Engine and transmission swap question (yes, I've already searched)

[Blackstar]

I haven't been in here in about a year or so, but I'm about to buy a new 240. I've had a couple of s13s, but I just found and agreed to buy a 95 auto for 1500.The body is still in good shape, and engine has high miles (193,000), but still runs good, although I know its not going to last that much longer and wanted to do the engine and auto to manual swap at one time. So my question is this, is it less of a headache to swap the engine and trans at the same time? I've searched alot and noticed theres lots of details that are different, like certain bolts, ecu, etc..... but if the engine already has the manual trans attatched to it, I would think its just a matter of switching the pedals, wiring, and interior trim, right? Also, what do you think a job like this would cost including labor?

[BMAR240SX]

All at once is better and the price is around 600-800 dollars labor..better off trying to do it yourself its really fun and if not better find a connection

[kevinarich]

What about to do the conversion on the original motor? Is it easier to pull the motor and stick it back in with the manual transmission. Or should I leave it alone and just drop the transmission.

[180fan]

call around for labor. 193k, the engine depending on how it was treated can go quite a bit longer. If you're planning to switch over to an mt later, just do it now with the engine out to do the prep work for the mt.

[Blackstar]

The guy who I'm buying from is the second owner and has had it for 9 years. He drives all day for his job so he's taken pretty good care of it. The engine is still strong but the timing chain rattle is pretty loud and I dont know if its worth spending 500+ bucks to replace the chain on an engine w/ that many miles. I haven't gotten the car yet (some issues w/ the title), but I'm hoping the timing chain noise is just the guides(when I opened the valve cover on my last 240, the top guide was broken off and just lying on top of the chain!). I'll check it out when I get it. I'm kinda confused by your wording, Are you saying I should do the mt swap on the current engine? I'm not comfortable attempting the swap myself, ( the biggest repair I've done is replaceing brake calipers)., but I know this is not something that just any shop is qualified to do, does anyone have any suggestions on where to go in the Chicagoland area for something like this??

[kevinarich]

Dont be scared of doing a swap. Its just bolts and plugs. It only goes in one way. the plugs only go in one way. I just did mine yesterday. Piece of cake. Granted it wasnt my first nissan but it was my first s14. Everytime I do something new I feel like there isnt anything that I cant do myself. Anyone get that same feeling?

[180fan]

right on.

[mun3]

lining up the transmission on my 96 was a *****. Took a good 5-7hours

[BlackHat]

Yeah, I get the feeling too... Of course, that feeling has gotten me to where I'm remaking my engine harness.

The transmission on my s13 was a pain to get off and back on. Nothing overly technical, just trying to get it off that damn spline with no freaking room to move the transmission. If you do it, I suggest having an extra pair of hands to help and remember to turn the transmission clockwise to help clear the body...

But again, it's not overly technical, just takes a little time (especially the first time) and a bunch of swearing. You'll feel good if you do it

[Blackstar]

Thanks for the advice guys. Well I finally got the car, it took a while because the guy had to get a new title. So I took off the valve cover and sure enough, the guide was broken off just sitting there on top of the chain. I took that out and it stopped rattling at idle, but there is another rattle/chatter sound when I accelerate hard. the chain seemed a little loose so maybe its hitting the top of the valve cover? other than that, the car runs strong. I think it also needs some suspension work, but not bad for $1500, what do u guys think? btw, I'm getting rid of those rims as soon as possible

[Blackstar]

interior

[nightkid86]

much easier to do the swap with the engine out