Stock engine swap?

[Steinkrunk]

I know it seems pointless with all the options out there, but my old '89 has seen it's last day body/frame wise and my sparkling clean '91 shell looks so inviting. I had planned to swap a different engine in the shell, but money issues have forced me just to swap my current engine. The only questions i have is what parts would i have to source from a dohc car to make the swap to sohc work? The problem is that whoever had the shell cut the harness so could i just use the one from my current car? Also, what parts should i make sure to keep from my current engine/harness when putting it on the newer model shell.

I'm hopin to get this done this weekend hopefully without any snags and have it on the road by monday. Ill try to take plenty of pics so i can try to contribute to the community. Any help from you guys would be awesome and greatly appreciated.

Also, are there any quick mods i should do while the engine is out of the car? I'm planning on removing all emissions when the engine is out, but are there any other things? Thanks again to any one that replies.

[Import_Ant]

replace the front/rear main seals (depending on age)

inspect motor for any leaks, replace parts as needed

inspect/replace carrier bearing in transmission if needed.

inspect all hoses for leaks.

replace PCV valve.

I can't think of anything else off of the top of my head.

If you have the cash for a lightened flywheel I'd go for it. I love my fidanza, one of the best mods I've done thus far.

[Steinkrunk]

well the engine is in good order, but i definately will be replacing those seals while its out, good idea. The main thing is the wiring part, i just need to know what i need from the sohc wiring to make it work in the (originally) dohc car. Such things like will the new ecu work or will i need to take out the old one from my current car, and what things should i make sure to take over and what things shouldnt be needed.

[Import_Ant]

sorry, didnt fully read your original post

Things you will have to carry over from the SOHC donor;

Ignition coil

Wiring harness

ECU

power steering rack/lines

Gauge Cluster

throttle cable (possibly... the DOHC throttle cable is longer. this would help to keep your engine bay a bit tidier)

coolant lines from/to the heater core.

The only wiring you'll need to do is on the chassis plug where the engine and chassis ECU's meet.

You'll have to cut the white plug off of your SOHC harness and solder the tan one from the DOHC harness on.

Match up the wires color for color. There should be some that don't match up, you don't need to connect them (I didnt.)

I did a swap the other way around, from SOHC to DOHC so I'm just listing all of the things that differ between the two models.

You may also want to disconnect the accessories (alternator, PS pump) and clean up the block with a hose/simple green while you're at it.

I have an extra SOHC harness at home if you can't find one. I'd be happy to sell/ship it to you if need be.

[Steinkrunk]

wow, thanks alot. That's exactly the kind of info i was looking for. Ive completely drained the engine and have just been going through and disconnecting everything and trying to keep it all as neat as possible. The only thing that sucks is that half the freaking bolts are rusted solid and even after 10 mins of soaking them in pb blast they still break

But, if all goes well i should have the engine ready to be removed tomorrow and then have it out and on the stand friday. Then the weekend will be the start of the project and hopefully ill be reporting back monday with a perfectly running sohc '91

[Steinkrunk]

got the engine in and everything plugged together good, accept for the one plug under the fuse box near the battery. The only problem is that the car wont start now. I'm charging the battery now because it was alittle dead so im keeping my fingers crossed on this. Hopefuly this thing starts, if not im **** out of luck..