and the front suspension was 100% custom, so it won't pertain to a stock Eagle. I've got a buddy in Montana who is in the process of installing a 5.3L in his wagon and retaining the Eagle's front IFS. He doesn't post on here, but he is getting close to the end and will have solutions to the hurdles of installing one. PM me and I'll get you in contact with him. http://forums.amceaglesden.com/index.php?topic=43826.msg342555#msg342555