Engine Ideas

[eaglefreek]

I'm just brainstorming here. I should be getting my 81 wagon back soon, but I won't start the project till next year. I gave it to a friend when I moved to TN, but he didn't do anything to it and said I could have it back. I just have to get it from Denver to TN. Here's a pic of what it looked like when I owned it.

It was a 6cyl. 4 speed car. The engine is actually in my 86 Eagle. I got a T5 for it before I gave it to my buddy. Since I already have an off road capable Eagle, I want it to be a 100% street vehicle with an emphasis on performance. I'd like to shave some weight off by not reusing the heavy 258. I'd be happy with 200 hp. I don't want to go to high because the front cv axles might not be able to handle much power. To go through the hassle of doing a major engine swap, the new engine needs to be a bit lighter to make it worth while. I would love to put in a Vortec 4200, but it is quite tall and I don't think it will fit  under an Eagle's hood, plus it's not much lighter but has a close to 300hp.  I'm leaning towards a Ford 3.0L Duratec V6. 200+ HP and weighs in the mid 300's complete. There is a bellhousing to use a Ford T5 which should work with the AMC T5. I would even consider a 4cyl turbo engine. I realize some major fabwork will need to be done, but I don't like average. I'd love to get some input, besides just stick a 4.0l in it.

[1985amceagle]

Some people stick the GM 3800 in place of the stock 2.8 in xj/mj vehicles that had the engine. I'm not sure what transmisionsthey used, but the Amc 4 cyl has the same bellhousing bolt pattern. the later 3800s seem to be a long lived engine, and GM also supercharged some of them, so it may make a decent swap candidate

[eaglefreek]

Some people stick the GM 3800 in place of the stock 2.8 in xj/mj vehicles that had the engine. I'm not sure what transmisionsthey used, but the Amc 4 cyl has the same bellhousing bolt pattern. the later 3800s seem to be a long lived engine, and GM also supercharged some of them, so it may make a decent swap candidate

Thanks for reminding me. That's on my list also, but it's all iron and not a huge weight savings over the 258. The GM Ecotec 4 cyl turbo is also on my short list since it has a lot of aftermarket support. I looked at so many different options including Japanese engines and the Australian Ford 4.0l straight 6.

[Nightpath]

Holy sweet lord I love the look of that color scheme.

[eaglefreek]

Holy sweet lord I love the look of that color scheme.

Well, it will probably be changed, though.

[eaglefreek]

Just for fun, I was playing around on website that you can try different wheels on your car. I don't want the donk look with huge wheels and rubberband tires, but I do want some 17's with some sidewall on the tires.

[rollguy]

The GM Ecotec 4 cyl turbo is also on my short list since it has a lot of aftermarket support.

That is a great concept, having a small turbocharged 4 cyl engine. They get great fuel mileage, and really move the car quickly when asked to do so.  You might even think about the Buick Grand National engine (turbo V6?).

[Prafeston]

Very interested to see where this project goes!

[BenM]

I like to see people go new directions in engine swaps. I've always wondered if a Subaru flat four would fit under the hood of an Eagle.

[DownwardFlame]

Could also consider a ford 2.3 turbo. I'm trying to find good 2.3 for my Sx4. I haven't decided if I'm going turbo or not yet.

[eaglefreek]

I like to see people go new directions in engine swaps. I've always wondered if a Subaru flat four would fit under the hood of an Eagle.

I thought about that for a split second, then I saw one in the junkyard and didn't look very easy to work.

Could also consider a ford 2.3 turbo. I'm trying to find good 2.3 for my Sx4. I haven't decided if I'm going turbo or not yet.

I considered that also, but they aren't much lighter than the 258. Plus, I had one for over 22 years in my Mustang SVO and I want something different.

[carnuck]

I had a turbo 2.3 in a Tbird. Motor lasted only 100,000 careful miles. Rebuild parts were crazy expensive too. Block and pistons are special to them only. I considered a reliable Peugeot turbo diesel (BA 10/5 trans came stock with them but I can't drive stick anymore) If I didn't have a 4.0L as backup, a 5.2 from a Grand Cherokee might have jumped in mine. I can get a good running one with a core 42RE trans for $300. The O/D packed it in.

[IowaEagle]

You may want the weight of the I-6 as the car was nearly perfectly balanced front to rear.  That is important for 4WD traction.  If it was me I would go with the 4.0 as you can easily boost them a few more HP from their 180 to 200 and save yourself a lot of fitment hassles.

[Nightpath]

I think a Subaru drivetrain from a turbo WRX would be pretty hot. Only issues I can see coming up is that you'd have to use everything from the Subaru...even the axles are part of their system IIRC. There's a tonne of them around here with decent KM and rotted bodies.

They will go for 300-400,000 miles without much problems.

I'd love to see a Subie drivetrain an SX/4...or a Chevette

[carnuck]

Problem is the width of the axles and IFS system are made for a much lighter rig.