1991 Q, Motor Swap!!

[youngq45r]

Ok, So i have a 1991 Q45 with one of those 30,000 mile motors from japan and im thinking i want a knew one. the previous owner never really changed the oil, always ran at redline, really didnt take care of it. he also put another 70-80k miles on it. i was wondering, i want to get a 94 motor because they already have the steel chain guides. Can the swap happen, what would i have to change, and would it pass smog in Califorina? i can pick up a 94 motor cheaper than rebuilding this one and putting new chain guides. will it work? let me know. thanks,Ben.GO NICO!!!

[Q45tech]

THe 94 engine had a few external differences from the 90-93 engine which requires some SPECIAL rewiring and redesign of the CAS interface.

[bullittandy]

Is the engine failing? What exactly is wrong with it?

[Q45tech]

Well maintained [90 day oil changes] early Q engines with replaced guides don't start to show age [blue smoke] until 250,000 miles and still PERFORM to 95% power output [dyno] even at 300k or 350k or 400k because they were built with extraordinary care [tight tolerances].

Bad oil change habits can destroy one in 100,000 miles creating a sludged up smoking monster.................as long as the hot idle [brand new change] oil pressure stays above minimum [14 psi] the engine is fine.

Unfortunately the low oil pressure light comes on at 3-4 psi meaning the engine is trashed.

[Q45denver]

Fairly easy to replace guides with engine out. Also early engine makes more power.